Gangchon Rail Park, a bike route in Gangwon-do, is a former railroad track that is now a bike path. If you’ve seen Sweet Home or Vincenzo, you may recognize this location as a filming location.
Gangchon Rail Park is great for riding a bike and taking in the scenery.
A fun fact: Gangchon Rail Park is the longest rail biking course in Korea, and it used to be a real railway track.
The route is 8.5 kilometres long, with a 6-kilometre rest stop in Nanggu Village. To get to this rest, stop, on average.
Nanggu Village is a great place to stop and take in the beautiful scenery of the rail park’s surroundings. The Romance Train will take you the final 2.5 kilometres of the route, giving you a better view of the Bukhan River. In fact, the river that you’ll see is an important tributary of the Han River, which flows through North and South Korea.
You don’t have to ride alone, the rail bike experience is even more enjoyable with a group. The 2-seater KRW35,000 (about USD26.81) and 4-seater KRW48,000 (about USD36.77) bikes are available. It helps that Korea has four distinct seasons, each of which brings with it a new set of sights to see and compelling reasons to go to Gangchon Rail Park.
One thing to keep in mind is that there are nine boarding sessions each day. It starts at 9 a.m. and then ends at 5.30 p.m. on the last day. It’s a no-go if you miss the cut-off time.
Ending your voyage will take you through a pitch-black tunnel lit by lights that will fool you into thinking you’re in an intergalactic nightclub.
In addition, there are speakers playing music throughout this incredible tunnel to enhance the illusion.
In the end, you’ll get to the end of the tunnel – literally – after the shortest “clubbing” experience on Earth.
Don’t forget to stop by the book station in the rail park for a break. This location has a cafe, a restaurant, and even a children’s play area. Those visiting the Rail Park and needing a quick snack may do so at the nearby convenience store.
HOW TO GO TO RAIL PARK
The Intercity Train eXpress (ITX) Cheongchun line connects Seoul with Gangwon Province, which includes Gangchon Rail Park.
To get to Namchuncheon Station, use the ITX-Cheongchun from Cheongnyangni or Yongsan Station. Then, take the Gyeongchun Line to Gimyujeong Station, where you can get off.
