V-Train (aka Baekdudaegan Canyon train) (Korean: 백두대간협곡열차) is a South Korean sightseeing train operated by Korail. The train began operations in 2013 and transports tourists through the valleys of Baekdu-daegan.[1][2]
Overview
The train began running on April 12, 2013, passes through the valleys of Baekdudaegan, along the gorge of the Nakdong River[3] and shuttles the 27.7 kilometers back and forth from Cheoram in Gangwon-do, to Buncheon in Gyeongsangbuk-do.[4]
The train has three cars which are retro in style, with a charcoal stove,[5] incandescent lamps,[6] and large windows; and along with the whistle stops, it has an older feel.[7] It travels at an average speed of 30 kilometers per hour in most sections and stops every now and then at photogenic spots.[1][8]
The letter "V" in the name stems from the V-shaped gorge and the word "valley".[4][9]
The train is a subset of the larger O-Train of Korail's, which connects Seoul Station with Jecheon station then loops around to the V-Train stops, where passengers can switch over.[1][10]
Platform of Bidong Station
The train's Buncheon Station sits on a railway line which first opened in 1955 and was busy with coal transports, until the industry slowed. The two tourist trains, stopping at the station, had 400,000 passengers between April 1 and December 31, 2013, and the sudden influx of tourists boosted the local economy.[11]
During the holidays, the train was given the name "Baekdudaegan Snow Train Bound for the Santa Village."[12]
Operations
Started running: April 12, 2013
Stations: Buncheon Station – Bidong Station - Seungbu Station - Cheoram Station
The V-Train connected with the O-Train to and from Seoul Station until it ceased operations in August 2020. The O-Train was succeeded by the Donghae Santa Train which runs from Gangneung to Buncheon via Cheoram. The V-Train is complemented by Korail Mugunghwa-ho trains on the route which provide connections to Donghae and Yeongju.[13]
