Gokseong
Gokseong in North Jeolla Province is a county with scenic sights and fascinating railroad-themed adventures waiting to be discovered.
Seomjingang Train Village Rail Pension
We arrived in Geokseong at a very late hour. The vast darkness surrounding The Seomjingang Train Village Rail Pension kept the rest of Train Village hidden from sight. We climbed up the dimly lighted stairs to the cabin, then opened the door to a nice surprise.
12 former Saemaeul trains were remodeled to provide a unique bed-and-breakfast experience at the Train Village. The cabins were designed with all the comforts one can find in a hotel (except maybe for the limited internet access).
These ladies were thrilled to see the interior of the cabin that they danced around like crazy. Since much energy was spent for the day’s activities, we slept soundly on board the train.
Weekend rates:
Train Village Rail Pension
2 Pax - 100,000 ₩ 4 Pax - 120,000 ₩ 5~6 Pax - 150,000 ₩ 12 Pax - 300,000 ₩
Gajeong Station Rail Pension
2 Pax - 90,000 ₩ 5~6 Pax - 170,000 ₩
Reservation: +82-61-362-9712
Rose Garden Restaurant (장미가 는)
We started the following day with a sumptuous breakfast at the Rose Garden. This restaurant offers Korean dishes such as beef rice soup, marsh snail, hangover soup and spicy beef soup.
Address: Jeollam, Gokseong-gun, Ogok-myeon, Gichamaeul-ro 217-4
Phone: (061) 362-2333 // Mobile: 010-5238-3727
Rail Bike
A 10-km railway track runs between the Train Village and the abandoned Gajeong Station where you can ride a rail bike or hop onto a steam locomotive.
The Seomjingang rail bike is very different from the JEONGDONGJIN RAILBIKE, which we tried on our first field trip. In Gangneung, the rail bike works on both auto and manual mode; the one here works solely on foot power. The other runs along the beach; while here runs along the Seomjingang River. The other has 3 camera fixed at specific points along the track; here we have one sweet auntie waiting to take our photo at an intersection.
What’s good news about riding a manual rail bike? You can enjoy it at your own pace, stop anywhere along the track, and yes, it's a subtle way to get some legs workout.
Though one can opt for a round trip, you would be too exhausted upon reaching the next station and too amazed to ride the steam locomotive back.
Seomjingang River Rail Bike Fee: Rail bike runs along Seomjingang River
2 pax - 15,000 ₩
4 pax - 22,000 ₩
Train Village Rail Bike Fee: Circular rail bike runs inside the Train Village
4 pax - 7,000 ₩
Duration: 30 min for one way trip
Operating Hours: 9:00 - 18:00 (Last admission 17:30) // Opens daily
Address: 232, Gichamaeul-ro, Ogok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do // 전라남도 곡성군 오곡면 기차마을로 232
Steam Locomotive Train
Just like a scene from an old film, a loud whistle announced the arrival of the steam locomotive. It summons up to mind some monochrome images of olden days.
As the chugging came to a halt, we scampered to the handrail for a photo session with this classic steam engine. Afterwards, we boarded the train and retraced our way along the scenic river and flowerbeds to the Train Village.
The steam engine train was first operated in South Korea in 1899. The ones left at the end of 20th century were either scrapped or preserved for museums and parks. This steam locomotive being operated at the Gokseong Train Village was a replica of the one that used to run in the region.
Fees:
Round trip - 6,000 ₩ One way trip - 4,000 ₩ Discount prices apply
Frequency:
Weekdays - 3x a day Weekends, Holidays - 5x a days Winter - 3x a day
Gajeong Rose Village
Getting off the steam locomotive, we found ourselves in a beautiful theme park and flower garden. Although we don't have much time to explore the entire area, we were able to make a side trip to the Gajeong Rose Garden.
The Rose Garden blooms with roses of 1,004 varieties from different countries. Here is where the annual Gokseong Rose Festival is held every May.
Address: 232, Gichamaeul-ro, Ogok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do // 전라남도 곡성군 오곡면 기차마을로 232 (오곡면)
How to Get to Gokseong
By Train: From Yongsan to Gokseong
KTX - departs at 08:20 and 19:20 // Duration: 2:49
Saemaeul - departs at 08:35 and 18:15 // Duration: 3:47
Mugunghwa - First Train 06:35 // Last Train 22:45 // Duration: 4:10
By Bus: From Seoul Central City Bus Terminal to Gokseong
Departure - 15:00 // Duration - 3:45 // Fare - 22,000 ₩