A-Train aka Jeongseon Arirang A-Train (Korean: 정선아리랑열차) is a South Korean tourist train operated by Korail. The train began operations in 2015 and transports tourists through Jeongseon County in central Gangwon-do.[1][2]
A-Train aka Jeongseon Arirang Train | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Owner | Korail |
Termini |
|
Service | |
Type | Regional rail |
System | Korail |
Services | Jungang Line Taebaek Line Trim Line |
Operator(s) | Korail |
History | |
Opened | (Prior) November 27, 2002 - December 31, 2007, Jeongseon Arirang excursion trains, (Current) January 22, 2015 - present |
Overview
The train opened on January 22, 2015, from Cheongnyangni Station in northeastern Seoul and passes through several stations in Gangwon-do, including Mindungsan and Jeongseon, which hosts the "Jeongseon Five-day Market",[3] and arriving at Auraji Station.[4][5]
The "A" in the train's name comes from "Arirang" (a Korean folk song), and the words "amazement" and "adventure". The song has many variations, and the Jeongseon Arirang is a regional one.[6] The song is listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and sometimes regarded as an unofficial anthem of Korea.[2]
The train has four themed cars with large windows and glass walls; one is a sky room, one a tea room, and two of the cars are decorated in regional colors of red, yellow, blue and purple[7] representing Jeongseon's geographical features such as the Dong River and the mountain ridges.[1] The train's exterior includes a purple color for the pulsatilla, Jeongseon's official flower,[5] and is decorated with curves that symbolize the Arirang melody.[1][8] Activities on the train include storytelling, music, magic shows and quiz games.[7]
The new line to Jeongseon is the first train to be named after a Korean town, and generated additional local interest due to the proximity of the scheduled 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, a nearby town.[2]
On February 19, 2024, the track was damaged due to a rockfall between Mindungsan Mountain and Byeoleogok, and service between Mindungsan Mountain and Auraji was suspended indefinitely from the 22nd.
Operations
- Started running: January 22, 2015
- Stations: Cheongnyangni station - Mindungsan station - Byeoreogok station - Sonpyong station - Jeongseon station - Najeon station - Auraji station[5]
- Approximate travel time: 3 Hours
References
External links
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