The Return of Chunshik: Gyeohoe Line's Revival After 21 Years

 

 

 

The Return of Chunshik:

 

Gyeohoe Line's Revival After 21 Years

 

 

 

 

 

On February 9, at Daegok Station, a young boy eagerly made a V-sign with his fingers.

 

Meanwhile, at Uijeongbu Station, another child excitedly ran around, his father struggling to keep up.

 

A single railway line connected these children—a route stretching 30.5 km, known as the Gyeohoe Line.

 

For the first time in 21 years, this long-dormant railway was back in operation, filling passengers with nostalgia and excitement.

 

 

https://n.news.naver.com/article/025/0003420953?cds=news_my_20s

 

 

A Journey Back in Time

 

The Gyeohoe Line, which resumed service on January 11, had previously ceased operations on April 1, 2004.

 

Although short-lived tourism trains ran until 2008, and military freight trains occasionally passed through until 2017, the line remained largely unused for decades.

 

Originally intended for military purposes, the railway’s construction began under Japanese rule and was completed by the U.S. during the Korean War era.

 

In 1942, during the Pacific War, Japan sought to transport materials from the Gyeongui Line (Seoul–Pyongyang) to the south via the Gyeonggyeong Line (Seoul–Gyeongju).

 

Fearing shelling from U.S. naval forces along the western coast, the Japanese opted for a more inland route, leading to the initial construction of the Gyeohoe Line. However, the project was abandoned after Korea’s liberation in 1945.

 

It wasn’t until 1963 that the railway was completed, thanks to U.S. funding under the International Cooperation Administration (ICA).

 

This led to its initial nickname, the “Neung-Uijeong Line.”

 

During its heyday, the line connected Seoul Station with popular destinations like Sinchon, Wangsimni, and beyond, forming a loop.

 

University students, armed with guitars and cassette players, frequently took this train for membership training (MT) and weekend getaways.

 

 

 

https://n.news.naver.com/article/025/0003420953?cds=news_my_20s

 

 

Nostalgia at Ilyeong Station

 

Among the line’s six active stations, Ilyeong Station has been restored with particular care.

 

The station exudes retro charm, featuring original signage and wooden interiors reminiscent of its past.

 

The waiting area and platform roofs have been reconstructed using slate materials to maintain the station’s vintage aesthetic.

 

Notably, Ilyeong is the only double-track section of the line, allowing trains to pass each other for a mere one minute.

 

Travelers looking to experience the full route can purchase a one-day unlimited pass for 4,000 KRW, rather than a single ride for 2,600 KRW.

 

However, careful planning is required, as the train operates only eight round trips per day—four in the morning and four in the afternoon.

 

Interestingly, Ilyeong Station also served as a filming location for BTS’s 2017 “Spring Day” music video.

 

The surrounding landscape, steeped in history and scenic beauty, continues to captivate visitors.

 

 

https://n.news.naver.com/article/025/0003420953?cds=news_my_20s

 

 

Aboard the ‘Chunshik’ Train

 

As the train departed Wonreung Station, a group of middle-aged passengers, identifying themselves as “Class of ‘78,” looked around in surprise.

 

“There are no seats left?” they exclaimed.

 

Undeterred, they stood for the 50-minute ride to Uijeongbu, reminiscing about their youth spent on this very line.

 

Nicknamed “Chunshik” due to its yellow-and-brown color scheme resembling the Kakao character, the Mugunghwa train rumbled along at an average speed of 50 km/h.

 

Its gentle swaying and rhythmic clattering evoked a sense of nostalgia, lulling some passengers into a light slumber before reaching their destination.

 

 

https://n.news.naver.com/article/025/0003420953?cds=news_my_20s

 

 

 

The Golden Age of Ilyeong, Jangheung, and Songchu

 

The Gyeohoe Line once had 11 stations, but the revived version now operates with only six stops.

 

According to 83-year-old Joo Myung-ja, a long-time resident of Ilyeong, the station was once the busiest along the line.

 

“Back then, when a train arrived, passengers would pour out, filling the streets leading to nearby amusement parks,” she recalled.

 

Similarly, 69-year-old Lee Byung-heon, a native of Jangheung, acknowledged Ilyeong’s past prominence.

 

Meanwhile, 86-year-old Kim, who ran a grocery store near the station entrance, reminisced, “Those were truly good times.”

 

 

https://n.news.naver.com/article/025/0003420953?cds=news_my_20s

 

 

Exploring the New Gyeohoe Line

 

Jangheung Station, despite its modest appearance, is a hidden gem for food lovers.

 

Just outside the station, diners are welcomed by the bustling atmosphere of ‘Buhung Restaurant,’ where travelers enjoy a hearty 9,000 KRW set meal featuring grilled fish and Korean-style meat patties.

 

Another local favorite, the 55-year-old ‘Jangheung Grandma’s Loach Soup Restaurant,’ is also a must-visit.

 

For those looking to burn off their meal, a trip to Songam Space Center, 443 meters above sea level, offers stunning views of the night sky through Korea’s first domestically developed 600mm telescope.

 

Visitors should check its operating schedule beforehand, as it is closed on Sundays and Mondays, with in-person ticket sales available only on Saturday afternoons.

 

Across the way, the Jang Ucchin Museum of Fine Arts is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the exhibition “Total Immersion,” running until September.

 

Meanwhile, the Min Bok-jin Sculpture Museum is hosting the exhibition “Sitting, Standing, or Lying Down” until June. Visitors can enjoy free admission to both venues with a ticket from the Jang Ucchin Museum.

 

For a full cultural and wellness experience, a visit to Jangheung Charcoal Sauna or the retro-themed amusement park ‘Dooly Land’ is recommended.

 

 

 

 

The Spring Days of the Gyeohoe Line

 

At Songchu Station, travelers can embark on scenic hikes through the Songchu Valley or trek along the Songchu Southern Ridge to reach Yeoseong Peak.

 

During winter, the frozen beauty of Songchu Falls is a sight to behold, though crampons are a must.

 

After the hike, visitors can warm up with a cup of coffee at ‘Hesse’s Garden’ café or indulge in a meal at the renowned Chinese restaurant ‘Jinhung-gwan.’

 

For those seeking a heartier option, ‘Pyeongyang Myeonok’ offers traditional Korean barbecue and rice soup dishes.

 

Since its reopening, nearly 20,000 people have ridden the Gyeohoe Line in just one month.

 

As the train continues its journey through Korea’s winter landscape, passengers look forward to the arrival of spring.

 

Much like the lyrics of BTS’s “Spring Day,” which was filmed at Ilyeong Station: ‘Riding this train alone through the snowfield, I want to hold your hand and cross to the other side of the world, ending this winter at last…’

 

Despite the gentle swaying and rhythmic clatter of the train, the spirit of discovery and nostalgia remains strong.

 

With parents explaining its history to their curious children and hikers using it as a gateway to northern mountains, the Gyeohoe Line is once again a bridge between generations, memories, and places.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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