Railroad trips to suburbs of Seoul-Jaein Waterfall

Traveling to the suburbs of Seoul kills two birds with one stone. It helps you escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life and keeps you free from the financial burden that long-distance trips can bring. The pleasure is even greater if the destination includes clean natural surroundings and is only about an hour away by train.

To get to exactly theses types of place in northern Kyonggi Province, you can take the Kyongui Line (Seoul-Uijongbu), Kyongwon Line (Seoul-Wonsan) or the circular lines running around Seoul. Traveling there will summon special memories in the minds of people in their 40s and create special memories in the minds of children. The cost is only around 1,000 won. All you have to do is pack a lunch and you`re on your way.

Kyongwon Line (Uijongbu Station (031―872―7788)∼Shintanli Station in Yonchon Country. The trip takes about an hour and 15 minutes)

The first train departs Uijongbu Station at 6:20 a.m. every morning and others run 20 minutes past the hour. About five minutes away on foot from Mt. Soyo Station is the mountain itself. There are six hiking courses on the mountain, ranging in height from 440 meters to 571 meters. Four kilometers away from Chosongli Station are twelve scenic valleys and a hot spring.

Fifteen minutes away on foot from Hantan River Station is the Chonkokli Historic Relic. A taxi ride will take you to a place where you can see Jaein Waterfall.

Near Yonchon Station is Tongmakgol Resort, equipped with odd-shaped rocks and beautiful forests. Shintanli Station is the railway`s terminus and northernest point, at least until the route to North Korea is reopened.

Kyongui Line (Shinchon Station (02―363―7788)∼ Musan Station in Paju City. The trip takes an hour and 10 minutes)

The first train departs Shinchon Station at 6 a.m. every morning and trains continue to run on the hour. Many stops are located in urban areas but a little further on there are some places worth visiting. Dating or married couples are advised to get off at Paekma Station and walk or take a taxi to Pungdong, an area that is well known for having many coffee shops.

If you take a bus from Wollong Station, you can visit the town of ancient tombs in Tokunli. Getting off at Musan Station, you can visit Unification Park or take the bus to the old pavilions like Hwasok-jong and Banku-jong along the Imjin River. A visit to Imjinkak is also possible.

Circular lines around Seoul (Shinchon Station – Uijongbu Station. The trip takes about an hour and 20 minutes)

There is something worth seeing at every stop along the way. The only problem is that trains depart Shinchon Station only three times a day at 6:15 a.m., 1:40 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The trip takes an hour and 20 minutes. Buses are in operation to take you back to Seoul. Within 10 minutes of Changhung Station, there are many good places for family outings such as Changhun Resort, Total Art Center and Duri Family Town. Near Ilyong Station in Songchu are beautiful natural surroundings and resort facilities.

Lee Dong-Young argus@donga.com