Jeongseon Railbike

From a coal railway to Korea's first railbike

Jeongseon's railbike carries visitors 7.2 kilometres from Gujeol-ri Station to Auraji, but leaves their cars behind at the departure station. The return is a separate free sightseeing train. A disused mountain railway has become two contrasting journeys along the same tracks, one pedal-powered and one pulled by a train

Construction began in 1962 because Jeongseon's anthracite fields needed a route to national markets. Mining was growing around Hoedong and Yongtan near Jeongseon town. The first railway section opened in 1966, and the final Yeoryang–Gujeol-ri stretch followed in December 1974. Coal travelled out by rail, but the line also carried people and goods in both directions. Jeongseon town's population rose from roughly 15,000 in 1965 to 21,000 in 1975 as the mining economy expanded. The railway brought manufactured goods to the mountains and carried locally grown potatoes, beans and mountain vegetables to buyers farther away. Regular service on the Gujeol-ri–Auraji section ended in 2004; Korea's first railbike opened here in summer 2005

From Gujeol-ri, riders pass forest, river bends and rail tunnels, including sections brightened with coloured lights. The wheels remain on a real rail alignment, close to the water and wooded slopes. There is no steering into passing traffic; pedalling and braking move the vehicle along the fixed line

Much of the journey descends gently beside Songcheon, although the last kilometre climbs slightly. Two-seat and four-seat bikes cannot travel side by side; smaller units typically leave first, followed by larger ones. The ride lasts roughly thirty to forty minutes, depending on group speed

Two journeys on one abandoned line

At Auraji, where Songcheon meets Goljicheon to form the Joyang River, riders change to the Punggyeong Train. The return train traces the same mountain corridor in reverse, taking the bends beside the stream without anyone having to pedal. The opposite viewpoint brings the riverbanks, tunnel mouths and slopes into view from a different angle; older first-hand accounts describe fresh details appearing on that return. The train is included free for railbike customers. The two-part outing, including the changeover, takes roughly ninety minutes, and cars parked at Gujeol-ri remain there for collection

Former station buildings and trackside attractions give the route a second life. At Gujeol-ri, a café structure resembles a grasshopper; at Auraji another takes the form of a freshwater fish. An ant-shaped pension and train-themed lodging continue the animal and rail theme. These are permanent architectural curiosities; individual cafés may not be serving at all times or seasons

With the coal industry shrinking from the late 1980s, the railway lost much of its original industrial purpose. The empty track found a different market: travellers now pay to move through the valley that trains once served for work. That shift also helped Gujeol-ri develop small guesthouses and restaurants for visiting families

The practical rules that change the ride

Standard prices are ₩30,000 for a two-seat bike and ₩40,000 for a four-seat bike, with county-listed group rates of ₩27,000 and ₩36,000 respectively. Online reservations are the primary sales channel; any tickets sold on site depend on unsold inventory. Tickets must be collected at Gujeol-ri Station at least twenty minutes before departure

Infants younger than thirty-six months may ride on an adult's lap, limited to one extra infant per railbike, but have no separate seat. Older children count against seat capacity; children and older passengers require guardian support where appropriate. Normal rain does not always stop the bikes, while heavy rain, snow or strong wind can close the track. Riders are not allowed to stop or leave the vehicle at will between stations

A small pet inside a carrier may be accepted for the pedal part, but the shared return train restricts animals. A pet owner could reach Auraji successfully and then be unable to use the included return trip. Pet owners must arrange a permitted return method with the operator before reserving

Before you go

The starting address is 745 Nochusan-ro, Yeoryang-myeon, Jeongseon-gun, at Gujeol-ri Station. Auraji is the arrival station, not the ticket pickup point. March–October normally has five rides at 08:40, 10:30, 13:00, 14:50 and 16:40; November–February runs the first four without the final late-afternoon departure. Safety inspection days and bad weather can alter a timetable, so the booking calendar controls availability

Refunds generally decline with the time remaining: all money back at least three days before travel, 80% two days before, 70% one day before and 50% on the day of the booking before departure; missed trains or missed railbike times are not refunded. Parking at Gujeol-ri is free. Intercity buses serve Jeongseon, but local onward service to the rural station is limited and must be checked separately. The free return sightseeing train brings riders back to the departure station after the Auraji finish