Head off on newly launched trains

By Yun Suh-young

For those seeking a quick getaway via routes that don’t accompany traffic jams, getting on a train to local tourist destination may be a good way out.

Korail, the nation’s railroad operator, launched two new trains recently that provide wider options for getting around the country. The first runs to Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, and the second travels along the west coast all the way to Iksan, North Jeolla Province.

Jeongseon Arirang Train

Until now, traveling to Gangwon Province was cumbersome without a personal vehicle. The only public transportation option had been the bus. Now a train moves from Seoul to Jeongseon offering more convenient travel and space for sightseeing.

The Jeongseon Arirang Train, or A-train, which was launched in January, runs from Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul to Jeongseon and Auraji stations in Gangwon.

The train offers round trips once a day. Another route runs from Mindungsan to Jeongseon and Auraji stations all in Gangwon.

The "A" in the train’s name comes from "Arirang" (a Korean folk song), amazement and adventure. Arirang is listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Jeongseon Arirang is one of the many variations of Arirang according to regions.

The train runs from Thursday to Monday and also on Tuesday or Wednesday if a five-day market falls on those days. The market opens on the 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd and 27th of every month.

For more information, call 1544-7788 or visit www.letskorail.com.

West Sea Gold Train

Korail’s most recent product is a train with heated floors (ondol) that passengers can sit on. The “West Sea Gold Train” was launched on Feb. 5 for passengers to travel over the Lunar New Year Holiday.

The train heads to seven “golden” destinations on the West Coast ― Asan, Yesan, Hongseong, Boryeong, Seocheon, Gunsan and Iksan. Asan Hot Springs, Sudeoksa Temple, Daecheon Beach, the National Institute of Ecology, Gunsan's cultural heritage street and the Iksan Jewelry Museum are possible tourist destinations near the stops.

Other than the heated ondol compartment, there is also a compartment equipped with foot Jacuzzi tubs. Passengers can enjoy a relaxing foot spa with tea and snacks.

The train operates a round trip from Yongsan to Iksan once a day from Thursday through Saturday.

Tickets are sold at the train station booths as well as through Korail’s smartphone app, KorailTalk. For more information, visit www.letskorail.com or call 1544-7788 (English language services are available).

Other local destinations for families:

Petit France

Petit France, a replica French village in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, is holding a night light festival until Feb. 28. It is the first light festival since the opening of the village in 2008. During the period, the village will be open until 9 p.m.

Pastel colored buildings will be lit up and light artwork will be installed along the roads. Some of the lights are imported from France.

A “Do Min-joon Time” will be an event reenacting a scene from the hit TV series “My Love from the Star” where lights will be turned off at once and slowly light up one by one.

Performances such as marionette, puppet and magic shows will take place.

An art exhibition featuring landscape paintings of the Cote d’Azur will be open during the festival period.

For more information, call (031) 584-8200 or visit https://www.pfcamp.com.

Address: 616 Goseong-ri, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province

Hello Kitty Island

Hello Kitty Island, a Hello Kitty-themed attraction on Jeju Island has quickly become a popular go-to destination among families with children. The number of visitors to the facility has topped over 400,000 since its opening in January last year.

The multi-entertainment complex features an exhibition hall, experience hall, a 3D theater, a Hello Kitty café, and a Hello Kitty room for photo shoots in its four-story (including basement) building.

The Hello Kitty Island has music and art rooms offering activities for children such as dancing to Hello Kitty music and crafting Hello Kitty crowns. The crowned Hello Kitty is the signature symbol of the theme park.

In celebration of the one-year anniversary, the park has launched a 1 meter sized Queen Hello Kitty doll and for those purchasing it, the park offers free delivery service to their homes.

For more information, call (064) 792-6114 or visit https://www.hellokittyisland.co.kr.

Address: 340 Hanchang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island