When expats and tourists think of train travel in South Korea, the lightning-fast KTX bullet train to Busan usually comes to mind. However, if you truly want to discover the breathtaking natural beauty and untouched history of Korea's mountainous regions, you need to slow down.
The Baekdudaegan Valley Train (V-Train) offers one of the most unique and scenic travel experiences in the country. This retro-style train takes you deep into the rugged valleys between Bonghwa (Gyeongsangbuk-do) and Taebaek (Gangwon-do). Here is your ultimate guide to this hidden gem journey.
Stop 1: Buncheon Santa Village – Christmas 365 Days a Year
Your journey begins at Buncheon Station in Bonghwa. As soon as you arrive, you will be greeted by a massive, bright red welcome arch. Believe it or not, this quiet countryside town has been transformed into a magical "Santa Village."
No matter what season you visit, you will find giant Christmas tree buildings, adorable Santa Claus statues, and reindeer pulling sleighs. The quaint station building, featuring a red roof and cheerful murals, feels like a scene straight out of a fairytale. It is a fantastic photo spot and a surreal, charming contrast to the surrounding lush green mountains.
(Traveler's Tip: Before boarding the train, take a moment to check out the local Bonghwa products. The region is famous for its premium Matsutake mushrooms (Bonghwa Songi) and high-quality Hanwoo beef!)
Boarding the V-Train (Baekdudaegan Valley Train)
Once you finish exploring the village, it is time to board the V-Train. You can't miss it—the locomotive is painted in striking black and white zebra stripes! The "V" stands for "Valley," and the train is specially designed to give passengers the best possible view of the Baekdudaegan mountain range.
The train travels at a slow, relaxing speed of about 30 km/h, running from Buncheon to Cheoram. The vintage interior features large glass windows, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and winding rivers that cars and buses simply cannot reach.
Stop 2: Cheoram Coal-Mine History Town – A Journey Back to the 1970s
After a mesmerizing ride through the valleys, you will arrive at the final destination: Cheoram Station in Taebaek. Stepping out of the station is like stepping into a time machine.
Right across from the station is the Cheoram Coal-Mine History Town. Decades ago, this was a booming hub for Korea's coal mining industry. Today, the old commercial streets have been remarkably preserved and turned into an open-air museum and cultural complex.
Looking at the map and the buildings, you will notice their unique architecture. Because space was so limited, many buildings (like 'Pelicana', 'Honam Supermarket', and 'Hanyang Cafe') were built extending over the stream, supported by stilt-like structures known as Kkachibal (magpie’s feet). You can actually walk inside these 1970s and 80s buildings, which have now been converted into art galleries, observation decks, and historical exhibits showcasing the gritty, hardworking lives of the miners.
How to Book & Final Tips
To experience this unforgettable trip, you can book your V-Train tickets via the official Korail website or app (available in English). Since it is a highly popular tourist route, especially during the autumn foliage and winter snow seasons, booking a few weeks in advance is highly recommended. Don't forget to try Taebaek's local specialty, Mul-Dakgalbi (spicy chicken stew with broth), after your tour in Cheoram!
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