Latest news with #Korail
Korea Herald
03-05-2025
- Korea Herald
Take Retro Romantic Train for nostalgic journey to heartland
Tour explores quiet beauty of Korea's countryside, blending history with healing Somewhere between the soft strum of a guitar and the scent of old-fashioned snacks drifting down the aisle, the Retro Romantic Train Tour to the south-central region of the country pulls its passengers gently out of the present and back into Korea's past. This vintage-themed rail journey, co-organized by the Korea Tourism Organization, Korail and seven cities and counties in South Chungcheong Province, offers more than transportation — it promises a rediscovery of regional charm through the lens of nostalgia. Departing from Seoul Station, the train travels through key stops including Yeongdeungpo, Suwon and Cheonan before reaching its destination in the countryside. On board, passengers are treated to live acoustic music, accordion performances and classic games. Dressed in black-and-white school uniforms, some travelers pose for retro-style photo shoots while others join impromptu sing-alongs, creating the kind of communal atmosphere that's become rare in modern travel. The Retro Romantic Train Tour to Chungnam runs eight times between April and November, with tickets priced at 85,000 won ($59.63), including two meals and local city tours. With stops in Yesan, Seosan and other cultural hubs, the tour offers a chance to rediscover the countryside. Upon arrival in Yesan, the journey takes a scenic turn. The town is home to Yedangho, Korea's largest reservoir, where the country's longest suspension bridge stretches 402 meters. Nearby, the Yedangho monorail, a mountaintop railcar that loops around the lake, offers a 22-minute ride that reveals changing scenery by day and dazzling themed lights by night. A short drive from the reservoir leads to Sudeoksa Temple, nestled on the slopes of Deoksungsan . Visitors find a quiet beauty as monks sweep the temple grounds in the early morning light and new spring leaves flutter overhead. Sudeoksa's main hall, Daeungjeon, dates back to 1308 and stands as one of Korea's best-preserved wooden structures from the Goryeo Kingdom. With forest trails extending beyond the temple grounds, this historic site offers not only spiritual insight but also a deeply calming natural retreat. Later in the day, the tour continues to Eunsung Apple Winery, an orchard estate with 6,000 trees. Founded by a Korean entrepreneur who was inspired by agritourism in Canada, the winery specializes in apple-based wines made exclusively from local apples. Visitors are invited to sample sparkling apple wines, including a rose made from red-fleshed Redlove apples, and even try their hand at baking apple pies in the on-site workshop. As apple blossoms blanket the surrounding fields in white, the experience feels equal parts tasting session and spring celebration. Before leaving Yesan, travelers make a final stop at the town's traditional market, where modern trends meet old-world charm. Recently renovated, the market now hosts nearly 100 vendors, with many young entrepreneurs joining longtime shopkeepers to offer regional dishes like handmade noodles and spicy beef soup. Strings of drying noodles sway in the wind -- a subtle but enduring symbol of local life. The tour to Seosan, another beautiful city in South Chungcheong Province, includes a stop at the House of Yu Gibang, a well-preserved hanok estate surrounded by pine trees and daffodil fields. The location has served as a filming site for popular dramas such as tvN's 'Mr. Sunshine,' and provides a peaceful, cinematic ambiance that invites slow walking and quiet reflection. Further along the coast is the Ganworam Hermitage. Built by a Buddhist monk who was an advisor to King Taejo (1335-1408), founder of the Joseon Kingdom, this small temple becomes an island at high tide and reconnects to the mainland only when the sea recedes. Another stop is the Haemieupseong Fortress, a stone-walled town dating back to 1491. Once a site where Catholics were persecuted during the Joseon era, it remains a solemn memorial and historical park. Within the fortress walls, visitors can explore old prison cells, towering gates and the massive tree once used to bind and punish those accused of religious crimes. The location gained global attention when the late Pope Francis visited in 2014, further cementing its place in Korea's spiritual and political history.
Korea Herald
01-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Seoul's monthly transit pass to cover more of Seongnam
Seoul's all-inclusive monthly transit pass, dubbed the 'Climate Card,' will be available for use at subway stations on the Suin-Bundang Line and the Gyeonggang Line in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, starting Saturday, according to the municipal government on Thursday. The Climate Card is a rechargeable monthly transit pass that gives commuters access to public transport systems within the administrative boundaries of Seoul as well as select neighboring cities on the city's outskirts. From Saturday, the Climate Card can be used at 10 subway stations on the Suin-Bundang Line -- including Gachon University Station, Taepyeong Station, Moran Station, Yatap Station, Imae Station, Seohyeon Station, Sunae Station, Jeongja Station, Migeum Station and Ori Station. It will also be available for use at three stations on the Gyeonggang Line, including Pangyo Station, Seongnam Station and Imae Station. This expands the range of Seoul's Climate Card from seven subway stations in Seongnam between Moran Station and Namwirye Station on Seoul Metro's Line No. 8 to a total of 20 stations across Seongnam. The monthly transit pass can also be used on 11 Seoul city bus routes that pass through Seongnam, said the city government. However, for subway stations in Seongnam on the Shinbundang Line, the Climate Card will not be available for use as the line is operated by a private company, unlike other lines run by public enterprises such as Korail and Seoul Metro. The expansion of the Climate Card in Seongnam comes as part of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's efforts to make its transit pass accessible for commuters traveling between Seoul and its neighboring cities for work and school. Since expanding to Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, in March 2024, the transit pass has been available for use in eight other cities including Incheon, Gunpo, Gwacheon, Goyang, Namyangju, Guri and Uijeongbu. On Feb. 8, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon added that the city plans to expand the Climate Card to three other neighboring cities: Gwangmyeong, Anyang and Yangju. Oh added that the city is also looking into integrating the Climate Card with K-pass, a public transportation fare refund service run by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
Korea Herald
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Hyundai Motor, Korail partner to develop mobility-centered smart city infrastructure
Hyundai Motor Group said Tuesday it has partnered with the state-run Korea Railroad Corp. to jointly develop mobility-themed smart city infrastructure around train stations across South Korea. Under a memorandum of understanding signed Monday, the two sides will collaborate on new smart city infrastructure projects in areas around train stations and other Korail-owned sites across the country. The MOU signing ceremony was held at a Korail office in Seoul, attended by Hyundai Motor Vice President Kim Heung-soo and Korail Vice President Jung Jeong-rae. The group said the partnership reflects its commitment to utilizing its technological capabilities to create smart city technologies, while Korail aims to transform itself into a comprehensive mobility service provider. Korail plans to apply Hyundai's mobility solutions to its train station development zones, creating smart city infrastructure with the concept of mobility at their core. "This partnership is a meaningful opportunity to work with Korail in introducing mobility solutions and integrated services into transport-centered smart cities," Kim said. (Yonhap)
Ya Biladi
27-02-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Hyundai Rotem secures landmark $1.5 billion contract to modernize Morocco's rail network
DR Hyundai Rotem has signed a historic contract worth 2.2 trillion won ($1.5 billion, or about 15 billion dirhams) with Morocco's National Railway Office (ONCF), marking the largest order in the South Korean company's history. According to Hyundai Rotem's announcement on Wednesday, the agreement involves supplying double-decker trains for Morocco's railway network. These trains, which can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, will connect Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, to key regions across the country. This project is a major step in modernizing public transport as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Hyundai Rotem highlighted that Korail's proposal, which includes technology transfers and training programs, was well received by the Moroccan government. A portion of the train production will take place in Morocco, helping to develop the country's railway industry. Additionally, Hyundai Rotem and the Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail), a state-owned company, will handle train maintenance and repairs through separate agreements with Moroccan authorities. This contract marks Hyundai Rotem's entry into the Moroccan market, a success the company credits to strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, along with Korail, played a key role in securing the deal against European competitors. Notably, South Korea's Minister of Transport, Park Sang-woo, visited Morocco last year to promote the competitiveness of South Korea's railway sector. «This contract was secured thanks to a 'One Team Korea' approach, where public and private sectors worked together to showcase South Korea's railway expertise on a global scale», said a Hyundai Rotem representative.
Ya Biladi
26-02-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Hyundai Rotem secures landmark $1.5 billion contract to modernize Morocco's rail network
Hyundai Rotem has signed a historic contract worth 2.2 trillion won ($1.5 billion, or about 15 billion dirhams) with Morocco's National Railway Office (ONCF), marking the largest order in the South Korean company's history. According to Hyundai Rotem's announcement on Wednesday, the agreement involves supplying double-decker trains for Morocco's railway network. These trains, which can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, will connect Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, to key regions across the country. This project is a major step in modernizing public transport as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Hyundai Rotem highlighted that Korail's proposal, which includes technology transfers and training programs, was well received by the Moroccan government. A portion of the train production will take place in Morocco, helping to develop the country's railway industry. Additionally, Hyundai Rotem and the Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail), a state-owned company, will handle train maintenance and repairs through separate agreements with Moroccan authorities. This contract marks Hyundai Rotem's entry into the Moroccan market, a success the company credits to strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, along with Korail, played a key role in securing the deal against European competitors. Notably, South Korea's Minister of Transport, Park Sang-woo, visited Morocco last year to promote the competitiveness of South Korea's railway sector. «This contract was secured thanks to a 'One Team Korea' approach, where public and private sectors worked together to showcase South Korea's railway expertise on a global scale», said a Hyundai Rotem representative.
