Hwarangdae Railroad Park is a transformed railway park located at Gyeongchun Line’s Hwarangdae Station. It offers plenty of attractions, including a nighttime light festival, a small train museum, and exhibition halls. The entrance features a noticeable playground, and there’s even a carousel for children’s enjoyment. The park allows visitors to stroll along the old Gyeongchun Line tracks.
Hwarangdae Railroad Park offers free parking for visitors, making it convenient to explore. The park includes the Hwarangdae Station History Exhibition Hall and a unique café. In this café, customers can experience a distinctive service: upon ordering, a mini train delivers their coffee or beverages directly to their tables.
The Noeun Train Village, showcasing miniature versions of train-related facilities and stations, adds to the charm of the park. While I couldn’t visit personally, it seems to attract crowds, especially on weekends. Walking along the railway tracks can be a delightful experience, reminiscent of childhood memories.
As spring approaches, the park is likely to draw even more visitors. Since its opening, Hwarangdae Railroad Park has expanded its offerings, introducing cafes and various attractions, including museums. The photos may not capture it all, but there are more trains further inside the park.
The park remains vibrant even in winter, but spring promises to bring lush greenery and blooming flowers, making it an ideal spot for photography. The café operated by Nowon District Office offers a 10% discount for local residents.
Surprisingly, the park also hosts Seoul’s first nighttime light festival, providing a unique and free experience for visitors. Keep in mind that most facilities are closed on Mondays, though the exterior remains accessible.
The exhibition features old train tickets, reminiscent of the times when train travel was adorned with special names like ‘Mugunghwa-ho,’ ‘Tongil-ho,’ ‘Saemaeul-ho,’ and ‘Bidulgi-ho.’ The dream of riding the ‘Wanheng’ train from Seoul to my father’s hometown, Kimcheon, remains unfulfilled.
Despite abandoning my dream of becoming a train conductor, the park allows visitors to sit in the driver’s seat of a displayed train, providing a unique sensation. The café inside the park offers a menu with prices that might be considered relatively high for the area, but it provides a 10% discount for local residents.
The mini train displayed in the park also serves as a delivery service for the café, bringing beverages directly to customers’ tables. Visitors should take note of the 30-second stopping time for the mini train.
Hwarangdae Railroad Park offers an enjoyable experience with its various attractions and is a great place to spend half a day. Admission is free, making it a worthwhile and accessible destination. However, specific facilities such as museums and cafes within the park may have separate admission fees. Additionally, parking is free, but availability, especially on weekends, may be limited