[One Day Walk] A Time Travel Connecting Taegangneung and Gyeongchun Line Railroad Tracks

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Today's course is the 4.3km Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail connecting Gyeongchun Railroad Bridge to Taegangneung. The Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail was created by repurposing the Gyeongchun Line railway, which was established in 1393 with national capital and operated until it was closed in 2010 due to double-track electrification. It has become a popular emotional healing spot among young people these days. Walking from Gyeongchun Railroad Bridge, you will encounter ‘Gongtreal Park (Gongneung + Central Park),’ a so-called ‘hot place’ frequently visited by many.

Start walking near Exit 4 of Wolgye Station on Line 1 at Gyeongchun Railroad Bridge. This bridge, opened in 1939, was part of the Gyeongchun Line and connects Wolgye-dong and Hagye-dong in Nowon-gu across the Jungnangcheon Stream. Although it has been refurbished as a pedestrian bridge as part of the Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail, the railway tracks have been preserved intact, so crossing the Gyeongchun Railroad Bridge feels like a journey back in time with analog charm.

Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail

Walking along the rusty railway lined with tall trees, you will see community-maintained vegetable gardens, pine forest paths, plane tree avenues, and flower paths.

When you reach the railway near apartments and houses, charming cafes, restaurants, and local bookstores unfold with romance. This is Nowon-gu’s trendy ‘Gongtreal Park.’ Traces of the old Gyeongchun Line railroad crossings remain here and there, showing that this area used to be alongside the railway.

Continuing your walk, you will also come across the Gongneung-dong Dokkaebi Market. It is Nowon’s largest traditional market, currently used by about 4,000 people daily, and you can enjoy a meal at the many popular eateries lined up along the street.

The Gyeongchun Waterfall encountered in the city is a delightful sight, and you can appreciate three-dimensional murals, various paintings and writings, and take photos in front of impressive sculptures.

View of Hwarangdae Railroad Park

Passing Hwarangdae Station on Line 6 and following the railway, you will notice Hwarangdae Railroad Park. This park utilizes the old Hwarangdae Station railway, which had been abandoned, and features narrow-gauge trains, Mika steam locomotives, royal carriages, and streetcars.

The Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail Gallery exhibiting various artworks, the Time Museum, an exhibition hall created in the old Hwarangdae Station building, a train caf? where miniature trains deliver drinks, and a miniature exhibition hall replicating a Swiss train village make this a true healing spot in Seoul where all generations can enjoy together. When night falls, it transforms into the colorful ‘Nowon Light Garden,’ offering a romantic evening.

Spending time here will quickly pass half a day. You can enjoy a cup of coffee delivered by the train and finish your walk leisurely. If you want to walk a bit more, keep going.

From Hwarangdae Railroad Park, walking about 10 minutes along Hwarang-ro, which is beautiful with autumn foliage, you will reach Taegangneung, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Taereung is the tomb of Queen Munjeong Yoon, the third queen of the 11th Joseon king Jungjong, and Gangneung is the tomb of the 13th Joseon king Myeongjong and Queen Insun Shim. A peaceful stroll through the Joseon Royal Tombs in the quiet forest is also recommended.