The First 'Miracle' Sounded... Donghae Jungbu Line Opens, Starting Uljin-gun's Railway History

Welcome Ceremony on the First Day, Gifts for the First Passengers on Both Up and Down Lines

The first train whistle in history sounded in the Uljin area of Gyeongbuk.

Uljin County (Governor Son Byeong-bok) announced on the 1st that the first train operated in the 130-year history of Korean railroads. On New Year's Day, the opening day of the Donghae Jungbu Line, a special welcoming event was held for the first visitors to Uljin County's railway history.

The northbound train departing from Gangneung at 5:28 a.m. and arriving in Uljin at 7:02 a.m., and the southbound train (Bujeon~Gangneung) arriving at 8:50 a.m., presented the first tourists with gifts containing local specialties from Uljin County.

Mr. Park Cheol-soon, the first visitor to Uljin in railway history, said, "I came from Incheon because I wanted to welcome the first sunrise of the year in Uljin, and I am very happy to be the first passenger on the inaugural train." He added, "Until now, I had to travel long distances by car, which was inconvenient, but now I can comfortably enjoy traveling to Uljin by train."

With the full opening of the Donghae Jungbu Line, Uljin County plans to hold various tourism events throughout January.

Events linked to the train include ▲providing Uljin specialties worth 50,000 won to the Nth tourists, such as the 1000th and 2025th visitors who come to Uljin by train.

Also, ▲50 people who leave travel reviews after their train trip will receive specialties worth 20,000 won ▲50% of the Wangpicheon Cable Car payment will be credited to the Uljin Love Card as a refund ▲discounts such as 50% off admission to Seongryugul Cave, 25% off at Deokgu Hot Springs, and 20% off at Spa World upon presenting railway fare receipts.

After January, when the full crab season arrives, travelers will be able to conveniently enjoy Uljin snow crabs and fresh live fish using the Donghae Jungbu Line. They can also fully enjoy hot spring healing trips at Baegam and Deokgu.

Son Byeong-bok, Governor of Uljin County, said, "The opening of the railway will serve as a catalyst for revitalizing the local economy and tourism industry," and added, "We will prepare various tourism events and incentives to offer more enjoyment," encouraging travel to the Uljin area.