Riding the V-Train in Korea

Trains are by far my favorite form of transportation.

I can thank my father, Daniel Goodman, for my love of the rails.

As far back as I can remember, trains were “our thing.” During family vacations, we would walk along the tracks while he held my hand as I balanced on a rail.

I was reminded of this memory today while filming Lost in Korea on the V-Train.

The V-Train traverses a river in the Baekdudaegan mountain range near Bunchen Station - South Korea — The V-Train traverses a river in the Baekdudaegan mountain range near Bunchen Station – South Korea

Train tracks next to the Bedong Station Tunnel in South Korea’s Baekdudaegan mountain range

What is South Korea’s V-Train?

Opened in April, 2013, South Korea’s V-Train takes riders on an incredible journey through the Baekdudaegan mountain range.

A round trip on the V-Train is roughly 28 kilometers long, takes 70 minutes and goes from Bunchen Station to Chulam Station (Gangwon-do).

The train got its name because much of the ride goes through a valley: hence the “V.”

The V-Train arrives at Bedong Station moments before I boarded

Take a Ride on the V-Train

According to Korea.net:

“The train also offers observatory rooms for comfortable sightseeing in the rear car.

From Buncheon Station to Seokpo Station, the train will slow to 30 kilometers per hour, so passengers can enjoy the entrancing landscape presented by the valley of Bonghwa, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

My costar, Jesse Day, and I at Chulam Station

This three-car train has an eco-friendly design, minimizing carbon emissions through solar panels installed on the roof.

On-off glass windows give open, clear views of nature and allow passengers to open the windows and let the fresh air in as they please.

Wooden seats, fans, and the furnace create the atmosphere of nostalgic old train rides where people used to chat with other passengers on the train, eating boiled eggs and sweet potatoes.

It will be a great pleasure of this journey for passengers to roast sweet potatoes on the hearth.”

The V-Train's rear Janney Coupler; as seen from the tracks of Chulam Station — The V-Train’s rear Janney Coupler; as seen from the tracks of Chulam Station

I love how this looks like two different photos placed side by side. I took it by positioning my camera half-inside and half-outside the train and leaving the shutter open for 2 seconds.

GET LOST IN KOREA

In 2013, I was hired by National Geographic to film a TV show in South Korea … following my adventures as a travel blogger and photographic storyteller.

The single-episode show offered a mix of humor, tradition, adventure and stunning imagery; as I teamed up with Jesse Day: a Canadian entertainer who lives in Seoul and raps in Korean.

Here are the highlights from filming Get Lost in Korea …