Both mountain and coastal routes available！ Discover 10 scenic railway bike trails in Korea to pedal along the tracks

Reporter Li Jiaying / Compiled & Reported

Want to leisurely cycle on old train tracks? Korea’s railway biking has been around for over a decade and is loved not only by locals but also a must-do activity for many international tourists visiting Korea. By transforming disused railways into popular recreational facilities, this initiative has not only revitalized local tourism but also preserved rail lines that might otherwise have been dismantled.ETtoday Eastday Newshas compiled a list of ten of the most popular railway biking spots—offering more than just shopping on your trip to Korea.

▲ Railway Bike in Jeju, South Korea. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

Jeju Railway Bike
The Jeju Railway Bike station is located near Yongwolbong and Wolrangbong peaks, promoting a peaceful natural setting where you can enjoy the breeze and mountain views while experiencing the serene vibe of Jeju Island. The railway bike route spans approximately 8 kilometers and takes about 35 minutes to complete. It operates using a combination of human power and electricity, so even if you’re not feeling strong enough to pedal hard, the bike will still move steadily—you have nothing to worry about. The park has a total of 120 railway bikes, each uniquely painted with designs ranging from world-famous artworks to cartoon characters like SpongeBob SquarePants.

▲ Yeosu Ocean Railway Bike, South Korea. (Photo / Courtesy of the Korea Tourism Organization, all following images are as well)

Yeosu Ocean Railway Bike
The Yeosu Ocean Railway Bike runs entirely along the coast and has been a favorite filming spot for Korean dramas. This route utilizes disused train tracks laid along the shoreline, offering sweeping views of the warm, emerald-green waters of the South Sea, with the famous Wondong Island in full sight. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Malay Tunnel, a historic site carved out by hand with hammers by laborers conscripted during Japanese rule in 1926, and which is also Korea’s first rock tunnel.

▲ Cheonjin River Railway Bike.

Cheonjin River Railway Bike
In the Cheonjin River Train Village in Gochang County, South Jeolla Province, visitors can not only ride a retro “steam train” but also take short rides on the “Train Village Railway Bike,” including the “Cheonjin River Railway Bike” that runs on old tracks. Travelers can customize their itinerary based on personal preference. Along the journey, you’ll cycle alongside the Cheonjin River, with each section offering different scenery. In spring, colorful blooms along the roadside create a vibrant, memorable spectacle.

▲ Mungyeong Railway Bike—a cycling adventure through the mountains and forests.

Mungyeong Railway Bike
As Korea’s earliest railway bike experience, this route was once used over 20 years ago to transport coal and has now become one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions. The municipal government continues to invest significantly, making Mungyeong a flagship city for railway biking, with a total of five routes—the most in Korea. On the Mungyeong Railway Bike, you can see the first of the Eight Scenic Views of North Gyeongsang, “Jinnam Bridge,” while enjoying cool river breezes and the changing seasons of Mungyeong. It’s also the most budget-friendly railway bike option.

▲ Yangpyeong Railway Bike, the closest to Seoul and open for the latest hours, with the last ride at 9 PM.

Yangpyeong Railway Bike
Yangpyeong Railway Bike is the closest to Seoul and offers rides all year round, showcasing different scenery in each season. In spring, you can enjoy lush green nature; in summer, the refreshing sound of flowing water; in autumn, the colorful maple leaves of Mount Yeongmun; and in winter, the dazzling white snow. Even at night, you can admire a beautiful sea of lights along with the mountain views.

▲ The coffee shop next to the Aworaji Station of the Jeongseon Railway Bike is called “Two Tailed Fish,” said to be shaped like a parrotfish—quite amusing.

Jeongseon Railway Bike
Jeongseon Railway Bike has been featured in various programs including Dad, Where Are We Going? and has hosted celebrity guests such as FTISLAND and Super Junior members. The route is one-way, running from Jucheori Station to Aworaji Station, with breathtaking views at every segment, including Mount Nogo and the Ojang Waterfall. There are downhill sections, and with pedal power, speeds can reach up to 20 km/h—so ride with caution.

▲ Wonju Railway Bike also offers a sightseeing train ride.

Wonju Railway Bike
The Wonju Railway Bike begins with a scenic train ride (about 20 minutes) from the now-closed Geonhyeon Station to Pandae Station, after which you switch to the railway bike to return to Geonhyeon Station. The route passes through nearly untouched natural landscapes such as the Geonhyeon Recreation Area, showcasing seasonal scenery throughout spring, summer, and autumn. Along the way, you’ll go through six tunnels and seven railway bridges, each given unique themes like “Love Confession” and “Scream,” all illuminated with LED lighting.

▲ Gangchon is the most visited railway bike station, close to Nami Island and Chuncheon, and boosted by a popular wedding reality show⟨We Got Married⟩.

Jiangcun Railway Bicycle
Utilizing the abandoned tracks of the Gyeongchun Line, railway bicycle tours have been launched as a unique sightseeing activity featuring beautiful scenery. Jiangcun Railway Bicycle has three stations in total. The area around the Geumyujeong Station is designed as a book-themed park reflecting a literary theme. Jiangcun Station features wall murals and graffiti art, while Gyeonggang Station retains the vintage style of an old train station, exuding a nostalgic atmosphere. Thanks to its proximity to the currently operating Geumyujeong Subway Station, as well as nearby attractions such as Nami Island and Chuncheon, along with the convenience of transportation and the popularity of Korean variety shows,,<我们结婚了>it has attracted a large number of foreign tourists.

▲ Jindongjeong Railway Bicycle offers a spectacular sunrise view and ocean train experience.

Jindongjeong Railway Bicycle
Jindongjeong is a prime sunrise spot on Korea’s East Sea and home to the country’s train station closest to the coastline. In addition to swimming and watching the sunrise, since August 2014, Jindongjeong has also jumped on the railway bicycle trend, creating a brand-new coastal railway bicycle experience. What makes the Jindongjeong Railway Bicycle unique is its four-seater bikes where the front two riders use handlebars instead of pedals—more like a trolley—making it especially popular among children. Additionally, each bicycle is equipped with an autopilot function, allowing even those with less stamina to enjoy the ride with ease.

▲ Samcheok Marine Railway Bicycle boasts stunning blue ocean views.

Samcheok Marine Railway Bicycle
Here, you can pedal your way through lush pine forests and along seaside rocks, as well as along the breathtaking blue coastline of the East Sea. The Marine Railway Bicycle route operates on dual tracks, allowing you to freely choose to start from either Gongcheon or Yonghwa Station. Along the route, there are rest areas with observation decks, as well as dreamy tunnels adorned with Luminary light art and laser light shows, giving the sensation of being submerged in a mysterious underwater world.