O-Train (Korail)

O-Train (a.k.a. Jungbu Naeryuk Circular Train Korean: 중부내륙순환열차) was a South Korean sightseeing train operated by Korail. The train began operations in 2013 and transports tourists from Seoul, in a circular route, through South Korea's central inland region and back to Seoul.^[1]

O-Train
Overview
Service type	Regional rail
Status	Active
Locale	South Korea
Predecessor	Circular Snow Flower Train
First service	April 12, 2013
Last service	February 2, 2020
Successor	East sea & Santa village Train
Current operator(s)	Korail
Route
Termini	Seoul Station
Stops	17
Line(s) used	Gyeongbu Line Gyeongwon Line Jungang Line Taebaek Line Yeongdong Line
On-board services
Seating arrangements	Car No.1: Eco seats (56 seats): Two-person seats / four-person seats / free viewing seats / etc. Car No. 2: Reserved seats for people with disabilities, café room (37 seats): two-person seats / four-person seats / one-person seat / café room, table seats Car No.3: Family seats (56 seats) – Family seats / couple room / family room / etc. Car No.4: Eco seats (56) – Two-person seats / four-person seats / free viewing seats
Catering facilities	On-board café
Technical
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

Overview

The train began operations on April 12, 2013, and is a shuttle train which loops around attractions in the central inland region of Korea, with stops, including Taebaeksan Mountain in Gangwon-do, Yeongju in Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Jecheon in Chungcheongbuk-do.^[1][2] It follows the same route as the older Circular Snow Flower Train (Hangul: 환상선 눈꽃순환열차).^[3]

The "O" name refers to the train's circular route, and "One", as the three provinces it travels through.^[1] The train has four cars,^[4][5] observatory rooms, and sightseeing monitors,^[6] and departs from Seoul Station, Cheonan station, and Osong station daily.^[7][8] One of the stops is at Chujeon station in Gangwon-do, located at an altitude of 855 meters, the highest altitude for any train stop in Korea, for sightseeing and photos.^[2]

During its last season of operation the O-Train was rerouted to run out and back from Seoul to Cheoram via Buncheon eliminating the loop by removing its run along the Taebaek Line.^[9]

A sister Korail train, the V-Train, opened on the same day, and travels through the mountainous areas of the provinces of Gangwon-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do.^[5] O-Train passengers can transfer to the V-train at Cheoram, Seungbu and Buncheon stations.^[8]

O-Train interior

The train's opening increased tourist interest in Gangwon's coal mining history.^[10] Buncheon station in Gyeongsangbuk-do, where a coal line once ran, showed increased visits in 2013, from both the O-Train and V-Trains, from approximately 10 passengers a day to 1000.^[11]

Operations

• Started running: April 12, 2013
• Ceased operating: August 19, 2020 (succeeded by the Donghae Santa Train)^[9]
• Stations en route to and from "circle": Seoul Station - Cheongnyangni station - Suwon station - Cheonan station - Osong station^[7][12]
• Stations on "circle" route: Jecheon station - Wonju station - Yeongwol station - Mindungsan station– Gohan station– Chujeon - Taebaek station - Cheoram station - Seungbu station - Buncheon station - Chunyang station – Bonghwa station – Yeongju station - Punggi station - Danyang station
• Approximate travel time: 5 hours.