Chungcheongnam-do Province and the Chungnam Culture and Tourism Foundation have jointly launched a unique railway travel package, the ‘Retro Romance Train to Chungnam,’ with its inaugural journey commencing on April 23rd. This initiative is anticipated to inject fresh vitality into the western coastal region of Chungnam, including Hongseong, by offering visitors a special experience and a diverse array of attractions accessible by train.

The ‘Retro Romance Train’ will depart from major Seoul stations, namely Cheongnyangni and Seoul Station, and make sequential stops at Yeongdeungpo, Suwon, Pyeongtaek, and Cheonan stations before allowing passengers to disembark at Hongseong, Yesan, Daecheon, and Seocheon stations. A total of four special voyages are scheduled for this year, taking place on April 23rd, May 17th, May 30th, and June 14th. Each trip promises the romantic ambiance of train travel coupled with a rich selection of experiential programs.

The train's interior will be adorned with sights and entertainment reminiscent of the 1970s and 80s, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The soothing melodies of live acoustic guitar performances will enhance the travel atmosphere, while retro lucky draw games will offer lighthearted amusement. Furthermore, a photo zone featuring old school uniforms will be available for passengers to capture memorable snapshots. Complementing these features, a variety of delectable food options will be available to tantalize the senses and enrich the overall journey.

Upon arrival at Hongseong Station, tourists will be greeted by professional cultural tourism guides who will accompany them on a city tour bus, providing convenient access to Hongseong’s key attractions. The itinerary includes visits to the Mundang Environmental Agriculture Village, where visitors can engage in eco-friendly farming experiences; the birthplace of the independence activist General Kim Jwa-jin; the Hongseong Sky Tower, offering panoramic views of the city; Namdang Port, renowned for its fresh seafood; and the vibrant Gwangcheon Traditional Market. Notably, the Gwangcheon Traditional Market will present an opportunity to purchase local specialties such as seaweed and fermented seafood at affordable prices, which is expected to be a significant draw for tourists.

Reservations for the ‘Retro Romance Train’ travel package can be made through the official Korea Railroad Tourism Development website, with prices ranging from 79,000 to 85,000 Korean Won.

Kim Tae-gi, Head of the Culture and Tourism Division of Hongseong County, emphasized Hongseong’s advantageous position for train travel, stating, “Hongseong boasts two train stations, Hongseong Station and Gwangcheon Station, making it exceptionally convenient for railway tourism.” He further added, “With the reduced travel time from the Seoul metropolitan area to Hongseong, we anticipate a significant increase in the number of tourists visiting our region.” Mr. Kim also expressed his commitment to future endeavors, saying, “We will continue to develop and operate diverse tourism programs in conjunction with train travel to provide visitors to Hongseong with even richer and more satisfying travel experiences.”

The operation of the ‘Retro Romance Train to Chungnam’ is projected to significantly contribute to the revitalization of tourism in the Hongseong region. It is poised to offer a nostalgic journey for the 7080 generation and a novel and engaging experience for younger travelers.