Enjoying Samcheok Ocean Railbike Along the East Sea

As high-speed trains developed and existing railways became more streamlined, many old railroads were left unused. While some were turned into parks, others, especially those with breathtaking scenery, were given a new lease of life as railbike attractions for tourists. Although railbikes operate across the country, Samcheok stands out for its Samcheok Ocean Railbike, allowing riders to enjoy scenic views of the sea.

Samcheok Ocean Railbike can be boarded from Yonghwa Station and Gungchon Station. The railbike route spans approximately 5.4 kilometers, running on double tracks and takes around an hour to complete. For those who wish to ride along the tracks closer to the sea, starting from Yonghwa Station and heading to Gungchon Station is recommended.

Reservations are necessary for Samcheok Railbike. While you might be able to purchase tickets on-site on weekdays, it's advisable to book in advance, especially on weekends. Due to the nature of railbike tours, passengers who reserve for the same time slot start their journey together. Samcheok Ocean Railbike offers five trips daily at 09:00, 10:30, 13:00, 14:30, and 16:00.

Bikes are available in 2-seater and 4-seater configurations, with prices set at 25,000 KRW for 2-seater and 35,000 KRW for 4-seater bikes. If you wish to bring a pet, it must be placed in a designated cage, and infants are counted in the passenger count. Alcohol isn't allowed, but you can bring water or other beverages. The bikes come equipped with small baskets and drink holders for your convenience.

The Samcheok Ocean Railbike has certain guidelines in place for passenger safety. Pregnant women and intoxicated passengers are not allowed on the railbike. Children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities should ride with a guardian. Dogs are permitted only when placed in a dog-specific cage.

For ticket reservations, you can book online up to a day in advance. Same-day bookings can only be done on-site for unsold tickets and additional spots. Changes or cancellations to reservations should be done online.

It's essential to arrive at the boarding station at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time, although arriving 10 minutes prior appeared sufficient during my visit. However, arriving later might lead to missing the ride, so always aim to be early.

At Yonghwa Station, you can relax by the wide beach that overlooks the sea while waiting for your departure. Samcheok Ocean Railbike operates manually and requires a bit of pedaling, but it's not very physically demanding as the inclines are minimal.

The course takes you through Gomsolim, a tunnel, and by the sea. The views of the East Sea through Gomsolim are breathtaking. Inside the tunnel, a dazzling light and laser show add excitement to the experience.

A brief stop is made at Chogok Station, where passengers rest before departing all together once more. As the railbikers from Gungchon Station and those from Yonghwa Station meet, a cheerful atmosphere prevails with friendly waves and greetings.

After disembarking from the railbike, consider visiting Chogok Yonkkul Cave Candlestick Rocks Trail, which offers stunning coastal scenery. From Chogok Station onwards, there are no more tunnels, and the East Sea unfolds before you. This stretch, which features views of Gomsolim and the sea intersecting, is an ideal spot for a photo break.

At each bridge, safety attendants are present, ensuring passenger safety, which is indeed reassuring. It's essential to be careful not to drop your belongings, such as mobile phones or personal items during the ride. Keeping them securely in small bags or zippered pockets is a smart choice.

For travelers who are averse to high-risk activities or those on a family trip, Samcheok Ocean Railbike offers a recommended adventure. Riding the railbike is a fantastic way to spend quality time with family, as everyone gets to work together to create memorable experiences.

Once the hour-long journey on the railbike is complete, you'll arrive at the opposite station, Gungchon Station. From here, you can board the waiting shuttle bus that takes you back to the starting point, Yonghwa Station parking lot. The shuttle service is free, and two buses seemed to cross paths to ensure quick transportation, even if you missed one.