'Jungang Line KTX Opening' Cheongnyangni to Andong Station in 2 Hours... Andong City Launches 'Tourism Boom-Up'

Diverse Events and Experience Programs by Tourist Spot... 'Trolleybus' Operates on Hahoe Village Route

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Dong-wook] On the morning of the 5th, with the introduction of the new KTX (EMU260) on the double-track electrified line between Cheongnyangni and Andong, the era of daily tourism connecting the metropolitan area and northern Gyeongbuk has fully opened.

To commemorate the arrival of the first train at 8:03 AM and its departure at 8:30 AM, a small-scale opening ceremony was held at Andong Station, attended by local officials including Andong Mayor Kwon Young-se. Upon the train's arrival, an air shot salute and a Talnori troupe's welcoming performance took place, followed by the presentation of heartfelt handwritten letters and souvenirs to passengers walking along the red carpet flower path.

Popular YouTubers, bloggers, and Instagrammers boarded the first KTX train and toured various parts of Andong, conducting live broadcasts in real time as part of the 'Ride the LAN Cable (GO) to Andong (GO)' program.

With the KTX opening, Andong City is launching the Andong Tourism Boom Up project in earnest. While reorganizing the public transportation system for tourist sites, various events such as the 'Special and Unique Andong Experience Program' and the Andong Grand Bargain Sale will be held.

Centered around Manhyujeong, which has gained popularity among young people after drama filming, as well as Mukgye Seowon and Yonggye Ginkgo Tree, a 'Mr. Sunshine' course has been created. Near Wolyeonggyo Bridge and Nakgang Waterway Park, known as the Secret Forest, a 'Begin Again Course' has also been established.

Mayor Kwon Young-se is seen welcoming the first train passengers at Andong Station on the morning of the 5th, coinciding with the opening of the Jungang Line KTX.

Additionally, various programs are being developed and promoted, including the 'Gi-Seung-Jeon-Sul Course' themed around Andong local liquor, the 'Jongbu School' themed around Andong Jongga (head family), and the 'World Heritage Tour' which can be traveled using public transportation.

Most importantly, to conveniently visit scattered tourist sites, an additional city bus will be operated on weekends and holidays to Hahoe Village and Manhyujeong. In line with the KTX opening, a trolleybus will also begin operating on the Hahoe Village route.

In the future, a more convenient public transportation route system will be established for tourists' convenience. A 'Complete Reorganization of City Bus Route System' project is planned for June next year to strengthen connectivity between tourist sites.

From the KTX opening day on the 5th through the 11th, a week-long Andong Grand Bargain Sale offering discounts ranging from 5% to 20% depending on the industry will be held. Participants include NongHyup, Cyber Andong Market, lodging businesses, and canned mackerel companies.

Mayor Kwon Young-se of Andong expressed great expectations, saying, "With the opening of the Seoul-Andong KTX, Andong and northern Gyeongbuk will be included within a half-day living zone from the metropolitan area, which will serve as a synergy opportunity for mutual growth."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.