Wonju Launches Trial Run of 'Bangok-Geumdae Tourist Train' and Breaks Ground on Twirigul Tunnel... Key Project for Eastern Region Begins

City Holds Trial Run of Bangok-Geumdae Tourist Train and Groundbreaking Ceremony for Twirigul Tunnel
Tourist Train Runs from Bangok Station to Twirigul Tunnel Entrance in Geumdaeri

Wonju City in Gangwon Province conducted a trial run of the Bangok Geumdae Tourist Train at Bangok Station on the 19th and held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Twirigul Tunnel. Through these events, the city aims to check the progress of the Bangok-Geumdae Tourism Revitalization Project together with citizens and share the significance of the initiative.

Won Gangsoo, mayor of Wonju City, conducted a trial run of the Bangok Geumdae Tourist Train at Bangok Station on the 19th and held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Twirigul Tunnel. Provided by Wonju City

The Bangok-Geumdae Tourism Revitalization Project, with a total investment of 95.4 billion won, is a core initiative to transform the section of the decommissioned Jungang Line from Bangok Station to Chiak Station into a tourism resource, establishing it as a tourism hub for the eastern region of Wonju.

On this day, the tourist train carried passengers for the first time, running the entire 6.8-kilometer route from Bangok Station to the entrance of Twirigul Tunnel in Geumdaeri. The city plans to use this trial run, held in celebration of the tunnel’s groundbreaking, to verify the train’s safety and gather feedback from a wide range of participants, including local residents and university students.

Won Gangsoo, mayor of Wonju, and other attendees conducted a trial operation of the Ban-gok Geumdae tourist train at Ban-gok Station on the 19th and performed the groundbreaking ceremony at the Ttwarigul construction site. Provided by Wonju City

Meanwhile, the Korea Mine Rehabilitation and Mineral Resources Corporation and the Korea Tourism Organization decided to open their outdoor parking lots to visitors for this event. This is part of the financial business agreements signed with Wonju City in April and May, and is expected to serve as a model case for cooperation between local governments and relocated public institutions.

Mayor Won Gangsoo stated, "The Bangok-Geumdae Tourism Revitalization Project is a key project integrating tourism, culture, and leisure for the eastern region," adding, "Beyond simple tourism development, we will create a virtuous cycle that provides substantial benefits to the local economy by connecting the Salt Mountain Grand Valley in the western region and the historical and cultural resources of the old downtown."

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