First 'Seoul-to-Pyongyang' train departs at Seoul Station
  • 6 years ago
It's been over a month since the leaders of the two Koreas hugged it out during their first summit at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom, promising efforts for a more peaceful Korean Peninsula.
And with that positive mood trickling down to regular people,... a special event has been put on to allow South Koreans to buy train tickets from Seoul to Pyongyang.
Unfortunately -- for now at least -- the train had to stop short of its stated destination, but it did take passengers right up to the border.
Our Ko Roon-hee tells us more.
A temporary ticket office opened Sunday at Seoul Station selling tickets to a special destination -- Pyongyang.
It was an event sponsored by the national railway operator Korail and the Ministry of Unification.
Although the train only goes as far Dorasan station, the northernmost stop on South Korea's Gyeongui line, it marked the first time an ordinary passenger train has carried a group so far north.
Those making the trip expressed hope for the two Koreas to reunify.

"I'm very excited today. I hope the day will come when everyone can actually go to Pyongyang and buy their tickets at Seoul station."

Notable guests were there, including officials like Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon , who emphasized the city's role in bringing peace to the Korean Peninsula.

"Seoul station will play a big role in the future. It will be the starting point and the ending point of a trans-Eurasia railroad."

More than five-hundred people got on this train,... leaving behind those who unfortunately couldn't get a ticket.

"Usually, the trip north is on a small sightseeing train with room for fewer than 80 people.
But on Sunday, this full-size passenger train was rolled out to make room for hundreds."

The hour-and-a-half trip to Dorasan station offered some rarely seen views.

"I am so happy to be taking part in this event. I love the beautiful scenery outside. It's even more meaningful because I'm heading north."

After arriving at the station,… only two-kilometers away from the Military Demarcation Line, participants were taken on a short tour.
They also enjoyed musical performances dedicated to the reunification of the divided Koreas,... and to stability and peace on the Peninsula.
The event's organizers say they will work to run the trains on a regular basis... so more people can make the symbolic trip.
Ko Roon-hee, Arirang News.
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