Jeonju Hanok Rail Bike on the Old Ajung Station Railway Line

Ajung Station: From Its Opening in 1981 to a Rail Bike in 2016

The railway on which the Jeonju Hanok Rail Bike runs was originally a real train line that carried passengers. Ajung Station opened in May 1981 when the relocated section of the Jeolla Line through downtown Jeonju began operation, and it was named after the nearby place name, Ajung-ri.

Although the station had a fair number of users in its early days, when housing development was in full swing, passenger numbers declined as road transportation developed and more people began using Jeonju Station. Ultimately, from December 1, 2008, all passenger trains passed through without stopping, and the station was officially closed in accordance with a 2011 notice from the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs.

After the station closed, it was converted into a restaurant for a while before shutting down. On the site of the former railway tracks, rail bike operations began on March 16, 2016, creating what is now the Jeonju Hanok Rail Bike.

A 3.4 km Round Trip from Sin-ri to Waemangsil, Running Beside a Real Railway

The rail bike operates along the 3.4 km round-trip section from Sin-ri to Waemangsil at 15–20 km/h, and the round trip takes about 30 minutes. The course passes through two tunnels, turns around at the midpoint, and returns along the same route.

The actual Jeolla Line tracks run immediately alongside the course, so riders can sometimes see trains passing through Jeonju Station while riding the rail bike. This is what distinguishes it from other rail bikes. It is also described as Korea’s first rail bike whose entire route passes through the heart of an urban area.

Visitor reviews repeatedly mention that the starting section is a gentle uphill slope, making the pedals feel heavy, while the return journey after turning at the midpoint gains speed and is relatively easier.

Prices: KRW 20,000 for Two Riders, KRW 25,000 for Three, and KRW 30,000 for Four

Fares are based on the number of riders: KRW 20,000 for a two-person bike, KRW 25,000 for a three-person bike, and KRW 30,000 for a four-person bike. There is also information stating that wearing hanbok qualifies riders for a 10% discount.

Many reviews say that purchasing tickets in advance through the website or an online booking channel can be about 10% cheaper than the on-site price. Reservations can be made both by phone and through the website.

For safety reasons, infants under 24 months may ride with a guardian and are not counted in the passenger total, but boarding may be restricted without proof of age. Children, pregnant women, and elderly visitors must ride with a guardian, and a safety distance of at least 20 m must be maintained between bikes in front and behind.

Operating Hours: 10:00–18:00, Ticket Issuance Ends 30 Minutes Before Closing

Tickets are sold from 10:00 to 18:00, and visitors must receive their tickets by 30 minutes before closing in order to ride. On weekends and public holidays, operating hours may be extended flexibly depending on conditions, and the facility operates year-round.

If you receive a mobile ticket online, it can only be used three hours after receipt. It is also helpful to know in advance that waiting times may occur depending on conditions at the site.

For facility inquiries, call 063-273-7788. The official website is jeonju-railbike.kr. However, some materials from several years ago list the operating hours as 09:30–17:30, so it is safest to reconfirm the day’s operating hours on the website or by phone before visiting.

420 Dongbu-daero: Parking and How to Get There

The address is 420 Dongbu-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk State, and a dedicated parking lot is available. Presenting a boarding ticket provides up to two hours of free parking; after that, the fee is KRW 3,000 for the first 30 minutes and KRW 1,000 for each additional 10 minutes.

A separate area for visitors with disabilities is provided in the parking lot, making the facility relatively accessible.

Older guidance materials once recommended taking city bus No. 100 from Jeonju Station, but Jeonju’s city bus routes are frequently reorganized, so it is safest to check the route again on the day of your visit. By car or taxi, it is about 10 minutes from Jeonju Station.

Ajung Dabang and Photo Zones: Ways to Spend Time Before and After the Ride

The ticket office building preserves the appearance of the former Ajung Station, and photo zones are arranged throughout the platform area, making it a good place to take pictures before or after the ride.

At Ajung Dabang, the café next to the ticket office, Ajung Latte and strawberry slush are considered signature menu items. It is natural to relax at the café after finishing the ride.

10 Minutes by Car from Jeonju Hanok Village: Nearby Attractions

The Jeonju Hanok Rail Bike is close to Jeonju Hanok Village, which attracts millions of visitors annually, making it easy to include in a Hanok Village travel itinerary.

By car, it is 5.4 km (about 12 minutes) to Jeonju Zoo, 2.2 km (about 6 minutes) to Jeonju Deokjin Park, 1.8 km (about 6 minutes) to Gogung Jeonju Main Branch, and 1.5 km (about 4 minutes) to the Jeollabuk-do Children’s Creative Experience Center.

Ajung Reservoir is nearby, and some visitors combine the rail bike ride with a walk there. The area around Ajung Station has long been a lively commercial district, so there are also many places to eat or get coffee.

Hot Metal Seats in Summer and Rainy-Weather Operations: Things to Know in Advance

Summer visitors repeatedly mention being surprised by how hot the metal seats became, even after applying plenty of sunscreen. Although some shade structures are available, it is better to prepare a light outer layer for daytime visits in midsummer.

The fact that operations continue on rainy days with covers placed over the bikes is useful information for travelers planning an itinerary in wet weather.

Reviews from actual visitors often describe the facility as small and charming. Rather than an exciting amusement ride, it is closer to a leisurely experience of enjoying the breeze while slowly following an old railway line. Visitors expecting speed or intense activities may find it underwhelming.