The gentle smell of books blows across the train.

The Book Train hits the tracks along the Gyeongui Line, covering about 124 kilometers from Munsan Station in Paju to Yongmun Station in Yangpyeong, both in Gyeonggi-do Province but on opposite sides of Seoul.

One carriage on the train has books stacked on four shelves. There are more than 500 books covering everything from the humanities and novels through to poetry and fairy tales.

Next to the shelves are four electronic devices holding a variety of e-books with material from all across the world of literature.



Passengers hopping onto the book train soon find themselves in a small library, saying, “It’s amazing,” and, “This is awesome.”

One passenger said, “These books might make my journey less boring. Instead of fidgeting with my smartphone all the way to my destination, I'll be able to read, if not for too long, which is a really good move.”

This small library on the tracks will also host a series of informative events on a regular basis every month, including talks with writers and "book concerts." There is no extra charge. You only have to pay your subway fare to your destination.



The first book train bound for Yongmun Station leaves Munsan Station at 6:34 a.m. and 12:31 p.m. on weekdays, and at 6:26 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and, lastly, 6:17 p.m. on weekends.

The Book Train departs Yongmun Station for Munsan Station at 9:41 a.m., 3:38 p.m. and then 8:24 p.m. on weekdays, and at 9:31 a.m. and 3:31 p.m. on weekends. Keep in mind that the last book train bound for Munsan Station leaves Deokso Station at 8:21 p.m., not Yongmun Station.



Article & photos by Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writer
jiae5853@korea.kr