A Journey through the Abandoned Stations and Railway Heritage from Bankok Station to Sinrim Station

The Jungang Line railway in Wonju has connected the urban center with the valleys of Chiaksan Mountain and the villages around Seomgang River. Bankok Station showcases the contrast between modern historical architecture and the innovation city, while Ganhyeon Station explains the transition of the abandoned line into rail bikes and tourist attractions. Chiak Station and Sinrim Station evoke memories of trains moving through mountainous areas and the daily lives of small villages. The new Wonju Station serves as a reference point that shows how the center of railway transportation has changed after the rerouting of the line.

The five locations vary in their building conditions and accessibility. Some abandoned stations may not allow internal viewing, or you may only observe the surroundings, so be sure to avoid private properties and railway tracks. They are scattered across Jijeong-myeon, Bankok-dong, Panbu, and Sinrim, making travel time long even by car. It’s advisable to group visits to either Bankok Station and Wonju Station or Ganhyeon Station and Jijeong-myeon, while the southern abandoned stations can be scheduled separately.

Exploring abandoned stations isn’t just about finding the romance of defunct buildings. Observing the direction of the platforms, the village roads in front of the stations, and the places where the tracks have disappeared allows us to read how railways have shaped the flow of people and goods. When compared to the new Wonju Station, we can also see how the double-tracking and high-speed improvements of the Jungang Line have enhanced accessibility while altering the functions of the old station areas.

The areas around abandoned lines and tracks frequently lack safety facilities, and it's essential to check if the buildings are open for viewing beforehand. The rail park facilities were included in a previous list, so this time we will focus on the stations themselves and the railway scenery. When taking photos, avoid capturing streets and tracks, and do not disturb residents' daily lives. By noting the opening and closing dates of each station and the directions of the lines, the five locations will remain as a continuous scene in the history of transportation in Wonju.