Korea's most photogenic train stations for travel photography 2026

For travelers seeking the most photogenic train stations in Korea, the standout locations are undoubtedly Hwabon Station for its nostalgic 1930s charm, Jeongdongjin Station for being the closest station to the ocean in the world, and Kyeonghwa Station in Jinhae for its legendary cherry blossom tunnel. While Seoul Station offers architectural grandeur, the true photographic gems are often found in the countryside where retro aesthetics meet natural beauty.

The short answer: The top three must-visit stations for photographers are Jeongdongjin (Sunrise/Ocean), Hwabon (Retro/K-Drama), and Kyeonghwa (Spring Blossoms), with best visiting times varying by season.

Korea’s railway history dates back over a century, leaving a legacy of stations that range from red-brick colonial structures to ultra-modern glass hubs and quaint countryside stops that feel frozen in time. For photographers and Instagram enthusiasts, these stations aren't just transit points—they are destinations in themselves.

Whether you are a K-drama fan looking to recreate a scene or a landscape photographer chasing the perfect sunrise, this guide covers the logistical details, lighting tips, and historical context for Korea’s most visually stunning railway stops.

1. Jeongdongjin Station: Where the Tracks Meet the Sea

Jeongdongjin Station is perhaps the most famous scenic station in Korea, renowned for holding the Guinness World Record as the railway station closest to the ocean. Located in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, the tracks are literally steps away from the sandy beach, offering a surreal composition where the steel rails frame the endless blue horizon of the East Sea.

Why It Is Photogenic

The primary allure here is the sunrise. The station was immortalized in the 1995 mega-hit drama Sandglass, making it a pilgrimage site for Koreans. The station building itself is small and retro, but the platform offers an unobstructed view of the ocean. Photography here is best done at dawn. The sun rising straight out of the water, aligning with the tracks and the iconic pine tree (the "Sandglass Pine"), creates a silhouette that defines Korean travel photography.

Getting There and Costs

Reaching Jeongdongjin has become significantly easier with the introduction of the KTX-Eum.

• Transport: Take the KTX-Eum from Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul directly to Jeongdongjin Station.
• Time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• Cost: Around ₩28,300 for an economy seat.
• Alternative: The Mugunghwa train takes about 5 to 6 hours but offers a slower, more romantic coastline view for approximately ₩21,100.

Photography Tips

Use a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) to capture the expanse of the ocean against the tracks. If you are shooting the sunrise, a tripod is mandatory. Be aware that the wind on the east coast can be fierce, especially in winter, so bring stabilizing weights for your tripod.

2. Hwabon Station: A Journey Back to the 1930s

Located in Gunwi-gun, Daegu, Hwabon Station is often voted the most beautiful simple station (ganyi-yeok) in Korea. It is a fully operational station, though trains stop infrequently. The station building, renovated in 2011 to restore its 1930s appearance, features a charming green roof and wood-paneled exterior that screams nostalgia.

The "Little Forest" Vibe

Hwabon Station gained massive popularity after being featured in variety shows and resembling the aesthetic of the movie Little Forest. It embodies the "Sgol" (countryside) aesthetic that is trending among Korean Gen Z. The station features a distinct water tower nearby, which was used to supply water to steam locomotives in the past. The interior of the water tower has been converted into a small art installation space.

Practical Information

• Location: Sanseong-myeon, Gunwi-gun, Daegu.
• Access: It is difficult to reach directly from Seoul. The best route is to take a KTX to Dongdaegu Station (approx. ₩43,500, 1 hr 50 min) and then transfer to a Mugunghwa train to Hwabon (approx. ₩2,600, 45 min).
• Admission: To walk onto the platform for photos, you must purchase a platform ticket for ₩1,000. This ticket itself is a souvenir, printed on hard cardstock reminiscent of 20th-century tickets.

The area surrounding the station includes "Mom & Dad Were Young," a retro museum converted from an old middle school, filled with artifacts from the 1970s and 80s. This makes Hwabon a perfect day trip for those interested in Korea's modern history. For more day trip ideas, check out our guide to best day trips from Seoul which includes similar hidden gems.

3. Kyeonghwa Station: The Cherry Blossom Tunnel

If you have seen a photo of a train pushing through a tunnel of falling cherry blossom petals in Korea, it was taken at Kyeonghwa Station in Jinhae. Technically, this is a defunct station; regular passenger service ceased in 2006. However, during the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (Korea's largest cherry blossom festival), the tracks become a global hotspot.

The 800-Meter Flower Tunnel

The track is lined with cherry trees on both sides for about 800 meters. When the wind blows, it creates a "popcorn rain" effect. A stationary Mugunghwa train is permanently parked here for photo ops, allowing visitors to pose on the tracks without the danger of moving trains (though occasionally, a festival train may pass through slowly).

Timing is Everything

• Best Time: March 28 to April 5 (dates shift slightly yearly due to climate change).
• Crowd Control: This location receives over 2 million visitors during the festival. To get a clean shot, you must arrive at sunrise (around 6:00 AM). By 9:00 AM, the tracks are swarming with people.

Costs and Travel

Jinhae does not have a KTX station. You must take the KTX to Masan Station or Changwon Jungang Station (approx. ₩52,100 from Seoul) and then take a taxi (approx. ₩15,000) or local bus to Jinhae.

4. Culture Station Seoul 284: The Renaissance Revival

While the modern Seoul Station is a glass fortress, the Old Seoul Station, now known as Culture Station Seoul 284, is a masterpiece of eclectic Renaissance style. Completed in 1925 during the Japanese occupation, it served as the gateway to the capital for nearly 80 years before the new terminal opened in 2004.

Architectural Grandeur

The red brick exterior, the Byzantine-style central dome, and the stone craftsmanship make it unique in a city dominated by concrete. Inside, the central hall features 12 stone columns and a stained-glass ceiling that captures natural light beautifully. It now serves as a multi-cultural arts space, hosting exhibitions that often utilize the old VIP waiting rooms and the barbershop.

Photography Advice

• Exterior: The best shot is from the Seoullo 7017 overpass. This elevated walking path allows you to shoot down at the station, capturing the contrast between the 1925 brick building and the modern skyscrapers behind it.
• Interior: Entry is usually free (depending on the exhibition). The interplay of light in the central dome is spectacular in the afternoon.

For those spending time in the capital, planning a route around Seoul Station is easy. Consult our 24-hour Seoul itinerary to see how to fit this into your schedule.

5. Former Gokseong Station: The Seomjin River Train Village

Located in Jeollanam-do, the former Gokseong Station is the centerpiece of the Seomjin River Train Village. This station is a perfectly preserved example of 1930s Japanese-style architecture. Unlike Hwabon, which is small, Gokseong feels like a movie set for a period drama.

The Steam Train Experience

The highlight here is not just the station building, but the operational steam train that runs from here to Gajeong Station. It is one of the few places in Korea where you can photograph a moving steam locomotive (albeit a diesel replica that puffs steam) against a backdrop of mountains and rivers.

Seasonal Highlights

Gokseong is famous for its Rose Festival in May. Millions of roses bloom in the vast garden in front of the station, creating a European atmosphere. The contrast of red roses against the black steam train is a favorite subject for Korean photographers.

6. Yeonhwa Station: The Lotus Stop

Located in Chilgok, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Yeonhwa Station gets its name from "Lotus" (Yeonhwa). While trains no longer stop here for passengers, the station is surrounded by a massive lotus pond.

Why Visit?

In July and August, the pond explodes with blooming lotuses. The station itself is small and unmanned, giving it a desolate, peaceful vibe. Photographers flock here to capture the "Lonely Station" aesthetic. The juxtaposition of the lush green lotus leaves, pink flowers, and the fading station sign is poetic.

• Access: It is best reached by car or taxi from Daegu. It is roughly a 30-minute drive from downtown Daegu.
• Data Point: The lotus pond covers approximately 16,000 square meters.

7. Dorasan Station: The Northernmost Stop

Dorasan Station is visually sterile and modern, but its photogenic quality comes from its profound symbolism. It is the last station in South Korea on the Gyeongui Line, located within the Civilian Control Line (CCL). Signs in the station read "To Pyongyang."

The Atmosphere

The station is hauntingly empty. The architecture is grand, built to handle thousands of future commuters between North and South who never arrived. The vast, empty halls and the silent immigration counters make for powerful, storytelling photography.

8. Naju Station (Old): The Heritage Site

While the new Naju Station services the KTX, the Old Naju Station remains as a historical site. It is significant for the Gwangju Student Independence Movement. The exterior has unique green window frames and a wooden facade that differs from the standard Japanese colonial style seen elsewhere.

• Location: Naju-si, Jeollanam-do.
• Nearby: Naju is famous for its pear orchards. In April, the white pear blossoms surrounding the outskirts of the city offer another photographic opportunity.

Comparative Analysis of Train Travel Options

For photographers planning to visit multiple stations, understanding the cost efficiency of rail passes is crucial. Train travel in Korea is generally affordable, but costs can add up if you are taking the KTX frequently.

If your itinerary involves hopping from Seoul to Hwabon, then to Busan, and back, the Korail Pass is superior. If you are only going to Jeongdongjin and back, single tickets are cheaper.

Photography Gear and Etiquette

Recommended Gear

1. Lenses:
   • 24-70mm f/2.8: The workhorse. Perfect for station interiors and architectural shots.
   • 70-200mm f/2.8: Essential for Hwabon and Kyeonghwa stations to compress the background and make the tracks look longer.
   • Fast Prime (35mm or 50mm f/1.4): For low-light shots inside old station waiting rooms.
2. Filters: A Circular Polarizer (CPL) is essential to cut glare from station windows and deepen the blue of the sky at Jeongdongjin.

Etiquette (CRITICAL)

• Safety First: Never step onto active tracks. At stations like Hwabon, you are allowed to cross at designated points, but walking along the rails is illegal and dangerous. The fine for trespassing on tracks can exceed ₩250,000.
• Drone Laws: Most train stations are considered critical infrastructure. Flying drones directly over stations or tracks is generally prohibited without military clearance. Always check the "Ready to Fly" app before launching.
• Portrait Rights: Korea has strict privacy laws. If you are photographing the station and commuters are clearly visible, you must blur their faces before posting on social media, or risk legal issues.

Suggested Itinerary: The Retro Rail Journey

For travelers who want to experience the best of Korea's photogenic rails, here is a recommended route that balances luxury comfort with budget exploration.

Hidden Gems Near the Stations

When visiting these stations, you are often in areas famous for specific regional foods. Photography is hungry work.

• Near Seoul Station: Walk to Namdaemun Market for Kalguksu (Knife-cut noodles) Alley. A steaming bowl costs about ₩8,000.
• Near Jeongdongjin: Sundubu (Soft Tofu). The nearby village of Chodang in Gangneung is world-famous for tofu made with seawater.
• Near Busan Station: Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork Rice Soup). It is the soul food of Busan, costing around ₩9,000. Check our Busan seafood guide for more upscale options.

Practical Step-by-Step: Booking Your Train Photo Trip

Booking tickets in Korea can be competitive, especially for scenic routes on weekends.

Statistical Look at Korean Rail Travel

Rail travel is surging in popularity among tourists. Here is why the infrastructure supports your photography hobby so well.

Pros and Cons of Train Photography Trips

Is basing your trip around train stations worth it?

Conclusion

Korea's train stations offer a unique lens through which to view the country. They are intersections of history, nature, and modern life. From the salty air of Jeongdongjin to the blossom-filled tracks of Kyeonghwa, these locations promise photographs that stand out from the typical cityscapes of Seoul.

Remember that these are functioning public spaces. The best photo is one taken with respect for the local environment and the people who use these trains for their daily commute. Pack your camera, download the Korail app, and get ready to capture the romance of the Korean railway.