A Sleepless Night's Journey: Finding the Sound of East Sea Waves on the ITX-Maum Train
A Sleepless Night's Journey: Finding the Sound of East Sea Waves on the ITX-Maum Train
The Journey Towards Serenity: Boarding the ITX-Maum
The Waves at Last: Dawn on the East Coast
In the early morning, the train arrived at a station on the East Coast. Amidst the cool dawn air, I could faintly hear the sound of waves. I hurried my steps towards Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung.
As the sun slowly rose over the still-dark sea, the rhythmic sound of the lapping waves enveloped me completely. The city noise vanished, and only the rhythm of nature remained. Gyeongpo's waves felt vibrant yet peaceful. The anxieties that kept me awake drifted away with the waves, and my heart filled with peace.
If you want to experience the sunrise and the tranquil sea even more deeply, I highly recommend Mangyangjeong or Wolsongjeong in Uljin.
Mangyangjeong offers a serene atmosphere with the vast East Sea as its backdrop. Wolsongjeong, in particular, is known as a beautiful sunrise spot, where pine forests blend with the sea. You can find your own peaceful moment at many spots along the East Coast accessible by the ITX-Maum.
A Short Yet Powerful Healing Time
After fully enjoying the dawn of the East Sea and focusing on the sound of the waves, I strolled along the beach for a while. Instead of bustling tourist spots, it was a short journey focused solely on my personal time and connection with nature. Back on the ITX-Maum train, a light heart and a peaceful smile spread across my face. My tired body and mind were recharged, and I felt renewed energy to face daily life again.
Sometimes, a journey without elaborate plans, focusing on just one sense, can bring a deeper resonance. When you're having sleepless nights or feeling worn out and in need of comfort, try taking the ITX-Maum train to find the sound of the East Sea waves. This small train might just bring the deepest peace to your heart.
Travel Tips: Your Practical Guide to an ITX-Maum East Coast Trip
Booking Tickets: You can easily book ITX-Maum train tickets on the Korail website or through the KorailTalk app. The ITX-Maum operates with an all-reserved seating system, so seats can sell out quickly, especially on weekends or holidays. We recommend booking at least 2-3 days in advance.
Language Support: If you're worried about language barriers during your trip to Korea, try using translation apps like Papago or Google Translate. The Tourism Information Center (1330 service), operated by the Korea Tourism Organization, offers 24-hour multilingual support, which can be very helpful in emergencies.
Payment Methods: Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. However, smaller stores or traditional markets might only accept cash, so it's a good idea to prepare some Korean Won at train stations, city banks, or ATMs beforehand.
Internet Connectivity: Besides the onboard Wi-Fi, you can rent a pocket Wi-Fi device at Korean airports or purchase a local SIM card to ensure convenient internet access throughout your trip.
ITX-Maum East Coast Trip FAQ
Q1: Does the ITX-Maum train have a dining car? A1: No, the ITX-Maum train does not have a separate dining car or a snack bar. It's best to prepare your own meals, snacks, or drinks before boarding.
Q2: Can I charge my phone or laptop on the train? A2: Yes, you can! All seats on the ITX-Maum train are equipped with power outlets and USB ports, allowing you to charge your personal electronic devices like phones and laptops.
Q3: Can I use the foreigners-only Korail Pass for ITX-Maum trains? A3: Yes, you can use the Korail Pass for ITX-Maum trains. However, even with a Korail Pass, you must make a seat reservation in advance.
Q4: How do I get to Gyeongpo Beach or Mangyangjeong from the train stations? A4:
From Gangneung Station to Gyeongpo Beach: You can take a city bus (like numbers 202, 206, 207) from in front of Gangneung Station, which takes about 25-30 minutes. A taxi ride takes about 15 minutes and costs around ₩10,000-₩15,000.
From Uljin Station (Bus Terminal) to Mangyangjeong/Wolsongjeong: You can take city buses (like numbers 104, 105) from Uljin Bus Terminal (approx. 20 min to Mangyangjeong, 30 min to Wolsongjeong). A taxi ride to Mangyangjeong takes about 15 minutes, and to Wolsongjeong about 20 minutes, costing around ₩10,000-₩15,000. Taxi stands and bus stops are well-located in front of each station.
