South Korea
Jeongseon
Abandoned mining railways pedalled by tourists through dark mountain tunnels and deep river gorges.
The rail bike picks up speed. The tunnel mouth swallows daylight. For the next seven kilometres, you pedal through abandoned coal mine shafts, over trestle bridges spanning gorges, and out the other side blinking into mountain sunlight.
Jeongseon's Auraji Rail Bike runs 7.2 kilometres along repurposed coal mine railway tracks that were abandoned when the mining industry collapsed in the 1990s. The route passes through multiple tunnels — some completely dark — and crosses gorges on narrow bridges with open sides. The area's topography is so rugged that rail was the only viable transport until road tunnels were blasted through in the 2000s. Beyond the rail bike, Jeongseon's Five-Day Market has operated on dates ending in 2 and 7 since the Joseon era, selling mountain vegetables, medicinal herbs, and regional specialties. Byeongbangchi Skywalk extends glass panels over a 580-metre cliff edge, adding vertigo to an area already defined by dramatic elevation changes.
Family
The rail bike is the headline — children love pedalling through dark tunnels, and the route is safe enough for young riders with supervision.
Friends
Racing rail bikes through mine tunnels, crossing gorges, and eating at the traditional market make this one of Korea's most fun group day trips.
Couple
The scenic gorge crossings and Skywalk create shared adrenaline moments, while the market offers a gentler pace for the afternoon.
- The Auraji Rail Bike runs 7.2km through abandoned coal mine tunnels and gorges
- Jeongseon Five-Day Market has operated on 2s and 7s since the Joseon era
- Byeongbangchi Skywalk extends glass panels over a 580m cliff edge
- The area's topography is so rugged that rail was the only viable transport until the 2000s
Kotdeung-chigi noodles that slap your nose as you slurp them, swimming in cold broth.
Thistle rice steamed in iron pots with sesame oil.
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