South Korea's Cheapest Train - The MUGUNGHWA-HO

[@novemin__]

As a Korean from Daegu, I was impressed by the quality of your review about Korean train system and geography! However 12:35 it should be Miryang River (Mitsuyo-ko is a Japanese name) Thanks for a nice video :))

[@jjqq9456]

You have Japanese names of your rivers?? Never knew tht😮

[@seize4085]

​@@jjqq9456 Not really. I don't know where this guy got the name from.

[@DavidJim365]

@@seize4085 It maybe caused by Google search's false suggestion. I just searched Miryang River on the google, then Google show river's name as 'mitsuyo-ko river', While search results are calling river name as "miryang river'.

[@윤영노-d8n]

유럽인들이 密陽을 읽는 방법이 한국과 일본이 다르다는 것을 이해하기 힘들 것. George를 영국에선 조지, 독일에선 게오르게로 읽는 것과 같은 현상.

[@joon0813]

​@@DavidJim365 Well, there's a pronunciation difference when you're reading *classical Chinese*(not modern simplified chinese) depending on countries.. example: 漢字 Korean:Hanja Japanese: Kanji

[@howardcobb4656]

I visited Korea 40 years ago and respect was so evident throughout the country. Nice to see it is still part of their society.

[@PrograError]

well it's due to the Confucius teachings. it might be a lot more diluted these days, but the Senior-Junior relationship is still evident in many aspects of Korean lives

[@andrewseo1891]

The “Standing” coach used to be the cafe car. After Korail decided to stop selling food and drinks aboard its trains, they removed the kitchen (the space in front of the vending machine) but left the original cafe seats.

[@Neville60001]

Andrew, why did Korail stop selling food aboard it's trains?

[@novemin__]

@@Neville60001 They were not profitable so Korail decided to add more seats, adopting vending machines instead of café cars

[@360Nomad]

I found a video from ten years ago when they were still cafe cars kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3qmhJZ3e5iMisU

[@oneperson1151]

However, vending machines located in the Mugunghwa train's standing car(former Snack bar) will be removed soon. Only KTX, KTX-Sancheon, KTX-Eum, and ITX-saemaeul train still operate the vending machines.

[@360Nomad]

@@oneperson1151 Why does your railroad hate its customers so much lol

[@immortan-valkyrie90]

As someone who lived in Ulsan, it was the best and cheapest train to take to Busan in 40 mins give or take. The station was close to downtown so it made it easy to grab a bus and head over once you bought tickets.

[@coyotelong4349]

As a former Ulsanite myself you’re exactly right! Dropped you right at Bujeon Station in the heart of Busan Now I believe the Busan Metro actually runs to Ulsan too, serving Taehwagang Station in the old downtown

[@riwoof]

It's so refreshing to hear of a culture that shows respect for something as basic as seating assignments. Very admirable! 🚅

[@rezaalan3991]

Great trip, and finally you try Mugunghwa train. First time I saw this train, its hauled by Diesel Engine Locomotive, and this time hauled by Electric Locomotive. Standing area looks like former of cafe car, since there's vending machine on that. Talking about washbasin separated by toilet, looks like it's inspired from Japan, and talking about Japan, you should visit that country, because it's railfans heaven. I hope in the future if you visiting South Korea again, please try this train again but full trip.

[@HoRyoWoo]

Big greeting and thank you from Korea! 🇰🇷

[@JakeCKim-sh6dz]

You got lucky with the type of your coach, Coach 6, which is also known unofficially as _Limit Coach_ named after its designer firm. The other carriages of your train which didn't feature powered doors were of an even older design and are generally in a sorry condition. Mugunghwa carriage types come completely at random from the passengers' point of view, hence it's a nice coincidence you got a seat in that _Limit Coach_ . Please come back in a few years for a review of EMU-150 that will have replaced these Mugunghwa stocks.

[@luckywalk777]

It's been a while since I took a train in Korea, so I didn't know there was a beverage vending machine.I enjoyed the video

[@BakoSooner]

I miss Korea. I was just there in October '23, but I'm already missing my visit. There is so much civility there compared to here in US. Everything / everywhere is clean. Transportation system is abundant, timely and cheap. I need to seriously think about moving back there.

[@samtrak1204]

Glad you experienced a smooth and quiet ride.

[@jess_rose_26]

Very peaceful vlog with full informations. Loved it!

[@railroad300k2x]

12:33 It is not Mitsuyo-ko River. It is the Nakdong-(Gang)River. Thank you for traveling on Korean railroad.

[@michelleherdian]

I think he is referring to Miryang-gang River, the smaller tributary before it joins the bigger Nakdong-gang. I researched that Miryang-gang was called Mitsuyo-ko back during Japanese occupation, so probably some older maps and signs still calls it that.

[@airwick4u]

Seeing that northbound train pass by in the tunnel was pretty cool

[@scottyerkes1867]

Very interesting ride. Comfy seats. Vending machine for snacks. Low fares for a slower ride. Thanks Thibault.😀💚

[@yankeedrifterm3]

8:40 the Amtrak Sprinter cars are basically Eurosprinters with unique body modifications to meet American crash standards. Comes wirh a Janney coupling, of course.

[@adgwck2929]

Mugunhwaho is currently suffering from chronic deficit due to the price control by government. Price has been regulated for years but korean government is not properly subsidizing operation cost. Since mugunghwa ho provides transportation service in country area, local government has responsibility to subsidize like TER serivce in France.

[@adgwck2929]

meanwhile, Korail has been trying to save its operation cost by using electric locomotives and closing train station in rural area. Introducing new EMU in mugunghwa ho service is also one of its ways to cut operating cost.

[@PrograError]

@@adgwck2929 So the loco hauled are an endangered being?

[@adgwck2929]

@@PrograError loco hauled passenger service its yes. but u can see them for another couple of years. mugunghwaho will be replaced either long distance EMU or metro like EMU. Korail has not placed orders for purchase of passenger carriage.

[@TV-jz8vu]

There are 2 big types of coaches- what we largely call 나뭇결 (Namutgyeol) and 리미트 (Limit or Limiteu). Well while there are more types of coaches (like haetae coaches). But, the travel quality kind of differs by what coach you travel on. At least that was the case to me.

[@BrakeCoach]

5:57 good for you finding the coach with split curtains, they are sometimes span two seats, so its a bit uncomfortable sharing a curtain

[@sandrafaucha8387]

I love your train channel so much 😘💯👏

[@TheArmouredArmadillo]

Great video as always!

[@stanislavkostarnov2157]

with the wash basin there is an element of tradition... basically the wash basin being already in the "clean" space rather than inside the lavatory... but also a practical element, reducing queuing times when the train gets properly busy...

[@josephr9551]

Nice video, Thibault. Thank you.

[@BHG5408]

One little correction: Dongdaegu Station is no longer Daegu's newest station. Seodaegu (which means West Daegu; Dongdaegu means East Daegu) Station opened in 2022, so it took that title. However, Seodaegu Station is a much smaller station that only serves select high speed KTX and SRT trains, while Dongdaegu Station serves every single train that passes by it, as is mentioned in the video. Another correction: the video mentions that the Gyeongbu Line only gets ITX-Saemaeul and Mugunghwa service. That's partly true - the vast majority of trains that run on the Gyeongbu line are indeed those two. However, select KTX trains run on parts of the Gyeongbu Line in order to give high speed rail access to cities and regions outside of those served by the high speed line. 4 daily round trip trains (6 on weekends) take the Gyeongbu Line from Seoul to Daejeon, stopping at Suwon, one of the biggest satellite cities of Seoul. 6 round trip trains (8 on weekends) traverse the exact segment shown in the video from Dongdaegu to Busan, stopping at Miryang and Gupo. These two stops were regular stops on KTX trains when the service began in 2004, but became neglected in 2010 following the opening of the second segment of the Gyeongbu High Speed Line. As for the basin in the corridor, I got nothing lol. I just took it for granted.

[@다금바리]

무궁화호 이용할때 콘센트가 필요하면 무궁화호 예매시에 1~4번좌석과 71~74번좌석을 예매하시면 콘센트가 있습니다 ( 신형객차에만 콘센트가 달려있으므로 100%정확하진 않음) If you want to use the power outlet when you use Mugunghwa, you can reserve 1-4 seats and 71-74 seats (not 100% correct because there are only new passenger cars) 아니면 무궁화호 4호차로 가시면 입석전용 객차가 있는데, 그곳에도 콘센트가 있습니다. (경부,전라,호남선에 일부열차만 입석객차가 존재하며, 다른노선에서는 입석객차가 존재하지 않습니다.) Or if you go to the standing train in car 4, there is an outlet. (Exists on some trains on the Gyeongbu, Jeolla and Honam lines; there are no standing-only trains on other railway lines.)

[@amtrakdude432]

thank you for riding a train in a country i live in

[@seth_deegan]

Great review and trains!

[@bobmmann3917]

Everything looks so clean and civilized. Looks like a nice country, I want to visit someday.

[@JitzyJT]

Japan, Singapore and South Korea are the cleanest and well disciplined Asian countries

[@lzh4950]

@@JitzyJT Singapore's train stations are clean until you visit the toilets in the older stations (which are now thankfully beginning renovations). Quite embarrassing for us that 1 of my foreign colleagues joked that once he saw the toilets, he no longer wanted to urgently urinate

[@josephtan1818]

Wash basin in a corridor is a common sleeper service in Thailand, our commuter train don't have toilet but only for long distance like dmu, intercity and ETS. Cheapest are being komuter and dmu here

[@lzh4950]

Japan's trains have a similar design but their toilet cubicles have smaller basins too, but without soap for some reason. Maybe its cultural as Japanese homes often put the basin outside the toilet too

[@adgwck2929]

New Emu (emu-150) will replace locomotive+old passengercar in mugunghwa-ho service gradually from this year. New emu has power outlet and table

[@Neville60001]

Will it have food served onboard it?

[@hazelnut3794]

@@Neville60001 🍗

[@antoniovitellaro]

​@@Neville60001 wouldnt that defy the whole point of a "cheaper" regional train? Restaurants on trains are generally really overpriced

[@Nummttue]

@@Neville60001no

[@adgwck2929]

there used to be snack kart service in mugunghwa service but not anymore. snack kart has been replaced with snack machine

[@cerchiarolucas]

2:48 thats a nice beat rhythm... someone should use that sound as a sample to a song hahah

[@cipdamboianu5139]

Fun fact: trains in Korea drive on left, like in Japan. So do the older subway lines in Seoul. But the new ones are on right. You’ll get lost so easy downtown because of this!

[@PrograError]

well it was a Japanese colonial/ occupation legacy. most of the original railways, even up in DPRK, was built by the Japanese.

[@JitzyJT]

@@PrograError so the Japs did something nice

[@lzh4950]

@@PrograError Taiwan/ROC's trains also run on the left although its road vehicles drive on the right, probably for the same reason, except for its subways that're built after colonization. Meanwhile all of the MTR in HK runs on the left except the Ma On Shan Line, so that downtown-bound passengers there can enjoy cross-platform interchange with the E Rail Line @ Tai Wai stations for a faster journey

[@PrograError]

@@lzh4950 😅 well the Japanese had to learn from someone, right? So either the Brits or the Dutch taught em

[@lzh4950]

@@PrograError Its the Brits I heard

[@boris8787]

I also like the train station in the town of Chillingbourne. 🧡🧡🧡

[@imdadshah7481]

Beautiful train beautiful vlog 💯👍🌹

[@Cpr1234]

2:37 Sounds like an e300!

[@PrograError]

Ain't 1G Eurostars technically just TGVs. Also don't most EMU at HSR speed just sounds similar?

[@simonsv9449]

Yes, a new video!

[@ici_marmotte]

It's very interesting to see the Korean railway culture as a European. P.S. It would be awesome to see you on a trip with the North Korean railways one day, if you ever get the chance to travel there?! :D I'm not sure if foreigners would be allowed to take an ordinary train over there without permission and, probably, a dedicated personal guide.

[@lzh4950]

The closest I know is a train station on the S Korean side of the DMZ that's now a tourist attraction, built ~2 decades ago when the 2 Koreas had better relations with hope of starting an inter-Koreas train service that didn't happen

[@coyotelong4349]

I don’t think foreigners have the option of riding North Korea’s trains, even with a guide

[@Eisenbahnundoepnv-in-Ausland.]

great video

[@엠돌-w2p]

4:15 Mugunghwa-Ho number 1351~1362 runs between Daejeon and Busan. So, it comes from Daejeon, not Seoul.

[@-rtn0001]

2:57 I have something to tell you. ITX Saemaul is a train belonging to KORAIL that runs on conventional lines, but it is not a high-speed train. It is classified as a regular train and is only an express train grade.

[@adiabd1]

Oh right! I once went from Gapyeong to Yongsan buying the ticket for the "Express" train, thinking it's like the other "Express" Seoul Metro, which turns out actually use ITX trains, and it went fast, 120 - 160 km/h, unlike 100 in regular metro train. I'm impressed

[@Visalcon]

13:28 so they must have some loops at the end of the line to change direction? Or these trains travel in loops?

[@noob.168]

Japanese and Taiwanese trains are often like this too. Why would you need someone that only needs a sink to hog the toilet as well? Some people wanna use the mirror or just wash their hands after snacking.

[@anti.com_john]

2:36 Interesting, the KTX uses TVM signalling.

[@subway8448]

could also be ETCS, and seeing the balises later in the video i'm pretty sure it is

[@PrograError]

KTX was a France based system so it ain't a surprise. (it uses TGV anyway...) I think they might have been upgrading the system to the ETCS (might even be their homegrown versions, along side their version of faster TGVs/ AGVs)

[@orang1117]

When they imported TGV and high-speed rail technology from France, they even purchased signal systems and maintenance know-how. In the process, TVM430 was introduced together and applied to major high-speed lines in Korea. Currently, TVM-related equipment is licensed in Korea from Faiveley Transport and Hitachi Rail (formerly Ansaldo STS).

[@orang1117]

​​@@subway8448Nice caught. Also yes, they adopted ETCS Lv.1 from European under the name ATP. ETCS was introduced Korail to modernize and supplement the existing outdated Japanese ATS signaling system, and it is currently in use by most Korail's local lines.

[@AnonymousUSN]

The Mugunghwa shown in this video is scheduled to be gradually decommissioned by 2027. Currently, the replacement train for this class is listed as 'ITX-MAUM', but this train is not the Mugunghwa class but is the same level or higher than the ITX-Saemaeul. Therefore, if the Mugunghwa trains currently in operation are scrapped, ticket prices will naturally rise. by Google translator

[@lagcom]

I like the video but the amount of wrong information startles me. No, the ITX is not a higher-speed train, it actually operates at the same speed as the Mugunghwa but stops at fewer stops. No, the Mugunghwa does not stop at every station, there are many stations that only some Mugunghwas stop at. No, the ITX and Mugunghwa aren’t the only trains to run on the Gyeongbu Line, the KTX trains via Miryang all go through that section when you mention it. And the river name you used at 12:35 is definitely not Korean.

[@R_E_T_R_O_V_I_D_E_O]

드디어 한국 기차!!

[@ftmstem9705]

Jang Hang Line is Hong sung station ~ Gwang cheon sation between one-line.

[@otamoot6443]

The tickets price have same with Argo Parahyangan economic premium class train in Indonesia😁

[@fendysuryanto]

Nope, its almost double and this train is looks like executive class train in Indonesia. Based on $/km, Indonesian train is quiet pricey even compare it with Korail's Mugunghwa-ho.

[@Abnerbandanovotempoinscrito1mi]

Boa tarde simplys lindo trem

[@DLHDP]

You didn’t happen to see any trains on fire at East Daegu station, did you?

[@zhung76cn1]

Nice

[@samtrak1204]

So you can't wash your hands before opening the door to leave toilet? I would be leery about using that door knob or handle.

[@PrograError]

tho your hands would be a lot cleaner if the rest remember to wash the hands...

[@Zomerset]

The basin outside makes sense, from a hygiene’s point of view. Not everyone washes their hands and it makes me feel dirty again after touching the door handle to get out.

[@nibuanad]

If your hands get dirty from that door knob/handle when exiting the toilet, you can clean them again using the wash basin outside, which you can't do when the basin is inside the toilet ;) So in a sense it's more hygienic now! Another reason I could imagine for this basin placement is that it frees up the toilet more quickly: another person can go to the toilet while you're still washing your hand.

[@samtrak1204]

@@Zomerset I place paper towel over handle when I exit toilet.

[@jaeseol]

Mitsuyo-ko? It's a little mistake😅. Probably you have used a Japanese version Google map. But your video is nice as usual.

[@cirno_de_ice_fairy_racing]

10:24 PP車廂要改造可以考慮看看(?

[@Visalcon]

8:51 well... in Poland we call it Breznievs Fist ;) (but maybe it's not the same...) pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprz%C4%99g_SA-3

[@knsc135]

wtf is the mitsuyo-ko river ??? 12:33

[@Tgv-sud_ouest]

Hello can you make a video the business class of the tgv Océane or Océane like please

[@Charlizzie]

Yes, the Train to Busan!

[@TravelwithTasha393]

This reminds me of a commuter train and it’s better than the ones we have here in the USA

[@Neville60001]

I _highly_ disagree with that.

[@TravelwithTasha393]

@@Neville60001 disagree with what!?! That the trains in South Korea are better than the ones in the USA!?!

[@garykuipers2696]

Very true. I conducted commuter trains for NJT. Not all but many passengers were slobs and disrespectful to others. With quick turnarounds the trains weren't as tidy as they could have been.

[@TrainLovers-TL69]

Wonderful trip nice trains

[@LowaddictsSoundsystem]

Would say it looks more like a TRAXX to me then an Eurosprinter?

[@jaclm]

I thought so too at first, but there are some Eurosprinter derivatives that have the same look - the DB class 152, for example.

[@LowaddictsSoundsystem]

@@jaclm Yes I noticed that too(: Bit confusing haha

[@한국너드]

Dongdaegu Station was built in 1969.

[@박남우-f4k]

The cheapest train in South Korea is commuter train. But it is running only at Gwangju, from Gwangju Songjeong station to Gwangju station. The fee is 1000 won(about 0.68€)

[@ovfan_zuid]

The locomotive looks more like a Bombardier TRAXX (BR186) 😅

[@SimplyRailway]

Confusing isn't it :)

[@hellodiamond]

He is about to retire soon.

[@semicollonn]

@9:53 While that is true for most passengers who have ticket with seat reservation included (think of Thalys), when the seat reservation is only available for the part of the journey, Korail sells "standing ticket" without seat reservation for a part of the journey. Commuter pass holders are also considered same as "standing ticket" since they also don't get any seat reservations. Those with standing ticket are allowed to sit on unoccupied seats until the person who booked it shows up. Usually they are also very much aware of it, to the point sometimes it's funny to see when you just approach the passenger sitting on your booked seat and try to make eye contact then they somehow understand and immediately leave the seat without me even saying anything about the seat lol. However sometimes old ladies might ask you if I could sit on the aisle/window instead if you have booked window/aisle seat, which I could decline but as a commuter the view of the window wasn't really important haha. Also I heard college kids travelling on youth travel ticket (also standing ticket) during the summer occasionally pull some stupid "tactics" like pretending to be asleep etc. Often during peak hours around Seoul the train would be full of standing passengers, which is why there's super wide corridor compared to other trains (Although the loading guage for South Korean railway is fairly large - 3,1 metres wide).

[@britannia55]

It looks way better than some of the rotten trains we have in the UK, similar to the train I take to enter China from Hong Kong, spacious and clean, the wash basin is outside so people spend less time in the loo if there’s a person outside waiting then they don’t have to wait for someone to wee and wash their hand, I cant fathom why people spend so much time in a loo, I’m in and out like a shot as I can’t stand public toilets😊

[@sonurjwap7620]

You come to India once and explore our trains too and tell how it is

[@sriharig3267]

Wow I have been a fan of your review of different railways, but please can you review Indian railways it's an Humble request 🥺

[@aucunoui8610]

Imagine this price but in France...😩😔

[@a350xwb]

To be honest, Mugunghwa train has even better pitch than KTX 😂 .

[@rogertemple7193]

Wow, what a Great Train. 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🇺🇲💨

[@ftmstem9705]

See you next time ride ITX-Saemaeul ho.

[@Eisenbahnundoepnv-in-Ausland.]

I can remember that this move is too shaky for a To the train toilet

[@Backwardlooking]

Thank you. 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇫🇷

[@abdulsattar45463]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jeong-ashin6575]

대박

[@duncanmcewan1049]

"Dirty and overcrowded"???? These folks should ride on UK trains and they would soon keep quiet. This seemed very OK and for super cheap price.

[@seize4085]

0:19 Correction: South Korea's 3rd largest city is Incheon, not Daegu.

[@peacefulandoria0362]

Incheon being a satellite city of Seoul, it ain't. Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Incheon and so on. City rank is not only considered by its population only.

[@Andrewjg_89]

I wonder why it’s the cheapest train service in South Korea. Still South Korea is lot different from North Korea.

[@PrograError]

well.... it's on the legacy line and basic service...

[@cobikaza9529]

Got to go to Japan next!

[@DIOS-M]

Strange colors were chosen for painting the train, they exactly repeat the colors of the Russian flag.

[@saynotop2w]

Imagine using a Japanese pronunciation for a Korean place.

[@Glacussia]

Petition for SR to do reviews of japanese trains

[@JitzyJT]

nothing to review....Topclass service

[@Benjamin0c]

On dirait une 186

[@Traveldude593]

People who don't know: 😊 People who know: 💀

[@hazelnut3794]

"😊" cute

[@zellmyzraelgigante4496]

Train to busan

[@kevanhubbard9673]

Do you have to be able to pronounce it before you can ride it?!

[@cooltrainsinmontreal4883]

KOREAN cheapest train, their bottom tier effort, is as good as Amtrak or Via Rail. so sad our trains are 3rd World standard

[@JitzyJT]

try Indian trains then

[@katsminkyo]

Equivalent to Taiwan Trains: KTX & SRT: THSR (Taiwan High Speed Rail 高鐵) ITX: Tze-Chiang Limited Express of Taiwan Railway (台鐵自強號) Mugunghwa: Local Train of Taiwan Railway (台體區間車)

[@michaelhall8586]

I absolutely adore South Korean trains

[@7198DEL]

요즘 무궁화호 객차에서는 승객이 화장실을 이용하고 나오면 객실안으로 분뇨냄새가 새어들어온다. 지저분한 객실환경 때문에 곰팡이냄새와 가려움이 생기는건 별개입니다. 그마저도 최근엔 빈대유입 공포로 인하여 열차를 거의 타지 않습니다. These days, in the Mugunghwa train, when passengers use the bathroom, the smell of excrement seeps into the cabin. It is one thing to smell mold and itch because of the messy room environment. Even that, I rarely take trains recently due to fear of the influx of bedbugs.

[@cindyd8646]

Yes, the scenery is certainly beautiful! But I (being an older citizen) am so dismayed that with the exception of those passengers who were asleep, EVERYONE is mesmerized by their phone! Such a sad depiction of people today.

[@PrograError]

I think it's better than the constant rustle of newspaper... they do what they do.

[@cindyd8646]

@@PrograError I absolutely think everyone is entitled to his opinion; that said, I think you missed the point.

[@hjhj6701]

이건 경부선인가? 그래도 이건관리를 하는지 겉모습이 깨끗하네 ㅋㅋㅋ 중앙선 타면 도색 다벗겨지고 개판인데.. 열차안에서 기름냄새 오지게 나고 ㅡㅡ 아무리 폐차한다고해도 폐차전까진 도색이던 정비던 좋은이미지로 다녀야지

[@かんこうり]

😊rdc

[@ikirro6500]

No cheapest.

[@simonsv9449]

You should try some trains in Japan as well.

[@haseebahamed3010]

Any BTS armys?💜

[@ftmstem9705]

한국인들은 자기 얼굴이 나오는 것을 불편합니다. 그러니 모자이크 처리를 해주십시오.

[@kl6361]

Are you kidding me I told you to ride the lakeshore limited from New York to Chicago in a roomette