The rail bikes used on the Jeongseon Auraji Rail Bike route are brightly colored with comfortably padded seats. 2-person bikes weighing 110 kilograms (68.35 lbs) and 4-person bikes weighing 138 kilograms (85.75 lbs) are available – a minimum of two people are required to drive either size rail bike.
The rail bikes are the direct descendants of those old human-powered handcars (also known as pump trolleys, pump cars, jiggers, Kalamazoos and draisines) that achieved their popularity peak back in the nineteenth century. The biggest difference between handcars and rail bikes, however, is that rail bikes are pedaled like bicycles making for a more leisurely and less strenuous trip… even when riding through a long, cool mine tunnel!
Sloping grade or not, the rail bikes typically have a top speed of just 15kph (9.3mph) and being mounted on rails, there’s no need to steer. Instead, passengers are free to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery on their way down to Auraji station… which is designed in the shape of a fish, just because! Don’t fear the return trip and pedaling a rail bike uphill all the way, as an actual train brings riders back to Gujeol-ri station in comfort AND style.


