Mugunghwa-ho
Encyclopedia
The Mugunghwa-ho or Mugunghwa is a class of train
operated by Korail
, the national railroad of South Korea
. Mugunghwa trains are the cheapest class of trains to operate cross-country. Prior to the introduction of the KTX in 2004, they were the most common passenger train along most railroad lines. Along rural lines such as the Gyeongbuk Line
, they remain the only class of passenger train operating. They (and in some cases the Tonggeun
) are the only trains to stop at many stations not served by Saemaul-ho or KTX trains. Mugunghwa are built to accommodate large numbers of standing passengers, and frequently have many more standees than sitting passengers. In contrast, the Saemaul-ho and KTX trains seldom permit any standees at all.
The Mugunghwa-ho takes its name from the mugunghwa
, the national flower of South Korea.
Some of these lines operates all-station stop Mugunghwa-ho instead of Commute
train.
Train
A train is a connected series of vehicles for rail transport that move along a track to transport cargo or passengers from one place to another place. The track usually consists of two rails, but might also be a monorail or maglev guideway.Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate...
operated by Korail
Korail
Korea Railroad Corporation , promoted as Korail , is the national railroad operator in South Korea.Korail operates passenger and freight trains throughout South Korea...
, the national railroad of South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. Mugunghwa trains are the cheapest class of trains to operate cross-country. Prior to the introduction of the KTX in 2004, they were the most common passenger train along most railroad lines. Along rural lines such as the Gyeongbuk Line
Gyeongbuk Line
The Gyeongbuk Line is a railway line serving North Gyeongsang Province in South Korea. The line runs from Gimcheon on the Gyeongbu Line via Sangju, Yeomchon , and Yecheon to Yeongju on the Jungang Line....
, they remain the only class of passenger train operating. They (and in some cases the Tonggeun
Tonggeun
The Tonggeun is a class of short-run commuter trains operated by Korail, the national railroad of South Korea. On timetables, the name is always translated as "Commuter." They typically operate once or twice daily in each direction, along a few tens of kilometers of track...
) are the only trains to stop at many stations not served by Saemaul-ho or KTX trains. Mugunghwa are built to accommodate large numbers of standing passengers, and frequently have many more standees than sitting passengers. In contrast, the Saemaul-ho and KTX trains seldom permit any standees at all.
The Mugunghwa-ho takes its name from the mugunghwa
Hibiscus syriacus
Hibiscus syriacus is a widely cultivated ornamental shrub in the genus Hibiscus. Common names include Rose of Sharon , Shrub Althea and Rose Althea.-Growth:...
, the national flower of South Korea.
Trains
- Long-length Mugunghwa-ho Passenger Car
- Streamlined Mugunghwa-ho Passenger Car
- New Diesel Car
- Refurbished Commuter Diesel Car
- Commuter Diesel Car (Mugunghwa-ho) (aka Refublishied Diesel Car)
- Diesel Excellent Car (not on service)
On service
These lines have regular Mugunghwa-ho trains:- Gyeongbu LineGyeongbu LineThe Gyeongbu Line is the most important railway line in South Korea and one of the oldest. It was constructed by Japan in 1905, connecting Seoul to Suwon, Daejeon, Daegu, and Busan. The Gyeongbu Line is by far the most heavily travelled rail line in South Korea...
; 경부선 - Janghang LineJanghang LineThe Janghang Line is a railway line serving South Chungcheong Province in South Korea. The line connects Cheonan to the railway junction city of Iksan. The Janghang Line is served by frequent Saemaul-ho and Mugunghwa passenger train services between Seoul and Iksan...
; 장항선 - Chungbuk LineChungbuk LineThe Chungbuk Line is a railway line serving North Chungcheong Province in South Korea. The line connects Jochiwon on the Gyeongbu Line to Bongyang on the Jungang Line, serving the major cities of Cheongju and Chungju en route. Cheongju International Airport is located near the rail...
; 충북선 - Honam LineHonam LineThe Honam Line is a major railway line serving the Honam region in South Korea. The line is served by frequent passenger trains from Seoul to Gwangju and Mokpo.-History:...
; 호남선 - Jeolla LineJeolla LineThe Jeolla Line is a railway line in North and South Jeolla Provinces in South Korea. The line is served by frequent passenger trains from Seoul to Yeosu...
; 전라선 - Gwangju Line; 광주선
- Gyeongbuk LineGyeongbuk LineThe Gyeongbuk Line is a railway line serving North Gyeongsang Province in South Korea. The line runs from Gimcheon on the Gyeongbu Line via Sangju, Yeomchon , and Yecheon to Yeongju on the Jungang Line....
; 경북선 - Daegu LineDaegu LineThe Daegu Line is a railway line in South Korea. The line connects Dongdaegu Station on the Gyeongbu Line in Daegu to Yeongcheon on the Jungang Line...
; 대구선 - Jungang LineJungang LineThe Jungang Line is a railway line connecting Cheongnyangni in Seoul to Gyeongju in South Korea, traversing central South Korea from the northwest to the southeast.-History:...
;중앙선 - Taebaek LineTaebaek LineTaebaek Line is a single-track electrified railway mainline connecting Jecheon Station to Baeksan Station in South Korea. At its two ends, the Taebaek Line connects to the Jungang Line and Yeongdong Line. The line was originally two spur lines, which were built across difficult mountainous terrain...
; 태백선 - Yeongdong LineYeongdong LineThe Yeongdong Line is a line of Korail. It connects Yeongju in North Gyeongsang Province with Gangneung in Gangwon Province. From Yeongju, it crosses the Taebaek Mountains and reaches the Sea of Japan at Donghae, thence proceeding north to Gangneung.At Yeongju, the line connects with the...
; 영동선 - Donghae Nambu LineDonghae Nambu LineThe Donghae Nambu Line is a railway line connecting Busan to Pohang in South Korea.The line runs along South Korea's east coast.-History:...
; 동해남부선
Some of these lines operates all-station stop Mugunghwa-ho instead of Commute
Tonggeun
The Tonggeun is a class of short-run commuter trains operated by Korail, the national railroad of South Korea. On timetables, the name is always translated as "Commuter." They typically operate once or twice daily in each direction, along a few tens of kilometers of track...
train.
See also
- Railroads in South Korea
- Transportation in South KoreaTransportation in South KoreaTransportation in South Korea is provided by extensive networks of railways, highways, bus routes, ferry services and air routes that criss-cross the country.-History:...