by JAMES S. KIM | @james_s_kim
editor@charactermedia.com
In a few weeks, millions of South Koreans will brave traffic jams and sardine trains as they travel back to their hometowns for Seollal, or the Lunar New Year holiday. But for those traveling by Korail, the country’s state-run rail operator, this year’s homecoming journey might not be so exhausting.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Korail is planning to launch a new luxury train that allows its passengers to melt their worries away by soaking in a heated foot bath or reclining on traditional heated floors.
Traditional Korean heated floors on the West Gold Train
While it’s no Snowpiercer, the luxurious “West Gold Train” features eight foot jacuzzis with seats facing the windows, as well as a carriage with nine rooms that have the wonderful traditional heated floors, called ondol in Korean. Each room can accommodate up to six passengers.
Heated foot baths
The train is set to launch on Feb. 5 along the west coast of Korea that stops by seven “golden” locations, just in time for the three-day holiday that begins on Feb. 16. Korail expects the train to be popular before and during the Lunar New Year holiday. If that’s the case, expect to pay a pretty penny. Or won.
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Photos courtesy of Korail
