Local governments across South Korea are launching unique retro tourism programs, inviting travelers to wear 1970s and 1980s school uniforms during mud flat experiences or ride vintage-themed trains. These programs aim to evoke analog nostalgia for middle-aged and older generations while offering a fascinating glimpse into the past for younger travelers.
Seocheon School Uniform Mud Flat Experience
The South Chungcheong Province’s Seocheon County is running a special eco-cultural program titled ‘Following Seocheon Mud Flats, A Youth Round’ for travelers in their 40s to 70s. Running from October 8 through November 8 from Thursday to Sunday, participants wear vintage school uniforms while strolling along the coastal line where forests and mud flats meet. Seocheon County Mayor Yoo Seung-kwang noted that the event was designed to let visitors reflect on their youth and experience the history and daily lives of the local fishing communities through all five senses.
The experience takes place across Janghang Skywalk, Songλ¦Ό Mud Flat, and the mud flats of Beonpo and Seondo-ri in Biin-myeon. Participants also stop by Nildabang, a retro teahouse in Janghang-eup that serves classic toast and fried eggs. Seocheon’s mud flats were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021. The Janghang Skywalk offers a thrilling walk above the pine tree canopy with panoramic views of the Yellow Sea, while Biin Mud Flat serves as a hidden sunset viewing spot where mud flats connect to Sando Island during low tide.
Participants explore the coastal areas in their uniforms, listening to expert commentators explain the ecological value of the Seocheon mud flats while engaging with local fishing culture. Detailed schedules and registration inquiries can be directed to the operating agency, Hamkke Green Research Institute, located in Janghang-eup, Seocheon-gun.
Retro Romantic Train Rides with Acoustic Performances
Alongside the Seocheon program, South Chungcheong Province and the Chungnam Culture and Tourism Foundation are operating the ‘Chungnam Retro Romantic Train’ year-round. This special travel package combines a chartered train journey with city tours across various counties, allowing passengers to enjoy retro vibes onboard and explore regional attractions.
Travelers board at major capital-region stations like Seoul Station, disembark at designated stops such as Asan, Yesan, Hongseong, Boryeong, or Seocheon, and take city tour buses to traditional markets and local landmarks before heading back on the evening return train. Onboard events include 7080 acoustic guitar performances, nostalgic snacks, and retro photo zones. A provincial official stated that the romantic train serves as a catalyst for creating new tourism demand.
Jeongseon A-Train for Silver Grass Tourism
Traditional market tourism trains are also gaining traction. Korail and Gangwon’s Jeongseon County resumed the operation of the Jeongseon A-Train last May 22. Connecting Jecheon, Yeongwol, Yemi, Mindungsan, Byeoreogok, Seonpyeong, Jeongseon, Najon, and Auraji, the train allows visitors to explore the silver grass fields of Mindungsan and the Jeongseon Five-Day Market. The annual Mindungsan Silver Grass Festival runs from September 18 to November 8, transforming the 1,119-meter-high peak into a breathtaking silver landscape every autumn. Real-time schedules and operations can be checked via the KorailTalk app.
