It seems as if a train will come into the station at any second with a loud noise. If it weren’t for dandelions blossoming in between the train tracks, no one would notice that it is a “closed station.” Though the trains can no longer carry any passengers, the station still greets visitors in the same manner as the days when it was busy with moving trains.

Jangheung Station was in the outskirts of Seoul on the Gyooe Line between Illyeong Station and Onneung Station. It started its operation as a temporary station without any station employees in 1967 before closing in 2004. People who had crowded the station all left and now the station stands alone quietly, expressionless.

Then in 2012, a new wave began to below in the direction of Jangheung Station and its small population. Buoyed by the sponsorship of Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation and participation of local residents, an art project called started and a variety of things to enjoy, including “Station Café,” “Jangsu Photo Studio,” and “Dokkaebi Handicraft Shop,” were established to gradually attract more people to the station.

I also took a walk through and around the station. Signs with the names of destinations have lost their luster and benches that had offered a time of rest for passengers have now collected a pile of dust. I brushed it off with my hands to sit on the bench and gazed at the seemingly endless tracks. Walking along the tracks of the tranquil Jangheung Station, I felt grateful for the station to still remain where it was despite having lost its inherent function. I also thank for blocking the scorching sun, providing a relaxing stroll path, allowing to take beautiful pictures and, though a goodbye is longer than a hello, greeting me as it has always done.

Written and photos by Ko Yeon-joo

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