Paldang Station

K128 팔당 Paldang
Korean name
Hangul	팔당역
Hanja	八堂驛
Revised Romanization	Paldang-yeok
McCune–Reischauer	P'altang-yŏk
General information
Location	399-7 Paldangni, 107 Paldangno, Wabu-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Coordinates	37°32′53.78″N 127°14′38.35″E / 37.5482722°N 127.2439861°E / 37.5482722; 127.2439861
Operated by	Korail
Line(s)	Gyeongui–Jungang Line
Platforms	2
Tracks	4
Construction
Structure type	Aboveground
Key dates
April 1, 1939	Gyeongui–Jungang Line opened

Paldang Station (Korean pronunciation: [pʰalt͈aŋ]) is a station on the Gyeongui–Jungang Line, located in the city of Namyangju by the northern banks of the Han River. Although it is one of the older train stations in Korea (built prior to the 1945 liberation), the area around the station is not developed to a great degree.

The old station is well preserved, and is one of the best surviving examples of the architectural style of the Japanese occupation era. The blue roof is typical of early train stations in Korea, and for this reason, it was designated as a national cultural asset.^[1] The old station building is currently juxtaposed with the newly renovated station (completed in 2007), and is a striking example of how Korean railroads have evolved so rapidly over a relatively short period of time.

Many residents near the station commute to Seoul daily, but the infrequent passenger train service previously rendered the area relatively isolated. To rectify this problem, residents petitioned local politicians and the Ministry of Construction.^[2] In response, Dosim & Paldang Stations were incorporated into the Jungang Line commuter rail system earlier than originally planned.^[3] The opening of this service has reduced commute times by over 30 minutes.^[4]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Paldang Station.

• (in Korean) Station information from Korail