Korea's luxury rail cruise opens its doors to families of fallen firefighters

One full Rail Cruise Haerang formation reserved for bereaved families

Passengers find comfort and recovery through conversation on board

Program to expand to families of industrial accident and disaster victims

An AI-generated image of a guest in a suite aboard the Rail Cruise Haerang [Korail Tourism Networks]

Behind the sacrifice of firefighters who gave their lives protecting the public are families left to endure an absence that never fully heals. A healing journey aboard one of South Korea's most luxurious tourist trains has been organized to embrace their grief.

Korail Tourism Networks and the National Fire Agency announced Monday that they had completed a "Rail Cruise Haerang Special Journey" for 18 families — 41 people in total — of firefighters killed in the line of duty. The event, held Saturday and Sunday, was planned ahead of Firefighters' Day on Nov. 9 with the aim of extending the state's tribute to fallen officers beyond memorial ceremonies and medals, and toward caring for the everyday lives of those left behind.

The exterior of the Rail Cruise Haerang [Korail Tourism Networks]

Korail Tourism Networks spared no expense in hosting the bereaved families. The Rail Cruise Haerang is a domestic overnight tourist train equipped with sleeping accommodations and lounge spaces; an off-peak, two-day, one-night trip runs about 2 million won ($1,490) per booking. For this occasion, the company reserved an entire formation — all 18 cabins — and provided the same premium service offered on regular commercial runs.

The families visited southern destinations including Suncheonman National Garden, Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve, the Metasequoia-lined road in Damyang and the Dambit Art Warehouse. On board, a "Haerang Live Event" and other programs gave families space to talk with one another and focus on rebuilding a sense of everyday life.

The 'Haerang Live Event' held aboard the train [Korail Tourism Networks]

One family member who took part said it was their first time on the Haerang and that they hoped to return with friends someday. A young participant, Park Se-eun, moved those around her when she said: "Sometimes at school I feel lonely and sad because it seems like I'm the only one without a dad — but when I think about it, there are so many times I feel grateful for him. It's because of my dad that I got to come on a trip like this."

The event also reflects the government's broader push to strengthen recognition of fallen firefighters and affirm the state's responsibility to their families. President Lee Jae-myung visited the funeral last month of the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok, who died in a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, and said: "The state must remember to the end the dedication of the deceased, who gave their life protecting the lives of the people, and must walk alongside the families left behind."

Korail Tourism Networks said it plans to build on the trip by expanding eligibility to families of industrial accident victims and those bereaved by disasters and mass casualty events, with the goal of establishing the initiative as a sustainable corporate social responsibility program for a public institution rather than a one-off event.

"Sharing the results of our tourism business with society and giving those in need the chance to travel is an important responsibility of ours," said Song Gwang-seok, chief executive of Korail Tourism Networks. "Starting with this invitation to the families of firefighters killed in the line of duty, we will continue to walk alongside those who have suffered deep social pain."

terry@heraldcorp.com