Hamasen Railway Cultural Park Introduction
The Hama Star Railway Cultural Park, located near light rail and MRT stations, preserves the former railway branch lines and old trains, allowing both railway enthusiasts and travelers to ride the "Hama Star" and step into the nostalgic "Dudu Train" to experience the glorious century-long history of railway transportation in the port city. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Pier-2 Art Center and Zach's Warehouse, immersing themselves in the rich culture and history of Kaohsiung. The history of Hama Star dates back to the Japanese colonial period. With the development of Kaohsiung Port and the prosperity of railway transportation, this area became an important freight base in southern Taiwan. In 1900, the Taiwan Main Line was first opened to Tainan, establishing a temporary "Dagou Station" which initiated the connection between the railway and the port. To meet the increasing transportation demands of the busy port, land reclamation began in 1904, expanding new port areas and railway facilities, leading to the birth of Hama Star on this newly formed land. In 1908, Dagou Station (now the Old Dagou Station Story House) was officially completed, becoming Kaohsiung's first railway station, effectively connecting the port and the city through the "Coast Line" and "Commercial Port Line". The Japanese pronunciation of the Coast Line is "Ha-Ma-Sen", which is the origin of the name "Hama Star". A must-visit for railway fans! The Old Dagou Station Story House, located within the Hama Star Railway Cultural Park, is the original station of early Dagou, having witnessed the rise of Kaohsiung Port and the glorious history of railway transportation. Although officially opened in 1908, the station was almost completely destroyed during World War II due to severe aerial bombings. The existing structure is a building reconstructed in 1947, which continued to serve as the Taiwan Railway's Kaohsiung Port Station until it ceased operations in 2008. As Kaohsiung's railway transportation enters a new era, this century-old station has transformed into the current Old Dagou Station Story House, allowing people to look back on the golden age of railways. For more information, please refer to: Old Dagou Station Story House. Railway Resumption – "Hama Star" Resurrects the Splendor of the Coast Line. To ensure that railway culture is not limited to static displays, the park will launch the "Hama Star" sightseeing train on the Coast Line in November 2024, bringing trains back to this historic railway. The short distance of 540 meters represents not only a nostalgic journey but also a time-honored celebration of railway culture, allowing visitors to experience how railways have driven the development of Kaohsiung over the past century by riding a freight train. Hama Star boarding information: Departure times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM / 1:30 PM - 6:00 PM, every half hour (Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays). Ticket purchasing methods: Online ticketing or at the "Hama Star" train ticket counter next to the Old Dagou Station Story House. Dudu Train – Memories and Rebirth of Kaohsiung Port. The Dudu Train, modified from the Taiwan Railway's Diesel Multiple Unit Express train, ran on the Kaohsiung Link Line between 2003 and 2006, and became a shared memory for Kaohsiung citizens. At that time, these trains featured a white base with colorful designs and had tables and a bar inside, making them one of the few sightseeing modified trains of the Taiwan Railway. Thanks to the Kaohsiung City Government's Cultural Bureau for preserving and rescuing these trains, along with introducing unique commercial businesses, the Dudu Train has been revived in the Hama Star Railway Cultural Park, becoming part of cultural history and bringing new memories and experiences to people. Experience the diverse blend of history and art! In addition to the century-old railway and retro train exhibitions, the Hama Star Railway Cultural Park features large installation artworks, such as oversized travel trunks and gramophones made of iron sculptures on the grass, attracting visitors to stop and appreciate, making every corner the best spot for taking photos. Detailed transportation information on how to get to Hama Star.
