Hamasen Railway Cultural Park Introduction
The Hama Star Railway Cultural Park, located near light rail and metro stations, retains the old railway branch lines and trains from the past. Whether you are a railway enthusiast or a traveler, you can take the "Hama Star Train" and step onto the nostalgic "Dudu Train" to experience the prosperity of Kaohsiung's railway history over the past century. You can also visit nearby attractions such as the Pier-2 Art Center and Warehouse No. 2, enjoying the rich cultural and historical aspects of Kaohsiung. The history of Hama Star dates back to the Japanese colonial period. With the development of Kaohsiung Port and the flourishing of railway transportation, it became an important freight base in southern Taiwan. In 1900, the trunk railway was first connected to Tainan, establishing a temporary "Dagou Station," which initiated the link between the railway and the port. To accommodate the increasing freight transport needs of the port, land reclamation began in 1904, expanding new port areas and railway facilities, and Hama Star was born on this newly formed land. In 1908, Dagou Station (now the Old Dagou Station Story Museum) was officially completed, becoming the first railway station in Kaohsiung. The "Coastal Line" and "Commercial Port Line" closely connected the port to the city. The Japanese pronunciation of the Coastal Line is "Ha-Ma-Sen," which is the origin of the name "Hama Star." A must-visit for railway enthusiasts! The Old Dagou Station Story Museum, located within the Hama Star Railway Cultural Park, is the original station of early Dagou Station and witnessed the rise of Kaohsiung Port and the glory of railway transportation. Dagou Station officially opened in 1908 but was almost completely destroyed during severe air raids in World War II. The existing structure was rebuilt in 1947 and continued to operate as Taiwan Railways' Kaohsiung Port Station until it ceased operations in 2008. As Kaohsiung's railway transportation entered a new era, this century-old station transformed into today's Old Dagou Station Story Museum, allowing visitors to gaze back at the golden age of railways. For more information, please reference: Old Dagou Station Story Museum The Railway Revival - "Hama Star" Returns to the Coastal Line In order to ensure that railway culture does not merely remain static, the park will launch the Coastal Line sightseeing train "Hama Star" in November 2024, bringing trains back to this historic railway. The short distance of 540 meters is not only a nostalgic journey but also a time-traveling excursion through railway culture, allowing visitors to experience how the railway has propelled Kaohsiung's development over the past century. Hama Star ride information: Departure times: 10:00 - 11:30 / 13:30 - 18:00, departing every half hour (on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays). Ticket purchase methods: Online tickets or at the "Hama Star" train ticket window next to the Old Dagou Station Story Museum. The Dudu Train - Memories and Rebirth of Kaohsiung Port The Dudu Train, refurbished from the Taiwan Railways' Diesel Multiple Unit train, was operational on the Kaohsiung Port Line from 2003 to 2006 and is a shared memory of Kaohsiung citizens. At that time, these trains were white with colorful patterns, featuring dining tables and bars in the interior, making them one of the few tourist trains modified by Taiwan Railways. Preserved by the Cultural Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government and featuring unique businesses, the Dudu Train has found new life in the Hama Star Railway Cultural Park, becoming part of cultural history while providing people with new memories and experiences. Experience the blending of history and art in diverse forms. In addition to the century-old railway and vintage trains, the Hama Star Railway Cultural Park is home to large-scale installation art, with giant suitcase and gramophone sculptures made of iron on the grass, attracting visiting travelers. Every corner is the perfect spot for taking photos. For detailed transportation information to Hama Star.
