Hamasen Railway Cultural Park Introduction
The Hama Star Railway Cultural Park, located near light rail and MRT stations, has preserved the former railway branch line and old trains. Whether you're a railway enthusiast or a traveler, you can take the "Hama Star" train and board the nostalgic "Dudu Train" to experience the prosperous century-long history of the port city's railway. You can also conveniently visit other attractions such as Pier-2 Art Center and the Warehouse No.2, enjoying the rich cultural and historical offerings 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 hub in the south. In 1900, the Taiwan North-South Line was first opened to Tainan, establishing a temporary "Dagou Parking Lot" that initiated the connection between the railway and the port. To accommodate the increasingly busy port transportation needs, land reclamation began in 1904, expanding the new port area and railway facilities, which led to the birth of Hama Star. In 1908, the Dagou Station (now the Old Dagou Station Story Museum) was officially completed, becoming Kaohsiung's first railway station. The “Binhai Line” and the “Commercial Port Line” closely connected the port with the city. The Japanese pronunciation of the Binhai Line is "Ha-Ma-Sen," which is how the name "Hama Star" originated. A must-visit for railway fans! The Old Dagou Station Story Museum, located within the Hama Star Railway Cultural Park, is the original station of the early Dagou Station and has witnessed the rise of Kaohsiung Port and the glorious history of railway transportation. Opened in 1908, the Dagou Station was almost completely destroyed during World War II due to severe bombing. The current structure was rebuilt in 1947 and continued to serve as the Taiwan Railways Kaohsiung Port Station until it officially 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 glance back at the golden age of railways. For more information, please refer to: Old Dagou Station Story Museum. Restoration of Railway Operation - The "Hama Star" Returns to Flourish on the Binhai Line. To ensure that railway culture goes beyond static displays, the park will launch the Binhai 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 travel through railway culture, allowing visitors to experience how the railway has driven the development of Kaohsiung over the past century. 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 purchase method: Online ticketing or at the "Hama Star" train ticket window next to the Old Dagou Station Story Museum. Dudu Train - Memories and Revival of Kaohsiung Port. The Dudu Train, remodeled from the Taiwan Railway's diesel multiple unit trains, ran on Kaohsiung's Linhai Line from 2003 to 2006 and is a collective memory for the people of Kaohsiung. At that time, these trains were painted white with colorful designs and featured tables and bars inside, making them one of the few sightseeing trains in Taiwan. After being preserved and saved by the Kaohsiung City Government's Cultural Bureau, with the introduction of unique businesses, the Dudu Train has been revived in the Hama Star Railway Cultural Park, becoming part of cultural history, bringing new memories and experiences to people. Experience the diverse blend of history and art. In addition to the century-old railway and vintage train displays, the Hama Star Railway Cultural Park features large installation artworks on the grass, such as giant suitcases and gramophones made of iron, attracting visiting travelers to stop and appreciate, with every corner serving as an excellent photo opportunity.
