Hamasen Railway Cultural Park Introduction
Hamasen Railway Cultural Park, located near light rail and MRT stations, preserves the old railway branch and trains of the past. Railway enthusiasts and travelers can board the "Hamasen Train" and step into the nostalgic "Dudu Train" to experience the prosperity of the port city's railway history over the past century, while also visiting attractions such as Pier 2 Art Center and C14 Warehouse, immersing themselves in the cultural and historical richness of Kaohsiung. The history of Hamasen dates back to the Japanese colonial period. With the development of Kaohsiung Harbor and the flourishing railway transport, it became an important freight hub in southern Taiwan. In 1900, the Taiwan Railways Administration's trunk line opened to Tainan and established a temporary "Dagou Station," starting the connection between the railway and the port. To accommodate the increasing demands of port transportation, land reclamation began in 1904, expanding new harbor areas and railway facilities, and Hamasen was born on this newly created land. In 1908, Dagou Station (now the Old Dagou Station Story Museum) was officially completed, becoming Kaohsiung's first railway station, where the "Binhai Line" and "Commercial Port Line" closely connected the port and the city. The Japanese pronunciation of the Binhai Line is "Ha-Ma-Sen," which is the origin of the name "Hamasen." A must-visit for railway fans! The Old Dagou Station Story Museum, located within Hamasen Railway Cultural Park, is the original station of early Dagou Station and has witnessed the rise of Kaohsiung Harbor and the glorious history of railway transportation. Dagou Station was officially opened in 1908 but was almost completely destroyed during heavy air raids in World War II. The existing structure was rebuilt in 1947 and continued to operate as Taiwan Railways Kaohsiung Port Station until its closure in 2008. As railway transportation in Kaohsiung 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 refer to: Old Dagou Station Story Museum Reviving the Binhai Line with the "Hamasen Train" In order to ensure that railway culture is not limited to static displays, the park will specially launch the Binhai sightseeing train "Hamasen Train" in November 2024, bringing trains back to this historic railway. Covering a short distance of 540 meters, it is not only a nostalgic journey but also a time-traveling tour of railway culture, allowing visitors to experience how railways have driven Kaohsiung's development over the past century through a freight train ride. Hamasen Train ride information: Departure times: 10:00–11:30 / 13:30–18:00, departing every half hour (Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays) Ticket purchase: Online ticketing or at the train ticket window next to the Old Dagou Station Story Museum. Dudu Train – Memories and a New Life of Kaohsiung Port The Dudu Train, retrofitted from the Taiwan Railways' Diesel Multiple Unit trains, ran on the Kaohsiung Port Line from 2003 to 2006, serving as a shared memory of Kaohsiung citizens. At that time, these trains were white with colorful designs and were equipped with dining tables and bars, making them one of the few tourist-oriented modified trains of Taiwan Railways. Preserved by the Kaohsiung City Government's Cultural Bureau and featuring unique businesses, the Dudu Train has been reborn in Hamasen Railway Cultural Park, becoming part of cultural history and bringing new memories and experiences to people. Experience the blend of history and art The Hamasen Railway Cultural Park features large installation artworks, such as oversized suitcases and gramophones made of iron sculptures on the grass, attracting visiting travelers to stop and appreciate them. Every corner is an ideal spot for photography. For detailed transportation information to Hamasen.
