Train to nowhere? South Korea’s lonely push for peace with the North

A locomotive at the Woljeong-ri Station in Cheorwon, South Korea, near the demilitarized zone separating North and South Korea on Aug. 10. | AFP-JIJI

Aug 21, 2026

Cheorwon, South Korea – Near the heavily fortified frontier dividing the Korean peninsula, the abandoned Woljeong-ri station is being recast as a symbol of South Korea’s hopes to reconcile with the North.

But plans to reconnect South Korea’s northernmost station to the rail network come at an awkward moment as Pyongyang ignores Seoul’s overtures while U.S. President Donald Trump pursues his own talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

A turbulent few days have raised doubts about Seoul’s role in any diplomatic push, despite South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s dovish line on the North since taking power last year.

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