VOA标准英语2013--S. Korea's Newest Trains Take Tracks Less Traveled

（单词翻译）

S. Korea's Newest Trains Take Tracks Less Traveled

If you are in a hurry, do not take South Korea's newest trains.   

The electric four-coach O-Train, running four times daily, circles a five-hour 257-kilometer course with stops at 13 stations.

The three-coach V-Train operates three times daily on a 70-minute shuttle between two rural stations 28 kilometers apart.  

On the O-Train, KORAIL attendant Baeck Da-eun explains that those accustomed to high-speed rail travel will experience a significant change of pace and style during a ride on what is known as the spine¹ of the Korean peninsula, until now mostly accessible only by unpaved winding² roads.   

“When passengers board for the first time, at first they are awed³ by the trains' exterior⁴ design and the internal décor. But what they seem to like most is the ability to take in such beautiful scenery,” Da-eun said.

To give passengers time to enjoy viewing the numerous valleys, the V-Train crawls along at an average speed of just 30 kilometers per hour, occasionally stopping at the most scenic⁵ spots.

Some passengers disembark to stretch their legs and watch a group of farmers.

Others remain on board waving to those working in the field and strike up a brief conversation.

While the V-train's leisurely⁶ pace, French-designed interior, large windows and whistle stops harken back to a different era, it also features 21st century technology.

Each of its three coaches is topped with solar panels, generating five kilowatts⁷ a day to power the lights, fans and doors.