All Aboard the Beauty Train: Free Nail Art Services for Rail Passengers!

The nail art service for railway passengers has been gathering attention. Any railway customer holding a same-day train ticket is eligible to receive it, and actual reviews from those who have received free nail art are sparking interest on social media. Let’s take a closer look at this service.

The nail art service available to railway passengers is part of the Delicate Touch Project. It involves establishing nail art stores at significant railway stations nationwide to provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and offer free nail art to passengers. This initiative explicitly targets women with hearing disabilities who have undergone nail artist training courses at the Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disabilities (KEAD).

This collaborative project involves the Korea Employment Agency Persons with Disabilities, the Korea Railroad Corporation, SK Shields, and KB Securities. The Korea Railroad Corporation and the National Railway Space provide store spaces within railway stations to operating companies free of charge. The Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled is responsible for recruiting and training disabled workers, as well as recruiting participating companies. Through the Delicate Touch Project, stable employment opportunities are provided.

Delicate Touch stores have been established at ten railway stations nationwide. The project began with the first store at Busan Station in 2019, and in 2020, the initiative expanded to include Iksan Station. However, the comprehensive establishment of stores began in 2021.

Currently, these stores are operational at Yongsan Station, Yeongdeungpo Station, Gwangmyeong Station, Anyang Station, Osong Station, Daejeon Station, Iksan Station, Gimcheon-Gumi Station, Ulsan Station, and Busan Station. They are located at various spots within these stations, such as beside the west plaza entrance on the first floor of Daejeon Station, in front of the moon parking lot on the fourth floor of Yongsan Station, on the right side of the first-floor exit of Gimcheon-Gumi Station, next to the first exit at Ulsan Station, inside the welcoming room at Busan Station, the available space towards the east plaza at Iksan Station, the second floor of Anyang Station, the third floor of Yeongdeungpo Station, next to the fifth exit at Osong Station, and in front of the fifth exit at Gwangmyeong Station.

Employees working at Delicate Touch receive training in nail care and nail art and obtain certification. Even beginners without experience in nail art can receive free professional training and find employment. The number of employees working at the store varies depending on the schedule, typically ranging from 1 to 4.

Railway passengers holding same-day train tickets can receive nail art through prior reservation or walk-in registration. If there are no reservations for the day, customers can use the service immediately. To avail of the nail art service, customers must search for the Delicate Touch store at each train station on KakaoTalk and add it to their KakaoTalk channel.

Customers can then send their reservation details, including their name, number of people, reservation date, and time, following the provided format via KakaoTalk. Customers can receive nail art services once the schedule is confirmed and the reservation is finalized. The nail art process includes both nail care and art, although some stores only offer nail care. It is recommended to visit the store leisurely, as the service typically takes about 50 to 90 minutes.

Delicate Touch stores operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are closed on weekends and public holidays.

When visiting the store, customers can communicate with nail artists using cellphone texts or dedicated applications for deaf individuals.

A Delicate Touch nail artist expressed, “Every day, I prepare meticulously for our customers, and I want to make them feel good after receiving nail care services. Seeing travelers receiving nail care and healing brings me joy as well.”

Domestic internet users have responded positively to the Delicate Touch stores, saying, “The system is excellent. Regular customers can receive it for free, and employees can have job opportunities, which is great. If given the chance, I’d like to try it too,” “It’s great. Passengers can have a good experience, and employees who might be in employment blind spots can have good jobs,” “I want to try it. It’s warm, healing, and I can get pretty nails,” and more.

However, many people also mentioned that despite the noble cause, the project’s promotion has been lacking, leading to a lack of awareness among the public. Although it operates in significant railway stations nationwide, there is no clear way for people to learn about the Delicate Touch Project.

Railway passengers who have received nail art services at Delicate Touch stores have also left satisfied reviews. The Delicate Touch Project is receiving positive responses for providing jobs with a good environment and tailored employment opportunities. From railway passengers’ perspective, receiving free nail art while waiting for the train is a significant advantage. They can find a moment of relaxation and joy before their journey through nail art.