A new bicycle tour along the heavily fortified Civilian Control Line near the Demilitarized Zone in Gyeonggi will be opened to both South Koreans and foreigners starting tomorrow.

The tour, organized by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, will take place every fourth Sunday of the month. The 15-kilometer (9.3-mile) bicycle course will start from Imjin Pavilion and pass the Unification Bridge in Paju and the Tongilchon Intersection before coming back to Imjin Pavilion.

This area along the Civilian Control Line, which runs five to 20 kilometers south of the DMZ, had been closed to the public, except farmers and residents of the area, since 1953, when the Korean War ended with an armistice, but is now being opened for this bicycle tour.

"The DMZ has been chosen as the No. 1 tourist destination [in Korea] for foreigners and is the leading tourist attraction of the northern Gyeonggi region with over 5 million people visiting Imjin Pavilion yearly," said the provincial tourism organization through an official release.

"We intend to make this DMZ bicycle tour a landmark program for the DMZ area," said an official at the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization. The official added that because the tour course does not cross the DMZ line, the route poses no danger to tourists.

The Gyeonggi tourism office began pilot bicycle tours in the area in February. It said that in the future, if it receives the Defense Ministry¡？s approval, it plans to increase the frequency of the tours to twice a month and lengthen the bicycle course to up to 25 kilometers.

Those who wish to participate in the tours will need to submit applications online (http://ethankyou.co.kr). The site is available in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese. The cost is 10,000 won ($8.80) per person and each tour will be able to accommodate up to 300 people. For more information, call 031-952-7805.

The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization said that all spots for the tour this Sunday have been filled.

By Cho Jae-eun [jainnie@joongang.co.kr]

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2920501

Gyeonggi Province & Korea Aerospace Research Institute sign MOU

In 2010, G-Global Aviation in Asian takes flight.

Gyeonggi Province, Ansan City, and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization entered an MOU with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute at the Suwon Ramada Plaza Hotel at 11 o'clock on 18th for comprehensive cooperation in aerospace technical development including G-Global Aviation in Asia.

Through this MOU, G-Global Aviation in Asia will introduce new contents regarding aerospace, and the advanced technology of the Hangwooyeon aerospace center will be incorporated in the industrial exhibits and experience events of the show. Additionally, with the invitation of Dr. Soyeon Yi, Korea's first astronaut, the dreams of youth to fly in and explore space will be fostered.

G-Global Aviation in Asia, now in its second year, will provide visitors with an expanded range of aviation experiences. Air shows and diverse experiential events led by world-renowned teams from around the globe will add to the excitement of this international aviation exhibition.

The event venue, an aero experience park which can accommodate twenty thousand visitors per day, will offer numerous activities based on flight, and a range of events will be organized to broaden the horizons of all participants. Of particular note, Korea's own Black Eagles air team will perform along side with teams from the U.S., Australia, Japan, Russia, and Switzerland so as to ensure the excitement and success of the aviation exhibition undertaken by 6 nations through 20 programs.

G-Global Aviation in Asia, Korea's largest aviation exposition, will take place at the Korea Ocean & Development Institute located in Sadong, Sangrokgu of Ansan City for six days from April 30th to May 5th.

Detailed information can be found on the website of G-Global Aviation in Asia at www.skyexpo.or.kr, and tickets are available from both the portal site of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization at www.ethankyou.co.kr and Interpark www.interpark.com. An adult ticket is 3,000 won while tickets for children and youths are 2000 won each. A discount of 1,000 won per person is available when booking tickets online.

Tourism Promotion Department (031-8008-3336) / Gyeonggi Tourism Organization

Green Fortune 4 _ Paradise of Botanical Gardens


The well-known the Korea National Arboretum (KNA) that occupies 4.95 square meters of land and Herb Island may be more famous than the city of Pocheon itself. However, Pocheon has many more beautiful botanical gardens including Peaceland Botanic Garden where there are a wide range of alpine plants, View Botanic Garden filled with fancy red poppy flowers and Yoo Botanic Garden specializing in various Iris flowers. For this reason, the city of Pocheon is often called as the paradise of botanical gardens.

Is Yoo Botanic Garden Still Under Construction?

Several excavators were busy digging the ground when I visited the Yoo Botanic Garden. The streets leading to the observatory were lined with fancy and colorful flower beds and pastel-colored houses that can be seen in fairy tales. When I reached the top of a hill, the president and landscape architect Yoo Sang-Hyeok warmly welcomed me, getting out of the excavator. I asked him in curiosity. “Is this botanic garden still under construction?”

“In fact, botanic gardens require constant renovations and constructions so as to grow plants and change the atmosphere. For these reasons, people misunderstand that the construction has not been completed,” he said.

Yoo Botanic Garden was established in 1988 with the start of the ground work and began to be filled with various trees and plants. Often introduced as a world-class botanic garden specializing in the cultivation of iris flowers, this place was under renovation to transform into the theme of European style atmosphere in the Middle Ages. The observatory offers panoramic views of the entire garden occupying about 198,000 m² of land.

“I began to feel comfortable and enjoy the life here after I have spent three years. I find myself happy these days while working. I think urban people can feel happiness as they live in harmony with the environment. I believe being environmentally-friendly, not expensive cars and cosmetics, brings healthy and well-being lifestyle, indeed.”

After finishing his remarks, he returned to the excavator with a peaceful smile.

Peaceland and View Botanic Gardens, Representative Botanic Gardens in Pocheon
When I arrived at Peaceland Botanic Garden, I was amazed at the exquisite and beautiful sites. The vest botanic garden, covering an area of 594,000 m², is filled with various theme gardens and arboreta including artificial ponds, wetland areas and promenades. In particular, the Rock Garden that boasts the largest scale in Asia has a wide range of rare alpine plants indigenous to Hallasan (Mt.), Baekdu (Mt.), Rocky Mountain areas and Alps-Himalaya regions. Currently, the festival of wild chrysanthemum flowers is in full swing. The restaurant Ellm in the botanic garden offers delicacies made with edible organic plants that provide perfect nutrient balance. President Lee Hwan-Yong also runs an herbal medicine clinic and the restaurant serves various foodstuffs using the medicinal plants recommended by Lee.

In addition, View Botanic Garden also features a wide variety of plants and trees. Famous for its cultivation of rare poppy flowers, the garden boasts its largest facility space among private botanic gardens in the country. The Green shop selling various gardening tools at the entrance leads to a fantastic tulip garden and iris garden created in the natural atmosphere. In particular, the open field filled with colorful poppy flowers provides a picturesque landscape under the blue sky. For those who think that botanic gardens are just nothing but conservatories built by vinyl materials, the entire garden areas will bring refreshing moments to correct their outdated perceptions. Pocheon is growing in harmony with the Mother Nature.

Recommended Botanic Gardens

Peaceland Botanic Garden
Peaceland Botanic Garden was established by herbal medicine Ph.D Lee Hwan-Yong at Pyunggang herbal medicine clinic in Seocho, Seoul. The garden consists of 12 themed gardens filled with about 5,000 species of plants including an indigenous plant garden, pond garden and moss garden. Visitors can enjoy the rare species of plants only seen in the Himalayas and Rocky Mountain regions. In autumn, a chrysanthemums festival is held.


Location: 668 Sanjeong-ri, Yeongbuk-myeon, Pocheon
Tel.: 031-531-7751
Website: www.peacelandkorea.com

Yoo Botanic Garden
Yoo Botanic Garden specializes in iris flowers that need careful attentions. In particular, impressive flower festivals are held on a land of 198,000 m² in May and June. The garden has a variety of facilities and amenities including a restaurant PinkBelle, a gift shop Blue Boy, and a lamp exhibition that features a variety of lamps collected from around the world. You shouldn’t miss the observatory on the top of the mountain where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Pocheon.


Location: San-38 Sajeong 2-ri, Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon
Tel.: 031-536-9922
Website: www.yoogarden.com

View Botanic Garden
The garden covers an area of 66,000 m² filled with fantastic and colorful poppy flowers. It consists of nine theme gardens including Bulb Garden, Secret Garden, a magnificent cascade and a zoology park, together with a snow sled for kids.


Location: 441 Yudong-ri, Ildong-myeon, Pocheon
Tel.: 031-534-1136
Website: www.viewgarden.co.kr

Title	View Botanic Garden
Address	441 Yudong-ri Ildong-myeon Pocheon-si Gyeonggi-do
Inquiry (Homepage)	031-534-1136, www.viewgarden.co.kr
Location (based on nearby national highways and express high ways)	By car: Guri T/G → Gwangneung → Seopa Checkpoint → Hawhyeon Gyocharo → Ildong Military Hospital → Turn right at Yudong-ri → Pocheon View Botanic Garden By bus from East Seoul Bus Terminal, take a Wasu-ri or Sachang-ri bound bus → Get off at Ildong → Take a taxi to the garden
Facility Size	66,000㎡
History	Since 2006
Features	The garden covers an area of 66,000 m² filled with fantastic and colorful poppy flowers. It consists of nine theme gardens including Bulb Garden, Secret Garden, a magnificent cascade and a zoology park, together with a snow sled for kids.
Notice	The garden is not open during winter season between early December and early April. Please check prior to visit.
Business Hours	9 a.m. ~ 6 p.m.
Admission Fees	KRW 4,000 for adults, KRW 3,000 for Children
Nearby Attractions	Mt. Myeongseong, Sanjeong lake, Bears Town Resort, Mt, Baekun.
Accommodations	Trout Valley 031-533-0373, Hanwha Resort 031-534-5500, Morning in Heaven 031-532-3969
Recommended Restaurants	Yidong Galbichon 031-538-3782, Wonjo Yidong Jeonju Galbi 031-532-4562, Gochang Pungcheon Broiled Eels 031-531-6040
Others	There are various experience programs available, including making wooden necklaces, scented bags, scented candles, and scented soaps. Making a prior inquiry is recommended. There is a gift shop at the entrance. Various follower festivals are held in every season.

 

Title	Yoo Botanic Garden
Address	San-38 Samjeong 2-ri, Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon, Gyeinggi-do
Inquiry (Homepage)	031-536-9922, www.yoogarden.com
Location (based on nearby national highways and express high ways)	By car: Euijeongbu → Pocheon City Hall → Hasingok Sageori → Turn left toward Dongducheon → Turn right in front of Baekgung Garden → Yoo Garden By bus: from Dongducheon station, take No.57 bus to Pocheon → Take off at Galwol 2-ri, Take a taxi to Yoo Garden
Facility Size	660,000㎡
History	Since 1988
Features	Yoo Botanic Garden specializes in iris flowers that need careful attentions, and has about 20 theme gardens including Tango Garden, Iris Garden and Recreation Forest.  In particular, impressive flower festivals are held on a land of 198,000 m² in May and June. The garden has a variety of facilities and amenities including a restaurant Pink Bell, a gift shop Blue Boy, and a lamp exhibition that features a variety of lamps collected from around the world. You shouldn’t miss the observatory on the top of the mountain where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Pocheon.
Notice	Alcoholic beverages and smoking are banned in all the facilities.
Business Hours	Summer(April to October) 9.30 a.m. ~7 p.m., Winter(November to March) 10 a.m. ~ 5 p.m.
Admission Fees	KRW 5,000 for adults, KRW 4,000 for children
Nearby Attractions	Myeongseongsan, Sanjeonghosu, Pocheon Art Valley, Bears Town Resort, Baekunsan
Accommodations	Morning in Heaven 031-532-3969, Hanwha Resort 031-534-5500
Recommended Restaurants	Restaurant PinkBelle inside the garden. Yidong Galbichon 031-538-3782, Wonjo Yidong Jeonju Galbi 031-532-4562, Gochang Pungcheon Broiled Eels 031-531-6040
Others	No additional parking fees. Discounts are available for a group of 30 and over (1,000 won for each). Local residents are free of charge.

 

Title	Peaceland Botanic Garden
Address	668 Sanjeong-ri Yeongbuk-myeon Pocheon-si Gyeonggi-do
Inquiry (Homepage)	031-531-7751, www.peacelandkorea.com
Location (based on nearby national highways and express high ways)	By car, Jayuro toward Paju → Jeongok → Uncheon→ Hanwha Resort at Sanjeong lake → Jeongsu restaurant → Peaceland garden By bus, from East Seoul Bus terminal, take a Pocheon/Uncheon bound bus → Take off at Uncheon → Take a bus to Sanjeonghosu and take off at Jeonghang-dong (Umulmok), take a taxi to the garden
Facility Size	325,314㎡

Gyeonggi Province On Air: Film Locale

Is there a Rock that looks like Bae Yong-Jun at Guri

Achasan (Mt)?

Goguryeo Blacksmith’s Village

Many Japanese tourists visit this place, following the rumor that a rock of Bae Young-jun is located here. This place is called Goguryeo Blacksmith's Village. Although the drama ended more than six months ago, this place still attracts visitors to a real site of Goguryeo history in which the past still lives.

Editor: Park Ji-yeong   Photographer: Ju Eun-hi   In cooperation with Guri City Hall, Gyeonggi Film Commission

”Goguryeo Blacksmith’s Village” is widely known since it was used as a film locale for <The Story of the First King's Four Gods>, an MBD drama, and <Hong Gil Dong>, a KBS drama, and has opened to the general public last April. Since the <The Story of the First King’s Four Gods> drama was exported to Japan, Southeast Asia, and Europe, this area has attracted many foreign tourists. Many tourist corporations, including the Korean National Tourism Group, recognized Goguryeo’s Blacksmith’s Village as a Korean wave hub and urged for the area to be opened to the public earlier. A blacksmith’s shop from the Goguryeo Dynasty period was restored in such detail that it was judged to be a successful model for a drama filming place.

Ride on a Time Machine

The Story of the First King’s Four Gods received attention again since it was recently rebroadcast through an anonymous cable company. I visited “Goguryeo’s Blacksmith Village” at the skirts of Achasan (Mountain), thinking of the <Story of the First King’s Four Gods>: it’s rumored that its production cost was 40 billion won since it included gorgeous CG and appearances by Bae Yong-jun, a leading star of the Korean wave, and Mun So-ri, a notable actress. To the right side of the village entrance, there is an exhibition hall where Goguryeo relics found in Acahsan and fortresses of soldiers and living forms are located, and there is Bonghwa Doldarimun (stone bridge) that leads to the village on the left side.
Goguryeo Blacksmith’s Village consists of a blacksmith’s shop, stable, village headman’s house, Malgal Chi-tan people’s house, a well, and other quaint village structures. On large TV screens located between buildings, a form of this palace, which was broadcast on the <Story of the First King’s Four Gods>, is broadcasted to help visitors better understand the area layout. When I arrived at the center of the village looking around the inside and outside of the building, I encountered a large blacksmith’s shop where a brazier as high as a two-story building was erected. This blacksmith’s shop reproduces all processes that melt and  harden iron to produce iron weapons.

Experience the Grand Grace of Goguryeo

Each set was built to emphasize the characteristics of houses in the Goguryeo dynasty period: braziers are built in the center of the inner rooms, and Ondols connect to the brazier so that the air in houses would warm the house. Such a set helps in understanding the history of Goguryeo. The model of the Gwanggyeto Stele of real size was reproduced through a real historical investigation so that visitors would feel the spirit of Goguryeo. Visitors inside the 122m long fence of the historical panorama exhibition hall can look around and study everything about Goguryeo. Another point of interest in the Goguryeo Blacksmith’s Village is the large rock face of Achasan, which became famous since it looked like an image of Bae Yong-jun. Since it was found when Bae Young-jun was photographed, it was named, “Bae Yong-jun Rock” or “Gwanggyeto Rock.” After looking around Achasan, a proud landscape whose beauty certainly earns its place among the ”Top Nine Landscapes in Guri,” I go toward Myohyang Sonmandujip to eat some food to satisfy my hunger. I can taste the handmade flavor of Hamgyeong Province since the owner’s hometown is the city of Pyeongyang. I recommend the “Oisobaki Guksu” (cucumber kimchi noodle)” and ”Manduguk” (Korean dumpling soup). Tiny Japanese characters as small as sesame grains are also written on the menu because Japanese tourists also visit this area often.

Tourist Information
Goguryeo Blacksmith’s Village
Business hour: Mar. Oct. weekday (9:00 a.m. ~ 6:00 p.m.), Saturday, Sunday holidays (9:00 a.m. ~ 7:00 p.m.), Nov. ~ Feb.: 9:00 a.m. ~ 5: 00 p.m.
Contact: 031-550-2363
Address: San 45-1, Acheon-dong, Guri, Gyeonggi-do
How to go: Bus (Bus toward the Gangbyeon station from Guri City Hall - get off at the bus stop of Uminae village: walk 10 minutes)) Subway (Get off at Guri station, Line no 1, Gwangnaru station, Line no. 5, Gangbyeon station, Line no. 2 – get on a bus toward the Guri City Hall – get off at the bust stop of Goguryeo Blacksmith’s Village (Uminae village): Walk 10 minutes)
Private car (Use the surrounding place of blacksmith’s village and Hangang (River) Citizen Park (charged).

Tip: Culture Tourism Commentator Service (visit the site information center: 10:00 a.m. ~ 5: 00 p.m.)
Things to see: Achasan that is a treasure house of Goguryeo relics, Donggureung (Tomb) that is a spirit of 500 years of the Joseon Dynasty, Jangja Lake Park that is a natural eco learning field, Guri Hangang Citizen Park where humans and nature are harmonious, Guri Tower that is an environmental friendly incineration facility, Bronze statue of Great King Gwanggyeto that includes spirits of Goguryeo.

Rainbow-colored flower hill

Anseong Floland

In Anseong, Gyeonggi province, there is a rainbow-colored hill that is filled with flowers. That is a “floland,” located in San 42, Yangbok-ri, Bogae-myeon. Floland is a neologism that was made by combining the words “flower” and “land.” It opened on Dec. 12th of last year.

Just a few years ago, where the Floland can be found now, there was a farm attached to Hankyung National University. The farm had been neglected for some time, and was without any additional facilities other than a cattle shed. However, it was transformed when Gyeonggi province, the city of Anseong, and Hankyung National University decided to redecorate the farm lot. They invested 2.3 billion won to completely transform the landscape, and professors and students in related majors such as gardening and landscape architecture all helped, planting flowers and installing didactic panels to explain each flower.

The moment you enter the Floland, you will feel as if you have entered a land of fairy tales. Red poppies, gypsophila, and blue cornflowers embroider the hill as if it were a carpet spreading out. The lot occupied by Floland is 92,540㎡, and holds around 280 kinds of flowers.
Floland consists of ‘happy hill,’ ‘rainbow hill,’ ‘eco garden,’ ‘turf yard,’ and a ‘sprout playground.’ In each space, various flowers are planted. In the herb garden, where peppermint, lavender and rosemary are planted, there is a full and refreshing herb perfume. The crop landscape complex, water eco-park, and well-being sports experience course also attract tourists.

Floland is proud of its beauty, which changes in each season. In spring, ground pinks, tulips, China pinks, windflowers, and columbines bloom, while in the summer poppies, phlox panics, veronicas, day lilies, golden-waves, and cosmos embroider the hill. In fall the asters, chrysanthemi floses, and gentians are well-matched. Around ten kinds of herbs emit refreshing perfumes. You can see a wide range of flowers here all through the year, except for in winter, of course. On both sides of the road that leads to the hill, thickened gingko biloba forests spread out, assuring a pleasant walk on a fall day. The wide road is also good for enjoying a walk, and seems almost to be custom-made walking families or lovers. According to one of the people in charge, the poppy flower bed that fills Floland is the largest one of its kind in Korea.

When you finish visiting Floland, go to the visitor center located at the center of the hill. From a viewing terrace, you can see the entire landscape of the Floland spreading out in a panorama. In addition, a seminar room, bio diesel experience field, tea ceremony experience field, Anseong promotion hall, etc. are installed, and visitors can view flower exhibitions or participate in a tea ceremony class.
The visitor center is also used as an environmentally friendly nature learning space. Visitors can directly see the process through which waste edible oil is changed into bio diesel. Programs run include a herbal tea experience, candle making experience and tea ceremony class. The practice of the College of Landscape Garden of Hankyung National University, and the well-being sports experience golf course are prepared as well.

If you really want to enjoy Floland, ride a bicycle. The city of Anseong maintains the road so that visitors can see all of Floland from a bicycle, and also installed a bicycle rental house in the stadium, where they rent out bicycles. As well, the seven ‘Duri Villages,’ including Bogae-myeon and Geumgwang-myeon of Anseong, are connected to Floland by bicycle trails. If you rent a bicycle from the info center or bike rental house near Anseong stadium, you can look around the Yangrae eco pond, which was formed by maintaining the conventional swamp, see the Floland, pottery experience field, creation studio, beautiful art village, Joryeongcheon art park, and other sights at once. The bike lanes connecting the entire village span a total of 7.5km, and it takes around one hour and thirty minutes to travel here and there in the village.

This bike lane was designed to match the surrounding environment to the greatest extent possible by maintaining the conventional road (three meters wide) or by using farm roads and alleys. The refined bike lane signs at the side of the road showing bike patterns and the excellently-designed safety protection fences with bike art installed at certain intervals attract the eyes of visitors. The cyclist resting spot, prepared so that visitors can take a rest under the thickened trees, is also quite impressive.
 

- Name: Floland
- Address: 274-4 Yangbok-ri, Bogae-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Inquiry and Contact point: 031-677-4588 / http://floland.hknu.ac.kr/
- Direction: Gyeongbu Expressway Anseong IC – turn right in the direction of Anseong – National highway No, 38 in the direction of Juksan – turn right at Anseong Stadium – - Park in the playground – 3 minutes on foot, Use Yangji IC in case of Yeongdong Expressway, and Iljuk IC in case of Jungbu Expressway.
- History: Floland opened in 2008. 
- Knowhow and Caution related to facility use and experience: Prohibition from exiting except for the sightseeing area. Cooking and drinking liquors is prohibited. A visitor can rent a bike at Anseong Stadium. KRW 1,000 for children on the basis of two hours, KRW 2,000 for adults, KRW 3,000 for two people. Available from 10:00 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Inquiry: 031-671-3022.
- Business hour: From 9:00 a.m. to the sunset. From December to January, Saturday and Monday are holidays.
- Charge: Free
- Surrounding tourism attraction: Chiljangsa (Temple), Geumgwanghosu (Lake), Monument of Hyesan Park Du-Jin's poems, Anseong Gaeksa (Inn), Herb village, etc.
- Information on lodging (031): It is recommended to lodge within the Anseong town. Geumgang Motel (031-674-8228), Jangsujang Park (031-675-9759), Kingdom Motel (031- 675-2636), Hollywood Motel (031-674-0810), Anseong Beach Hotel (031-671-0009), etc..
- Surrounding restaurants: Dongseong Beef Village (031-674-1929), Duck Hunt (031-676-5295), etc. Anseongdaek Gamasot Janggukbap (031-673-2606)’ located in the downtown of Anseong is famous for a jang teo guk bap that has pleasant-tasting and clean tastes.

Pocheon Aims high as an Eco-design City

Pocheon has suffered a great disadvantage since it only has been referred as the place of Galbi and Makgeolli. The city, however, aims high as it prepares to transform itself into a tourism and recreation city. Expected to be reborn as an eco-design city by 2014, Pocheon will develop a large-scale tour and leisure complex utilizing its mountainous valley region. Similar to the pronunciation of “Fortune,” the city of Pocheon is making efforts to engrave its image as an eco-city that does not exploit or harm the environment but coexists with it in harmony.

Green Fortune 1

The peak of Myeongseongsan (Mt.), majesty of fall in golden grass
Myeongseong is often called the “weeping mountain,” because Prince Ma Ui of the Silla royal family and Gung Ye, the ruler of a short-lived Korean kingdom (901-918) are believed to have fled to this mountain when they were chased by the army of Wang Geon, the founder of Goryeo. Legend has it that the sound of Gung Ye lamenting his defeat was heard across the mountain. Near the mountaintop of the Myeongseongsan sits 330,000 m² of tall pampas grass fields, which provide a breathtaking view in late autumn. 

Mount Myeongseong
There are two routes to climb Myeongseong. One is a steep and rocky mountain pass that starts from Jainsa (Temple). Another route is a rather gentle slope that starts from a cluster of restaurants, connected with the parking lot of Sanjeonghosu (Lake). I chose the former, a rocky ascent leading to the top of the mountain. It is reported that the entire journey is 1.9 km and takes about one and a half hours. Based on a naïve presumption that following the trail of hikers will eventually lead to the summit despite its steep ridges, I began the ascent. During my way up, I met with a hiker descending the trail who advised me on my shoes. He clicked his tongue saying, “You can never climb with those shoes, tut, tut!” Taking a closer look, he was wearing a pair of sturdy climbing boots covered with dirt.

Pampas Grass at the Peak Offers a Spectacular View
After climbing upward for 800 meters of vertical ascent, and feeling ready to give up the journey, I breathed a huge sigh of relief at the sight of two long benches. The panoramic view from one of the benches was fabulous. The gorgeous sight of the shimmering and sparkling water of the lake and rays of sunshine through trees dazzled my eyes. After another a 30-minute walk upward passing wooden decks and stone steps, I reached the vast pampas grass fields spread out at the summit. Some hikers at a nearby pavilion were enjoying the nice view of the tall pampas grass while drinking Makgeolli, a traditional Korean liquor.

Making my way down, I carefully felt the grass with my fingers. They felt soft and rough at the same time. The waves of passing grass dancing gently in the wind took my breath away. I started my descent by taking the gentle slope leading to the Sanjeonghosu parking lot. Getting away from the open field of 330,000 m² filled with pampas grass, I found myself standing before a gravel field and a forest casting long shadows of tree trunks. After passing a water spring in the middle of the descent, the trail leads to Biseon Falls and Deungryong Falls, which boast their beauty and spectacular sights. For those who want to enjoy the panoramic view of pampas grass, it is recommended to take the steep route as long as you are a mountain climbing lover. 

Tour Course for Pampas Grass Fields at Myeongseongsan
Jainsa → Pampas Grass Fields → Sanjeonghosu Parking Lot
A legend has it that the Jainsa was built to pray for peacemaking between Gung Ye and Wang Geon. Beside the entrance to the temple stands a sign indicating a climbing path. It is a 1.9km journey to the pampas grass fields where a pavilion is located. You should walk about 2.8km further upwards to reach the summit of Myeongseongsan. It is about 3.9km from pampas grass fields to the Sanjeonghosu parking lot on a roundabout way and takes about two hours.

Title	Pampas grass fields at Myeongseongsan
Address	Sanjeong-ri Yeongbuk-myeon Pocheon-si Gyeonggi-do
Inquiry (Homepage)	Pocheon city hall www.pcs21.net/culture/main, 031-538-3341/2343
Location (based on nearby national highways and express high ways)	By car: Take national road No. 43 → Pocheon-eup → Munam-ri → Toward Sanjeonghosu (local road No. 78) → Sanjeong-ri→ Entrance of Myeongsongsan By bus: From Sangbong/Suyuri/East Seoul bus terminals, take buses bound for Sincheolwon, Dongsong, and Uncheon → Get off at Uncheon → Take a bus bound for Sanjeonghosu and arrive at Sanjeonghosu in about 15 minutes
Facility Size	330,000 m² of fields
History	The pampas grass festival has been held since 1997
Features	Myeongseongsan straddles the border between Cheolwon in Gangwon-do and Pocheon in Gyeonggi-do. Its height is 922.6m and it is well-known for majestic steep cliffs. The mountain is called “Ureumsan (weeping mountain)” because the sound of lamenting of Gung Ye fleeing from Wang Geon was heard across the mountain. The eastern ridgeline from the Sanjeonghosu parking lot is a gentle slope. Pampas grass field is located in Samgak peak in front of the summit, and the festival is held in every October since 1997.
Notice	Prior inquiry is recommended since mountain climbing is sometimes banned to enter the mountain area due to a firing drill at a nearby shooting range.
Business Hours	Open 24 hours a day, but it is recommended not to climb the mountain after 3 p.m. for security reason.
Admission Fees	Free of charge
Nearby Tourist Attractions	Sanjeonghosu, Sundam Valley, Sambuyeon Falls, Goseokjeong Pavilion, Jicktang Falls, and Baekunsan
Accommodation	Hanwha Resort 031-534-5500
Restaurant Options	Yidong Galbichon 031-538-3782, Wonjo Yidong Jeonju Galbi 031-532-4562, Gochang Pungcheon Broiled Eels 031-531-6040
Other Information	Pampas Grass festival is held in every October. Recommended to make an inquiry to the Pocheon city homepage for its precise dates.

A Temple Situated on a Deep Forest

Baekryeonsa of Gapyeong

There is a small temple at the foot of Chungryeongsan (Mt.) in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do. It is called Baekryeonsa (Temple). The woodland path lined with large pine trees to get to the temple is great. There are no souvenir shops and restaurants serving Dongdongju (rice wine) and Pajeon (green-onion pancake) in front of the temple, but there is a spacious parking lot that can accommodate tens of cars near Iljumun. After passing Iljumun, we can feel the tranquil atmosphere of the temple. We can see Yongmunsan (Mt.) and Myeongisan (Mt.) from a distance, and there are Wunaksan (Mt.) on the left and Cheonmasan (Mt.) on the right. There are Chungryeongsan and Seorisan (Mt.) to the backside. The temple was named Baekryeongsa, because it looked like a white lotus flower being surrounded by mountains.

The temple does not have a long history, and it holds no national treasure or cultural asset status. It takes less than 20 minutes to look around the temple. There is a high stairway when we pass Iljumun and Yosachae, and the stairs lead us to Daewungjeon. There are Seonbang, Samseonggak and Jijangjeon around Daewungjeon.

The temple was built using a simpler design than an ordinary temple. The buildings of the temple were not decorated with Dancheong (painting), and that creates a cozier atmosphere. The autumn breeze rings a wind bell. Daewungjeon has a simple charm with no special decorations. There is Cham-je-eop-jang-i-jon-bul (12 statues of Buddha who receive and prove the confession of Jungsaeng), which is a unique characteristic of the temple.

The woodland path to the rear is just as great as the temple. Going up the mountain for about 20 minutes, we can reach the Forest of Chungryeongsan, which is one of the eight scenic spots of Gapyeong. There is a 4km forest of big cone pines, providing a great place to take a forest tour. Located between Gapyeong and Namyangju in Gyeonggi-do, Chungryeongsan was designated as the treasure house of botanical resources by botanists. There is a royal azalea forest which is over one hundred years old near the top of Seorisan. The root of the royal azaleas is as thick as a child’s arm and they are taller than adults’ height. We can see the royal azalea blossoms and pick mountain greens such as fatsia shoots and young bracken in the spring.

Baekryeonsa operates diverse devotional services, a Sunday devotional service, a Buddhist College and a Sutras school. The temple also operates weekend programs for devotees. Most notably, it operates a temple stay program, which has gained popularity.

The temple stay at the temple is attractive, in a sense that it is a great family experience. As there are other tourist attractions such as the Garden of Morning Calm and the forest of cone pines near the temple, it is great to have family fun. The temple stay programs include the temple stay experience program, the temple stay program for recreation, the temple stay program for families and the temple stay workshop. The duration of programs vary from two days up to a week.

The temple stay experience program operates every weekend. It is open to everyone, and the program features a walk in the pine cone forest, meditation, study of Zen cult, the education of basic Buddhist ideas, conversation with monks, worship before the image of Buddha sitting in Zen meditation using the right posture and breathing and meals with the traditional Buddhist style, Baru.

The temple stay program for recreation operates during the weekdays. Participants can freely experience life in the temple and take a long look at themselves. Except three worships and regular meals, they can decide freely what to do. The temple stay program for families targets families who visit the temple, while the temple stay workshop targets group tourists.

- Name: Baekryensa
- Address: 366 Yeonha-ri, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
- Contact: 031-585-3855 http://www.baekryunsa.org
- Location: Gangdongdaegyo (Bridge) (Seoul Ring Expressway)  Guri Toll Gate Toegyewon IC  Turn right to the direction of Pocheon and Ildong  Pass SK Energy (1 km)  Take the vehicle-only lane on the right side which is bound for Chuncheon and Cheongpyeong (Saneung IC)  Daeseongri  The lane is combined with National Road No. 46  Cheongpyeong  Turn left at Cheongpyeong Checkpoint of National Road No. 37 to the direction of Pocheon and Hyeon-ri  Pungrim Condo (4.3km)  Sangmyeon Rest Area (4.3km)  Baekryeonsa (2.3km)
From Guri: National Road No. 46 (Gyeongchungado)  Namyangju  Hwado  Cheongpyeog  Turn left at Cheongpyeong Checkpoint of National Road No. 37 to the direction of Pocheon and Hyeon-ri  Pungrim Condo (4.3km)  Sangmyeon Rest Area (4.3km)  Baekryeonsa (2.3km)
- Overview of Facilities: Daewungjeon, Seolbeopjeon, Samseonggak, Jijangjeon and Budojeon
- Tips for Visitors:
Temple stay fees: KRW 40,000 per adult and KRW 30,000 per minor
Contact: Office of Baekryeonsa (031-585-3855, jatsoop@templestay.com)
Manager in charge of temple stay: 010-9290-7890
Participants shall bring soaps, toothbrushes, towels, long pants, socks and running shoes, etc.
- Adjacent Tourist Destinations: The Garden of Morning Calm, Cheongpyeonghosu (Lake) and Mongolian

Folk Village

- Accommodations: There are many pensions and motels near Cheongpyeonghosu (Lake) including Seorak Tourist Hotel (031-585-6440) and Castle Lake Pension (011-211-2426)
- Restaurant Options: Deulggot Hyanggi of the Garden of Morning Calm (031-584-7282) serves bibimbap with edible flowers and bean paste soup. Chonga Cheonggukjang Doenjangchon (031-584-5266) serves great bean paste soup and acorn-starch jelly. Haneulso Jatdubu (031-584-5368) serves a specialty of Gapyeong, tofu with pine nuts. 

Sentiment of Countryside Felt in the Traditional Market

Sagang Market in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do

‘Sagang Market’ in Songsan-myeon, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do is located in a turning of a road that leads to Jebudo (island), Daebudo (island), and Fossilized Dinosaur Egg Site. This market is in fact less known than Jebudo, Daebudo, and Sorae Market of Incheon. However, the seafood in this market is as fresh as that sold in those markets as it is available right after it is caught from the West Sea.

Sagang Market was formed twenty years ago. At that time, it was a fairly large market, but after the local road of No. 39 that gets around the market was built, visitors highly decreased. However, on weekends, this market is fairly crowded with tourists and the people from other regions who come to buy seafood. Merchants fill large rubber basins with various kinds of shellfishes and raw fishes and wait for customers, which looks so activated that visitors can have fun in visiting this market.

If a visitor goes to Sagang Market, the visitor is recommended to see the traditional market first. The traditional market is a five day market that is highly well-known to residents living in Hwaseong. Still, its prestige continues. When a market is opened, it is not too much to say that all agricultural products that are produced nearby Songsan-myeon such as Chinese cabbages, ponytail radishes, young radishes, melons, water melons, cucumbers, lettuces, and pumpkins are collected in Sagang Market. Around 300 stall keepers come to produce a seething atmosphere. Not only various green vegetables but also rabbits, puppies, clothes, shoes, and various agricultural machines and industrial products in stalls are displayed in each back street. Visitors can feel abundance, familiarity, and affection, which are unique atmospheres of a country side market. There are also many junk foods such as sweet bread filled with red bean paste, glutinous rice dough, and corns, etc.

After looking around the traditional market, now it is turn to go to the raw fish restaurant across the traditional market. Under the tents and parasols of stores, there are arranged rubber basins full of various shellfishes. Octopuses, blue crabs, short-necked clams, razor clam fleshes, and ark shells fill each basin. The price is not especially affordable, but since these sea foods are displayed right after they were caught from the West Sea, they are fresh.





A housewife Lee Su-Jin (36), who came from Suwon city with family said, “Whenever I travel to Jebudo or Daebudo, I always visit Sagang Market. Since this market sells only the seafood that was caught from the West Sea, I trust this market, so buy some seafood.”
The price of shellfish is around KRW 8,000 per kilogram, and three octopuses costs around KRW 20,000. A blue crab costs around KRW 30,000~40,000 per kilogram. Lee Nam-Hee, who said she had sold for nine years in Sagang Market said, “Most of seafood available here is displayed right after it was caught from the nearby West Sea, so it is very fresh. Neighboring citizens from Seoul, Suwon, and Anyang visit here a lot.”
The raw fish restaurants are lined on the both sides of the street. They are around 30 ones. Whichever raw fish restaurant a visitor may select, the visitor can be served with fairly good foods. The visitor can taste all kinds of fishes such as a flatfish, soft shell clam, Japanese blue fish, herring, and sea bass, etc. The raw fish restaurants in the Sagang Market are famous for many side dishes. If a customer orders raw fish, more than ten kinds of sea foods such as an ark shell, scallop, large clam, turban shell, top shell, sea slug, ascidians, octopus variabilis, urechis unicinctus, and shrimp are served together. The side dishes are so many that people even say that they came to eat raw fish but go back full of sea foods.

Songsan-myeon is also famous for grapes. Songsan grapes have thick grape fruits and are very sweet. Also a visitor can easily buy the ‘Songsan rice’ that is famous for good taste.
There are a lot of places so good as to be visited around Hwaseong. Jeongok Harbor on the way to Daebudo is the only place where water is not ebbed for 24 hours. It is popular with yacht manias. Also a visitor can experience riding a light airplane in the light airplane field in Gopo-ri.

- Name: Sagang Market
- Address: 656-8 Sagang-ri, Songsan-myeon, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do
- Contact: 031-357-6037(Business Association)
- Direction: Around 30 minutes in Sagang direction from Bibong IC of the Seohaean Expressway
- Facility size: 20,321 m²
- Characteristics: Traditional market (five-day market (2nd and 7th day) that deals abundant seafood and daily sundry goods.
- Surrounding tourism attraction: Fossilized Dinosaur Site (Natural Monument No. 41), Jebudo, Gungpyeong Harbor, etc.
- Restaurant Options: Pokpo Raw Fish Restaurant 031-357-0382. Flatfish and soft shell clam: KRW 20,000, Assorted raw fish: KRW 100,000, pepper pot: KRW 35,000, Hand-made noodles with short-neck clam: KRW 6,000 per person
- Accommodations: There are many lodgings around Gungpyeong Harbor. The Book House (016-333-9385)’, which is a Korean traditional cottage, is proud of lotus ponds filled with lotus flowers. It has a pavilion and small turf playground.