Construction of Universal Studio Korea Resort To Begin in 2011
○ Date of Release: January 19, 2010 ○ Source: Theme Park Project Team (031-249-2641)
Construction of Universal Studio Korea Resort (USKR) to be launched in early 2011 at Songsan Green City, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province
On the 19th, the representatives of 15 domestic and foreign organizations including Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Moon-Soo, Universal Studio Chairman Thomas Williams, Lotte Group Vice Chairman Shin Dong-Bin and Posco E&C President Jeong Dong-Hwa, signed a business contract and agreed to raise the capital, at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul.
Under the contract, 15 investors participating in PFV, including Lotte Asset Development and Posco E&C, will raise the capital based on the agreed quota. The establishment of PFV had already been completed, and Lotte Asset Development and Posco E&C, became the largest shareholders by holding shares of 26.7% and 24.4%, respectively, followed by the remaining investors.
When it is built, USKR will be Asia’s largest global theme park, with a construction budget of about KRW 3 trillion and a site with an area of 4,352,819㎡ in Songsan Green City, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. USKR PFV, which is in charge of the operation of theme park construction, is the central organization of the project. Water parks, themed hotels, condominiums, premium outlets and golf clubs will be built, and the entire facility will be opened in early 2014.
While there are many types of theme parks in the world, experts have tended to consider Universal Studio and Disneyland as the truly global theme parks. The economic ripple effects they create are beyond the imagination, which is why countries around the world have struggled to attract these parks. Nevertheless, a theme park is one of the most challenging businesses to attract. Currently, the countries in which global theme parks are located are limited to the US, Japan, France and China. Universal Studio operates parks in Los Angeles and Orlando (US) and Osaka (Japan), and is building a new park in Sentosa (Singapore).
Governor Kim said, “By attracting the Universal Studio Korea Resort, Korea will be the world’s fifth country to attract a global theme park. This will significantly improve the national image of Korea, and help in the attraction of foreign tourists from China, locating the park at the center of an economic and tourism belt of the west coast.”
the source-http://english.gg.go.kr
2010/02/16 14:22
2010/02/16 14:22
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2010/01/26 17:54
2010/01/26 17:54
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Unforgettable Taste of Makgeolli and handmade Tofu
In addition to Yidong Galbi, Makgeolli is also famous foodstuff that represents the eco-city of Pocheon. Makgeolli is known as a healthy drink. The amount of lactic acid bacteria in a bottle of makgeolli is equivalent to the number of bacteria in 100 bottles of yogurt. Uncontaminated clean water of Pocheon plays an important role to produce quality makgeolli. Moreover, delicious handmade tofu made by Kim Ye-ju granny is the local specialty that attracts a number of visitors across the country.
Yidong Makgeolli, Traditional Korean Taste Recognized by People around the World There are over ten breweries in Pocheon. The tastes of Makgeolli are determined by the production method and amounts of malt and other ingredients. Among others, the makgeolli produced by E-dong Brewery Co. in Pocheon is well known for its sweet and astringent flavors. The factory of Hanil Brewery, established in 1957, is situated at the foot of Baekun Valley. The brewery has exported about 4,000 tons of makgeolli, amount equivalent to USD 3.2 million or KRW 5 billion. The company was built on 3,960㎡ of the floor space in a total of 11,550㎡ of ground site. Unlike the newly built exterior appearance of the facilities, the process of making makgeolli inside the building was still persisted in old-fashioned production method. Except for the production packaging machinery, the whole process of manufacturing follows the traditional way including the use of 70 to 80-year old large potteries, and steaming rice in large cauldrons and fermenting the mixture in traditional pots. The CEO Ha Myeong-Hee, who succeeded the family business from her father, said she would have left the city considering the economic feasibility. However, she couldn’t move to other areas because of the quality water produced in Pocheon. The company utilizes mineral water pumped out from 200m underground rock layers of Baekunsan, without adding additional carbon dioxide gases.  For this reason, the makgeolli using the mineral water has fresh and sharp tastes. Currently, E-dong makgeolli has enjoyed unprecedented popularity at home and abroad, with having its overseas branches in Japan and the U.S. It has been exported to many other countries across the globe including China, Hong Kong, Germany and England.
Taste of Savory Handmade Tofu Made By a Granny Drive along the local road connected to Ildong hot spring district and you will see many restaurants specializing in handmade tofu. The original restaurant in this tofu village is Wonjo Paju Handmade Tofu Restaurant run by granny Kim Ye-Ju. The beginning of her business dates back to 14 years ago when she began to serve the delicious handmade tofu for travelers. She refurbished her old house and converted it into a traditional tofu restaurant. In the kitchen, people were busy making tofu, stirring boiling hot soymilk contained in two large traditional cauldrons.  After stirring the soymilk for an hour and going through boiling again the filtered amber liquid, white curds of tofu are created. In the backyard of the restaurant, people were washing a large amount of green vegetables. They were preparing for side dishes accompanied with the main tofu dish. The owner Kim Ye-Ju granny said she opens the restaurant all year round because she doesn’t want to disappoint her customers who visit her restaurant. After taking photos, the staff enjoyed the tasty tofu and bibimbab with a variety of vegetables prepared by the generous granny.
Recommended sites
Makgeolli direct sales store in front of the E-dong Brewery Co. There are four direct makgeolli direct sales stores in front of the E-dong Brewery located at the foot of the Baekun Valley. Visitors can purchase the fresh traditional Korean wine at inexpensive prices. Location: 112-1 Dopyeong-ri, Yidong-myeon, Pocheon Tel.: 031-535-2800, www.e-dong.co.kr
Baesangmyeon Brewery Co. Baesangmyeon Brewery has developed a variety of Korean wines such as Sansachun, Bokbunjaju, Daepo, utilizing Korean traditional liquor. Gallery Sansawon offers an exhibition of traditional Korean alcohol beverages and experience opportunities for visitors. The gallery is under renovation. Location: 512 Hwahyeon-ri, Hwahyeon-myeon, Pocheon Tel.: 031-531-0442 Website: www.soolsool.co.kr
Pocheon Pajugol Handmade Tofu Restaurant If you are a first time visitor to this restaurant, you should taste the handmade tofu above all. The tofu dish is accompanied with a wide variety of green vegetables. Handmade tofus, Cheonggukjang, Doenjang (Soybean paste) are available to take out. Location: San-1 Seongdong 4-ri, Yeongjung-myeon, Pocheon Tel.: 031-532-6590
|
Title |
Wonjo Pajugol Handmade Tofu Restaurant |
|
Address |
San-1, Seongdong 4-ri, Yeongjung-myeon, Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do
|
|
Inquiry
(Homepage) |
031-532-6590, www.Pajugol Handmade Tofu.kr
|
|
Location
(based on nearby national highways and express high ways) |
By car: Cheolwon → Pocheon → Turn right at Seongdong Samgoeri → Drive 2Km toward Ildong/Yidong→ Located near the state road 43 |
|
Facility Size |
Capacity for 34o people in the restaurant consisting of two buildings |
|
History |
Since 1985 |
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Features
|
Owned by the tofu artisan Kim Ye-Ju granny, the restaurant was opened after she served tofu at her house for five years. The restaurant is open all year round. If you are a first time visitor, you should try on the handmade tofu. The tofu dish is served with seven different vegetables. |
|
Notice |
Handmade tofu, Cheonggukjang, and Doenjang (Soybean paste) are available to take out. |
|
Business Hours |
From 6 a.m. ~ To 8.30/9 p.m. Open throughout the year. |
|
Charges |
Tofu/Pajeon/Kong ddeok/Dongchimi noodle are available for KRW 5,000 and Pyeonyuk for KRW 10,000 |
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Nearby Tourist Attractions |
Gwaneumsan, Myeongseongsan, Sanjeonghosu, Sundam Valley, Sambuyeon Falls, Goseokjeong Pavilion, Jiktang Falls. |
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Accommodations |
Hanwha Resort 031-534-5500, Tivoliville 031-534-0123 |
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Recommended Nearby Restaurants |
No information |
|
Others |
You can ask for additional portion of foodstuffs for free. |
|
Title |
E-dong Brewery Co. |
|
Address |
112-1 Dopyeong-ri, Yidong-myeon, Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do |
|
Inquiry
(Homepage) |
031-535-2800, www.e-dong.co.kr |
|
Location
(based on nearby national highways and express high ways) |
By car: Take national road No. 43 → Uijeongbu → Songu-ri→ Pocheon → Mansegyo Checkpoint → 38 Resting Place → Seongdong Checkpoint → Yidong-myeon → Located at the foot of Baekunsan
By bus: Take a bus bound for Dopyeong-ri at Suyu station/ Sangbong terminal/ East Seoul bus terminal, and take a taxi to Baekun Valley. |
|
Facility Size |
11,550㎡ of ground area, 3,960㎡ of floor space |
|
History |
Since 1957 |
|
Features
|
The brewery is equipped with over 300 large traditional jars and sticks to its traditional way of making makgeolli. The makgeolli was designated as the local specialty in 1987 and is sold at over 40 selling agencies and large-scale discount stores nationwide. Since establishment of its overseas branches in Japan in 1993 and the U.S. in 1998, the company has exported the product to a number of foreign countries including Europe and Mexico. |
|
Notice |
The facilities are not open to the public |
|
Business hours |
5 a.m. ~ 11 p.m., 365days a year |
|
Charges |
Free |
|
Nearby Attractions |
Baekun Valley, Bears Town Resort, Baekunsan, Gwangdeoksan, Sanjeonghosu |
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Accommodation |
Hanwha Resort 031-534-5500 |
|
Recommended Restaurants |
Yidong Galbichon 031-538-3782, Wonjo Yidong Jeonju Galbi 031-532-4562, Gochang Pungcheon Broiled Eels 031-531-6040 |
|
Features |
Visitors can purchase fresh makgeolli at the direct sales stores in front of E-dong Brewery Co at cheap prices. |
2010/01/08 15:22
2010/01/08 15:22
Should you have inquiries regarding Gyeonggi Province in general including usage of site, tour, culture, economy, please leave question and we will do our best for prompt reply.
[an inquiry] Director of Information & Communication
82-31-249-2759
* This is an example of the official international blog of Gyeonggi Province.
* The Korean contents above are supposed to be translated into English, Chinese, and Japanese.
* We plan to organize and introduce selected contents from the existing international website, search websites, and blogs.
* If you'd like to request additional information, please do so by making a post below or on the international website Q&A.
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2010/01/07 16:13
2010/01/07 16:13
Should you have inquiries regarding Gyeonggi Province in general including usage of site, tour, culture, economy, please leave question and we will do our best for prompt reply.
[an inquiry] Director of Information & Communication
82-31-249-2759
* This is an example of the official international blog of Gyeonggi Province.
* The Korean contents above are supposed to be translated into English, Chinese, and Japanese.
* We plan to organize and introduce selected contents from the existing international website, search websites, and blogs.
* If you'd like to request additional information, please do so by making a post below or on the international website Q&A.
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New Year’s Greetings from the Governor
Esteemed residents of Gyeonggi Province and friends from overseas!
The Year of the White Tiger has come, and I wish you good health and fortune in the year 2010.
As we embark on a new decade, the next ten years will determine whether or not Korea will rise as an advanced and respected nation.
The year 2010 is very symbolic. A century has passed since we suffered under colonization, 60 years since the Korean War, 50 years since the April 19 Democratic Movement, and 30 years since the May 18 Democratic Movement.
The year 2010 will also be the time when Gyeonggi Province, with its millennium of history, builds a foundation for the next millennium.
The province was officially established in 1018 A.D under the name Gyeonggi during the Goryeo Dynasty. As it did over the past 1000 years, the province will again design a new future for Korea.
Gyeonggi Province will do its utmost to create a business-friendly environment, generate jobs, offer a high standard of living, and fully develop human resources.
As the home to world-leading Korean companies such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and Kia Motors and the center of high-tech, knowledge-based industries, Gyeonggi Province will lead the growth of the Korean economy.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Despite numerous challenges, we have achieved remarkable results through the cooperative efforts of our 12 million residents.
The integrated public transportation fare system of the metropolitan area launched in July 2007 was introduced to the entire metropolitan area, and has helped citizens save precious time and money.
We also reaffirmed the enormous potential of the metropolitan express train system known as GTX.
In 2009, the province significantly eased business and military regulations to help businesses and attract leading companies from overseas.
Gyeonggi Province is the leading local government in terms of labor-management cooperation. We have created a labor-management culture which makes people a top priority, and a tripartite agreement among labor, management and public agencies was proudly declared for the first time in Korea.
Gyeonggi also became much safer by ensuring that each of its 31 cities and counties has its very own fire station and police station.
The Unlimited Care Program for families in crises launched by Gyeonggi Province has helped deprived neighbors get back on their feet, and has become the nation’s representative welfare program.
Ladies and gentlemen!
Expanding investments is the only way to revive our economy and create more employment opportunities.
We need to heighten our support for promising SMEs and assist their success on the global stage. Gyeonggi Province will also exert its fullest efforts to lead future industries which will emerge as the new market drivers, such as green vehicles and renewable energy.
GTX is a true green transportation revolution which will improve our competitiveness by resolving the chronic traffic congestion problems of the Korean metropolitan area while reducing environmental emissions. This will help us transform into one of the key hub regions of Northeast Asia.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are now escaping from the long, dark tunnel of the global economic crisis, and entering a hopeful New Year.
Gyeonggi Province, which has served as the center of Korea for the past thousand years, has unlimited potential. I have no doubt that, by working together, we can write a bright new chapter in history.
People say that only those who dream can conquer the world. Let’s all dream and work hard to make our dreams come true in 2010.
I wish you a very happy New Year!
January 1, 2010
Governor Kim Moon-Soo Gyeonggi Province Republic of Korea
2010/01/04 14:02
2010/01/04 14:02
Should you have inquiries regarding Gyeonggi Province in general including usage of site, tour, culture, economy, please leave question and we will do our best for prompt reply.
[an inquiry] Director of Information & Communication
82-31-249-2759
* This is an example of the official international blog of Gyeonggi Province.
* The Korean contents above are supposed to be translated into English, Chinese, and Japanese.
* We plan to organize and introduce selected contents from the existing international website, search websites, and blogs.
* If you'd like to request additional information, please do so by making a post below or on the international website Q&A.
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Educational Theme Park in the City – Aiinsworld , Bucheon-si , gyeonggi-do
Aiinsworld is the arena of the world's renowned constructions!
The world renowned constructions are all on site at Aiinsworld, located in Sangdong, Bucheon. This is an outdoor theme museum where there are models and displays of the main UNESCO cultural sites. There are 109 well-known constructions from 25 countries over the world displayed here, providing the opportunity to learn about a variety of cultures and histories. Be warned however that, due to its popularity, the parking spaces are always full of tour buses. After completing the Aiinsworld tour, you can purchase a poster in the souvenir shop giving details of the constructions and this can be used as a review of all you have seen. How about going on a Sunday picnic to Bucheon?
Gulliver in Lilliput
The world tour ticket costs 8,500won. Aiinsworld, a miniature exhibition park, is a place where 'small giants' can see and enjoy many things. You may be a bit disappointed by the miniatures being smaller than you expected, but children seem to forget time is flying when they are having fun. Miniatures representing Hansandaecheop (the great victory in Hansan) in the ‘Korea zone' are the most popular attraction. You may experience the sound of shooting rifles from Manrijangseong (Great Wall of China). To add more reality to the miniatures, this park is divided into 12 zones thus enabling you to naturally learn about the world's history as you listen to a professional guide chronicling interesting historical facts and episodes related to the constructions.
If you want to be with a guide, please make sure of the hours of availability and then assemble in front of Tower Bridge in the ‘England zone’ 5 minutes before your tour time.
(Guide Office :+82-32-320-6039)
The tour hours for the guides are always posted on the bulletin board by The Water Fountain Square. Before your tour, please be aware of your time. The time may be different to those scheduled. The acrobatic fitness performance of the Philippines is held three times a day and is especially loved by children. Never miss it!
Running time - 1 hour~1 hour 30 minutes
One-day world tour - 12 zones
World famous constructions are distributed throughout 12 zones. These are: the England zone, the France zone, the Europe zone, the Russia zone, the Africa zone, the East-Asia zone, the Latin-America zone, the Oceania zone, the U.S. zone, the Asia zone, the Korea zone and the Legendary Continents zone.
The Korea zone - You can see Hansandaesheop of the General, Lee Soonshin, who beat the Japanese troops and ended the Imjin War (Japanese invasion), Hwangryong Temple, a 9-storey Wooden Tower that was the first and foremost in wooden tower accomplishment, a skill now obsolete, Gyeongju Bulguk Temple accompanying the legend of Muyeong Tower and Gyeongbok Palace which represents Joseon history.
The Asia zone - There is the Great Wall of China, Manrijangseong, which is the biggest construction in the world, and the beautiful Rungmeon Stone Cave. Himeji Castle and Kumamoto Castle of Japan reflect the aesthetic beauty of Japanese constructions. The Petronas Twin Towers of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, stand as a promoter of Korean construction technology prowess. The beauty of the Indonesian Taj Mahal delays people’s progress into other zones.
The East-Asia zone - You may get a glimpse of unique culture and lifestyles you have never experienced by seeing the beautiful desert city, Petra, in the sands of middle-east Asia. St. Sophia Cathedral in Turkey illustrates the beautiful harmony between eastern and western cultures.
The Europe zone – Represented here is the smallest country, the Vatican City where the Pope lives, the Colosseum in Rome - which was the background for the movies 'Gladiator,' and 'Ben-Hur.’ and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, with the saying 'but the Earth is still moving around.' Galileo is said to have carried out experiments, measuring the speed of descent of two dissimilar sized cannonballs from this tower.
The Legendary Continents zone
You can meet with the fantastic legendary continent 'Atlantis' that is said to have been a magnificent civilization, and also see Rhodes which flourished with its own bountiful culture as the commercial sector of ancient Greece.
Watching Atlantis disappear in a second and then reappear will amaze you.
The Russia zone - The Soviet Revolution established by the former Soviet Union in creating the first communist country in the world is rooted in Red Square. St. Basil’s Cathedral is renowned for its nine towers that always appear to be only eight when viewed from the outside.
The Africa zone - There is Kilimanjaro, the only place in Africa covered with snow, pyramids, and the Sphinx which is famed for the legend of the riddle, 'which is the animal that walks with four legs in the morning, two in daytime and three in the evening?'
The U.S. zone - you get a chance to see the World Trade Center which was destroyed by terrorists on September 11, 2001, New York's Brooklyn Bridge which is the background for the film 'The Last Exit to Brooklyn,' the Lincoln Memorial, commemorating President Lincoln, who accomplished the emancipation of slaves, The Space Shuttle that marked an epoch in space travel, and a New York street at night decorated with dazzling electric signs. In addition, the must-see is King Kong growling on the top of the Empire State Building.
The Latin America zone - You can be at the scene of the Incan and Mayan civilizations amid the Andes in South America. The science by which the 365 days of the Gregorian calendar are precisely calculated is hidden in Chichen Itza built by the Mayans.
The Oceania zone - When you see the best construction in Australia - the Opera House in Sydney, you may feel the urge to dive into the tender melody of the music coming from the Opera House.
"When gazing upwards to take a picture of the Eiffel Tower, I can believe I’m in the middle of Paris" a man says.
The most eye-catching miniature in Aiinsworld is the World Trade Center which was destroyed by terrorist sand has now become a symbolic image to the world of the issues of today. It gives us a chance to see a once historic building.
Aiinsworld is...
It was designated as an experience and learning site of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education in 2004. It is an outdoor museum-like miniature theme park constructed within the 'Film and Culture Village' in Sang-dong, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do. There are 69 world famous constructions, 34 artistic and historic cultural relics that have been appointed by UNESCO and 6 of the Seven Wonders of the World. A total of 109 constructions from 25 countries have been constructed in 1:25 scale with every minute detail shown. It is a real 'Educational Theme Park' where you can experience cultures, histories and artistic aspects of the constructions with a professional guide.
The constructions were made by 'Wonder Works' which has won an Academy award for special-effects. Sculptors created the miniatures with extreme detail and an eye for perfection. They have even captured the effects of the passage of time on the structures. It took approximately 20 designers 6–7 months to complete each construction. Wonder Works reproduced the eruption of Kilimanjaro, King Kong scaling the Empire State Building, Geobukseon and Japanese warships in Hansandaecheop, and the under-water city, Atlantis by using SFX techniques of Hollywood.
Aiinsworld was opened in 2003, the era of the Edu-park, in which 34 which UNESCO appointed cultural relics, 9 of the 10 UNESCO cultural relics, 6 of the Seven Wonders, etc. A total of 109 constructions from 25 countries have been constructed in 1:25 scale in this miniature theme park by Wonder Works, a renowned special effects company in Hollywood.
[Information]
Hours - Summer season - 9:30am - 6:30pm Winter season - 9:30am - 5pm
Weekdays 10am - 7pm Weekends and Holidays 10am - 9pm
Open every day
Admission fee - Adults 8,500 won Youth 7,000 won Children 6,000 won
Physically challenged and Veterans 5,000 won
Website - www.aiinsworld.com
How to go
Web search - Aiinsworld
Address - Sang-dong Wonmi-gu Bucheon-si Gyeonggi-do
By car - Gyeongbu Expressway Pangyo IC - Seoul Ring Road(for Ilsan) - Jungdong IC - turn left under the overpass - Fantastic Studio - Aiinsworld
By bus
Aiinsworld Front Gate : #5-2 at Bucheon Bukbu Station, Songnae Station gate #2, #558 at Bupyeong Station gate #8
Aiinsworld Rear Gate : #5-5, #7-2, #23-2, #1200, #9300, #565, #37, #700 at Bucheon Bukbu Station
Sightseeing nearby
Bucheon Robo Park, Bucheon Fantastic Studio, Wonder Zone, Tiger World, Korea Comics Museum, Bucheon Novelty Museum
the source-http://english.ethankyou.co.kr/travel/columnist/columnistList.jsp
2009/12/31 14:55
2009/12/31 14:55
Should you have inquiries regarding Gyeonggi Province in general including usage of site, tour, culture, economy, please leave question and we will do our best for prompt reply.
[an inquiry] Director of Information & Communication
82-31-249-2759
* This is an example of the official international blog of Gyeonggi Province.
* The Korean contents above are supposed to be translated into English, Chinese, and Japanese.
* We plan to organize and introduce selected contents from the existing international website, search websites, and blogs.
* If you'd like to request additional information, please do so by making a post below or on the international website Q&A.
TRACKBACK :: http://eng.gg.go.kr/trackback/1255
The Best Mountain Near the Northern Part of the Han River – Mt. Soyo Dongducheon-si gyeonggi-do
A chilly atmosphere, a sapphire blue sky, red and yellow mountains having shed their green clothes... That is autumn. It's the season of reading and of 'high sky and plump horses.' Let's not just say, 'Wow! It’s good weather! What a splendid sky!' while sitting in a room. Get out of your room and dive into the mountains and rivers and be at one with nature.
The 'Soguem River' in Gyeonggi-do
Mt. Soyo (587m) in Dongducheon is said to be the Soguem River in Gyeonggi-do. Early morning though it is, a large crowd of people are gathering to confirm the pre-eminence of this place. It takes about 10 minutes on foot from the parking space at the entrance of Mt. Soyo to Ilju gate. Just walking to Ilju gate, surrounded by trees, is enough to appreciate the artistic beauty of the mountain. Soon, leaves are piling up on the path, which seems to indicate that time is running on.
Mt. Soyo is located in Dongducheon city, Gyeonggi-do and is the best mountain near the northern part of the Han River. Though it's small in size, it has its unique ridgelines and remarkable maples, so it has long been said to be the Soguem River in Gyeonggi-do. It is also very well known as a historic site where Wonhyo (617-686), a Buddhist monk, nurtured his morality and eventually took something sublime from it. It contains Jajaeam, Wonhyo Waterfall and many other sights with plenty of parking, making it one of the best day trips around for the people in the Metropolitan area.
This is Nymph Pool but nowhere is there a nymph costume
The real scene is set when Ilju gate is behind my back. Wonhyo Waterfall, refreshingly gushing down, is just by the trail. But I proceed without hestation to a trail that will take me to Jajaeam in 10 minutes. I wonder whether or not Jajaeam is still influenced by the austere discipline of Wonhyo, but the atmosphere around Jajaeam is contemplative and extraordinary. It appears that the people gathering here are also feeling something sublime. I take a deep breath, watching Cheongryang Waterfall in Jajaeam, and I’m ready to dive into the middle of the mountains to join the colorful maples.
When going up Habaekundae, there is a path to Seonyeotang (Nymph Pool). The feeling of the loneliness of autumn gets deeper due to the serenity of this place. I'm afraid that the rustling sound made by my feet will disturb the tranquility of the mountain. The overall geography is rocky and steep. But a slow pace would solve all difficulties. Following a ravine-like trail, I quickly reach Seonyeotang (Seonyeo means nymph and tang means pool). It's about 1m wide, suitable for a grown-up and there are several pits in a terraced area. A nearby hiker says “This is a Nymph Pool but nowhere is a nymph costume!” which reinvigorates us.
Over Kalbawi to Nahandae and finally the top, Uisangdae
I take a shortcut toward Kalbawi from the branch trail after Seonyeotang and Jungbaekundae. The route is across a gully in the mountain, so it's quite steep, but seeing the nearby landscapes diminishes the pain in my legs. The mountain consists of six fantastically shaped peaks, so it doesn't allow you to readily continue at a steady pace. I'm a bit out of breath, which slows me down. The drops of sweat rolling on my back are not overwhelming like sweat in the summer but are like a coolant for my body. Finally, I'm on top of the shortcut across Sangunbaekdae and Kalbawi, and I start to follow the ridgeline of the mountain. There are many rocks that seem to say “be careful” because they are as sharp as a knife. Indeed the ‘Kal’ of the name Kalbawi means ‘knife’ in Korean.
So I recognize why those are said to be Kalbawi. You need to be a lot more cautious here because of the rocky trail. It's a rough and rocky trail over the top of Kalbawi but beyond it, it becomes a bit more moderate. It's marvelous to see a sea of clouds all over Dongducheon city as you look out from open areas. It gives me the false impression that I'm far away from the city because the sea of clouds is wholly covering up the picture of the city. It prompts me to speed up to find a spot where I can see in all directions to appreciate this breathtaking panorama. I find myself running up to Nahandae. On the top of Nahandae, the image of the sea of clouds becomes more beautiful and marvelous. It's as if I was on a hill 1,000m high or riding on a cloud. In addition to the sea of clouds, the landscape seen on Uisangdae, the top of Mt. Soyo, is also stunning. The strange looking rocks of the summit harmonize with the spreading maples whilst the sea of clouds adds more beauty.
Looking back on my life
It's hard to feel the beauty and wonder of nature while living in a city. It's as if we can cope with everything in our lives, but once faced with nature and cascading into it, it's different. We are soon amazed by the beauty of nature and can celebrate our being healthy. We eventually recognize the benevolence that nature gives of itself.
A twenty-minute walk takes you to Uisangdae from Nahandae. It seems to have taken many hours for me to get to the top, but it was less than a 2 hour trip. Mt. Soyo is as gratifying as any other mountain providing enjoyable rocky trails, both steep and gentle paths rising and then falling and with strangely shaped rocks. It seems that a deep ravine that is calm and peaceful clasps the austere discipline of Wonhyo in its deepest center.
Climbing Courses
① Office - Habaekundae - Jungbaekundae - Seonyeotang - Office (1 hour and 30 minutes)
② Office - Habaekundae - Jungbaekundae - Sangbaekundae - Saem - Office (2 hours and 30 minutes)
③ Office - Habaekundae - Jungbaekundae - Sangbaekundae - Nahandae - Geumsonggol - Office (3 hours)
④ Office - Habaekundae - Jungbaekundae - Sangbaekundae - Nahandae - Uisangdae - Office (3 hours and 30 minutes)
⑤ Office - Habaekundae - Jungbaekundae - Sangbaekundae - Nahandae - Uisangdae - Gongjubong - Office (4 hours)
[Information]
Web search : Soyo Mountain
Address : Sangbongam-dong, Dongduchen-si, Gyeonggi-do
[How to Go]
Car
(Parking fee: small-sized 2,000won / medium-sized 3,000won / large-sized 5,000won)
◆Seoul - Uijeongbu - Highway #3 - Dongducheon city - Highway #3 heading to Jeongok 5.3km - turn right at Soyo-dong and proceed 400m - Mt. Soyo car park
◆Leave Songchu IC by Seoul Ring Road toward Ilyeong - Highway #39 Songchu checking point - turn right to Uijeongbu - turn left at Uijeongbu Gyeongmin Square heading to the law court and public prosecutors office (take Highway #39) - turn left at Nokyang Intersection to Dongducheon - take Highway #3 - turn right at Sangpae Intersection - turn left at the first 3 way junction - the entrance of Mt.Soyo
Public transportation
◆Subway
Take subway line #1 and get off at Mt. Soyo Station
◆Bus
At subway line #4 Suyu Station, take a bus #36, 39, 136, 139 and get off at the entrance of Mt. Soyo
[Sightseeing Nearby]
Shinbuk Spa Fatasium, Herb Island, Sanjeong Lake, Mt. Myeongseong, Ildong Spa, Garden of Morning Calm, KOFIC Namyangju Studios
[Contact]
Dongducheon City Culture and Tour Department +82-31-860-2066
24 Hour Tour Info. Call +82-1330 Mobile +82-31-1330
the source-http://english.ethankyou.co.kr/travel/columnist/columnistList.jsp
2009/12/30 16:53
2009/12/30 16:53
Should you have inquiries regarding Gyeonggi Province in general including usage of site, tour, culture, economy, please leave question and we will do our best for prompt reply.
[an inquiry] Director of Information & Communication
82-31-249-2759
* This is an example of the official international blog of Gyeonggi Province.
* The Korean contents above are supposed to be translated into English, Chinese, and Japanese.
* We plan to organize and introduce selected contents from the existing international website, search websites, and blogs.
* If you'd like to request additional information, please do so by making a post below or on the international website Q&A.
TRACKBACK :: http://eng.gg.go.kr/trackback/1250
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the source-http://english.gg.go.kr
2009/12/29 17:58
2009/12/29 17:58
Should you have inquiries regarding Gyeonggi Province in general including usage of site, tour, culture, economy, please leave question and we will do our best for prompt reply.
[an inquiry] Director of Information & Communication
82-31-249-2759
* This is an example of the official international blog of Gyeonggi Province.
* The Korean contents above are supposed to be translated into English, Chinese, and Japanese.
* We plan to organize and introduce selected contents from the existing international website, search websites, and blogs.
* If you'd like to request additional information, please do so by making a post below or on the international website Q&A.
TRACKBACK :: http://eng.gg.go.kr/trackback/1248
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