Focus Gyeonggi

We feel somehow solemn in June because the month marks a series of memorial occasions including National Memorial Day on the 6th and the Korean War on the 25th as well as the 1st and 2nd battles ofYeonpyeong on the 15th and 29th. In such an atmosphere, there is something noteworthy: the re-opening from May 4 of the train travelling to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a place representing the pain of war that has been transformed into a great natural ecosystem.

On a bright day of June, why don’t you take the DMZ train and remind yourself of the pain of the divided country at Dorasan Station, which is the northernmost station in South Korea and take a moment to imagine travelling on the Trans-Eurasia Railway passing Pyeongyang in peace, harmony and love?

◇ Operation of the DMZ train resumed on May 4 ⓒ Reported by Kwon Oh-kyeong 

While heading to the platform to board the first DMZ train scheduled to leave Seoul Station at 8:30 a.m., I saw the multi-colored train in the distance. That made me smile.

Renovated from a diesel-powered commuting locomotive, the train is made up of three compartments in total with exterior signage reading “Peace, Freedom and Unity” on each car. The inspiration for the design of the 48-seat lead car (Peace) came from a rusty steam locomotive called Mika, a model of the “We want to get back on track” engine that has sat for decades near the U.N. truce village of Panmunjom. Decorated with images of people holding hands, the other two cars (40-seat Unity and 48-seat Love) represent harmony and peace.

I boarded the second car (Unity) because it not only has a cafeteria and a broadcasting studio but also seats facing the windows. I took a seat decorated with multi-colored pinwheel designs and looked out the window. The train began to move slowly. Passing by the concrete jungle and apartment complexes, the train was soon running through green fields.

Amazed by the beautiful landscape seen from the window, I heard an announcement by a friendly crew member asking passengers to fill out an application form for access to Dorasan Station. Although filling out the form on the rattling train was quite challenging, I managed to complete the task and looked around the inside of the train. Examining fancy interior decorations featuring lotus leaves and flowers and hearts as well as words of peace, unity and love in difference languages, I felt a temporary sense of innocence. Above the windows, approximately 150 pictures relating to war, ecology and trains were displayed just like in a photo gallery.

◇ I wore a pass around my neck and returned to the train. After 10 minutes, the DMZ train arrived at its final destination, Dorasan Station, after passing the Civilian Control Line. ⓒ Reported by Kwon Oh-kyeong

Hardtack, combat rations and rice balls available from train cafeteria

The landscapes seen from the front and back of the running train were displayed on monitor screens in real time, which made me feel like a train engineer.

In the meantime, a second announcement was made asking passengers to come to the cafeteria if they wanted to request songs and share their stories with others. Before long, one passenger requested the remade song “ When Love Passes by ” sung by IU (originally sung by Lee Mun-se).

Some passengers were eating boxed lunches, hardtack, combat rations or rice balls sold at the cafeteria, which offered not only food but also souvenirs such as pieces of wire, hiking cups, bottle openers and puzzles. A few passengers boarded the train at intermediate stations, and the train finally arrived at Imjingang Station where all the passengers alighted from the train at the request of the crew.

The thought of crossing the Civilian Control Line at the identification check point controlled by military police in a stern atmosphere made me slightly nervous. I wore the pass around my neck and returned to the train. About 10 minutes later, the train passed the Civilian Control Line and arrived at Dorasan Station, the final destination of the train. Dorasan Station is the northernmost station in South Korea and the foremost station for travel to North Korea. The crew and military police asked passengers to make sure to return before the scheduled departure time. I moved on to the station.

◇ Dorasan Station is the northernmost station in South Korea and the foremost station for travel to North Korea ⓒ Reported by Kwon Oh-kyeong

General Tour of Peace Park and Security Tour of underground tunnels

The DMZ train offers two tour routes: the General Tour and the Security Tour.

I chose the General Tour, which features a short circuit of Dorasan Station and Dorasan Peace Park after disembarking at Dorasan Station. Of the tourists boarding the train with me that day, I was the only one to choose this route.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   All the other passengers who chose the Security Tour purchased a Minbuk tour ticket at the ticket office located at Dorasan Station, and boarded a tourist bus waiting outside. According to the crew, the tourists will visit the third underground tunnel and Dora Observatory. I felt a bit lonely; I hardly knew where to start all by myself. Then a middle-aged lady came and talked to me.

“Oh, I have only one participant today. This is the first time I have lead just one person since I became a tour guide.” I was happy for a minute to have this rare opportunity, and moved to Dorasan Peace Park while listening to the explanation provided by Oh Sun-hee, a cultural tour guide working for Paju City. Those who took the General Tour were accompanied by a cultural tour guide dispatched from Paju City to Dorasan Peace Park.

Planning for Doorasan Peace Park began in 2002 when former U.S. President George Bush and late former Korean President Kim Dae-jung visited Dorasan Station; construction of the park was finally completed in June 2008. Of particular note, it is even more meaningful as the Unification Forest was established through financial support and trees donated by residents of Gyeonggi Province in the spirit of peace.

◇ Dorasan Peace Park has a variety of exhibits and sculptures that represent peace and harmony. ⓒ Reported by Kwon Oh-kyeong

Experiential Program Book full of interesting stories

When I entered the peace park, I heard the rattling sound of the closing door. “Am I confined now?” I was seized by anxiety. Guide Oh said, “It will open when we are ready to leave.” It did not seem to be a big deal to her.

I grabbed the experiential program book entitled Dodo and Rara at the entrance and flipped through it. The book was filled with instructive and entertaining stories for children. If participants experience all of the fun illustrated in the program book, they will be given a small souvenir. At the Experience Hall named, one can find a tile decoration program named ‘Filling the Wall of Friendship with Hope,’ which has been designed to express wishes for the peace of North Korea’s children.

The program will continue until November. Tourists can leave a drawing or message on a tile  for a participation fee of KRW 3,000. Two thousand tiles will fill the Wall of Friendship. Proceeds will be used in a project to fight tuberculosis in North Korea. There was a barbed wire structure next to the Experience Hall upon which participants could hang messages wishing for the peaceful unification of Korea.

Guide Oh had a wealth of historical knowledge. I enjoyed her explanations and the diverse programs exclusively available for me until the tour ended. I had a cup of coffee at the unmanned café named Deer Café, placing KRW 2,000 in a box to pay for my coffee. No one would visit the café that day.

Guide Oh explained, “If you take the DMZ train, the Security Tour seems a bit tight while the General Tour seems leisurely.” I would recommend the Security Tour for those who want to actively engage in security experiences and the General Tour for those who want a more relaxing course.

◇ Children can have more fun at Dorasan Peace Park through the program book Dodo and Rara, and will be given a small souvenir when they experience all of the fun things introduced in the book. The “Filling the Wall of Friendship with Hope” tile decoration event will run until November in the Experience Hall. ⓒ Reported by Kwon Oh-kyeong

Dorasan Station crowded with foreign tourists

It was now 11:50 am. I reminded myself of the crew’s request to return 20 minutes prior to the departure time. I headed for Dorasan Station. Unlike the peaceful morning, Dorasan Station was crowded with lots of foreign tourists. I wondered what they would see and feel here. I boarded the DMZ train again, feeling more comfortable this time. A crew member on the train said, “You were busy filling out the application forms for the pass in the morning, but you will have a much more relaxing journey back to Seoul”. She also heightened the expectations of the passengers by saying, “A variety of events await you.”

Outside the window, one could see the old railroad bridge of Imjingang River standing as if in testament to the pain of the war. The bridge was destroyed during the Korean War, and only piers now remain. The train also passed by the Bridge of Freedom; approximately 12,000 South Korean prisoners of war crossed the bridge to return to South Korea following the Korean War. Before long, an announcement was made asking the passengers to find a ‘land mine’. A souvenir was given to the passenger who found one.

A series of personal stories and song requests continued on the train ride to Seoul. A passenger shared her touching story, saying, “I am on my way back to Seoul after seeing my mother’s home town far in the lonely distance. She really missed her home town”. The train became calm and solemn for a moment. The crew took photos of passengers to select a prize winner while stories and song requests continued. The train ride to Seoul was full of energy, and it was about 1:15 pm when the train arrived at Seoul Station. The five-hour tour passed so quickly that it felt like a dream.

◇ Starting with DMZ train operation on May 4, the suspended Dorasan Station Tour has resumed. ⓒ Reported by Kwon Oh-kyeong

● TIP  History of the DMZ train

The DMZ train first ran in 2002, but was temporarily suspended from 2010 until resuming operation in May.

Starting with the first run of the DMZ train on May 4, the suspended Dorasan Station Tour has resumed. Attracting over 50,000 tourists every year with six daily runs of the security tourism train, the Dorasan Station Tour had been a leading security tourist attraction in Korea since opening in April of 2002 through the June 15th North–South Joint Declaration.

Unfortunately, the tour was suspended on June 4 of 2010 following a security incident involving a tourist in 2009. As a result, tourist numbers plunged sharply to a mere 5,000 a year, and the Dorasan Peace Park was temporarily closed. Accordingly, Gyeonggi Province, the ROK Army’s 1st Infantry Division, the Ministry of Unification (Inter-Korean Transit Office), Paju City, the Korea Railroad Cooperation (KORAIL) and the Gyeonggi Tourism Cooperation have long endeavored to resume the tour of Dorasan Station, which is symbolic of wishes for the reunification of the Korean peninsula.

After a series of deliberations, the concerned parties finally signed a joint agreement to promote Dorasan Station tourism on December 28, 2012. Subsequently, on March 4 of 2012, they signed an agreement for Dorasan Station tourism that set forth terms for the earnest fulfillment of previous agreements by each organization.

Subsequently, KORAIL completed the renovation of the DMZ train and a resumption plan was finalized for May 4 after the 1st Infantry Division checked the site.

The DMZ train runs twice daily from Seoul Station (08:30, 13:40) to Dorasan Station, passing through Neunggok Station, Munsan Station, Uncheon Station and Imjingang Station. Diverse programs are featured including explanations of the surrounding areas and the screening of a promotional video to introduce tourist destinations around the stations.

One-way train tickets from Seoul Station to Dorasan Station cost KRW 8,900 on weekends, and KRW 5,000 from Imjingang River Station to Dorasan Station. DMZ Plus tickets are also available at a cost of KRW 16,000 for those who want to freely board and depart at any of the stations along the way during the day.

When taking the DMZ train, visitors are only granted access to Dorasan Station after presenting a valid form of identification such as a resident registration card or driver’s license. This is because all the passengers are required to show their identification at Imjingang Station in order to cross the Civilian Control Line.

When their ID is confirmed, visitors are allowed to tour Dorasan Station and Dorasan Peace Park for free. If they purchase a Minbuk tour ticket at Dorasan Station, they can also take the existing Minbuk tour for visits to the 3rd underground tunnel and Dora Observatory by shuttle bus.

Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization renovated Dorasan Peace Park to attract tourists, and have prepared various programs including the experiential program book and the Wall of Friendship to ensure that visitors have memorable experiences.

ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News | Reporter Han Jin-hee

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201406101148367055C059&s_code=C05

‘Explore Hwaseong by Bike’ in Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province

Is there a way not to just feast your eyes on cultural heritage sites but also to enjoy them from a different perspective? ‘Explore Hwaseong by Bike’, a special event organized for the study of cultural heritage sites and the enjoyment of fresh air, is already marking its 15th year.

◇ Participants start from Manseok Park Square. ⓒ Reporter Choi Gyu-weon

The ‘Explore Hwaseong by Bike’ event, as the name implies, is an interesting occasion to ride a bike around and explore Suwon Hwaseong. Thousands of people join the event every year to experience the beauty of Suwon Hwaseong, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, and to forge pleasant memories with family, friends, and loved ones.

The 15th Explore Hwaseong by Bike event began in Manseok Park of Suwon on June 5. It was hosted by the Joongboo Ilbo and sponsored by Gyeonggi Province and Suwon City.

More than three thousand participants took part in the event including Joongboo Ilbo Chairman Im wan-su, Suwon Vice Mayor Lee Jae-jun, and Gyeonggi Province Saemaeul Movement Council Chairman Lee Do-hyeong.

◇ Participants ride bikes along the street. ⓒ Reporter Choi Gyu-weon

Participants started from Manseok Park at 9:30 am, passed Hwaseonghaenggung, Paldal Gate, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex, Hwaseo Gate and other notable sites before returning to Manseok Park. During the event, thousands of cyclists traveled 9 kilometers along the streets of Suwon City.

UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site Suwon Hwaseong reflects history of Korea

One of the themes of the event was ‘Learning about the World Cultural Heritage of My Hometown while Cycling and Meditating on the Spirit of Filial Piety of King Jeongjo.’ In order to properly understand this theme, one also needs to understand Suwon Hwaseong.

Suwon Hwaseong stems from the filial piety of King Jeongjo. King Jeongjo’s father is known as the ‘Tragic Prince’, and King Jeongjo always honored and observed filial piety for a father who met his end under tragic circumstances.

King Jeongjo ascended to the throne and moved the tomb of the Tragic Prince to Hwasan. People also relocated to this area. Hwaseong was constructed at that time, the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty, as a walled city.

◇ Han Hyeon-gyu of the Gyeonggi Province University Student Report Group passes Jangan Gate ⓒ Reporter Choi Gyu-weon

Included along the event course was Jangan Gate, which is deemed superlative among the 11 gates of Hwaseong. Jangan Gate, the largest and the most splendid of the gates, was built facing toward Hwaseong where the king resided.

◇ The grandeur of Jangan Gate ⓒ Reporter Han Hyeong-gyu

Both Paldal Gate and Hwaseo Gate also boast their own unique splendor, and so Suwon Hwaseong really stands at the forefront of the historical sites in Gyeonggi Province.

Various spectacles and secondary event boast high participation levels

Various spectacles were staged before the start of the event. A saxophone performance by the Gyeonggi Province Three Joys Association and the amazing feats of the BSTAR BMX Team added to the excitement of attendees.

A raffle with a number of lucky winners was one of the most popular events with a bicycle being among the prizes. Winners were drawn after the bike-riding event finished, with large numbers of people remaining and eagerly awaiting the results of the raffle.

◇ Participants in the Youth Safety Festival ⓒ Reporter Choi Gyu-weon

The Youth Safety Festival was held as a secondary event. The subject of the safety festival was the prevention of school violence. Many youths who participated in the bike ride also showed their support for the elimination of school violence through the safety festival,

The 15th Explore Hwaseong by Bike event provided an opportunity to enjoy both fresh air and amazing sights. Although humble in appearance, the event gave participants the chance to forge precious memories while learning more about Korean cultural heritage.

ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News | Reporter Choi Gyu-weon of Gyeonggi Province University Student Report Group gw817@hanmail.net

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201407080951487816C056&s_code=C056

A world filled with herbs, Herb Island in Pocheon hosts a fantastic illumination festival every winter.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, the Herb Island Flame Festival will continue non-stop from November 1, 2013, to April 30, 2014 (with exceptions for inclement weather). Usually, the lights go on at 5 PM and off at 9 PM, but the illumination hours may vary slightly,

They will be on until 11 PM on Saturdays and 10 PM on Fridays and Sundays.

Direct link to the official Pocheon Herb Island website

We can see all kinds of illumination festivals in various places around Korea during the winter. Some of them display only unremarkable lights that lack unique characteristics. The Fairy Tale Light Festival of the Herb Island, however, is famous for its unique composition as well as numerous other attractions.

Sometimes we want to experience the world inside a fairy tale. The Fairy Tale Light Festival is the best place to fulfill such desires, because Herb Island turns into the Santa Village in winter.

All right, so let’s go inside the Santa Village and enter a fairy tale!

To get to the Santa Village, you should pass through the Herb Plants Museum.

As you walk along this museum passage filled with many herbs and plants, you can see the Santa Village entrance.

Honestly, I was worried as I stood in front of this entrance before going inside. What if it’s similar to last year?

There were the same sculptures from last year, but the overall atmosphere was fortunately quite different.

The first thing that caught my eye was the central plaza of the Santa Village. Last year, the area around the tree was nothing more than an empty plain.

There were sculptures such as Santa Claus, Rudolph, and a snowman placed here and there in the vacant lot.

But this year, the space is decorated beautifully with colorful lights installed like waves.

This is a wooden deck around the entrance. Last year, it was a bit messy during the final stage of its construction, but now it has been transformed into a neat place.

There are female Santas guarding the front. Not all Santa Clauses are men!

It’s off to a great start.

Now let’s enter the Love Tunnel along the border of the Santa Village.

Filled with beautiful lights, the tunnel is also overflowing with love.

The heart-shaped wish notes, each containing an adoring message for family, friends or lovers, will fill up the tunnel as time goes by.

If you pass the middle of the tunnel, you can find many places to pose for photographs.

This Santa is a cook.

When you finally exit the long tunnel, you will see a place where you can ride a donkey.

This place provides a donkey-riding experience as well as various other facilities for children, including a small animal farm.

So we’ve had a quick tour of the fairy-tale Santa Village.

Other than the Santa Village, there are many places to enjoy beautiful lights on Herb Island.

One of the biggest places is this Flower Garden, located between the Herb Plants Museum and Herb Museum.

What a bright world here, too!

An aroma store across from the Flower Garden features a complete range of products that can be made with herbs.

I’m introducing you to this place, which was also a filming location for Running Man, because you will see many items relating to Christmas.

Herb Island is filled with Christmas spirit. I still have so many places to show you, but I will have to wrap it up here.

If you want to jump into the world of a fairy tale full of beautiful lights this winter, be sure to visit Herb Island. You won’t regret it.

♡ Public transportation

◎ There is a bus stop at the entrance of Herb Island. It is 400 m from the ticket office of Herb Island.

Samjeong-ri Herb Island bus stop (No. 41017): Across from Herb Island entrance (Dongducheon → Pocheon direction)
Samjeong 1-ri bus stop (No. 41018) : Herb Island entrance (Pocheon → Dongducheon direction)
You can take Gyeonggi Bus 57 or 57-1 that stops at Herb Island at the bus stop in front of the Dongducheon Station of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, or the bus stop across the Soyosan Station of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway.

▶ Departure time at Dongducheon Station: 07:50, 08:55, 09:50, 10:55, 11:50, 12:55, 13:50, 14:55, 15:50, 16:55, 17:50, 18:55, 20:00
▶ Departure time at Herb Island entrance: 06:20, 08:30, 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, 19:40

You can use the Gyeonggi Bus Information System to conveniently check bus routes and schedules in real time.

http://ggholic.tistory.com/8401

Spring is coming again this year to Goyang City along with the International Horticulture Goyang Korea.

Preparations are being made for a feast of splendid flowers at Ilsan Lake Park in Goyang City for 17 days from April 25 to May 11, 2014, under the theme of the “New Hallyu Flower Festival of 600-year-old Goyang Created by One Million Citizens.”

 With a history of 23 years, the International Horticulture Goyang Korea became an annual event from last year; it evolves each year with more fruitful and innovative programs. Last year it received the Excellent Festival Award in the Korea Local Brand Awards.

This year, International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2014 will see the participation of 120 companies from 35 countries as well as over 200 companies in Korea. It will offer an expanded range of events including exciting fireworks the day before the opening ceremony. Let’s take a look at the preparations being made for International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2014 by visiting the Chodang Wild Flower Farm, a living witness of 23-year-old International Horticulture Goyang Korea.

It was a day still too cold for spring when I went to the Chodang Wild Flower Farm in Wonheung-dong of Deogyang-gu.

It took a while to get there as I drove along small winding paths. The first thing I saw when I arrived was the phrase “Our Flower Gallery.”

Gang Il-chang, CEO of the Wild Flower Farm, had previously been a sculptor, but began researching and developing wild flowers, including pot-planting and miniature gardens, after he was completely mesmerized by the wild flowers he saw on a mountain he had climbed while searching for sculpting materials. It has been over 30 years since he began sharing his knowledge of wild flowers with the general public.

Working in cooperation with the International Horticulture Goyang Korea since its inaugural event in 1997, he has been presenting his works in the Wild Flower Pavilion. This year he is also preparing to present wild flowers he has worked on with members.

Wild flowers grow naturally in mountains or fields without human interference.

But as the environment changes, the wild flowers around us are starting to disappear.

Gang is playing a pivotal role in preserving and developing those wild flowers so that we can conserve and enjoy them in more diverse ways.

He also connects natural flowers with natural materials to enhance their splendor and beauty.

Spring begins with warm winds chasing away the cold, and flowers start to bloom in various places.

Spring flowers are already in full bloom at the Wild Flower Farm, and in that sense, spring has already begun in Goyang City.

As I watched Gang explain various features of a garden filled with over 1000 types of wild flowers, I could feel his steadfast love for wild flowers even after more than 30 years.

He first began collaboration with the first International Horticulture Goyang Korea in 1996 by planning and decorating the Wild Pavilion with flowers that grew in Korea. In 2012, he published a book titled Wild Flower Pot-planting based on his knowledge and expertise. His achievements are represented by over 10 awards related to wild flowers in a corner of the farm, such as the Gyeonggi Province Governor’s Award, a presidential citation, and the Gold Prize in Landscape Exhibition from International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2006.

Raising wild flowers requires special affection and effort.

Some flowers bloom beautifully every season and grow quickly in a couple of years, but some plants grow two mere spans even after putting in more than 50 years of effort.

The Chodang Wild Flower Farm has over 1000 types of wild flowers grown with consistent devotion.

These flowers are completed as works of art in harmony with natural materials such as a decaying old tree, rubber shoes, moss, or pieces of broken rock. They also display commercial value as beautiful wild flower pots, pot plantings, miniature gardens, wooden crops, and landscapes.

Over 100 types of works will also be exhibited at International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2014.

Yellow daffodils bloom in a wild flower garden filled with the scent of spring.

White flowers blossom on a decaying old tree.

The place is filled with the air of spring, showcasing Adonis plants that pierce through the white snow of the fading winter, primroses that live many years, Japanese apricot flowers with impressive red petals, and azaleas that herald the coming of spring.

We tend to think that such wild flowers are native to Korea, but the truth is that about 60% are exotic species.

New species appear through research and development as Korean wild flowers are exported for quality development and re-imported. This is a natural phenomenon that occurs as their commercial values are acknowledged.

Like the order of nature, everything there had life.

Life appeared in moss that seemed as if it lost all vitality last fall, in skinny and dried-up twigs, and even in cut-off bundles of firewood and plastic water bottles.

All these things have been prepared for use as materials for the wild flower pieces, all of them exuding strong vitality as the weather becomes warmer.

Wild flowers are prettier because they are commonplace, and more familiar because they are humble.

They become more beautiful depending on where and how they are planted and raised. You can see such works at International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2014.

These flowers have always been so close to us that we are unaware of the extent of their worth. To make them more familiar to people, these flowers have undergone long research and development processes. The practical and more adorable miniascapes of succulent plants and mosses are two extremes that could not coexist.

Gang conducted extensive research and development to harmonize these two aspects and shape them into marvelous forms.

Ginger lilies, which announce spring even before azaleas and forsythias, guide us to spring a little earlier.

It is still early, so there were more flowers undergoing preparation than those that announce spring at the Wild Flower Farm. But this is what makes me look forward to the flowers I will see at the International Horticulture Goyang Korea.

International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2014 is preparing for its April opening at various farms such as this Wild Flower Farm as well as through roses and potted plants. The World Flower Pavilion, Korea Flower Pavilion and Goyang Horticulture Pavilion will see the participation of 200 companies from Korea and overseas. In terms of outdoor exhibitions, there will be the Eco Healing Garden featuring flower steps around the waterside, as well as the Aqua Flower Garden, Goyang New Korean Wave Garden, Goyang Holding Flowers, Eco Healing Garden, Aqua Flower Garden, and Korea Garden Show 2014 showcasing the top 17 garden designers of Korea.

The Chodang Wild Flower Farm is visited by many youths for work-study programs during the warm spring weather, and it has been over 20 years since members interested in studying wild flowers began to visit this Farm. It is open to everyone who loves flowers, so it is perfect for a simple picnic.

What are the 100 selected wild flowers out of 1000 species that would please all eyes?

After seeing such beautiful flowers, I am even more eagerly anticipating the International Horticulture Goyang Korea that begins on April 25.

Directions to Goyang Chodang Wild Flower Farm: 105-3 Wonheung-dong, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

International Horticulture Goyang Korea: April 25 – May 11, 2014 / Lake Park, Goyang City

Written and photographed by: Gyeonggi Social Rocker Doogongjuwa

http://ggholic.tistory.com/8616

Runs until May 31 around Namyangju Ungilsan Station; features popular strawberry-picking program

◇ Children, enthralled in picking strawberries at a strawberry farm, pose for the camera. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Heo Seon-ryang

A train trip to a faraway city over the weekend is probably what all city people dream of during their daily grind. Is there anywhere close enough for a one-day trip on a weekend? Anywhere near Seoul would be fine.

Then let’s go to Ungilsan Station in Namyangju City, which is easily accessible from Seoul by subway. There is one place there that will satisfy all five senses: the Namyangju Organic Strawberry Fair which runs until May 31.

On Saturday afternoon on March 22, multitudes of people visited the Strawberry Fair venue near Ungilsan Station in Joan-myeon of Namyangju City.

On that day, strawberry-picking was the most popular activity at the fair, especially among children. For an entrance fee of only KRW 10,000, visitors could fill transparent half-liter plastic containers with delicious organic strawberries.

◇ Grown without insecticides, Namyangju organic strawberries are instead protected by insect-devouring aphid wasps. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Heo Seon-ryang

◇ Launched on March 20, the Namyangju Organic Strawberry Fair is so popular that an average of 600 to 700 visitors come each day, according to an related official. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Heo Seon-ryang

Food preparation is also popular; visitors can bake cookies and make jam with fresh strawberries.

Namyangju organic strawberries are especially safe to eat because they are grown without insecticides but instead with insect-devouring aphid wasps.

The Strawberry Fair venue is only five minutes away from Ungilsan Station by car, which is 40 minutes away from Cheongnyangni Station by subway.

Under the theme of “Let’s Go to a Strawberry Farm by Train,” this fair offers various programs including strawberry-picking, food preparation, an organic market and water games.

◇ Children play in a bubble boat at a small water park set up at the venue. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Heo Seon-ryang

◇ Children stir strawberries in a pot with ladles to make strawberry jam at a food-preparation event. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Heo Seon-ryang

ⓒGyeonggi G-News | Kim Jin-kyoung jinkyoung_kim@nate.com

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201403311652077055C049&s_code=C049

A scent of yellow at Sansuyu Village in Yangpyeong, and romantic Dasangil in Namyangju

Our hearts flutter in April when flowers bloom. Don’t just sit there with all the spring flowers blooming all over the place. How about going on a trip to enjoy the spring flowers, walking or riding a bike along a flowered path in a warm spring breeze? The scent of spring you experience on your feet doubles the pleasure. Enjoy the fresh spring in Gyeonggi Province where splendid flowers are in full bloom.

◇ In Nae-ri and Jueup-ri in Gaegun-myeon of Yangpyeong County, one can find Korea’s oldest Japanese cornelian cherry (sansuyu) tree along with a few hundred-year-old cornelian cherry tree colonies, all showing off their splendor. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

■ A trip to Yangpyeong County, lost in fragrance and captivated by taste

Sansuyu Village → 8.6km (25 minutes by car) → Hanuman (Yangpyeong Local Corporation) → 9.1km (10 minutes by car) → Yangpyeong Insect Museum → 2.1km (3 minutes by car) → Wild Flower Arboretum

An invitation to experience the scent of yellow: Sansuyu Village

This is the season for flower festivals. Every April, when yellow cornelian cherry flowers are at their peak, a festival takes place in Yangpyeong County as well. The 11th Yangpyeong Sansuyu Flower & Korean Beef Festival will be held from April 4 to 6 this year. The main venues of the festival are Nae-ri and Jueup-ri in Gaegun-myeon, where over 7,000 cornelian cherry flower tree colonies can be found. There one can see Korea’s oldest Japanese cornelian cherry tree along with a few hundred-year-old cornelian cherry tree colonies, all showing off their splendor.

At the Leports Park, various events and performances will be staged, including a writing contest, singing contest, youth cultural festival, B-boy performance, and fireworks. A shuttle bus will be provided at one-hour intervals from the Leports Park to Sansuyu Village during the festival period. Experiential programs will be provided at Sansuyu Village, such as hitting cornelian cherry rice cake with a mallet and chopping wood. Visitors can also sample various foods such as sorghum rice cake, mung-bean pancakes, acorn jelly salad and cornelian cherry rice wine. If you want to enjoy the fragrance of flowers that have been slowly bathed in sunlight and wind, it would probably be better to visit the village outside of the festival period. Sansuyu Village abounds with the happiness of spring, fragrant with the scent of flowers with every step you take.

Contact: 031-770-3341~4 (Festival Promotion Committee), 031-773-9858, 031-771-5010 (Sansuyu Zone Office)
Website: http://www.ypfestival.com
Venue: 84, Jajingae 1-gil, Gaegun-myeon, Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province (Gaegun Leports Park)
Nae-ri: 1, Sansuyu 1-gil, Gaegun-myeon, Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province
Jueup-ri: 2, Sansuyukkonmaeul-gil 125beon-gil, Gaegun-myeon, Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province

[Food] Fresh Yangpyeong Korean beef: Hanuman

The reputation of Yangpyeong beef has been well established since the Joseon Dynasty. The region was the first in Korea to begin raising steers, sustaining its reputation. Yangpyeong beef has a significantly higher content of oleic acid and unsaturated fatty acid, and it has achieved recognition as premium beef with its pure and tender quality and appetizing aroma. Visitors can buy and taste premium Yangpyeong Korean beef at the Well-being market of the Yangpyeong Local Corporation. Hanuman, a self-service restaurant next to the store, is popular among picnickers as they can freely roast and eat their beef with a table-setting fee.

Menu: Sirloin KRW 11,000-12,000/100g, special parts KRW 13,000-15,000/100g, table-setting KRW 3,000/person
Contact: 031-770-4040
Address: 2401, Gyeonggang-ro, Yangpyeong-eup, Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province (Yangpyeong Local Corporation)

[Nearby Attraction1] Appreciating the value of nature: Insect Museum

Insects also become more active in spring. The Insect Museum is one place that visitors are recommended to drop by at least once on an outing with their children. The Yangpyeong Insect Museum is not that big, but it is more than sufficient to fascinate visitors with mysterious insects. It is a place that provides an opportunity for visitors to cast away prejudice and get closer to insects through the viewing of over 1,500 insect specimens, making badges, and interaction with wriggling caterpillars.

Contact: 031-775-8022
Address: 1496, Gyeonggang-ro, Okcheon-myeon, Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province
Operating hours: Summer (March-October) 09:30-18:00, winter (November-February) 09:30-17:00
Admission fee: Adults KRW 3,000, children/teenagers KRW 2,000
Parking: Free
Closed: Monday, Jan. 1, Lunar New Year’s Day, Chuseok

[Nearby Attraction2] Fascinated by the strong scent of flowers: Wild Flower Arboretum

The Arboretum is another must-see attraction for a spring flower trip. The Wild Flower Arboretum is especially popular as it has a trail along the banks of the Han River. Charming little flowers in the Palm Garden right behind the entrance attract visitors first. The arboretum features over 30 themes for families to experience while enjoying spring, such as the Wild Flower Garden, Natural Ecology Museum, Dinosaur-egg Rock Garden, Year-round Sled Park, and Floating Island as well as the Maze Garden that is especially popular among children.

Contact: 031-772-1800, http://www.nemunimo.co.kr
Address: 16, Sumogwon-gil, Yangpyeong-eup, Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province (Wild Flower Arboretum)
Operating hours: Summer (April-November) 09:30-18:00, winter (November-March) 09:30-17:00 / Open year-round
Admission fee: Adults KRW 7,000, middle/high-school students KRW 5,000, children KRW 4,000
Parking: Free

◇ With a quiet woodland path, a low mountain path and a village path along the river, Dasangil Course 2 in Namyangju City is superb for taking a walk while enjoying the atmosphere of spring.ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

■ A surge in the scent of flower: A trip to Namyangju

Dasangil Course 2 (Neungnae Samgeori) → 320m (5 minutes on foot) → Neungnae Station (shut-down station) → 2.1km (5 minutes by car) → Byeolnan Mushroom → 4.4km (8 minutes by car) → Namyangju Museum of History

A riverside path filled with romance: Dasangil Course 2

Walking trails have been gaining popularity in Korea. Currently, there are 13 paths in total in Namyangju City, including Hangang Narugil and Saesori Myeongdanggil. Among them, Dasangil Course 2 is ideal for families and lovers to enjoy while trekking amidst the spring flowers. Running from Neungnae Samgeori to the Historic Site of Dasan and past the Majae Village Lotus Flower Complex in Namyangju with a quiet woodland path, a low mountain path and a village path along the river, Dasangil Course 2 is superb for taking a walk while enjoying the atmosphere of spring. A boat floating gently on the water peps up the mood, and sunlight sparkling on the waves adds more pleasure to the walk. The scent of flowers carried on the gently blowing breeze from the river enhances the feeling of the spring season. Visitors can reach Dasan Earth Park if they go around and down through the village. The park is quite broad along the riverside, and it provides an ecological landscape and a place for leisure for visitors with facilities such as a grass plaza, streamlet, observation platform, trail, ecological wetland, and water garden. Of particular note, the Historic Site of Dasan, which features Dasan Jeong Yak-yong’s accomplishments and remains, as well as the Museum of Silhak (Korean practical science) are highly recommended. It may also be great to pack your lunch and stroll leisurely along Dasangil Course 2 with its outstanding scenery and abundant attractions.

Dasangil Course 2: Neungnae Samgeori (starting point) → Lotus Flower Complex → Dasan Earth Park/Silhak Ecology Hill → The Museum of Silhak / Historic Site of Dasan → Neungnae 1-ri Community Center → Neungnae Samgeori (regression)
Distance: 3.4km / Time: 1 hr. 20 min.
Contact: 031-590-4243 (Culture and Tourism)
Course 2 starting point: 11, Dasan-ro 526beon-gil, Joan-myeon, Namyangju City (nearby)
Historic Site of Dasan: 11, Dasan-ro 747beon-gil, Joan-myeon, Namyangju City

[Nearby Attraction1] Cherishing old memories: Neungnae Station

Neungnae Station has been closed since 2008, but has become even more famous after being shut down. The waiting room that enshrines countless stories and memories has been transformed into the Home Photo Studio, an exhibition hall decorated with faded photographs and wooden chairs that evoke nostalgia for the past. Dasangil (Course 1) and a bike path have been established along the old railroad, as well as a train cafe, snack bar and a bike rental shop. Rent a bike and speed away on it as you feel the scent of flowers.

Address: 384, Dasan-ro, Joan-myeon, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi Province
Parking charge: Free
Bike rental: KRW 3,000 (1 person) per hour, KRW 5,000 (2 persons) per hour / One day on a weekday KRW 10,000-15,000

[Food] A feast of mushrooms: Byeolnan Mushroom

Mushrooms are well known for their health benefits. They are rich in various nutrients and have various properties including cancer prevention and weight loss. You can eat as many as you want at Byeolnan Mushroom. The mushroom yukgaejang (spicy soup) contains six types of mushrooms including oyster, pine, shiitake and enoki mushrooms, and the Sarcodon aspratus and straw mushroom soup is boiled with eight types of mushrooms, with Sarcodon aspratus and straw mushrooms added to the six types previously mentioned. The first taste of bitterness stimulates the appetite, and the delicate flavor of mushrooms fills the mouth. The light and tasty soup is beyond comparison.

Menu: Mushroom yukgaejang KRW 9,000, clean mushroom soup KRW 9,000, Sarcodon aspratus and straw mushroom soup KRW 13,000
Contact: 031-592-6654
Address: 9, Dasan-ro 362beon-gil, Joan-myeon, Namyangju City, Gyeonggi Province
Closed: Mondays

[Nearby Attraction2] Peering into the lives of ancestors: Namyangju Museum of History

The Namyangju Museum of History enables visitors to peer into the history and lifestyle of Namyangju including prehistoric remains and royal culture. Unlike other museums that merely provide visual enjoyments, this museum offers a space where visitors can touch the actual materials and models. The epigraph gallery on the 2nd floor displays the transformation process of scripts from different periods as well as epigraphs carved in various places. The special exhibit, which is scheduled to run until April 30, displays various types of bowls such as jars, caldrons and steamers to provide a taste of ancestral lives and wisdom.

Contact: 031-576-0558
Address: 121, Paldang-ro, Wabu-eup, Namyangju City, Gyeonggi Province
Website: http://www.nyjmuseum.go.kr
Operating hours: 09:00~18:00
Admission fee: Adults KRW 1,000, teenagers KRW 800, children KRW 600
Parking: Free
Closed: Mondays, January. 1

ⓒGyeonggi G-News | Lee Jun-gyun eyekle@hanmail.net

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201403280912367055C049&s_code=C049

A trip to Suwon for a stroll through cherry blossoms, and a bike trip to Paju

Cherry blossoms that flutter in the cool wind offer unforgettable memories to those who see them. Families, friends and lovers stop in their tracks to savor that very moment of spring in their hearts. How about making new memories in a warm and fresh spring breeze? Enjoy the sweet-smelling spring in a Gyeonggi Province that abounds with spring flowers.

◇ The Gyeonggi Provincial Government hosts the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Cherry Blossom Festival in Suwon every year, showcasing gorgeous cherry blossoms for visitors to see around the main gate and along the Mt. Paldal trail at the rear gate. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

■ Walk under a fluttering rain of flowers: A trip to Suwon

Gyeonggi Provincial Government – [2.5km, 10 minutes by car] – Hwaseong Haenggung Palace – [360m, 5 minutes on foot] – Suwon Dumplings – [3.3km, 12 minutes by car] – Suwon Museum

Cherry blossoms in Suwon on a gorgeous spring day: Gyeonggi Provincial Government Cherry Blossom Festival

Every mid-April, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government hosts the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Cherry Blossom Festival in Suwon. White cherry blossoms from 200 large cherry trees over 40 years old fill the sky, and a sparkling rain of flower petals falls whenever the spring breeze blows. Visitors can enjoy gorgeous cherry blossoms around the main gate and toward the Mt. Paldal trail at the rear gate. The Mt. Paldal trail from Paldalsan Park on the right towards Hwaseo Park on the way to Hwaseong Haenggung Palace is an ideal path along which to enjoy spring picnics among cherry blossoms as well as azaleas and forsythias.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government opens it complex during the event to promote major provincial policies and events at publicity booths. The “Cherry Blossom Sharing Market” sells superb agricultural products at low prices, providing another pleasurable element to the festival.

Contact: 031-120
Address: 1, Hyowon-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province (Gyeonggi Provincial Government)
Admission fee: Free
Parking: Provincial government complex parking lot
Period: April 18-20

[Nearby Attraction1] Royal Palace of Gyeonggi: Hwaseong Haenggung Palace

Haenggung is a temporary palace at which the king stayed while on journeys to other regions. Hwaseong Haenggung Palace was established by the monarch of innovation, King Jeongjo, who made the long journey on 13 occasions over a span of 12 years. It is beyond comparison in terms of size and function, and is also referred to as a local version of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Historical dramas such as Dae Jang Geum and Yi San (Wind of the Palace) were filmed there. Various performances are held at Shin-Poong-Roo, the main gate, such as the 24 Martial Arts Performance and Gatekeeper Changing Ceremony, starting with the opening ceremony on April 5.

Contact: 031-290-3600
Address: 11, Haenggung-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province
Website: http://www.swcf.or.kr
Operating hours: 09:00~18:00 (March-October) 09:00~17:00 (November-Feburary)
Admission fee: Adults KRW 1,500, teenagers·soldiers KRW 1,000, children KRW 700 (regular performance: free)
Parking: KRW 2,000 for 3 hours, KRW 10,000 per day

[Nearby Attraction2] Suwon’s Yesterday and Today: Suwon Museum

This museum displays the history and culture of Suwon through different themes, and depicts various aspects of the modern development of dynamic Suwon. ‘Model of the 1960’s,’ which reproduces the downtown Nammoon market of the 1960s, evokes a sense of nostalgia among middle-aged visitors. The planned exhibition, ‘Suwon’s Breakthrough’, impresses visitors in a special way by providing displays of the urban development and changes in lifestyle due to the relocation of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and opening of the Gyeongbu[Seoul-Busan] Expressway.

Address: 265, Changnyong-daero, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province
Contact: 031-228-4150
Website: http://swmuseum.suwon.ne.kr
Operating hours: 09:00~18:00
Closed: First Monday of the month
Admission fee: Adults KRW 2,000, teenagers·soldiers KRW 1,000, childrenㆍsenior citizens free
Parking: Free

[Food] Dumplings like cherry blossoms: Suwon

‘Suwon’ is the name of one of the leading Chinese dumpling restaurants in Suwon City; it has been managed by a Chinese entrepreneur for 40 years. Meat dumplings with thick yet soft dumpling skins resemble cherry blossoms. The meat and vegetable filling is well blended, and the tenderness provides a satisfying mouthful. The dumplings are so popular that the entire stock runs out during lunch hour alone. You can enjoy a firm yet tender dumpling skin that is roasted crisp on one side. Fried dumplings with gravy in the stuffing are also beyond comparison.

Menu: Meat dumplings KRW 5,500, fried dumplings KRW 5,500, beef noodle soup KRW 5,000, fried noodles KRW 5,000
Contact: 031-255-5526
Address: 6, Changnyong-daero 8beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province
Operating hours: 11:30~21:30

◇ The DMZ Bike Tour consists of a 17.2km course that runs from Imjingak, passes over the Civilian Control Line, through TongIldaegyo-Tongilchon Village entrance and Chopyeongdo, and then returns to Imjingak. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

■ Biking along the spring breeze: A trip to Paju

Odusan Unification Observatory – [4.0km, 6 minutes by car] – Motnani Amusement Park – [15.0km, 19 minutes on foot] – Milbat Restaurant – [6.8km, 15 minutes by car] – Imjingak

Pyeonghwa-Nuri Bike Path: DMZ Bike Tour

The Imjingak sluice opens at the starting signal, and over 300 cyclists simultaneously enter the military parapet along the Imjingang River. Tense faces between the barbed-wire fences and guard posts become much softer in the fresh spring breeze as they enter TongIldaegyo.
The DMZ Bike Tour consists of a 17.2km route that runs from Imjingak, passes over the Civilian Control Line, through TongIldaegyo-Tongilchon Village entrance and Chopyeongdo, and then returns to Imjingak. After consultations with military authorities, approximately 2km will be added to the route. Participants can enjoy a magnificent view of the Imjin River while enjoying snacks and taking photos at a resting place near Chopyeongdo. There is also an event in which participants can write postcards to their families about the special feelings they experience at this unique place.
Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization are hosting the DMZ Bike Tour on the fourth Sunday of every month until November, with the exception of April when it will be held on the 13th and 27th. Those wishing to participate can make reservations through the Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri website of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization.

Contact: 031-956-8306
Address: 153, Imjingak-ro, Munsan-eup, Paju City, Gyeonggi Province (Gyeonggi Peace Center)
Period: March-November (every fourth Sunday of the month)
Participants: 300 in the order of application
Participation fee: KRW 10,000 per person (KRW 3,000 more for bike and helmet rental)
Souvenirs: Paju specialties

[Nearby Attraction1] Legacy of the Cold War: Odusan Unification Observatory

This is where visitors can see the reality of South-North division. South and North are separated by 2km with only the Imjin River between them at the northernmost part of the western area. From the observatory, visitors can see Mt. Songak in Gaeseong as well as how North Koreans live. The Gaeseong Complex Publicity Pavilion on the first floor displays socks, clocks, shoes and cosmetics produced through joint cooperation between South and North. The planned exhibition hall hosts themed photo exhibitions and special exhibitions relating to unification and national security.

Contact: 1666-3171, 031-945-3171
Address: 369, Pilseung-ro, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju City, Gyeonggi Province
Website: http://www.jmd.co.kr
Operating hours: Summer 09:00~17:00, winter 09:00~16:30
Admission fee: Adults KRW 3,000, teenagers·soldiers KRW 1,600, children KRW 1,000
Parking: Free
Period: Open year-round

[Nearby Attraction2] Ugly in Heyri: Motnani Amusement Park

Motnani (ugly) Amusement Park displays old props featuring three unique Motnani characters among various themed spaces in the Heyri Art Valley. The Motnani Store sells crybaby Motnani dolls in various sizes as well as snacks, and the Motnani Restaurant offers old traditional lunchboxes for visitors to enjoy while reflecting on their childhood. The Old Junk Museum in the amusement park displays everyday items like water pumps in a yard and old magazines.

Contact: 031-957-4466
Address: 59-118, Heyrimaeul-gil, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju City, Gyeonggi Province(Gate no.4)
Operating hours: 09:30~19:00
Admission fee: Motnani Amusement Park basic entrance is free (KRW 2,000 added for Old Junk Museum)

[Food] Double the joy with chopped noodle dumpling soup: Milbat Restaurant

This restaurant is famous for kimchi dumplings made with 30 years of skill, and for chunky and glutinous chopped noodles. The chopped noodle dumpling soup is one dish that offers the best of both at once. The hot beef bone broth and clean kimchi dumplings go well with the firm chopped noodles. The generously large serving is another source of pride for this restaurant. Mixed noodles with hot spices are also popular.

Menu: Chopped noodle dumpling soup, mixed noodles, dumpling soup, chopped noodle soup all KRW 6,000
Contact: 031-952-7152
Address: 17 Munsan-ri, Munsan-eup, Paju City, Gyeonggi Province
Operating hours: 09:00~21:00

ⓒGyeonggi G-News | Lee Jun-gyun eyekle@hanmail.net

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201403281113107055C049&s_code=C049

Pyeonghwa (Peace) Train runs twice daily between Seoul Station and Dorasan Station starting May 4

◇ Gyeonggi Province announced on May 2 that, with the May 4 start of the special Pyeonghwa (Peace) tourist train, referred to as the DMZ train, it will resume operation of the Dorasan Station tour in Paju City. This tour had been suspended in 2009 due to a security incident involving a tourist. Pictured: Designs of the DMZ-train. ⓒ Gyeonggi G News

Gyeonggi Province announced on May 2 that, with the May 4 start of the special Pyeonghwa (Peace) tourist train, referred to as the DMZ train, it will resume operation of a Dorasan Station tour in Paju City. This tour had been suspended in 2009 due to a security incident involving a tourist.

The DMZ train runs between Seoul Station and Dorasan Station twice daily, passing Neunggok Station, Munsan Station and Imjingang Station. The province also offers a variety of associated programs such as scenery explanations and the screening of promotional videos regarding nearby tourist spots.

The train fare is KRW 8,900 each way between Seoul Station and Dorasan Station, and KRW 5,000 each way between Imjingang Station and Dorasan Station. The DMZ Plus Ticket is also offered at a price of KRW 16,000 for one-day unlimited round trips.

Since Dorasan Station lies within the northern area of the Civilian Control Zone (CCL), visitors will only be granted access after presenting a valid form of identification.

Attracting over 50,000 tourists every year, Dorasan Station had been a leading security tourist destination in Korea since opening in April of 2002 through the June 15th North–South Joint Declaration.

However, the tour was discontinued on June 4 of 2010 due to a security incident involving a tourist in 2009. The number of visitors dropped sharply to a mere 5,000 a year, and the Dorasan Peace Park was temporarily closed, Measures to address this situation were subsequently called for.

Accordingly, after a series of deliberations with the ROK Army’s 1st Infantry Division, the Ministry of Unification (Inter-Korean Transit Office), Paju City, the Korean Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization to restart the Dorasan Station tour, Gyeonggi Province finally signed a joint agreement to promote Dorasan Station tourism on December 28, 2012.

Then, on March 4 of 2012, the province signed an agreement to resume the Dorasan Station tourism which set forth details of relevant cooperation among the agencies. The resumption plan was finalized to officially begin on May 4 after the 1st Infantry Division checked the site.

“The resumption of Dorasan Station tourism is an exemplary case of cooperation between the military and the local government to enhance awareness of national security and vitalize tourism in northern areas of Gyeonggi Province,” said Oh Who-seok, head of Gyeonggi Province’s Balanced Development Bureau. “We will actively promote the DMZ to the whole world as a repository of history, peace and ecology, and publicize Dorasan Station and Dorasan Peace Park as global tourist attractions.”

ⓒGyeonggi G News | Kim Jin-kyoung jinkyoungkim@kg21.net

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201405021257107055C049&s_code=C049

The event pleased all five senses and promises even more next year

◇ Visitors smile brightly at the venue entrance for International Horticulture Goyang Kore 2014.. ⓒ Reporter Lee Ah-reum

After its big run of 17 days, International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2014 held at the Lake Park in Goyang City of Gyeonggi Province came to an end on May 11 on a solemn note.

This year, many events such as the opening and closing ceremonies as well as fireworks were canceled due to the Sewol ferry disaster, but visitors were still beaming as brightly as the flowers in the sunny weather.

It seemed that the feast of flowers greeting visitors from the entrance onwards made it difficult for visitors not to smile.

◇ A child touches an insect in the Insect Experience Zone. ⓒ Reporter Lee Ah-reum

◇ A sign for Today’s Artist at the Korea Garden Show. ⓒ Reporter Lee Ah-reum

The exhibition offered the Western Flower Tunnel, Fruit of Life and Gourd Tunnel as well as other booths at which visitors could see and actually touch not only flowers but also insects and plants, gratifying all five of their visitors.

Moreover, various activities such as riding flower boats, hanging wish flowers, and a flower painting contest captivated the hearts of visitors.

The Korea Garden Show held along the lakeside was sufficiently impressive to persuade visitors that they wanted to live in such a place. Today’s Artist featured different artists everyday who explained their hidden intentions and took questions from visitors; this was well received by visitors.

◇ Hope Trees with condolence messages from visitors. ⓒ Reporter Lee Ah-reum

This year’s paramount attraction was the Hope Tree, which provided an opportunity to honor the memory of the victims of the Sewol disaster. It was heartrending to hear that the number of Hope Trees increased to 40 from the original 10 at the beginning of the fair due to the active participation of many visitors.

Every letter, which visitors must have written carefully and with all their hearts, revealed sincere commiseration and sorrow.

◇ The exhibition offered ample quantities of delicious food. ⓒ Reporter Lee Ah-reum

The exhibition also featured foods related to flowers, such as flower tea and flower bibimbap, to satisfy visitor appetites while also enriching eyes, noses and tastes.

Both adults and children enjoyed themselves at International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2014 by experiencing flowers with their eyes and hearts. This is why we have even greater expectations for next year’s show.

ⓒGyeonggi G-News | Gyeonggi Province University Student Press Corps Reporter Lee Ah-reum apply8945@naver.com

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201405141755269648C056&s_code=C056

◇ A poster entitled A Day With Nam June Paik at the Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art ⓒ Reporter Kim Jin-hong

The Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art is running an exhibition that shows the artistic world of the master video artist Nam June Paik.

The exhibition, entitled A Day With Nam June Paik, runs from April 10 to June 22 and offers a glimpse into his world and life.

This exhibition is especially meaningful as it features works by Paik such as Video Pieces, Results of Satellite Art Project, and Paintings and Drawings. Visitors can also enjoy artworks and performances by Im Young-gyun and Manfred Montwe.

◇ A visitor appreciates Paik’s “Robot Piece” ⓒ Reporter Kim Jin-hong

The first thing visitors can see in the exhibition hall is Paik’s Robot Piece. Paik began work on his robot pieces with a desire to humanize technology. Made up of TVs and radios, Paik’s robots have their own personalities and depict members of a family.

The second exhibition hall displays Paik’s artistic world. Visitors have the opportunity learn that Paik had once been a musician studying composition, and to expereince the peculiarity of music played by Paik, which was created with the participation of visitors to his first exhibition.

The third exhibition hall features Paik as an avant-garde artist. Paik first went to the U.S. in 1963 and opened a retrospective exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. Visitors can enjoy Paik’s re-enactment of the performance at the retrospective exhibition through photographs taken by Im Young-gyun.

The fourth exhibition hall displays Paik’s Satellite Art. Paik presented live satellite installation works such as “Good Morning, Mr. Orwell,” “Bye Bye Kipling” and “Hand in Hand.”

◇ Books about Nam June Paik ⓒ Reporter Kim Jin-hong

Visitors can participate in various programs during the exhibition such as family education or robot drawing at the Education and Experience Center. Moreover, the exhibition also offers the “Writing Letters to Nam June Paik” program.

“I came to see Nam Jun Paik’s exhibition,” said Seong Ki-hoon (age 37, Suwon) who visited the Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art. “I often come to the museum, and I saw this on April 10 and brought my family with me today to see it again. It’s a bonus that I can take photos and enjoy family time at the reservoir with the park just around the corner, while also enriching my children’s emotions by viewing the exhibition.”

◇ Children play with amusement installations at the Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art. ⓒ Reporter Kim Jin-hong

In order to enhance accessibility for residents of Gyeonggi Province, the Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art is located in an amusement park frequently visited by many people. The museum entrance fee is KRW 4,000 for adults, KRW 2,000 for teenagers and free for children; residents of the province can receive a 25% discount. The operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. The Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art offers rest areas and amusement installations for residents and children free of charge.

ⓒGyeonggi G-News | Gyeonggi Youth Reporter Kim Jin-hong wlsghd214@daum.com

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201404171618436915C083&s_code=C083