Islands! Valleys! Why not explore Gyeonggi Province?

(July 22, 2011)

Gukhwa Island, Ibpa Island, Pung Island, and more – hidden gems of the West Coast

Swim in the crystalline waters of Gapyeong, Yangpyeong, and Peocheon

– Ibpa Island lies amid tranquil, deep-blue waters just forty minutes from Gungpyeong Port. Hongam Cliff of Ibpa Island is regarded as one of the eight greatest scenes of Hwaseong City, along with the sunset seen from the island. (GNews Plus)

Finally the summer vacation season is here after a long and arduous monsoon season. There are plenty of attractive destinations for family vacations in Gyeonggi Province. Why not spend your vacation on an untouched island on the West Coast? Or how about dipping your feet in an icy cold stream in a lush green valley? Here are some excellent locations in Gyeonggi Province for a great holiday with your loved ones.

Gukhwa Island, Ibpa Island, Yuk Island… untouched islands in Gyeonggi Province!

The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization has selected Gukhwa, Ibpa, Pung, and Yuk Islands as July’s recommended travel destinations. Although these unspoilt islands are relatively unknown, there are plenty of things to do on them.

Gukhwa Island is located in Gukhwa-ri of Ujeong-eub in Hwaseong City. Visitors will surely agree that it is a ‘hidden pearl of the West Coast.’ Home to thirty-three households, the eastern part of the island is pretty rocky, but there are soft sand beaches in the western part. When the tide goes out, visitors can walk over to Tokki Island (Rabbit Island).

The island is best known for its beautiful sunrise and sunset. You will also see the waiting room next to the ticketing office, a three-dimensional map of the island, and a mailbox all made by college students who participated in last year’s Gyeonggi Culture Treasure Island Project.

Visitors to the island can take part in such activities as digging for seashells and fishing with rods or nets. The ferry departs from Gungpyeong Port to Gukhwa Island three times a day at 9:00, 13:00, and 16:00. The fee is KRW 10,000 for a one-way trip and KRW 20,000 for a round trip. It is also possible to take a ferry from Jango Port in Dangjin.
Inquiries: Fisherman Experience Program +82-31-356-9940 / +82-10-5552-5777

Ibpa means ‘stand against breaking waves.’ It takes forty minutes from Gungpyeong Port to get to this small island on the west coast. The south is Hongam where you will see towering cliffs with dense groves of black coral pine growing on the top. The cliff is regarded as one of the eight great sceneries of Hwaseong, along with Gungpyeong’s sunset.
Inquiries: Head of Gukhwa-ri +82-11-216-0312 / Ujeong-eub office +82-31-369-2801

Pung Island still possesses a wild, unspoilt beauty. There are three tour courses on the island – the Ginko Tree Pavilion Course, the Square Rock Shore Course, and the Beach School Course. One boat departs daily from Incheon Passenger Terminal to Pung Island at 09:20. The ship leaves the island as soon as the passengers have disembarked, so remember to book a night on the island in advance. There are no shops on the island, so make sure to purchase anything you might need before you leave the mainland.
Inquiries: Pung Island Village Leader +82-32-832-3317

Yuk Island, which is located in Yukdo-ri of Pungdo-dong in Danwon-gu of Ansan City, consists of six small islands. A boat departs daily from Incheon Passenger Terminal. Visitors can go fishing on the west coast of the island or borrow a fishing boat for fishing further out at sea. There are no markets on the island, so remember to buy everything you need before boarding the boat.
Inquiries: Yukdo-ri Village Leader +82-32-833-5461

Refresh body and mind with a walk in a forest

– Walking in a forest is a good way to bathe in phytoncides and refresh your body and soul in clean, fresh air. It is also the perfect way to restore your peace of mind. Chukryong Natural Recreation Forest Trail. (GNews Plus)

Not a big fan of white beaches covered with a multitude of parasols during the busiest vacation season? Then visit the mountains, valleys and dense green forests of Gyeonggi Province instead.

The Recreation Forest camping area features nature trails, lodging, and outdoor facilities to cater to all your needs during the vacation. Walking through forest is a good way to inhale phytoncides, which have deep cleansing properties. Fresh air is absorbed by the skin and confers tranquility of body and soul upon those who bathe in it.

Make sure to wear clothes that absorb sweat and allow the skin to breathe while walking in the forest. The best time to walk is between 10:00 and 14:00 in early summer and autumn, preferably on days with little or no wind.

The Chukryong Natural Recreation Forest of Sudong-myeon in Namyangju City covers the mountain range between Chukryeong Mountain (886m) and Seori Mountain (832m), and has various hiking routes to choose from. There is a forest of Korean pines aged between fifty and sixty years old.

Within the recreational forest wooden cottages ranging from 26m?¡À to 155m?¡À in size are available for rent, as well as a 231m?¡À conference room with seating for up to seventy people.

The hiking route connects the summits of Chukryeong and Seori Mountains. Explore nature trails, grassy meadows, outdoor classroom areas, watch cultural performances on stage, or watch your children enjoy the playground. Programs for all visitors are available all year round.
Inquries: +82-31-592-0681

Kookmangbong Natural Recreational Forest is located at the foot of Gukmangbong Summit, the highest mountain in northern Gyeonggi. Lodging facilities are situated close to the lake, along with a barbecue area, forest trails, outdoor classroom areas, and a sports field, making it the perfect vacation location for families. Prices range from KRW 100,000 to 200,000 depending on the size of the accommodation. Open all year round.
Inquiries: +82-31-531-4242

Seolmaejae Natural Recreation Forest is located in Yeongcheon-ri in Yangpyeong County. The place gets its name from a mountain pass where travelers could see Japanese apricot blossoms bloom no matter how much snow fell. There is a 231,404 sq m farm at the top of the mountain that is open to visitors at weekends.

Inquiries: +82-31-774-6959

The Yumyeong Natural Recreation Forest of Seolak-myeon in Gail-ri of Gapyeong County is a popular summer destination. It has wooden cottages, trailer parks, campfire pits, and a sports field.

It is at the entrance of Yumyeong Mountain (862 m). The forest is dense with oak trees, and there larch and Korean pines as well.
Inquiries: +82-31-589-5487

Pristine pool filled with icy clear water in the deeper section of the valley

-Sanasa Valley is wide and teaming with cool, clear water. Plenty of water flows through the creek all year round. Many people visit the valley during the vacation season. (GNews Plus)

Gapyeong, Yangpyeong, and Pocheon are famous for their valleys. The mountain range is beautiful to behold, and each valley abounds with crystalline waters.

Byeokgyegugok Valley of Seojeong-myeon in Yangpyeong County is one of Yangpyeong’s eight most picturesque locations. Old folks call it ’30 thousand meters of river 20 thousand meters of mountain.’ Layers of mountains spread beyond the eyes can see. There are some man-made pools here and there. It is shallow enough for children to play in safely.

At the entrance to the valley are the remains of Nosansaji site (Gyeonggi Memorial No. 43), the house where Lee Hang-Ro was born. Also there is a house where he grew up (Gyeonggi Nemorial No. 105).

To make your way to Byeokgyegugok Valley you must take Local Road No. 363 and then take Local Road No. 10 at Suib-ri. By subway you must get off Yangsu Station on center line and take another 40 minutes’ bus ride.

Sansasa Valley is located in Okcheon-myeon of Yangpyeong County and is a wide stream that allows plenty of water to run. You can opt to camp or stay at a nearby lodge or take trails to Baekunbong Summit or Yongmun Mountain.

About 100 meters up the valley there is Hamwanghyeol, a legendary stone cave and Sanasa Temple. Behind the temple you will find a trail that leads to Baekunbong Summit.

In order to go to Sanasa Valley you must take National Road No. 37 and make a right at the Sinae 2(i)-ri stone sign. Make another right at Daegusaahoe samgeori (three-way) intersection and you will be there without trouble. When using public transportation get off Yangpyeong Station of the central line and another forty minutes on bus will take you there.

Baekun Valley is an already well-known vacation destination along with Baekun Mountain. Located in Idong-myeon of Pocheon it has long been designated as the nation’s vacation spot since September 4, 1987. There is Heungryongsa Temple, Seonyudam, Gwangamjeong Pavilion, Okryudae, Chuiseondae Observatory, Geumgwang Water Falls to visit. The mountain is beautiful and stream clear, but the area tends to get busy with tourists during vacation season.

There are plenty of places to stay the night or have a meal. Rent parasols, shaded tents, or play soccer in the sports field.

To get to Baekun Valley you must take national road no. 47 and pass Toegyewon of Guri and Ildong-myeon and Idong-myeon of Pocheon. When you reach Dopyeong samgeori (three-way) take a right to Local Road No. 122 towards Sachang-ri and continue on for four kilometers and you are there.

Myeongdal Valley is located on the bank of Samtaebong Summit in Myeongdal-ri of Seojong-myeon in Yangpyeong. It is safe to say the place has been barely touched. The water is not deep and safe for children to play in. There are fresh water snails and freshwater ravens a plenty.

When you go to Tongbang Mountain and Samtaebong, Jungmi Mountain valleys do not expect your cell phone to catch any signals. All facilities are available in exchange of a small fee. Make your way down Myeongdal Valley and you will see a large stream in a even area. This is Byeokgyegugok Cliff.

Seonyudam is near Baekundong Valley of Dopyeong-ri in Idong-myeon of Pocheon. Its name means ‘where Taoist hermits play.’ The water is famous for being clear blue.

A stone cliff towers over Seongyudam Valley making the scenery even more magnificent. There are plenty of lodges and dining options to choose from, making it a perfect destination for families. Nearby there is Baekun Valley, Huengryongsa Temple, Baekun Mountain, kookmangbong Natural Recreation Forest, and more.

Bigeum Valley is within Sudong National Tourist Spot of Sudong-myeon in Namyangju City. Seori Mountain, Jugeum Mountain, Cheonma Mountain surround the area like a screen. Sheltered by dense forests, the breeze will cool off the summer heat.

There are camping sites and rest areas along the valley. There is a trail that leads to Sirubong Summit 540 meters above sea level. Sudong-myeon is specially known for its clear and abundant water source. Close by is Mulgolan Amusement Park, Sudong Valley, and Geomdani Valley, all beautiful places to visit during summer.

For a greater view visit the areas between Geomdani Valley entrance to Bigeum Valley or the Neoraebawi Rock around Bigumgyo Bridge.

Take National Road No. 46 towards Gapyeong and Gyomun crossways in Guri. Pass by meeting square in Hwado and Maseok then take Local Road No. 362 to Sudong Amusement Park. If taking public transportation take a local bus to Naebang-ri at Maseok.

-GNews Plus News | Im Jeong-seon isim123@hanmail.net