Gyeonggi Trail: Ideal path for a leisurely stroll
Createdd 2012-06-20 Hit 637
Contents
‘A leisurely strolling route, the Gyeonggi Trail’ recommended by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization
◇ Suwon Hwaseong Fortress trail ⓒ G-News Plus
Why not take a pleasant walk outside during this vibrant, verdant time of year? The fortress trail, a path through the park or indeed any other quiet paths are bound to be enjoyable. If you have time to travel a little further afield, a visit to a recreational forest would also be a great idea. The world you see as you stroll along at a leisurely pace will move by slowly and ease your mind. A nice and easy nature trail is located nearby in Gyeonggi Province.
Where past and present coexist, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1997, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is a popular historical asset that reflects the development of Korean architectural style. The circumference of the fortress is over five kilometers, and its walls are up to 6.2 meters high. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is a solid structure built for defense, but it is not very high and easily accessible.
Both tourists and local residents love to visit the fortress as it houses many restful spots such as arbors and pavilions. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is an ideal destination for those seeking the harmony of traditional and modern architecture.
There are three walking trails available: the first starts at Yeonmudae and continues via Banghwa Suryujeong, Hwahongmun Gate, Yongyeon, Janganmun Gate and Hwaseomun Gate. The other most popular course begins at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace and passes via Paldalmun Gate, Paldalsan Mountain (where the fortress starts), Seojangdae, Hwaseomun Gate, Janganmun Gate, Hwahongmun Gate and Changnyongmun Gate. The third course is the longest, and runs from the East Gate (Changnyongmun Gate) to the South Gate (Paldalmun Gate).
A mountain gallery with lots to appreciate, Anyang Art Park
Anyang Art Park was originally an amusement park but was later redeveloped as an art park. Works of art by world-famous artists are exhibited by Samseongcheon Stream and along the mountain path. New concepts in public art performances are staged to facilitate an understanding both nature and humanity.
Beginning with the City Project in 2003, Anyang Art Park underwent a change of name and transformation into a special park. Currently, 52 artworks of the Anyang Public Art Project (APAP 2005) are on permanent display in the park, and new displays are planned biannually. Anyang Art Park is a popular attraction in the metropolitan region, where art meets the public.
The outdoor gallery has works of art for everyone to enjoy, so feel free to wander around and appreciate the beauty of the natural art gallery.
241, Seoksu 1(il)-dong, Manan-gu, Anyang City, Gyeonggi Province
Inquiries: 031-389-5550
◇ Display in Anyang Art Park ⓒ G-News Plus
Yangpyeong Saneum Recreational Forest: Natural forest experience
While many recreational forests offer similar facilities, services and vistas, there is one recreational forest with a unique difference. Pristine and proud of its primeval nature, Saneum Recreational Forest is located beneath Cheonsabong Peak, Bongmi Mountain and Ssarijae Ridge. Once you enter the forest, the scent of the trees will thoroughly permeate your body. The phytoncide fragrance released by the trees is strongest between 10am and 4pm, and the highest levels of negative ions are generated at about 2pm.
A great diversity of trees comprises the ancient arboreal ecosystem along the valley, including Japanese larch, needle fir, nut pine, oak, giant dogwood, ash, birch and other species of trees. The trees coexist harmoniously with insects, plants, and animals. Visitors can walk through the forest barefoot and enjoy nature at its best.
The Forest Experience Tour Course is a 1.5-kilometer-long nature trail that follows designated number plates through the forest. By taking it slowly and following the recommendations of the forest guides, visitors are sure to have an interesting forest experience.
Online bookings and accommodation inquiries: 031-774-8133
National Natural Recreation Forest Office (www.huyang.go.kr)
Walking along the Namhan River, Yeo River Trail in Yeoju
The starting point of the Namhan River watercourse is located in Samhap-ri in Yeoju County. The Yeo River flows through the fertile land of Yeoju, so the local agriculture is highly productive along the river’s banks. The Yeo River Trail is located along an old water transportation route. The route had six wharfs, and ferries traveled along it between the provinces of Gangwon and Chungcheong and the capital, Seoul. It is interesting to find historical reminders of those days and related stories along the river.
The Yeo River Trail is divided into three sections: the Yennaruteo Trail (15.4 km / 5 to 6 hours’ walk); the Semulmeori Trail (17.4 km / 6 to 7 hours’ walk); and the Bawineupgubi Trail (22.2 km / 7 to 8 hours’ walk).
Inquiries: www.rivertrail.net
Enjoy the refreshing scent of Nut Pines, Osan Doksanseong Forest Park
A spot of ‘forest bathing’ will refresh anyone suffering from fatigue caused by a hectic daily lifestyle and relieve their stress. Tables and chairs are provided along the nature trail where you can unpack a lunchbox, rest for a while and enjoy the scenery. There is no admission or parking fee at the quiet and peaceful Osan Doksanseong Forest Park. Please note, however, that the access road to the entrance is narrow and the parking lot is small, so arrive early if possible.
To enjoy ‘forest bathing’ effectively, it is worth considering both the season and the time of day. The largest amounts of phytoncide are released by pine trees between May and August in the early morning and between 11am and 3pm. Wearing loose and well-ventilated clothing will help you to breathe in the phytoncide more easily. Phytoncide levels are higher where trees that have needles, such as pines, needle firs and nut pines, are abundant.
A walking trail pleasing to the eye, Yongin Hoam Art Museum
The museum is open from 10am to 6pm every day except Monday. Admission is KRW 4,000 for adults; KRW 3,000 for adult groups (more than 20 persons); KRW 3,000 for teenagers; and KRW 2,000 for teenage groups (more than 20 persons).
◇ Yeo River in Yeoju ⓒ G-News Plus
Sujongsa Temple where Jeong Yak-yong enjoyed taking tea
The temple overlooking Han River and located near the peak on the southern slopes of Ungil Mountain is Sujongsa Temple. The temple was situated about 200 meters below the current temple site. Judging by the numerous fragments of roof tiles and ceramic wares found in the area, the temple was thought to have been huge in the old days. Jeong Yak-yong (a famous scholar in Korean history) composed a poem saying, “Hundreds of temples are in Jeolla Province; however, none of them is as great as the building of Sujongsa Temple.” Sujongsa Temple has been loved by writers from all around the country.
In Sujongsa Temple, there is a tea café named Samjeongheon, which remains open to the public. The path leading up to the temple is a little steep, but the forest trail is exquisitely beautiful and joyful to walk along.
◇ Sujongsa Temple trail in Namyang-ju ⓒ G-News Plus
ⓒ G-News Plus News | Im Se-jeen / sejeenee@kg21.net
http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201206041654377114C049&s_code=C049
