Stumped for a Vacation Destination? Head to Gyeonggi Province
(Published July 06, 2012)

Bucheon, Yongin, Yangpyeong, and Ansan introduce four unique summer hot spots

A recent survey of 500 employees and 500 companies by the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry showed that employees set aside an average of KRW 529,000 to spend on their summer vacation this year. Since this is 6.3% higher than last year’s average holiday budget of KRW 498,000, it can be inferred that the recent contraction of the economy has not been severe enough to keep employees from enjoying their vacations.

Frugal souls agonizing over where they can get the most ‘bang for their buck’ this vacation need not look any further afield. Natural beauty and enchanting forests are not hard to find in Gyeonggi Province.

This summer you should perhaps consider one of Gyeonggi Province’s summer resorts, each of which offers its own regional charm. You could enjoy a romantic night amid a natural environment at the Bucheon Media and Culture Complex, enter the healing woods at the Yongin Recreational Forest, save money while playing in the water and enjoying the unique charm of Jungwon Valley in Yangpyeong, or even head to beautiful Jebu Island in Ansan, which boasts a cool breeze, bright sunlight, and unspoiled tidal flats.

◇ Yainsidae (Age of the Wanderer) Campground in Bucheon (left) and Ungjin Play City ⓒ G-News Plus

[Bucheon] A Romantic Trip that Combines Camping and Cinema
This summer, why not go camping at Bucheon’s Yainsidae Campground and get your fill of the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, which will lead you into a world of “love, fantasy, and adventure.”

The Bucheon Film Culture Complex comprises the Bucheon Atelier Street (Hanok Village), Kimchi Experience, Korea Manhwa Museum, and the theme park AiinsWorld. There are fifty tents available for rental (accommodating up to 4-5 people) and forty spots where visitors can erect their own tents. With an event plaza, exercise equipment, an intercom system, and all diverse amenities (bathrooms, showers, laundry room, store, and equipment rental shop), it is the perfect place to enjoy the thrill of camping with your family without leaving the city.

Another draw is the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, which has been turning up the heat in Bucheon every July since 1997. This year’s festival, to be held from July 19 to 29, will offer a broad range of cinematic treats, ranging from unique genre flicks that are hard to see elsewhere to fantastic films for the whole family.

There are also plenty of other things to see in the area including Ungjin Play City, Bucheon Robo Park, and museums exhibiting Onggi pottery, European pottery, decorative rocks, and bows and arrows, as well as offering educational programs. Homepage: www.bucheon.go.kr.
◇ Children are taking part in educational activities in the Yongin Recreational Forest. ⓒ G-News Plus

[Yongin] Yongin Recreational Forest Offers Relaxation and Joy
Located just one hour from Seoul, the Yongin Recreational Forest is an eco-friendly getaway located inside 1.62 million m² of beautiful forest. Visitors to the area can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities including forest walks, hiking, ecological activities, a large lawn and cabins in the wood, giving families and other groups the perfect opportunity to relax for a while.

Nature learning activities, including a visit to the pine, chestnut and dogwood forest, are an essential highlight of any trip to Yongin Recreational Forest. This forest retreat is wholly authentic, as the management has done everything possible to preserve the forest’s natural features.

Follow the paths and hiking trails to health and relaxation as you indulge in the various charms and pleasures of the woods. Each month, the Yongin Natural Forest offers an activity program in which participants are taught about the importance of the natural environment and life.
Website: http://www.yonginforest.net/.
◇ Jungwon Valley ⓒ G-News Plus

[Yangpyeong] Hideaway of Summer Holidaymakers: Jungwon Valley
Walk for a mere 15 minutes from the Jungwon Valley parking lot along the valley trail and you will hear the roar of water as a three-tier waterfall comes into view. While it is a relatively low waterfall, only 5 meters in height, the unusual rock formation reminiscent of a folding screen is an incredible sight. You are at Jungwon Mountain (800m), to the east of Yongmun Mountain, Yangpyeong’s most famous peak.

Water flows between bizarre rock formations in the valley on the eastern side of Jungwon Mountain. There is an abundant flow of icy cold water, making this a welcome destination for holidaymakers during the summer months. There is also a camping site located close to the parking lot near the entrance, allowing visitors and their children to combine safe play in the water with a camping experience. Jungwon Valley is open free of charge twenty-four hours a day until the end of August.

Other popular sites in the vicinity include Yongmun Resort (famous for its thousand-year-old gingko tree), the Yangpyeong rail bike facility, the Gyeonggi Maritime and Fisheries Research Institute, Gwangtan-ri, Bonghwangjeong Pavilion, Ocher Village, Gyeonggi English Village, and Yeonsu-ri Boritgogae Village.
◇ Jonghyeon Fishing Village (left) and Daebu Haesol Trail (right). ⓒ G-News Plus

[Ansan] Beautiful Daebu Island
Daebu (meaning “big hill”) Island is a beautiful island that is connected to the mainland. It has stunning natural vistas of the sea and tidal flats and a variety of maritime ecological resources.

Construction was completed on the world’s largest tidal power plant here at Sihwa Lake, which is now producing clean energy. A coastal park has been built near the tidal plant, and the personnel are currently gearing up to greet tourists.

One of Daebu Island’s best-known sites is the 74km Daebu Haesol Trail, which follows the island’s coastline, offering beautiful vistas of the ocean. Others are Dongjuyeomjeon, Korea’s finest brand of salt, which is formed by the wind, the sunlight, and the mudflats; Nakjo Garden on Gubongdo Island, the Fishing Village Folk Museum on Tan Island, and the Grand Coteau wine produced by the Green Agricultural Cooperative. With such a wide variety of things to see and do, this island is an excellent choice for a family trip at any time of the year.

Ansan City Hall Website: http://www.iansan.net/ // Ansan Culture and Tourism Website: http://tour.iansan.net/tour/main/main.jsp

ⓒ G-News Plus | Rohh Gyeong-hui khrohh@kg21.net

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