It is already the end of October and the weather is turning cold. Around this time of the year, Suncheon Bay and the water front of the Han River are crowded with people who come to see the silver grass. I went to the Ansan Reed Marsh Park, which reflected autumn in its fullness.

Began in 1997 with the aim of improving the water quality of Sihwa Lake, and opened in May 2001, the Ansan Reed March Park treats non-point pollutant sources flowing into the upper region of Sihwa Lake from Banwol Stream, and also plays a role in providing habitat for flora and fauna as well as an ecology park and educational venue for citizens. 

Approximately 290 species of plants, including aquatic plants and wild flowers, as well as some 150 thousand birds of approximately 150 species, are now present in the marsh. Ansan Reed Marsh Park is visited by over 300 thousand people every year.

More people than usual were in the park, viewing the beautiful silver grass. It was still less crowded than Haneul Park in Seoul, so I could leisurely enjoy the silver grass. Slogans encouraging the protection of natural environments were found throughout the site, and I could easily tell that the park was well managed.

It is refreshing just to look at the pictures. I thought it would have been nice if I had previously known about a place like this that is not overly crowded and easy to visit from Seoul. If you like using public transportation, take Subway Line 4 and get off at the Hanyang University Erica Campus Station. From the station, take bus number 52 or a taxi. It costs only the base rate by taxi.

Ansan Reed Marsh Park provides the public with a natural place for relaxation that is hard to find in metropolitan areas. Reeds are known to have wonderful water-purifying effects. The park, inhabited by various species of migratory birds, seems a pleasant place for humans as well as for animals and plants to relax.

On the first floor of the environmental ecology hall, the history of Sihwa Lake and a collection of data about the marsh ecology are on display. A dinosaur egg fossil, pictures of birds, taxidermy birds, and descriptions and pictures about the environment are displayed.

From the observatory on the 2nd floor, you can watch many different species of birds inhabiting the natural surroundings, and enjoy a view of the entire marsh.

Are they lotus flowers? Walking beside lotus flowers blooming on water, it feels like I am in heaven. Visitors are taking strolls, talking to each other in small groups.

Carp swimming in a pond are gorgeous, aren’t they? It is quite interesting that huge crabs can also be seen in the pond. Kids are excited to encounter these scenes that cannot be found in urban centers.

A family peacefully taking a walk looks very relaxed and happy. It would have been better if I had known earlier that there is a nice place like this near Gyeonggi Province. The day flies by to its end.

After looking around Ansan Reed Marsh Park, I am on my way to the parking area. I bet the road will become even more beautiful when the trees don their fall colors. Ansan Reed Marsh Park seems like an ideal place to visit for refreshment after busy weekdays. Come and stroll in the fresh air with family members and forge good memories.

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