Pocheon of Gyeonggi Province, a Place of Nature and Liesure
(July 4, 2011)

July is when summer really begins and families start busily preparing for their vacations

In this season, when Korea’s mountains and rivers are at their very best, the Culture Calender would like to introduce Pocheon in Gyeonggi Province.

Pocheon City, situated in the northeastern part of Gyeonggi Province, is known for its lush green forests, beautiful valleys and lakes, and a large selection of local dishes, making it the perfect family destination.

Numerous attractions await visitors eager to have a fun time, including the Gwangreung National Arboretum (1,018ha), which, with its fifteen gardens, offers ample natural forests and beautiful green trees; Sanjeong Lake, which is also known as the “Well in the Forest”; Pocheon Art Valley, which hosts diverse performances and events; and Baekun Valley, Pocheon Herb Island, and much more. So here is our introduction to Pocheon of Gyeonggi Province. Breath deep and bathe in wondrous nature!

Gwangreung National Arboretum 

Run along the arboretum road across Soheul-eup of Pocheon and you will be embraced by the cool breeze blowing through the dense forest.

The Korea National Arboretum is part of the forest that surrounds the Royal Tomb of King Sejo, the seventh King of the Joseon Dynasty. It was managed for 500 years as a royal property, and was then used as a forestry testing ground from around 1910. It was designated as an arboretum in 1983 and opened to the public on Arbor Day, April 5, 1987.

The forest sidestepped modern Korea’s most devastating events, such as Japanese colonization and the Korean War. It survived without noticeable damage and is still home to 843 plant species, i.e., more than 20% of all the plant species in Korea. It is also home to 4,367 animal species, including protected species such as the long-horned beetle (Callipogon relictus Semenov-Tian-Shansky) and the flying squirrel (Ptreromys volans aluco).

Designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in June 2010, the National Arboretum comprises 1,018ha of natural forest and 10ha of exhibition gardens. Facilities within the reserve include the Forest Museum, the Forest Zoo, the Conservatory, and the Broad-Leaved Tree Garden.

There are 15 gardens, each of which exhibits a collection of diverse plants categorized by their differences and use. Visitors can learn about the past, present, and future of Korean forestry at the forestry museum. If you are interested in wildlife, pay a visit to the Forest Zoo where you can see the Asiatic Black Bear and the Korean wolf.

A special venue has been prepared for the visually impaired, namely, the Arboretum for the Visually Impaired. On display here are all sorts of plants and herbs that have distinct smells. Picramnia wood (Picrasma Quassioides) has a bitter, stinging flavor; there are ginger plants and sweet leaf, a plant that has a horrible smell. Visitors can taste, smell, and feel a collection of interesting plant species at the museum.

Sanjeong Lake

In Yeongbuk-myeon ofPocheon there is a lake that the locals refer to as the “Well-like-lake on the Mountain.” Hidden away by Myeongseongsan Mountain and Gwaneumsan Mountain to its north and south, Sanjeong Lake was designated as a national tourist spot in 1977, and has since become a very popular destination.

Past the ticketing kiosk there is a path that starts at Sanjeong Falls and runs to the helicopter landing area where one can enjoy all the delights of Sanjeong Lake and its beautiful surroundings.

At the lake are an arboretum and a park decorated with artistic sculptures. The lake opens for water sports during the summer season.

Pocheon Art Valley

Pochen City invested KRW 15.5 billion in developing the Pocheon Art Valley at Giji-ri in Sinbuk-myeon. Once an abandoned quarry, the site received a complete makeover and is now a local outlet for culture and art.

Against a backdrop of towering cliffs and a large body of water formed by the mining process, the camping ground enjoys plenty of sunlight. There are two outdoor stages, a sculpture park, and a walk that passes through the area where you can enjoy an excellent view of the lake and cliffs.

There is an eco-friendly monorail that travels the 420 meter path between the ticketing kiosk and exhibition center.

There are plenty of exhibitions and interesting performances to see within the Art Valley, not to mention experience/education programs such as making decorative dolls, water painting, and making pressed flowers. Check the official website to learn which programs are available during your visit.

Each program is offered free of charge. A small fee is charged for the materials (KRW 3,000).

Herb Island

Herb Island, located in Sinbuk-myeon of Pocheon, is a park organized according to the theme “Herbs in everyday life.” It covers an impressive 3,305,78.512 sq m.

The outdoor garden covers 33,057 square meters alone, and there are over 200 herbs on display at the herb museum. There is also an Italian square that replicates Venice, complete with gondolas, the Trevi Fountain of Rome, and glass crafts. You can also try your hand at various arts and crafts at the French farm.

After the outdoor activities, visit the aroma therapy center to wind down or have an organic meal at the herb restaurant. There is also a herb bakery and a herbal shop.

You can enjoy all kinds of family events at the Venetian square during weekends or float on the lake in a gondola listening to the ambient music coming from the square.

Source: Article/Photography by Park Hye-won (Gyeonggi Welfare Foundation Muhanhaengjin)

http://ggholic.tistory.com/3455