Goyang aspires to become an environmentally-friendly city that also plays a role in fostering peace between the two Koreas

Western part of Gyeonggi Province – wishing for peace with North Korea!
 
Located in the northwestern part of Gyeonggi Province, Goyang City is bordered by Seoul to the southeast; by Yangju to the northeast; by Paju to the northwest; and by Gimpo to the southwest across the Han River. Among the major landmarks of Goyang, which boasts a first-rate residential environment, are an artificial lake designed as a natural eco-system for local inhabitants and wildlife species alike, and KINTEX, an international convention and exhibition center.

◇ Goyang City plans to create spaces exclusively for studying phenomena related to the natural eco-system, including Janghang Wetland, by removing the barbed wire fences installed for defense purposes along the Han River estuary. ⓒ Each city and gun

Transforming Goyang into a land of peace by removing barbed wire fences

Goyang City is removing the barbed wire fences installed for defense purpose along the Han River estuary in a bid to transform itself into a land of peace. This section of the barbed wire fence was installed in 1970 to deter incursions by North Korean armed guerrillas. As such, it has been a stumbling block to the development of Goyang and Gimpo for the past forty-two years. The work to remove the barbed wire fence (a 9.7km section in Gimpo and a 12.9km section in Goyang) was started in April 2012.

Goyang City plans to use the space newly formed by the removal of the barbed wire fence for cultural and educational purposes. Locals have expressed their expectation that the area will be utilized as a space for studying the natural eco-system in linkage with Janghang Wetland, an important local wildlife habitat. Janghang Wetland, which was designated as a wetland protection area by the Ministry of Environment in April 2006, forms a brackish water zone where river water mixes with sea water, as the estuary is not blocked by a dam.

Designated as an off-limits area for civilians for many years, Janghang Wetland has been preserved well. It is a habitat for the largest number of wildlife among the Wetlandes along the Han River estuary, and is also the largest willow colony in the country, as well as a wintering spot for migratory birds. Every year, more than 20,000 birds of over 40 species, including white-naped cranes, bean geese, and mallards come here, creating a spectacular natural vista. Goyang City plans to build four spots here for wildlife observation, as well as a central lookout point, a visitors’ center, and a wetland research center.

The path formerly used by the military within the area where the barbed wire fence is being removed is due to be transformed into a bike road. The section will be part of the 565.6km-long Pyeonghwa Nuri Bike Trail linking Ganghwa, Incheon with Goseong, Gangwon-do.

KINTEX, a Mecca of the future exhibition industry

KINTEX (Korea International Exhibition Center) is Korea’s No.1 exbibition venue. Opened in 2005, KINTEX was established as a joint venture of the Government and local autonomous bodies to make up for the lack of spaces for exhibitions and conventions and to globalize the country’s MICE industry. It fulfilled its reputation as a first-rate international exhibition center by hosting the country’s Big-7 events within two years following its opening, namely, the Seoul Motor Show, the Korea Electronics Show, the Korea Machinery Fair, the SIMTOS 2012, the SEOUL FOOD & HOTEL 2012, the G-STAR and the KYUNG HYANG HOUSING FAIR. With the opening of the second exhibition hall in September 2011, KINTEX has risen to join the ranks of the Top 5 international exhibition centers in Asia.

The newly opened second exhibition hall is attracting considerable attention with its environmentally-friendly energy facilities, which rely on geothermal/solar energy and rainwater, and its anti-earthquake design. Its unique external appearance is suggestive of an airplane and a butterfly delight visitors.

It also has diverse convenience facilities including a convenience store, a door-to-door delivery service office, a stationery store, a medical office, and an infants’ nursing room. Great attention to detail was paid to the well-arranged design to reduce visitors’ walking to the maximum possible extent.

Shuttle buses operate between Daehwa Subway Station and KINTEX, and a bus stop was set up outside the second exhibition hall for greater convenience. Meanwhile, KINTEX and Goyang City are discussing the adoption of a new bus route between KINTEX and downtown Goyang, while a plan is under way to link KINTEX with the GTX (Gyeonggi Train Express) system. Support facilities such as Chinatown, a hotel, a sports mall, and a shopping mall will also be built by 2015.

Goyang City is striving to make KINTEX and its nearby areas a center for MICE (Meeting, Incentive Tour, Convention, and Exhibition/Event), which has emerged as a next-generation growth industry, by linking them with Western Dom, the New Hallyu Gallery in Goyang, Lake Park, and the MBC Production Center.◇ KINTEX, Korea’s largest international exhibition center ⓒ Each city and gun
 
Lafesta and Western Dom

Lafesta and Western Dom are the leading shopping and cultural districts of Goyang, offering visitors innumerable restaurants and things to see and do. They feature wide pedestrian paths, a theme-based shopping mall, an arched bridge between the buildings, all of which are designed to enhance shoppers’ convenience. These districts are always crowded with pleasure seekers.

Haengjusanseong Fortress

Haengjusanseong Fortress is the site of one of the three greatest battles won (in Haengju, Jinju, and Hansando) by Korean troops against Japanese forces during the Japanese invasion in the late 16th century (1592~1598). Certain of the fortress’s architectural features have led scholars to presume that it was built in the early Three Kingdoms Period. Within the fortress, there is a monument erected to commemorate the great victory of 1593, or the 16th year of King Seonjo’s reign, and the Chungjangsa, a shrine honoring General Gwon Yul, who led the victory against the Japanese invaders. The Haengjudaecheop Memorial Hall displays more than thirty weapons used at that time and many drawings depicting Korean troops in action against the invaders. Recently, Haengju Nuri-gil was established nearby.