Gapyeong, an ecopia packed with green energy sources

Northern part of Gyeonggi Province – wishing for peace with North Korea
 
Gapyeong figures among the provinces that have developed more slowly than other areas mainly due to diverse regulations, including Green Belt regulation. Thus, the percentage of its financial self-reliance remains at the paltry level of 27.1% (2011). In an effort to improve its situation by maximizing the advantages of the area, the Gapyeong-gun Office announced its vision of “Gapyeong as an Ecopia.” Under a blue-ocean strategy, Gapyeong-gun is taking steps to enhance its economic situation and conserve the natural environment, with the focus on Jara Island on the Bukhan River.

◇ An auto-campsite on Jara Island ⓒ Each city and gun

Jazz melodies echoing across the Bukhan River

Jara Island in Daljeon-ri, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun has transformed itself from a little-known island into the site of an international festival and a preferred tourist spot nature-loving campers.

On the occasion of the 2008 FICC Gapyeong International Camping and Caravanning Rally, Gapyeong Gun installed an auto camping facility complete with parking spaces and a power supply that meets international standards on Jara Island. In addition, sixteen mobile homes and twenty caravans are available for lease to visitors.

Every fall, an international jazz festival is held on Jara Island, which marks its 9th anniversary this year. More than 80 teams from 21 countries took part in last years’s event, while the accumulated number of visitors to the festival has exceeded 800,000, thus making it one of the largest jazz festivals held in Asia. It is now a leading a leading culture and arts festival for local residents.

Thanks to the festival, “jazz makgeolli” and “jazz wine” have appeared, and many stores in Gapyeong have come to include “jazz” on their signboards. Visitors to the festival will be reminded of New Orleans, Louisiana. A large field full of cosmos, yuchae flower, sunflower, and reed has also been formed near the jazz event area. In 2012, the annual event was held for three days from October 12.

◇ It is pleasing to observe the abundant flow of clean water in Myeonji Valley. ⓒ Each city and gun

Chungnyeongsan Mountain and its mysterious atmosphere, Myeongjian Mountain and its beautifully colored tree leaves

Forests and mountains are a trademark of Gapyeong. According to legend, one day Lee Seong-gye (later King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty) went hunting in Mt. Chungnyeong, but could not find a single animal. A local told him to offer a sacrificial rite to the mountain deities. Lee followed the man’s advice and soon caught a wild boar. The place boasts a large forest of pine trees and is noted for being the largest pine nut producer in the country. Nearby attractions include arboretums, including the Garden of Morning Calm, natural recreation forests, and farms. Some of them provide campsites. On weekends, the nearby parking lots are full of cars.

Myeongjisan Mountain, which is noted for its gentle slopes amid the grandeur of well-conserved natural surroundings, was designated as a municipal park. People walking along the trekking course to the summit find themselves unable to take their eyes off the beautiful scenery of the valleys down below. The colorful autumnal leaves here are so beautiful that they are said to be one of the Eight Scenic Views of Gapyeong.

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