Gwangju, an important source of water supply to Seoul and home to numerous important historical sites

Eastern part of Gyeonggi Province, a region containing important historical facts and featuring environmentally-friendliness
 
Located in the middle of Gyeonggi Province, Gwangju occupies an important position in the transportation network, as the country’s three main highways (i.e., Seoul-Busan Expressway, Seoul-Daejeon-Tongyeong Expressway, Seoul-Gangneung Expressway) pass through it. Gwangju is bordered by Yeoju and Icheon to the east; by Seongnam to the west; by Yongin to the south; and by Namyangju, Yangpyeong, and Hanam to the north across the Hangang River. Rice farming is Gwangju’s main industry, although many manufacturers of household appliances, ceramic wares, and soft drinks are located here thanks to its proximity to a number of large cities, including Seoul. The city’s other attractions include Namhansanseong Fortress and white porcelain kilns dating back to the Joseon Period.

Efforts made to keep water clean, particularly in Paldangho Lake

Since the formation of Paldangho Lake in 1975, Gwangju has been unable to achieve brisk urban development due to the many regulations associated with the Nature Preservation Zone (affecting the entire area); the Paldang Lake-related Special Measurement Area for Water Quality Preservation-1 as Source of Water Supply to Seoul (affecting 99.3% of the area); the Development Restriction Zone (or Green Belt) (affecting 24.2% of the area); and the Paldang Lake Water Supply Source Protection Area (affecting 19.4% of the area). Nonetheless, the city is making concerted efforts to become a unique zone with a focus on historic sites, cultural affairs, and nature preservation. Leading landmark sites in the city include the Gyeongancheon Wetland Ecological Park, Namhansanseong Fortress and the royal ceramic kilns.

Paldangho Lake is where the waters of the Bukangang River and the Namhan River converge to form the Han River. The lake extends across Gwangju, Namyangju, Yangpyeong-gun, and Hanam. Many thick trees line the lakeside, creating a beautiful landscape. Many freshwater fish dish lovers pay frequent visits to restaurants in the area.

The water of Paldangho Lake supplies water to 25 million people in the Greater Seoul Area. The Gyeongancheon Stream exerts a great influence on the water quality of the lake. It was pointed out that the water was seriously contaminated by waste from dairy farms and factories located along Gyeongancheon Stream.

◇ The management of water quality at Paldangho Lake is very important as it constitutes the water supply for 25 million people in the Greater Seoul Area. The Gyeonggi Paldang Water Quality Improvement Headquarters carries out diverse programs to improve the water quality. ⓒ G-LIFE

In 2006, Gyeonggi Province set up comprehensive measures to improve the water quality of Gyeongancheon Stream and began implementing a series of programs aimed at improving the basic environmental protection facilities, restoring the ecological streams, and forming Wetlands, etc. The Save Gyeongancheon Movement Headquarters, which was voluntarily set up by local residents, began activities to transform the stream into a favorite destination for migratory birds and an ecological stream. As a result of such efforts, the water quality of the stream has shown a noticeable improvement (i.e. from 4.6mg/L in September 2006 to 3.6mg/L in BOD by the end of 2011). A number of native bird and fish species have also started returning to the stream.

The Gyeongancheon Wetland Ecological Park has become a habitat for wildlife and a pleasant relaxation space for local residents. People enjoy birdwatching and nature observation here.◇ Namhansanseong Fortress was a strategic defense position during the Three Kingdoms Period and thereafter. The restoration of the fortress was carried out in recognition of its historical importance. ⓒ G-LIFE Editing Team

Namhansanseong Fortress, an important historical site

Namhansanseong Provincial Park extends across Gwangju, Hanam, and Seongnam. The main position of the fortress lies in Sanseong-ri, Jungbu-myeon, Gwangju City. The fortress has witnessed some important historical moments since the Three Kingdoms Period.

Namhansanseong Fortress, along with the Hangang River, was an important strategic position during the Three Kingdoms Period. The people of Baekje had viewed it as a special place since the dynasty’s relocation of the capital to Wirye, Hanam. The presence of Sungyeoljeon, a shrine to King Onjo, the founder of the Baekje Dynasty, within the fortress attests to that.

During the reigns of King Seonjo (r. 1567~1608; 14^th King of Joseon) and King Sunjo (r. 1800~1834; 23^rd King of Joseon), Namhansanseong Fortress served as a strategic defense position. Injo, the 16th king of Joseon, fought against Manchurian invaders here. During his reign, various buildings including a temporary royal palace, Inhwagwan and Yeonmugwan were built within the fortress. In 1907, Japanese colonists, fearing that the weapons and powder stored here might be used against them, burned down the entire complex. Visitors can still feel the breath of history from the cultural heritages remaining within the fortress walls.

Gyeonggi Province’s ten-year project to restore the temporary royal palace in the fortress was finally completed in May 2012. The restoration work covered a 72.5-kan area, including sleeping quarters, in 2002; a 26-kan area in Jwajeon; a 154-kan area in the main hall in 2010; a decorative painting of the main hall and an information office/exhibition hall in 2012.
(*1 kan is a unit of measurement referring to the length of the space between two columns. It comes to 210cm – 300cm.)

In January 2010, the fortress was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List. The Government plans to submit an application related to the fortress for the UNESCO World Heritage List in January 2013.

Joseon White Porcelain kiln sites in Gwangju

During the Joseon Period, government-run porcelain kilns produced the porcelain wares needed by the royal court in Gwangju following a dramatic increase in the use of porcelain at the royal court during the reign of King Sejong.

The government-run kilns were established in Gwangju for several reasons, including the area’s good clay, abundant firewood, and geographical proximity to Seoul. As such, the country’s best white porcelain wares were chiefly made in Gwangju. The kilns were located along the Gyeongancheon Stream, and were maintained until the privatization of ceramics production in 1884.

The Gwangju Royal Ceramic Festival is held under a different theme every year to publicize the traditional porcelain wares produced in Gwangju. The event, which is held at the Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum, comprises an exhibition, a seminar, a gugak (traditional Korean music) performance, bukcheong saja noreum (Bukcheong Lion Play), and a hands-on experience of porcelain making, etc.◇ White porcelain kiln sites in Gwangju ⓒ G-LIFE Editing Team

A café village in Toechon with an outlandish atmosphere

Driving a car along the river is a great way to refresh your mind. Do you love to drive your car? Then, a café village in Toechon with an outlandish atmosphere is a recommended destination. It’s the ideal place for lovers. And there are many things to see and do in Toechon.

In Bunwon-ri, Toechon, there are many cafes and restaurants along the edge of Paldang Lake. We recommend Hyangto Madang, which offers bonfire place and open-air seats, and Gomok, which features old trees, and Joan of Arc, whose interiors create a medieval atmosphere.

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