Gorgeous roses and tulips are great, but I prefer nameless wild flowers that grow on the side of the road.

They don’t stand out because they aren’t glamorous, but I think that’s why I feel somewhat happier when I see wild flowers blossoming here and there. They also have that delicate sort of beauty you can find in ‘hanok’ (Korean traditional houses) or hanbok (Korean traditional attire) so wild flowers are the best representation of Korean emotions.

A while ago, the Korea Forest Service announced their selection of ‘100 destinations across the country with beautiful Korean wild flowers’.

Among the list were plenty of wild flower colonies in Gyeonggi Province. 

Today, I’ll introduce you to a few great wild flower destinations in Gyeonggi Province where you can see beautiful wild flowers. 

Gyeonggi Province’s wild flower destinations on the nationwide 100 list include Seongsan Mountain in Yeoncheon, Myeongseongsan Mountain in Pocheon, Pyunggang Botanical Garden, National Arboretum, Yeoninsan Mountain and the Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong, Hwayasan Mountain, Cheonmasan Mountain in Namyangju, Gaetgol in Siheung, Pungdo Island (Humangsan Mountain) in Ansan, and Hantaek Botanical Garden in Yongin.

You don’t know where to go because there are so many choices? Don’t worry. Dalkom-simin here has some very particular recommendations. 

Myeongseongsan Mountain is famous for its Silver Grass Festival rather than for its wild flowers. Nevertheless, wild flowers like Argun Groundsels and False Chinese Swertia are also superb, so come check out the silver grass and enjoy the beautiful wild flowers. 

▶I went to the Silver Grass Festival at Myeongseongsan Mountain to see a sea of shimmering silver grass 

This is Yellow Adonis, which was featured in the title of a television drama. You can see it at Cheonmasan Mountain.

At Cheonmasan Mountain, you’ll be able to see a variety of wild flowers that blossom in the spring such as the Adonis and Manchurian Isopyrum if you follow along the trail that begins at Onam Reservoir and leads all the way to the mountain’s peak.  

Hantaek Botanical Garden features more than 2,400 species of native plants including the Korean Forest Poppy, Barberry Shrub, and Asian Lizard’s Tail.

The image above is of Russian Iris. The Hantaek Botanical Garden is a great place to see some of endangered Korean wild flowers growing in various wild flower colonies. 

Have you ever heard of Pungdo Island’s Windflower? Pungdo is famous for being the place where wild flowers blossom the earliest.

The large Pungdo Island Windflower natural colony offers well paved walkways and trekking trials so you can enjoy the beautiful Windflowers in comfort.

So today I introduced you to a few places across Gyeonggi Province with great wild flower colonies. There are several other beautiful wild flower colonies in Gyeonggi Province apart from the ones I talked about today. How about heading out to the mountains or to botanical gardens near you to see beautiful autumn flowers this weekend?

http://ggholic.tistory.com/10260

“The autumn season is fleeting but autumn memories endure”

It’s a phrase as exciting as ‘let’s go’.

Namhansanseong Fortress is one of the places that pop into mind upon hearing that phrase.

To me, Namhansanseong Fortress is the backdrop of Kim Hoon’s novel which tells the story of Korea’s sad past, and a scene from the musical production of that very novel.

If I were to approach the fortress from the perspective of a traveler in year 2015, what should I do? 

Should I have a trip to visit Namhansanseong as a fortress that helped Korean ancestors defend the country in countless battles?

Should I have a trip to enjoy Namhansanseong as a well-known destination in autumn?

Should I have a trip to see animals and plants preserved in an environmentally friendly way in the dense forest?

Should I have a trip to Namhansanseong as an excellent place to try an abundance of food that attracts people from all over the country? 

What should I see?

You can only see what you know, right?

That’s why I read booklets before the trip as if I was getting ready for an overseas journey.

But,

“How much did our ancestors suffer to build this fortress?

I can’t imagine how many died trying.”

That’s what I heard from people climbing up to the fortress.

That’s when I decided to forget about having an angle or a concept for this trip.

I decided to just take it all in as it is. To ‘feel the people’.

❙ The castle wall that encircles the mountain. How many stories do those walls have to tell?

❙ The magnificent fortress wall. It winds itself up the mountain like a dragon. The fall foliage adds to the scenery!

❙ As you can see, the fortress wall becomes one with nature.

❙ Namhansanseong Fortress in autumn looks as if it has dyed itself with splendid colors! It hasn’t lost its charm even in the recent drought!

Between isolation and solitude, time to meet my true self.

I feel the people from 400 years ago in the 17th century who used to live here.

For centuries, people would’ve felt bleak with the wind blowing and isolated in this fortress high up on the mountain.

I pass along the roads my forbearers travelled to feel their spirit today.

It’s just the sky, wind, and me up there. 

❙ The sky, wind, fortress wall, and me. Here I become complete.

❙ A view of the fortress wall from the inner fort at Yeonjubong. No matter where you go, you can’t escape the fortress!

❙ It seems fluid as a twisting and turning dragon! In this manner, the fortress has stood its ground for centuries. 

❙ View of the fortress wall at eye level. Feeling a little isolated?

❙ This is an emergency exit called an ‘ammun’. History tells us that numerous key battles were fought near that gate. 

❙ Evergreen trees that never lose their classiness even in the midst of all the magnificent fall foliage.

❙ An unexpected encounter. People did say this place was a wildlife haven!

And if you stand there, you see the lives of our people. Many people would’ve had to leave their homes, unable to return despite being a short distance away. 

❙ The world outside the fortress. It seems so close.

❙ It gives you a panoramic view of downtown Seoul.

A special place where the past meets the present

If this place was a ‘natural fortress’ and a perfect example of what a real ‘sanseong’ (mountain fortress) was like in the past; it’s part of the everyday lives of people and a special destination in the present. 

The park in the mountain.

Benches that can be found in several places.

Old pine trees supported by trusses that would’ve witnessed everything from Namhansanseong Fortress’ past.

Cultural artifacts and the fortress trail which would’ve spent hundreds of years with the fortress. 

❙ You can climb up the fortress easily using the trail next to the fortress wall. Travelers and residents blend in together here.

❙ Sunshine illuminating the trail before dusk.

❙ Sueojangdae on top of the mountain. Here they would’ve carried out military operations.

❙ Trees have shed their leaves in autumn. It seems winter is coming.

❙ Benches are installed in several locations.

The park is open to everyone from nearby residents taking a walk to travelers taking pictures of their special moments. Everyone can experience the special atmosphere here.

It’s easy to find places to rest because there are other trails apart from the one that follows the fortress wall through the mountain. Benches appear just when you need a rest so I think it’ll be perfect for families out and about for a picnic.

Toilets, something that concerns many who visit the fortress, are placed along the trail so you don’t have to worry at all about that either!

❙ Namhansanseong Fortress is watching.

* Fast facts about Namhansanseong Fortress

1. Namhansanseong Fortress: A mountain fortress that protected Hanyang, the capital city, along with Bukhansanseong Fortress during the Joseon Dynasty

o Historical records show that King Munmu of Shilla built Jujangseong Castle in Hansanju in the 13th year of his reign (673). This is presumed to be today’s Namhansanseong Fortress.

o Namhansanseong Fortress was built in its current form during the 2^nd year of King Injo’s reign (1624) after Joseon Dynasty subdued Lee Gwal’s rebellion and the threat of Hugeum from the north was escalating. During the invasion of the Qing Dynasty in his 14^th year as King (1636), Injo evacuated to Namhansanseong Fortress. After Ganghwa was sacked and as food supplies ran low, King Injo and the crown prince opened the gates and surrendered in a humiliating fashion at Samjeondo. The fortress was repaired several times to reach its current form today. With well-preserved facilities, Namhansanseong Fortress is regarded as the best equipped mountain fortress in Korea.

o Namhansanseong Fortress’ registration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was decided at the 38th World Heritage Committee session held in Doha, Qatar, on June 22, 2014. It earned significant points thanks to the fact the fortress featured ruins from 7th century Shilla as well as fortification techniques from 17th to 19th century Joseon Dynasty, and also for the fact that it was used as a fortified city during emergencies. The committee determined that the unique Korean architectural style which took advantage of the mountain’s natural features and geographical markers, the military technology applied to the fortress to defend against Western weapons, and the added fortification techniques from China and Japan at the time held great value.

2. Sanseong (mountain fortress): a fortress built along a mountain ridge

o This refers to structures built in order to force the enemy to exert great efforts during attack using mountaintops or the slopes, as well as to help friendly forces defend from higher ground.

o Korea possesses advanced fortification techniques for mountain fortresses thanks to our mountainous terrain, so much so Korea has earned the nickname of ‘mountain fortress country’. Historians regard mountain fortresses as the backbone of our people that made our survival possible. 

Source: Naver Encyclopedia | Wikipedia

It’s okay to just get going!

Every trip has a reason (or some sort of excuse).

To relieve stress? To escape? Because this is your only chance? Or just because you can?

Namhansanseong Fortress is close by so you don’t have to make an excuse or check if you have time to take a trip.

It’s a place where the wall of isolation built centuries ago presents you with a sense of solitude.

A solo experience with ‘the sky, wind, and I’ whenever you need some time alone.

A mountain fortress trekking experience at a ‘place that offers more rest than a theme park’ whenever you need some time with others.

It’s the perfect place for any activity. 

Do you have to make up a reason?

Just go! Right now! Let’s get going!

The end of autumn is near!

P.S.

The day I chose to visit Namhansanseong Fortress was a lucky one for me as it was ‘Culture Day’.

Admission is free to the Namhansanseong Haenggung Temporary Palace on the last Tuesday of each month!

❙ Today is ‘Culture Day’ which comes around on the last Tuesday of each month. So you can see the Haenggung Temporary Palace for free!

@Gyeonggi Net-keeper

http://www.gg.go.kr/archives/3403695?ggd_term_id=7699

Autumn is upon us once again, the perfect season for a day out and enjoying the cool breeze.

It’s such a waste to just sit inside on an autumn day like this.

So I was excited to head out to Hwaseong Fortress, which is located in Suwon City in Gyeonggi Province.

Hwaseong Fortress was built by King Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, when he moved the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado, to Suwon. It was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you walk along the top of the fortress wall, you can circumnavigate downtown Suwon. But did you know you can explore Hwaseong Fortress without even walking?

Exploring Hwaseong Fortress while seated

Gwachoen Seoul Land has its Elephant Train and Hwaseong Fortress has the Hwaseong Express.

From Paldalsan Mountain in Suwon to Yeonmudae, let’s take a trip aboard Hwaseong Express now!

❙ Walking trail on Paldalsan Mountain in Suwon City

You can find the platform for Hwaseong Express at Paldalmun Gate, Hwaseong Haenggung Temporary Palace, and many more places. Your Gyeonggi Net-keeper chose to take the train via the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex’s rear entrance. In fact, there aren’t many people who take the train using this route.

As soon as you leave the rear entrance, there’s a pedestrian crossing. I crossed the road and started climbing towards an entrance to Paldalsan Mountain.  

Walking along the trail with a dense forest on the either side, you can see an unusual number of pine trees. These pine trees are red pines, not a foreign variety. The long branches look so stunning.

❙ Photo at mineral spring

I was walking along at a brisk pace, and that’s when I found a mineral spring! I took a sip and soon it was time to get going again!

The trees were turning red and yellow in the colors of autumn. Can you imagine the view with the colorful fall foliage and green pines together?

After walking for ten minutes, I finally find the road used exclusively by the Hwaseong Express.

The Hwaseong Express will pass this place and head on to Yeonmudae.

There’s a silver grass field which looks even more beautiful in the middle of autumn. It looks stunning together with the fortress wall. Plenty of people come here to take photos of this magnificent scenery. 

When you’re done climbing the hill, pass through under the fortress wall. 

There’s a bronze statue of King Jeongjo here. He stands there with his eyes fixed in an imposing gaze toward downtown Suwon. 

Walking further along the road, I finally get to see the Hwaseong Express!

It’s designed to look like a dragon, which symbolizes King Jeongjo the Great.

The train looks so gallant. In fact, it looks like it’s going to start breathing fire!

A one-way ticket costs just KRW 1,500! Isn’t that a bargain? You can buy a one-way ticket or a return ticket. But, if you buy a return ticket, you have to come back on the same Hwaseong Express that you originally took, which means you only have roughly 20 minutes to see Yeonmudae. So please keep this in mind! You can also purchase Hwaseong Express tickets at Yeonmudae as well~.

I bought my ticket first, but I had some time on my hands so I went to explore the workshop street.

There’s a road that leads to Hwaseong Haenggung Temporary Palace behind the cafeteria. If you follow it, you arrive at the workshop street. 

I passed the temporary palace’s parking lot and entered the workshop street! Here, you’ll have a great time looking at various workshops and frescoes as well. 

There are a variety of products at the workshops including hand-made accessories and cute little knick-knacks. You can also learn how to make bracelets and participate in other activities. 

This road starts from Paldalmun Gate and leads to Paldalsan Mountain. It’s a pretty steep hill road, but it’s popular among tourists visiting Hwaseong Fortress. The open space on the left is used as a resting area or a performance venue at times. You can take the Hwaseong Express on top of the hill as well!

I come back from the workshop street in time for the Hwaseong Express.

There were a lot of people there with their families and friends to ride the train.

It just goes to show you that the Hwaseong Express is a great way for everyone to experience the fortress conveniently. 

I took a seat at the back and we embarked.

❙ Hwaseomun Gate

❙ Janganmun Gate

❙ Hwahongmun Gate

The Hwaseong Express passes through Hwaseomun Gate, Jangan Park, Janganmun Gate, Banghwasuryujeong, and Hwahongmun Gate, and goes all the way to Yeonmudae.

You can get off on your way to Yeonmudae at places like Jangan Park. If you’d like to do so, don’t forget to raise your hand when you hear the announcement. 

I saw people dressed like gate keepers waving to me when the Hwaseong Express passed by Hwaseomun Gate and Hwahongmun Gate. If you see them on your trip, it’d be nice to wave back!

❙ Banghwasuryujeong

The trip took slightly over 30 minutes, but it felt so short while watching Hwaseong Fortress fly by from the comfort of my seat. 

❙ Yeonmudae

❙ Archery range next to Yeonmudae

I finally arrived at Yeonmudae! Yeonmudae is where soldiers used to train. Here, you can shoot some arrows, which is always a popular program among tourists.

Today, I took a ride on Hwaseong Express from Paldalsan Mountain to Yeonmudae. The downside to this option is that the smell of exhaust gas is a little too much at times. But I’m sure that will improve in the future.

http://www.gg.go.kr/archives/3391692?ggd_term_id=7699

Word is that fall foliage will reach its peak around the fourth week of October. For those of you who are looking forward to this, I’ve prepared a list of festivals across Gyeonggi Province celebrating the season this year.

We must include the Unaksan Mountain Maple Festival if we’re going to talk about fall foliage festivals in Gyeonggi Province. As one of the ‘Gyeonggi 5-aks (rough mountains)’, the fall foliage at Unaksan Mountain is so beautiful that the mountain is called the ‘Geumgangsan Mountain of Gyeonggi Province’. The Fall Foliage Festival, which takes place in October every year, gets under way this year on October 25.

Follow the trail that starts at the ruins of King Gungye, walk past Unjusa Temple and Rainbow Waterfall to reach the peak. Then come back down towards Daewonsa Temple to feel the beauty of Gyeonggi Province’s very own Geumgangsan Mountain.

The fall foliage on Paju’s Gamaksan Mountain offers some breathtaking views as another of the ‘Gyeonggi 5-aks’.

A farmers’ market selling fresh, environmentally friendly produce as well as local specialties harvested in Jeokseong-myeon, a ‘clean district’, are available during the festival at prices lower than retail, so you should be able to enjoy your time at this festival and satisfy all of your senses. 

Let’s Run Park in Gwacheon also brings you a night time autumn festival from October 14 to 18, the ‘2015 Falling In – Let’s Run Park Seoul’.

A wide range of performances including a brass band concert and swing jazz dance session in addition to a liberal arts concert will be ready to entertain your eyes and ears.

Time to nourish your heart with fall foliage…. Isn’t that the perfect festival in autumn?

I think it would be a convenient trip for people living near Seoul to make since the festival will take place close to Seoul.

So that’s it, three autumn fall foliage festivals in Gyeonggi Province! Have a beautiful autumn with the autumn leaves. ^^

http://ggholic.tistory.com/10197

Windmills, Dutch pay, Hiddink, Amsterdam…

Does any country pop into your mind?

That’s right. The country of windmills, the country that lends ‘Dutch’ to ‘Dutch pay’, the home country of Guus Hiddink who managed the legendary 2002 World Cup, and the country with Amsterdam as its capital is indeed Holland.

Today we’ll follow a delegation from Gyeonggi Province that visited Holland and Iceland in pursuit of policies pertaining to investment attraction and gender equality and travel to Holland J. I’m going to tell you a number of special stories about Amsterdam and Holland that we weren’t familiar with.

Let’s travel together to beautiful Amsterdam in Holland!

Roses from Gyeonggi Province in Holland

Look at this vast sea of roses.

The delegation from Gyeonggi Province headed over to Olij Breeding, a cutting-edge agricultural facility that utilizes IT, as soon as they set foot in Holland.

They say roses grown at Olij Breeding are extra special.

Aren’t they so pretty? What secret could these roses hold?

These beautiful roses here belong to a breed called g-rose. These roses were developed and exported from Gyeonggi Province.

Its color and fragrance makes it as excellent as any other rose breed from around the world. That thought makes me proud!

Olij Breeding is a well-known rose breeding company in Holland responsible for the offshore sales of roses developed by Gyeonggi Province.

The delegation from Gyeonggi Province visited Olij Breeding to inspect the breeding grounds for roses and discuss ways to increase rose exports from Gyeonggi Province. 

What does a startup support center look like in Holland?

The next stop is StartupDelta in Amsterdam. StartupDelta is a support center that helps the development of startups in Holland. StartupDelta possesses startup information that links over 1,500 startups in Holland. It reminds me of Gyeonggi Province’s Big Data.

I think ideas for creative startups would pop right into my head if I could sit in those comfortable chairs under those great light fixtures. 

During his meeting with StartupDelta Director Sigrid Johannisse, Governor Nam Kyung-pil said, “Gyeonggi Province is leading the way in establishing a creative and innovative atmosphere through its startup academy in Pangyo. If Korea, a country that aims to create the best ecosystem for startups in Asia, and Holland, the country that aims to create the best ecosystem for startups in Europe, cooperate with each other, I think it would be possible to develop world-class startups.” Governor Nam also proposed the establishment of a cooperative relationship.   

Now, we move on to Amsterdam Square for our next scheduled item. Can you feel the atmosphere of Amsterdam in Holland? ^^

Amsterdam has two different lures

Frankly, Venice comes to mind when we think of ‘canals’. But in fact, Amsterdam is also known as the ‘city of canals’.

Beautiful canals, 100km in total length, intersect the city of Amsterdam. 

A peaceful afternoon in the city of canals.

Amsterdam is indeed beautiful during the day, but it transforms into something else entirely after dark.

With lights floating on the canals, the city becomes a piece of art. 

There are so many more beautiful pictures, but it’s a pity I can’t share them all because it would take up too much space. The city that felt peaceful and elegant in daylight changed into a glamorous and vibrant city under the moonlit sky.

Amsterdam is truly a city with two different faces. If you’re travelling to Amsterdam, make sure to see the canals at night~. 

Gyeonggi Province signs MOU worth USD 50 million with global semiconductor corporation ASMI!

The last item on our delegation’s schedule was an MOU signing session with ASM International to invite investment. How did that session go?

Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil successfully won USD 50 million in investment from ASMI based in Holland, one of the largest cutting-edge semiconductor processing equipment corporations in Europe! 

ASMI is one of Holland’s top global enterprises and ranked among the top ten in the word in terms of semiconductor deposition equipment production. At 9:50am on September 25, Governor Nam Kyung-pil met ASMI President Charles del Prado to sign an MOU on investment and agreed to an investment worth approximately USD 50 million including the establishment ASMI’s presence in the Dongtan Urban Cutting-edge Industrial Complex. 

Gyeonggi Governor Nam Kyung-pil said, “The investment from ASMI is an exemplary case of new job creation as well as our cooperation with small and medium enterprises.” Governor Nam added, “Gyeonggi Province plans to promote investment activities to induce more global corporations invest in our market.”

ASMI plans to establish semiconductor manufacturing facilities and a research center in Dongtan. This is expected to create 156 new jobs and help improve the technology of small and medium corporations in Korea.

Moreover, ASMI is planning to pursue joint technical development with Korean small and medium corporations in line with this investment opportunity. This is expected to upgrade Korean semiconductor technology including the replacement of imported parts and localization of semiconductor equipment parts! Also, the investment is forecasted to alleviate pressure from the monopoly on semiconductor-related equipment held by American corporations and lower the price for semiconductor related equipment.

With the USD 50 million investment agreement complete, all official business in Holland came to an end for the delegation from Gyeonggi Province. I’m really looking forward to the fantastic things waiting in Iceland which is up next for the delegation.

I’ll leave you with a picture of the sunset in Iceland. I’ll come back with some more stories tomorrow J See you tomorrow~.

http://ggholic.tistory.com/10179

Clap for the fun and clap for the rhythm at the 2015 Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival

(October 7 – 11, 2015) Anseong Machum Land

The Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival is coming to town! The Baudeogi festival was designated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as one of Korea’s top performance art festivals in 2015.

Oppressed by the ruling class, the common people of late Joseon Dynasty transformed ‘Namsadang nori’ from a lowly form of entertainment into a performance genre brimming with humor and criticism. Namsadang nori performances cleansed the hearts of the people and propelled wisdom by spearheading social reform. Among all the groups that performed this particular genre, ‘Anseong Namsadangpae’ – led by ‘Baudeogi’, a female ‘Kkocdooseh’ – was recognized as the paramount group across the nation.

In addition to Namsadang nori performances every weekend, the Namsadang nori Training Center in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, hosts the Namsadang Baudeogi Festival every October and contributes to promoting the excellence of Korean traditional art as well as the value of the nation’s tradition. 

The 2015 Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival prepared for its five-day schedule with a commemoration ceremony for Baudeogi and a road side performance parade a day before the opening ceremony. Taking place next to the Gyeonggi Garden Culture Exhibition, the Baudeogi festival seems more glamorous and exciting than ever. 

■ What is ‘Namsadang nori’?

Registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, Namsadang nori was a wandering clown show that performed for modest citizens; it did not settle in one place and was, in principle, composed solely of men.

At the time, there were numerous groups across the country; however, the only group remaining today is the Anseong Namsadangpae, which performs out of Anseong’s Cheongnyongsa Temple.

The performances appeared on six ‘madangs’ with cheerful music in the background. Approximately 20 to 30 people playing the ‘kkwaengggwari’, ‘janggu’, ‘buk’, ‘jing, ‘sogo’ and ‘taepyeongso’ all came together for a diverse range of performances. This included: the ‘beona nori’, which involved spinning a round-shaped ‘beona’ and making jokes with each other; ‘salpan’, in which the clown and ‘ggun’ joke with each other and perform tricks on the ground; ‘eoreum’, featuring tricks on a rope suspended high in the air; ‘deotbwaegi’, which involves trading jokes while wearing masks; and ‘deolmi’, which belongs to a traditional puppet show. 

Throughout the five-day event at Anseong Machum Land, you can enjoy all sorts of performances – both Korean and foreign – led by this Namsadang nori.

Art 7:00 p.m. on the first day (October 7), the opening ceremony featuring ‘Namsadang pungmulpae’ and other folk performances from around the world as well as a congratulatory concert and fireworks will take place. Apart from official events for the closing ceremony on October 10, six to seven global folk performance sessions are scheduled at the Namsadang Performance Hall, main stage, fringe stage, and market stage. Also, traditional performances promoting the excellence of traditional Korean culture such as ‘jangochum paju nongak’ will be staged each day. Finally, the festival will feature various activities and exhibitions that offer a glimpse into everyday life during the time when Namsadangpae groups were widespread. 

As for the folk performances from around the world that will be staged at the festival, 11 teams from countries including Indonesia, Slovakia, Mexico, the Philippines, Spain, and Brazil will be there offering spectacular performances.

These performance teams will join the parade once a day in addition to their global folk performance and road side performances the day before. This is another feature of this year’s event that is increasing expectations for the Baudeogi Namsadang Festival. 

In addition, since this is a festival for families with children, there will be plenty of activities on hand.

Various programs including a reproduced Anseong market place, the largest market during the Joseon Dynasty, as well as an activity section to learn and play musical instruments such as janggu, buk, jing, and kkwaenggwari used by the Namsadang pungmulpae group will be available at the festival. Also, agricultural and livestock farming activities that help people experience the abundance of autumn right before harvest will be provided. Another outstanding feature of the festival is the Baudeogi slow mail box, which is being introduced for the first time this year. 

Apart from the Namsadangpae group, Anseong is famous for its agricultural products including Anseong rice, pears, grapes, ginseng, and beef.

To satisfy demand for Anseong agricultural products, as evidenced by last year’s record sales, the number of sales booths for agricultural products during the festival will be increased to 74 in total. This will help recreate the glory of Anseong market’s past and set the stage for a street food festival. 

The Baudeogi festival is just couple of weeks away. Last weekend, when I visited Anseong Machum Land, it was busy prepping for the autumn festival.

Fancy structures have already been erected. 

What makes this year’s Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival even more exciting is the fact that the Gyeonggi Garden Culture Exhibition will take place simultaneously.

This exhibition will take place on a 10,000-pyeong complex with wild flowers and a waterfront park with beautiful lotuses in full bloom. The exhibition sheds new light on the value of parks as a place for urban cultural activities, and you can see various types of gardens within everyday living spaces such as verandas, rooftops, and outdoor areas. 

With the blue autumn sky perfect for a day out, beautiful garden culture, and exciting performances, it can’t get any better than this!

Among the gardens being prepared at the large wild flower complex, this traditional garden seemed ready to open.

From distinct appearances using instruments like kkwaenggwaris and jings to landscaping that utilizes trees themselves…

Just looking at the preparation work alone gave me confidence that the exhibition is going to be beautiful.

The 2015 Anseong Baudeogi Festival, at which you can see traditional performances from Korea and around the world, will start its spectacular proceedings with a road side festival. The road side event will begin at 6:00pm on October 6 at the Jungang-ro road in Anseong City, and over 3,000 people from more than 30 organizations across Anseong will participate. During the festival, performances will continue from 10:00am to 9:30pm daily.

The Festival will take place at Anseong Machum Land for five days from October 7 to 11, 2015. 

http://ggholic.tistory.com/10173

Clap for the fun and clap for the rhythm at the 2015 Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival

(October 7 – 11, 2015) Anseong Machum Land

Gyeonggi Province’s Intangible Cultural Assets (ICAs) are all here!

How many ICAs does Gyeonggi Province have?

Which specific ICAs does Gyeonggi Province have?

All the ICAs in Gyeonggi Province are represented here at the Gyeonggi Province Intangible Cultural Assets Grand Festival.

To celebrate the first anniversary of the registration of Namhansanseong Fortress as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gyeonggi Province hosted the 2015 Gyeonggi Province Intangible Cultural Assets Grand Festival.

The festival gathered all ICAs from across Gyeonggi Province under the slogan ‘The Beat of Tradition, Sculpting the Spirit’ and fostered a festive atmosphere to mark the first anniversary of Namhansanseong’s registry as a UNESCO World Heritage Site while also enhancing public awareness of designated ICAs in Gyeonggi Province. 

Tradition and history infuse our collective spirit through time and create culture. At times, traditional culture is designated as a cultural asset which assumes the role of preserving continuing values.

These events also aim to give pride and self-esteem to those who function as guardians of ICAs and stimulate the transmission of traditional culture at a time when doing so is difficult. 

The Gyeonggi Province Intangible Cultural Assets Grand Festival ran for two days from September 19 to 20 at the Suwon Hwaseong Temporary Palace square.

It provided an opportunity to get to know cultural assets in our neighborhood with which we weren’t previously familiar.

Through the Gyeonggi Province Intangible Cultural Assets Grand Festival, let’s take a look at what sort of ICAs are found across Gyeonggi Province, something we need to know as residents of Gyeonggi Province.

The event also offered entertainment in the form of exhibitions and demonstrations of the ICAs found in Gyeonggi Province, and it also was a place to enjoy ICA performances.

Performance programs for music, dancing, games, and rituals as well as food were featured at the festival. Live demonstrations were also held in front of spectators.

Ten performances including Gyeonggi Province ICA No. 15 Guri galmaedong dodanggut, Gwangmyeong nongak, Anseong namsadangnori, Gyeonggi geummu, Gyeonggi songseo, Paju geumsanri minyo, Yangpyeong sangyeohwaedajisori, Toegyewon sandaenori, Pyeongtaek minyo, and Goyang songpo homigeori were scheduled for the first day.

On the second day, Gwacheon mudongdapgyonori, Yangju nongak, Pulpiri, Dongducheon minyo, Pocheon menari, Anseong hyangdangmu, Icheon geobuknori, Gimpo tongjin durenori, Seungmu, and Gyeonggisori were showcased. 

Spectators couldn’t take their eyes off of the ‘Eoreunsani’ during his fist-clenching tightrope performance, which was done as an aerial stunt during the Anseong namsadang nori.

A tightrope performance by Eoruemsani as part of Angyeong namsadaongori was carried out with various instruments such as pungmul, beona, salpan, eoreum, deotboegi and deolmi.

The performances staged on both days were spectacular.

It’s a fact that we don’t have nearly enough time to see traditional performances.

The lack of performance venues, regular events, the difficulty of getting to performance venues on special occasions, and the limited number of performance types available put traditional cultural performances at a disadvantage. However, the Gyeonggi Province Intangible Cultural Assets Grand Festival was a special opportunity to see all the ICAs across Gyeonggi Province in one place.

Rituals like the Guri galmae dodanggut, a village rite for the well-being and prosperity of the community which was unique in that it was performed in spring. Gwangmyeong nongak was a good example of nongaknori in the southwestern parts of Gyeonggi Province with its rapid tempo as well as its exciting and changeable composition. Other performances like the Paju guemsanri minyo were carried out with musical instruments and songs and kept audience members engaged throughout.  

If tradition is echoed through performances, people are able to meet the world of traditional culture created with dedication and spirit.

Unique traditional liquors such as Gyemyeongju, Gunpo dangjeong okroju, and Namhansanseong soju as well as other forms of Korean culture regardless of field such as Soegak, Najeonchilgi, Bangja Yugi, Okjang, Somokjang, Sagijang, Seokjang, Juseongjang, and Jasujang were also available.

The distinct taste of Gyemyeongju is different from other traditional liquors currently sold on the market. 

People enjoyed performances, exhibitions, and activities at the festival.

Worries of how to enjoy the ICAs were totally unnecessary. 

“I want to try it too.”

Promoting Korean traditional culture to help people understand it better is one way to preserve, convey, and develop traditional culture. 

Spinning looms and waterwheels takes us one step closer to our culture.

We appreciate and learn traditional culture through activities.

If we can’t experience such things directly, we see how master craftsmen undertake their work in order to better understand their crafts.

With the Gyeonggi Province Intangible Cultural Assets Grand Festival taking place at Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung Temporary Palace, visiting the Temporary Palace and walking along the trail around Suwon Hwaseong Fortress for a trip back in time provides another way of enjoying the festival.

With this festival, people were able to once again recognize the fact that Namhansanseong Fortress is a proud and invaluable cultural asset that is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Above all, it was great to learn that there were so many ICAs across Gyeonggi Province, and it was gratifying to see that these assets were being passed on well.

We should strive to preserve our ICAs and pass them on to future generations. 

http://ggholic.tistory.com/10164

Every summer, we face the same question… ‘Where should I go this summer?’

We’ve prepared something for those who want to throw away the worries of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature.

What exactly have we prepared? Natural recreation forests and arboretums!

In fact, there are so many places where you can enjoy dense forests and clear waters in Gyeonggi Province.

There is the Chugnyeongsan Natural Recreation Forest and Gangssibong Natural Recreation Forest that come up as popular search phrases in internet portals, as well as the Mulhyanggi Arboretum which offers great access thanks to its proximity to urban centers.

These are some fantastic places to go on a daytrip and heal yourself without having to book accommodation.

Enjoy the nature of Gyeonggi Province this summer.

You promise to protect our natural environment so we can all heal together, right?

So then, shall we take a trip into Mother Nature?

Walking through the vastness of nature – Chugnyeongsan Natural Recreation Forest

This place is a popular healing spot in Gyeonggi Province that attracts people every year! Enjoy multiple trails that lead through Chugnyeongsan Mountain and Seorisan Mountain, camp in the dense nut pine forest, and spend the night at a small cabin to feel Mother Nature as it is.

– Admission fee: Natural Recreation Forest: Adults KRW 1000, Adolescents/Soldiers KRW 600, Children KRW 300 (Free admission if you use the accommodation facilities ※ Please note that admission fees will be charged if accommodation facilities are fully booked)

– Service hours: Accommodation facilities: 14:00 on the day of reservation to 12:00 (noon) the next day

– Accommodation reservation period: Reservations for the following month can be made from 9:00am on the first day of each month. ※ Accommodation services are closed every Tuesday. Please not that, reservations can be made if the particular Tuesday and Wednesday are public holidays.

– Inquiries: 031-592-0681/ Program inquiries: 031-592-0682

– Address: 299, Chungnyeongsan-ro, Sudong-myeon, Namyangju City, Gyeonggi Province, Korea (280, Oebang-ri)

※ The Forest House and camping decks are unavailable from July 1 to December 31 due to maintenance work. (Please note that the Forest Recreation Hall and Chugnyeong Hall will be unavailable temporarily between August 1 and August 31. Accommodation services will resume in September.)

Let’s expereince a dense natural forest – Gangssibong Natural Recreation Forest

Abounding with beauty only seen and felt in the bosom of Mother Nature… You can experience nature first hand while taking a break in rest areas in the woods or climbing up a mountain. Facilities that help children study nature and enjoy water-based activities are available, making Gangssibong Natural Recreation Forest the perfect place to travel with children. 

– Admission fee: Natural Recreation Forest: Adults KRW 1000, Adolescents/Soldiers KRW 600, Children KRW 300 (Free admission if you use the accommodation facilities ※ Please note that admission fees will be charged if accommodation facilities are fully booked)

– Service Hours: Natural Recreation Forest: March to November: 06:00 – 20:00, December to February: 07:00 – 19:00, Forest House, Forest Recreation Hall: 15:00 on the day of reservation to 12:00 (noon) the next day

– Accommodation reservation period: Reservations for the following month can be made from 9:00am on the third day of each month. ※ Accommodation services are closed every Tuesday during off-peak seasons. Please not that reservations can be made if the particular Tuesday and Wednesday are public holidays.

– Inquiries: 031-8008-6611

– Address: 520, Nonnamgi-gil, Buk-myeon, Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Korea (324, Jeokmok-ri)

Relax in Korea’s largest nut pine forest – Gyeonggi Province Jathyanggi Pureunsup

All the headaches and stresses of everyday life are blown away like magic while you walk along forest trails through a dense nut pine forest. Set off now if you want to get to a special place where you can breathe in phytoncides pumped into the air by nut pine trees and participate in a wide range of activity programs!

– Admission fee: Adults KRW 1000, Adolescents/Soldiers KRW 700, Children KRW 500

– Inquiries : 031-8008-6769 (information desk), 6771 (ticket office)

– Address: 289-146, Chugnyeong-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province (922-1, Haenghyeon-ri)

If you want to see the gifts of nature – Yeoninsan Mountain Provincial Park

Yeoninsan Mountain Provincial Park hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year! The park has a number of mountain trails across three villages including Seungan-ri in Gapyeong-eup, Mail-ri in Ha-myeon, and Baekdun-ri in Buk-myeon. Not only is it a great place to take a hike in the woods, it is also a venue to experience nature first hand with programs such as the ‘Forest Healing Program’ and ‘Healing Camp for Families with Atopies’. Yeoninsan Mountain Provincial Park is a popular attraction in Gyeonggi Province that offers various options all year long. 

– Admission fee : Adults KRW 1500, Adolescents/Soldiers KRW 1000, Children KRW 700

– Service hours : Visitor information center: 10:00~17:00 / ※Facilities are closed every Monday.

– Inquiries : 031-580-9900

– Address: Management office: 308, Seungan-ri, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province (229-41, Yongchu-ro)

Baekdun-ri Course: 816, Baekdun-ri, 498, Baekdun-ri, Buk-myeon, Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province (92, 467 beon-gil, Baekdun-ro)

Mail-ri Course: San 175, Mail-ri, Ha-myeon, Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province (740, Yeoninsan-ro)

Do you want to enjoy a forest experience in the city? – Mulhyanggi Arboretum

Stop thinking that you have to travel far away from the city to heal yourself! You can enjoy the Mulhyanggi Arboretum in the middle of a city using public transport. Explore the beautifully kept gardens, dense forest trails, and water plants. 

– Admission fee: Adults KRW 1500, Adolescents/Soldiers KRW 1000, Children KRW 700

– Service hours: March to May, September to October: 09:00 to 18:00 ❙ June to August: 09:00 to 19:00 ❙November to February: 09:00 to 17:00

  ※ Last admission ends one hour before closing time.

  ※ Facilities are closed on New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year, and every Monday (Please note that facilities are closed on Tuesday if the particular Monday coincides with a public holiday.)

– Summer Holiday Activity Class: Time and Date: 10:00 to 11:00 on August 6, 7, 13, 14

Participants: Families with children in elementary school or above (four families per session)

Applications: Phone reservations (first-come-first-serve basis)

Participation fee: Free

– Inquiries: 031-378-1261

– Address: 211, Cheonghak-ro, Osan City, Gyeonggi Province (282, Sucheong-dong)

Source: Gyeonggi Agricultural Administration

Source: National Natural Recreation Forest Office

http://ggholic.tistory.com/10023

You don’t have the luxury of an extended holiday, but you still want to enjoy your summer vacation to the fullest.

It’s difficult to travel long distances because of the traffic, but you still want to have a solid summer holiday.

We’ve prepared something for those who want to both save time and relax.

We recommend the following river valley camping sites in Gyeonggi Province.

You can enjoy the ultimate summer holiday, with camping and water activities, even if you have just two days.

1. Anyang Byeongmokan Camping Site

Surisan Mountain is a magnificent mountain located in Anyang.

Surisan Mountain is home to the Surisan Mountain Forest Park, Byeongmokan Citizen’s Park, and Byeongmokan valley. Now it also features the Anyang Byeongmokan Camping Site, and for that reason it’s gaining popularity as an ideal summer holiday course where visitors can enjoy a walk in the forest, the river valley, and camping all at once.

Further up from the camping site is the Nature Education Site and Wild Flower Museum where children can enjoy some hands-on experience education as well. It’s even close to Anyang Station. All in all, Surisan Mountain truly is an ideal summer holiday destination. 

Located in Chobu-ri, Mohyeon-myeon, of Yongin City, the Yongin Natural Recreation Forest is a river valley and camping site that is popular among capital region residents because of its proximity to Seoul.

The valley isn’t deep so it’s great for children to play in.

If you have a family with children, we strongly recommend the Yongin Natural Recreation Forest!

It has decks and camping sites, so you just have to bring along a tent for the best family field trip ever. 

3. Myeongji River Valley Auto Camping Site

If you’re looking for a unique camping site, how about a caravan camping site?

Upstream from the crystal waters of the Myeongji River Valley and in front of Domachi River Valley is the Myeongjisan Mountain Auto Camping Site!

What’s a caravan, you ask?

These are caravans! It may be easier to understand if you picture a camping car.

The Myeongjisan Mountain Auto Camping Site is located at the foot of the Myeongji River Valley, which is famous for its clean environment. It’s a place where you can experience pristine nature. Of particular note, the camping site is surrounded by fortress-like Hwaaksan (1468m), Myeongjisan (1267m), and Gukmangbong (1168m), which offer spectacular natural scenery. As for the caravans, there are a total of 20 caravans available.

We recommend this option for people who don’t have tents or for those who want to spend the night outdoors but think that tents are uncomfortable!

Unfortunately, it is a little pricey because the camping cars themselves are expensive.

From KRW 80,000 per night during weekdays in off-peak seasons to KRW 280,000 per night during weekends in peak-seasons, the exact rate changes depending on the time of year so please consult the website for detailed accommodation rates.

4. Jungwon River Valley

Jungwon Waterfall, located on Jungwonsan Mountain east of Yongmunsan Mountain, offers a fantastic view with water cascading for 10 meters.

Small natural pools can be found along the river from the mouth of the valley and all the way up river, which makes it ideal place to spend the day with children. Although it isn’t grand in size, the valley is surrounded by rugged cliffsthat remind you of folding screens. The dense forest also allows visitors to stay out of the sun without canopies.

Gazebos and wooden decks are available at the mouth of the valley, so you can enjoy a day trip or camp in the valley.

Walk up from Jungwon River Valley’s parking lot for about 15 minutes and you’ll arrive at Jungwon Waterfall, a roaring three-tiered waterfall. Walk past Jungwon Waterfall along a forest path that takes you through a tunnel formed by trees in the thick forest and you’ll be able to see the cascading waterfalls where the water sounds like marbles rolling along the ground.

Inquiries) 031-770-3315

5. Baegun River Valley

Located in Idong-myeon of Pocheon City, Baegun River Valley is formed by pristine waters that flow in a westerly direction from the summits of Gwangdeoksan Mountain and Baegunsan Mountain. Seonyudam, in particular, offers a spectacularly beautiful view.

The valley is home to Heungnyongsa Temple, which was built during the Shilla Dynasty, and Seonyudam’s beautiful scenery spreads out for approximately 1km behind the temple.

The valley is a staggering 10km long and features some exquisite scenery with ponds and uniquely formed rocks.

The road from Baegun River Valley to Gwangdeok Pass is gaining popularity as a driving course thanks to some excellent scenery. The valley features amenities including parasols, canopies, and camping sites. It also hastourist destinations such as Gukmangbong, Lake Sanjeong, and Gwangdeoksan Mountain, so it’s great to explore.

Inquiries) 031-538-3363 Tourism Business Division, Pocheon City Hall

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9989

Is there anyone who doesn’t know Gapyeong is a great place?

Everyone knows Gapyeong is beautiful during the day.

But the real secret is that Gapyeong’s true beauty is its nightscape!

We selected a few places in Gapyeong that offer spectacular night views.

Starry night in Gapyeong…

Petite France is famous!

With no further ado, let’s have a look at some photos…

It feels like a scene from a fairytale…

 If you’d like to have a midsummer night’s dream, there’s no place like Petite France.

 Spend a fairytale vacation at Petite France ^^

The moment I saw this picture, it took my breath away.

Could this be the legendary Shangri La…?

 No, it’s Jarasum Island. 🙂

There’s an auto-camping site on Jarasusm Island.

It’s the perfect place to enjoy a starlit summer evening with your loved ones.

 Listen to the cicadas singing away and enjoy your outdoor camping experience.

Don’t miss the Jarasum Island International Festival that takes place every October.

You think of stars when you think of the night! You think of the night when you think of stars!

At the Nature & Star Observatory, you can gaze into the sky and see some real stars.

Gather around at the log cabin and lie down to observe the stars. ^^

So there you have it, places in Gapyeong you can enjoy under the stars.

Come visit Gapyeong!

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9953