Spring brings to mind vivid memories of warm sun breezes and vitality. On such a beautiful spring day, I went to Icheon Cerapia for the opening ceremony of Gyeonggi International Ceramic Biennale 2015 is.

■ Gyeonggi International Ceramic Biennale 2015 Opening Ceremony

Korea Ceramic Foundation President Lee Wan-hee’s report on the event

Cerapia is a portmanteau coined from “ceramics” and “utopia”, defined as a utopia made of ceramics. The core of Cerapia is the Icheon World Ceramic Center, a complex that exhibits various ceramic-related works while also offering residency and work areas for artists and hands-on experiential facilities.

Along with the Gyeonggi International Ceramic Biennale 2015 opening ceremony, the international competition winner awards ceremony is held at the center.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil and the international competition awards hosts

The opening ceremony was attended by Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil, Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Chairman Kang Deuk-gu, International Academy of Ceramics President Jacques Kaufmann, National Assembly Member Yoo Seung-woo and Icheon City Mayor Cho Byung-don, as well as the winners of the global competition and visitors who came to enjoy the festival.

Ceramics artists and guests at the opening ceremony

The meaning of Gyeonggi International CeraMIX Biennale 2015 was well expressed in Governor Nam’s opening speech. There is more to ceramics than just a necessary product; ceramics is a treasure that protects precious culture by preserving the traditional culture of history and each country; it is also a communications medium for the eastern and western cultures.

This year marks the eighth year edition of the Gyeonggi International Ceramic Biennale since its launch in 2001. To date, a total of 2,626 pieces from 74 countries have been exhibited, which hints at the true scale of the event. The Gyeonggi International CeraMIX Biennale is emerging as a global cultural and art event.

Gyeonggi International Ceramic Biennale 2015 is held in Icheon, Yeoju and Gwangju. The event runs from April 24 to May 31, 2015, in Icheon Cerpia, Yeouju Ceramics Land and Gwangju Gonjiam Ceramics Park simultaneously.

I am also planning to visit all three event venues during the festival period. It is a good idea to keep in mind the hidden meaning behind the event held in each region when visiting each venue.

Tickets for Gyeonggi International Ceramic Biennale 2015

■ Icheon Ceramics Festival: A Glance into Icheon Cerapia

After the opening ceremony at Icheon Cerapia, I looked around the exhibition.

At the third-floor exhibition center, a total of 97 pieces from 28 countries submitted to this year’s international competition are displayed.

An art piece in the international competition exhibition

Concurrently, various events are held in the Torak Lecture Room: making vivid ceramic pieces, Icheon ceramics creative worksite (open studio) fire festival and the clay event.

In addition, don’t forget to thoroughly explore Icheon if you plan to visit the event venue. Themed on “Ceramics Takes up Colors”, the 29th Icheon Ceramic Festival will see the staging of various events in Icheon Cerapia and Sulbong Park.

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9702

As soon as I heard the weather forecast predicting local showers on Monday and nationwide rainfall on Tuesday, I got ready to go out in a hurry, thinking that this might be the last chance in 2015 to see cherry blossoms.

Today’s destination? I’m heading to the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex.

One reason that makes this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival at the provincial government complex special is the opening of the Office of the Governor to the public for the first time in history. The Office of the Governor opened on April 11 between noon and 6pm, and on April 12 between 9am and 6pm. So, I set out with my children, curious to find out what the office looks like.

■ Onwards to the Cherry blossom festival at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex!

The day is Sunday, April 12. There’s a fair breeze in the air so I think my family will be able to see cherry blossom petals flutter in the wind. It is a shame that the weather is a little cloudy, though. I’m worried I may not be able to capture the light pink cherry blossoms with my camera in this gloomy weather.

Unfortunately, my fear has been realized. The beautiful color of the cherry blossoms has turned somewhat gloomy like the sky. The photos may as well be black and white. =(

Nevertheless, it’s nice to come out and see the beautiful cherry blossoms with my children.

Then again, you need to eat first to have the energy to get around. So we head over to the wide plaza where food stalls from different regions across Gyeonggi Province have been set up.

In the plaza, there are various other activities prepared by the fire department such as demonstrations in using a fire extinguisher, using an escape slide, and administering CPR.

■ The Governor’s office gave us the best memories

The aroma of delicious food keeps tickling my nose, but I leave it behind because my children and I want to see the Office of the Governor. So we head directly over to the 2nd floor of the New Building in the provincial government complex.

Office of the Mayor of Seoul

When I visited the Office of the Mayor in Seoul, I remember it being somewhat authoritative and formal. For that reason, I hesitate in front of the Governor’s office, but we enter the room thanks to some kind staff members at the office.

When my family is about to take a photo with a picture of Governor Nam Kyung-pil inside a photo zone named ‘Today, I’m the Governor’, we hear that we can take a photo with the actual governor since he is here.

What? Where is the Governor?

It turns out, I didn’t recognize him because he was facing the other direction watching my children making memos at the conference table. I’m really surprised when he turns around.

He poses for a picture with my children, and then for another one with my family…

The children say it was a great idea to come for the Cherry Blossom Festival since they were able to see Governor Nam Kyung-pil in person and take pictures with him.

Then, my children and I each write Memo of Hope and post them on the ‘We Ask the Governor’ board. The first-ever opening of the Office of the Governor and photos with Governor Nam serve as the highlights of this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival. After visiting the Office of the Governor we head back outdoors to see the cherry blossoms that have bloomed in every corner of the provincial government complex.

■ Back to the Cherry Blossom Festival

It’s a symphony of cherry blossoms! The sheer number of blossoms makes the whole place a cherry blossom park and not a government complex.

The children run around trying to catch cherry blossom petals fluttering in the wind.

Although they may look like an easy catch, the petals are elusive.

Just when beads of sweat start to roll off their faces, my children finally catch one!

We exit the government complex and make our way towards the Suwon City Library. The road is crowded with visitors who came for the cherry blossoms and food stalls, so we take a break and rest our legs at the trail leading up Paldalsan Mountain.

■ A Cherry blossom festival with cultural artifacts

While resting, I look around, trying to take photos of the pretty cherry blossoms surrounding us and I see a sign post for cultural artifacts.

No. 1 Jiseokmyo (left), No. 2 Jiseokmyo (right)

No. 3 Jiseokmyo (left), No. 4 Jiseokmyo (right)

If it wasn’t for the cultural artifacts sign post, we would have just walked straight past them, thinking ‘it’s a pile of rocks’.

We can see that the No. 1 Jiseokmyo was a prehistoric stone grave, but it is difficult to tell with the rest. The sign post says the group of Jiseokmyos were graves from the bronze age, rare in Gyeonggi Province.

This is the “Jijeoksamgakjeom’, a 129.36m tall structure built in December of 1980.

This Jijeoksamgakjeom has very a different feel compared to the others we saw before. Because it was built in the mountains, a tall structure had to be erected for better communication between points.

Past the Seonamgaknu and following Yongdo, we come face to face with the Seonamammun. On top of Seonamammun, we see the mighty Seonamposa.

We then circle around Seonamammun and come back down towards the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex. That marks the end of our day out at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Cherry Blossom Festival and our visit to the Office of the Governor.

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9659

◇ Cherry Blossoms at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex

A short while ago, when I was taking you through the four different spring festivals in Yangpyeong, I said it was about time for the group Busker Busker’s song ‘Cherry Blossom Ending’ to pop up in the music charts. Cherry Blossom Ending ranked 8th just two days ago; as of today, it has risen to number 5. I think it will reach the top soon. I guess this shows just how much people are looking forward to spring.

Anyway, this post is perfect for those people – including myself – who are listening to spring-themed songs like ‘Cherry Blossom Ending’ even before the flowers actually start to bloom and looking very much forward to spring. The flower that comes to mind when you think of spring, and the festival that comes to mind when you think of spring! The following is a list of Cherry Blossom festivals in Gyeonggi Province.

Because of the fickle weather, there are still quite a few festivals without confirmed dates. Most festivals in Gyeonggi Province, however, are set for mid-April! If you know which cherry blossom festivals will be held in Gyeonggi Province, it will be easier for you to look up the exact dates when the cherry blossoms start to bloom. ^^

Below are some pictures and details about each cherry blossom festival. Please read through and think about which cherry blossom festival to visit this spring~

Have you decided? The cherry blossom road at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex is very beautiful, so it would be great to check it out and catch the spring breeze. I hope you can enjoy a warm spring day outing at the cherry blossom Festivals in Gyeonggi Province.

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9609

This is the ‘Taegeukgi’ (Korean national flag) that was discovered while disassembling and repairing Jingwansa Temple in Seoul. The blue part of the ‘taegeuk’ (yin-yang) shape has been drawn crookedly using black ink on top of a regular red circle. Looking at these two features, we can deduce that this Taegeukgi was drawn over a Japanese flag. This Taegeukgi was discovered alongside copies of ‘Daehan sinmun’ (Daehan Newspaper) and ‘Joseon Tongnip sinmun’ (Joseon Independent Newspaper) while taking down the walls of Jingwansa Temple. Given the fact that the newspapers are dated just after the March 1st Independence Movement, this Taegeukgi is presumed to have been used during that movement. This Taegeukgi, drawn over a Japanese flag, gives us a glimpse into the spirit of resistance and desire for independence our forefathers possessed at the time.

■ ‘Narasarang’ (patriotism) Taegeukgi-flying campaign

February 26, 2015. Suwon Station looked like a scene from March 1, 1919. A good number of people were parading past Suwon Station holding Taegeukgis in their hands. It was the ‘Narasarang (patriotism) Taegeukgi-flying campaign’ celebrating the March 1st Independence Movement.

Participants carried a large Taegeukgi – 6 meters in width and 4 meters in height – and marched for approximately 10 minutes down the road from the Maesan Patrol Division at Suwon Station to the train platform at Suwon Station. Various other programs took place that day as well.

Two children wrapped around in Taegeukgis read out the ‘Resolution for the Spirit of the Taegeukgi’. Apart from this, the ‘Taegeukgi Oratory’, ‘Patriotic Martyr Yu Gwan-sun Performance’, and ‘Production Event for the Taegeukgi of Hope Drawn Together with the People of Gyeonggi Province’ took place. In addition, a ‘Taegeukgi Exhibition’ was held to give citizens the opportunity to see not only the aforementioned Jingwansa Temple Taegeukgi but also a variety of Taegeukgis used in the resistance movement against Japan.

■ Taegeukgis used in the independence movement

Since it seems like a good idea to share the Taegeukgis exhibited at the venue, the following is an introduction to some of the flags.

This Taegeukgi belonged to independence fighter Namsang Rak. It was made for the independence movement in 1919, and the entire flag is hand stitched. From each and every stitch of his Taegeukgi, you can feel Namsang Rak’s strong desire for and devotion to the independence movement.

The Taegeukgi on the left is the flag that was hoisted at the Provisional Assembly of the Republic of Korea. The Provisional Assembly of the Republic of Korea was an organization established in Shanghai to restore national sovereignty that had been taken away by Imperial Japan. It later became the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. The Taegukgi on the right is a flag with Kim Koo’s handwritten letter on it. It was given to Father Mies Ogg who was travelling from China to the United States in 1941. A handwritten letter by Kim Koo requesting the support of his fellow countrymen and women for the Independence Army is written on the flag.

■ The meaning of each section of the Taegeukgi

So far, we have looked at a number of Taegeukgis. How much do you know about our national flag? Do you know the meaning of each section of the Taegeukgi and how to correctly draw a Taegeukgi? Clearly we have all learnt how to draw a Taegeukgi a few times, but it is confusing every time we attempt it. So, this this section describes everything you need to know about the Taegeukgi!

As we all know, the Taegeukgi has a circle with the colors blue and red arranged in a taegeuk (yin-yang) shape at the center of a white background. In addition, four different types of ‘gwae’ (trigrams) are placed in each corner. First of all, have you ever heard of ‘baekeuiminjok’ (the white-clad folk)? The white used in the Taegeukgi is the color that represents the Korean people. The blue used in the taegeuk pattern represents ‘eum’ (yin, negative) and the red represents ‘yang’ (yang, positive). Together they refer to harmony between the positive and the negative. Normally we refer to the four trigrams as ‘geon, gon, gam, ri’. However, we think it would be easier to remember if memorized as ‘geon, gon, ri, gam’. This is because, in that order, each trigram means the four seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter), the four bearings (East, West, South, North), and the four values (In (benevolence), Eui (righteousness), Ye (courtesy), Ji (Intelligence)).

Here’s a tip for those who find it difficult to draw a Taegeukgi. You would know very well that the red part goes on top while the blue goes on the bottom. So for the remaining parts, remember to draw trigrams corresponding to the numbers 3-4-5-6 in the upper-left, lower-left, upper-right, lower-right corners respectively. This is because each trigram is made of 3, 4, 5, and 6 lines. The name for each trigram in this order is ‘geon-ri-gam-gon’.

Today, we took some time to learn about the Taegeukgi. It may seem complicated, but given the various meanings this single flag holds – heaven and hearth, sun and moon, and the harmony between yin and yang – does it not feel like a fairly simple diagram? Today is the 1st of March. How about devoting some time to studying the Taegeukgi and the independence movement in commemoration of the Korean forefathers who hand-stitched Taegeukgis for the independence of Korea and those who put their lives at risk for the independence movement?

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9572

The weather seems to have improved a little. Although it snowed just a few days ago, it feels like spring is on its way now. In fact, Ipchun (i.e. first day of spring according to the 24 seasonal divisions) has come and gone so it is time for spring to come around. Soon, it will be Valentine’s Day, cherry blossoms will bloom, and May, a month full of weddings, will be upon us!

Wow. Now, that is so scary. To be honest, under a new concept of ‘heaven for solos, hell for couples’, I do hope spring never comes. Today’s news, however, is about a warm country that lies to the south, a place that is popular as a honeymoon destination, so here goes.

Manila, Cebu, and Boracay are destinations that always come up when we talk about honeymoons. The Philippines is a country of hot summers. So far, we have seen Philippine travel destinations on TV from time to time. In the near future, people will be able to watch introductions into Korean tourist destinations on Philippine TV. More specifically, tourist attractions in Gyeonggi Province will be introduced.

In fact, we think about ourselves going to the Philippines and never about people from the Philippines vising our country. However, looking closer, travelling to Korea is quite a sizable market in the Philippines. In 2014, roughly 430,000 people visited Korea from the Philippines!

■ Visiting Korea from the Philippines to film key tourist attractions in Gyeonggi Province

So, to capture the Philippine market, a blue ocean for tourism, Gyeonggi Province has stepped up! From February 4 to 9, Gyeonggi Province invited people from the <Matang Lawin> show – a Sunday morning family program on the Philippine’s largest public TV station, ABS-CBN, to help them film key tourist attractions in Gyeonggi Province.

Which tourist attractions were introduced? The program may have gone like this.

Umm… I will continue in Korean for your convenience.

■ 7 Best key tourist attractions in Gyeonggi Province

The concept of this broadcast is ‘Gyeonggi Province: The traditional and modern together’.

Photograph provided by: Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (https://ggtour.or.kr/)

We recommend Everland, a land of dreams and hope, for families with children 😀

Photograph provided by: Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (https://ggtour.or.kr/)

Or, how about Onemount? Onemount is a cultural complex located in Goyang City where you can experience winter during summer, and summer during winter.

Photograph provided by: Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (https://ggtour.or.kr/)

If you like fish, visit Hanwha Aqua Planet.

Photograph provided by: Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (https://ggtour.or.kr/)

And, if you are hungry from a long trip, visit an experiential pig farm; come see the pigs at the Pig Theme Park to experience farm life and enjoy delicious barbeque!

Apart from these fun attractions, Gyeonggi Province is also home to breathtaking places that boast history and tradition.

Photograph provided by: Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (https://ggtour.or.kr/)

First, its home to an impressive UNESCO World Heritage site! We have Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.

Photograph provided by: Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (https://ggtour.or.kr/)

Also, the Korean Folk Village, where you can feel the lives of Korean ancestors in historic times and experience the lively past as well as various cultural contents, was introduced in the program.

Photograph provided by: Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (https://ggtour.or.kr/)

In addition, taking aim at the Philippines, a country where it never snows, Gonjiam Resort, located in Gywangju City of Gyeonggi Province, is slated to introduce sports that can be enjoyed in the snow.

Tourist attractions in Gyeonggi Province attract people from around the world. Have you been to them all? How about a tour around Gyeonggi Province on your day off? People fly all the way here to visit these places. It would be a shame to not visit them when they are a short drive away. ^^

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9556

◇ Photos of the English Village ⓒ Lee Soo-min / Dream Tree Press Corps

A small foreign country lies hidden in Korea, a country full of great mountains and clear waters. This is the English Village.

Opened in April of 2003, the English Village is located in Tanhyeon-myeon of Paju City in Gyeonggi Province. The village was established in order to provide children with a chance to experience a wide variety of world cultures indirectly while acquiring a sense of being a global citizen.

At the English Village, children can also learn that English is not just a school subject but a means to communicate with others.

During vacations, Vacation Intensive Programs are provided for 3rd to 9th grade students. The programs are divided into two-week and four-week courses.

Orientation is offered to those who are not accustomed to the camp programs so that they have a chance to learn camp rules. After orientation, students are given placement tests and assigned to classes according to their test results.

◇ Pictured: View of the English Village from the town hall, and the reporter participating in the English camp ⓒ Lee Soo-min / Dream Tree Press Corps

In the programs, students have chance to become familiar with English through a wide range of classes such as listening, drama, language, cooking, physical education, science, and social studies.

Two of the most popular classes are cooking and auctioning. During the cooking classes, students learn English words for cooking utensils and ingredients that they then use to cook with after learning how to identify the items in English correctly.

During the auctioning classes, students can participate in an auction by putting eco-bags that they personally made up for auction. On the last day of the camp, a final test is given to the students to check what they have learned from the programs.

If you are afraid of speaking English, I recommend this place where you can learn English along with experiences in English-speaking cultures. Why not come to the English Village and realize that English is a means of communication that unites the global village?

Gyeonggi G-News | Lee Soo-min

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201502111316196836C076&s_code=C076

◇ Entrance to the Paleolithic Age Winter Trip site ⓒ Son Ga-young / Dream Tree Press Corps

On Sunday, January 18, I, a Dream Tree Reporter, went to the ‘2015 Yeoncheon Paleolithic Age Winter Trip’ festival hosted by Yeoncheon County.

This Paleolithic Age festival runs for 23 days from January 10 to February 1.

At the entrance to the festival, there was a thing that caught the eyes of people. This was the snow sculpture park (Ice Age world tour).

◇ Reporter in an igloo ⓒ Son Ga-young / Dream Tree Press Corps

In addition, there was a welcoming photo wall (20m), and the igloos, 5 structures symbolic of continents, and 1 hand axe represented in snow structures were very impressive.

We then left for the Paleolithic Age monorail. When you ride this monorail, you can immediately see the Jeongok-ri sites.

The monorail fare is KRW 5,000 for adults and KRW 3,000 won for children. This 15-minute monorail ride offers enjoyment to visitors while moving up and down the mountain.

◇ Dream reporter enjoying bungee jump and various scenes of the Paleolithic Age festival ⓒ Son Ga-young / Dream Tree Press Corps

The next place is the one with the rides. Like a small amusement park, there are attractions such as an ice slide, trampoline and bungee jump stand.

It offers rest and enjoyment to those who visit the Paleolithic Age Festival.

When you look down from the bungee jump stand, you can see the sledding slope. It is a large sledding slope with a width of 15m and length of 80m that is located in the snow-covered old age town.

The fee for a tube sled that can be used by elementary school students is KRW 5,000. Preschool children are allowed to enter if accompanied by an adult.

Though I could not ride as much as I wanted due to the large number of people, I definitely recommend riding a sled since it is very exciting.

◇ People roasting meat together like Paleolithic men ⓒ Son Ga-young / Dream Tree Press Corps

When you feel hungry after sledding, you can use the Paleolithic barbecue next to the sledding slope.

About 300 people can experience it at the same time using 8 large barbecue pits. Various grilled skewers including pork, potatoes and sweet potatoes are provided.

The price of the very popular Paleolithic barbecue (pork menu) is KRW 2,000. Also, next to the sledding slope, they sell a variety of snacks.

Every Saturday, another exciting event is held.

It is the program named ‘Find Dinosaur Eggs in the Snow!’; one can find a lot of presents in the eggs hidden in the snow.

◇ Reporter posing in front of an ice sculpture ⓒ Son Ga-young / Dream Tree Press Corps

At 1 pm of every Saturday, the ice carving show is held. You can take the opportunity to appreciate ice sculptures made by some of the best artists.

The Paleolithic auto camp managed by this site runs twice a month on the 10th and 17th, and participants are recruited in the order of application. When you participate in the Paleolithic auto camp, you can also experience the sledding slope and barbecue.

Lastly, I posed for a picture at the photo zone in front of an ice sculpture to capture the memory of this place.

I hope that other dream reporters visit the festival to create enjoyable memories while discovering the life of Paleolithic people through various experiences.

ⓒ Gyeonggi G New |Son Ga-young

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201501220934577073C076&s_code=C076

The distance from Yongsan in Seoul to Munsan in Paju is 48.6 kilometers.

It is quite a distance, considering the fact that it is approximately 30 kilometers from the east end to the west end of Seoul.

The news that the entire Gyeongui Line is open is especially exciting for those who commute to work in Seoul from Paju.

Since subway lines were not properly connected to areas in Paju and Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, people had to transfer through Seoul, but now with the opening of the entire Gyeongui Line, direct transportation is possible.

By the way, did you know that it took 25 years to complete the Gyeongui Line?

For the Gyeongui Line, preliminary research and a feasibility study were conducted from 1990 to 1992, the basic and working designs for the roadbed were created from 1996 to 2000, and the double-track installation on the Gyeongui line started in earnest in 1999 as construction of roadbed zone 4 began.

Subsequently, the section connecting Digital Media City Station to Munsan, was opened first in July 2009.

The section from Youngsan to Munsan has been opened gradually with the completion of the 50.6 kilometer section from Digital Media City Station to Munsan Station and the 6.1 kilometer section from Digital Media City Station to Gongdeok Station, and now the entire section is in operation with the opening of the 1.9 kilometer section from Gongdeok to Youngsan.

Due to the opening of the Gyeongui Line, the Gyeongui Jungang Subway Line and the Gyeongui Line can mutually expand operations. In other words, the two lines can run from Paju to Yangpeyong as if they are one and the same, so no transfer is needed.

In addition, the transfer from the Gyeongui Line, bound for Ilsan, to other lines, bound for Gangnam, can be easily made at Oksu Station (Subway Line 3), Ichon Station (Subway Line 4), and Wangsimni Station (Bundang Line).

Furthermore, the traveling time from Munsam to Ichon and from Munsan to Oksu have been reduced from 87 minutes to 67 minutes and from 90 minutes to 75 minutes, respectively. The time it takes from Munsan in Paju to Yongmun in Yangpyeong is also greatly reduced by 30 minutes from 185 minutes to 155 minutes.

With the entire Gyeongui Line in operation, subway service has become more convenient especially for residents of northwestern metropolitan areas and northern Gyeonggi Province.

It has also become more convenient to transfer to metropolitan subway lines such as the Seoul Metropolitan Subway Lines, the Incheon International Airport Railroad, the Gyeongchun Line, and the Bundang Line.

Facilitating the connection to main-line railways such as the Gyeongbu Line, the Honam Line and the Jungang Line, the Gyeongui Line is expected to add greater convenience to public transportation and to support development of local economies. The delightful imagination of establishing advanced bases along the Gyeongui Line is not farfetched anymore.

The entire Gyeongui Line was opened on December 27. The opening ceremony took place at Yongsan Station on December 26, one day before the opening, attended by Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Seo Seung-hwan, Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil, Seoul Mayor Park Won-sun, Korail CEO Choi Yeon-hye, and more.

At the opening ceremony, a presentation was made, reporting that the city-center section in Yongsan-gu and Mapo-gu is underground and that the above ground space has been turned into a park to promote a pleasant environment. This was followed by words of gratitude for citizens who had experienced inconveniences due to the project, and for municipal government officials who had provided support.

Korail CEO Choi Yeon-hye expressed her appreciation for those who worked for the successful completion of the Gyeongui Line. She also said, “The Gyeongui Line will play a significant role in our local economy as the axis of transportation system in the northwestern metropolitan area. I expect that the Gyeongui Line, which connects the east and west sides of the metropolitan area, will help improve the quality of life. We will continue to make improvements and efforts to provide railway services that bring happiness.”

Mayor Park Won-sun offered congratulations on the opening of the Gyeongui Line, saying that he is happy to be part of the historical moment.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyug-pil said he is glad that the long cherished project for residents of northern Gyeonggi Province has been accomplished. He then made the following comments.

“The Gyeongui Line will relieve traffic congestion and offer convenience to residents of northern Gyeonggi Province. It will also help advance the local economy and the tourism industry by connecting the northwestern and eastern parts.

The Gyeongui Line can resolve three issues simultaneously!

After congratulatory remarks, the opening ceremony ended with the official ribbon cutting.

A trial ride followed the opening ceremony.

Luminaries rode in the subway car.

They tried out the line from Yongsan Station to Gongdeok Station, the last section that just opened.

While they were talking about their own experiences with the Gyeongui Line and sharing words of benediction, the train arrived at Gongdeok Station.

The Gyeongui Line will be flexibly operated in consideration of demand with an increased number of express trains during rush hours and for the section from Munsan to Yongsan.

The opening of the entire Gyeongui Line is very welcome news not just because it serves residents of northwestern Gyeonggi Province but also because it runs across from the east to the west side.

In addition, being connected to various subway lines and main-line railways, the Gyeongui Line will help build closer connections with the metropolitan area and contribute to the local economy because it is now easier for residents of the metropolitan area to visit Gyeonggi Province.

All such hopes and goals, of course, are achievable only when ceaseless efforts are continuously made for safe and convenience use of the railways.

The Gyeongiu Line serves numerous Seoul citizens and Gyeonggi Province residents again today from Yongsan to Munsan.

While it takes people from their homes to where they work during weekdays, it will also take people to tourist attractions that are located near many of the sections of the Gyeongui Line during weekends.

How about checking out the many attractions of each section of the Gyeongui Line this weekend?

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9526

#. Closed station and closed businesses

The old Gapyeong Station closed when the Gyeongchun Line ceased operations in December 2010. There was some speculation that the station would be used as a tourism attraction, but soon it degenerated to being an eye sore in the city.

The business district that had evolved through the 70-year history of the station quickly collapsed, and people started to move out. Nearby merchants have been lamenting this situation for four years by now.

“I used to run a grocery store here before the station closed, and business was good, bringing in about KRW 1.5 million a day. Since the station closed, however, the number of customers has dropped sharply. I changed the store into a restaurant, but business is still quite bad. House and land prices fell quite significantly, and many stores closed down.”

#. Precious KRW 10 billion to revive Gapyeong

It is no wonder that a plan to utilize the old station has been always included on the list of pending issues of Gapyeong County.

The county has considered various options from various angles, including an outlet mall or a wedding shop, to revive the business district, but none seemed feasible. Financing was the most pressing concern.

In that respect, the NEXT Gyeonggi Creation Audition was a grand opportunity and hope for Gapyeong County. The county’s Vice Mayor, Kim Gwan-su, who presented at the audition, drew attention by saying, “Gapyeong lags behind all other areas in Gyeonggi Province. Gapyeong is desperate.” 

Their earnest prayers must have reached the heavens. Gapyeong County won the Good Morning Award, the grand prize, with prize money of KRW 10 billion.

#. Huge transformation of closed railway station: Gapyeong Music Village

“We will make Gapyeong a place where music flows 24/7 as the first music city in Korea.”

Gapyeong County’s Vice Mayor Kim Gwan-su made the preceding statement during an interview with media after the award ceremony. Let’s take a look at the Music Village project, which envisions the future of Gapyeong, and picture how Gapyeong will be transformed through the project.

This is an artist’s aerial concept drawing of the Gapyeong Music Village. The site of the currently abandoned Gapyeong Station will be transformed into this. The Music Village, to be established on a site of 38,000 square meters, will consists of a music zone, business zone, and food zone.

Let’s take a look at the music zone first. This zone, which will house a music center, studios, an education center, a line-shaped stage, and a club, is space for musicians to create, perform and share their music with audiences.

This is the old Gapyeong Station building.

The old station will become a music center after a renovation.

The music center, a 3-story building with a stepped loop-like structure, will feature an exhibition hall, a stage, waiting rooms, multi-purpose rooms, a movie theater, and an outdoor theater. Located at the heart of the Music Village, this center will feature supporting facilities and also as cultural facilities for local communities.  

This is a view of the square as seen from the observatory on the 3rd floor of the music center.

#. Size-adjustable, railed stages

Do you see those long wooden panels in the middle? They are part of a small concert stage. It is interesting to note that those panels differing in size are equipped with a rail system.

The rail system enables the movement of the stage as well as the adjustment of its size depending on the scale of a concert. This line-shaped stage, which is to be built on the existing platform, will remind people of the fact that the place was once a railway station.

This place is the upper right bird’s eye view.

It will be transformed into this. 

#. Workspace for musicians: Living/work units have work space on 1st floor and living space on 2nd floor

These are living/work units into which musicians will move. Following the shape of a container, a total of 18 units in which musicians can work on music and reside in separate spaces will be built by applying the concept of a residency program, which is often used in artistic circles.

Musicians will work on their music on the first floor, and live on the second floor. This must be good news for many talented musicians who are having a hard time finding work spaces.

Next to the units, a joint studio and the education center will be built to allow musicians to live here and work together as well as to enable the public to participate in music programs.

This space, which was used as a fertilizer storehouse for 60 years, will be renovated as a club.

#. Enjoy performance from terrace of guest room: Container Hotel

The business zone will feature a container hotel and a convention center. The 4-story container hotel will offer affordable accommodations to visitors who want to stay over while enjoying the musical experience.

It is possible to enjoy all the performances that will take place in the Music Village from terraces located at the front of each guest room. For members of bike clubs, the back of the container hotel will be structured to accommodate road bikes.

In order to help farming families, who account for 18% of Gapyeong County’s residents, stores, marketplaces, and restaurants will also be built to support fresh local produce. The food zone is expected to raise farm income and promote agricultural development in Gapyeong County through the sale of local produce and the staging of farm events.

Food trucks will also operate near the platform.

#. Riverside Song Festival => Jarasum International Jazz Festival => Music Village

Gapyeong Country seeks to realize the two goals of reinvigorating the local economy and improving the city image through the establishment of the Music Village. The county expects that the Music Village will increase the number of tourists from 1.7 million last year to 2.8 million by 2019, generate economic effects of KRW 10 billion, and create 525 jobs.

A cost-benefit analysis revealed a ratio of 1.70, confirming that the project is viable.

Gapyeong County, which hosted the Riverside Song Festival in the past, now holds the Jarasum International Jazz Festival every year, drawing 270,000 visitors.

Park Jae-geun, Team Leader in the Planning and Audit Division of Gapyeong County, said, “The number of tourists has increased every year because there are many tourist attractions such as the Jarasum camp ground. A bigger synergy effect is expected from the Gyeongchun Rail Bike that is set to open this April and the Bukhangang Cycle Path.”

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9524

A calm and simple space comprised of memories, romance and longing.

Today, I’d like to introduce the best 3 way stations in Gyeonggi Province where you can feel the warmth of the year-end holidays.

Seokbul Station

The one that I would like to show you first is Seokbul Station, which is located in Mangmi-ri of Jipyeong-myeon in Yangpyeong County.

A small building with a red roof and blue and white walls.

Looking like a house from a fairy tale, it feels somewhat unique and exotic.

In a way, it also looks like a toy.

It’s so pretty, isn’t it?

Seokbul Station started serving residents as a regular station from 1967.

As the number of users declined, it was designated for use as a way station in 2008.

In 2011, because of double-track installation on the Jungang Line, the station had to be closed.

On December 28, 2013, trains started to stop at the station again after ceaseless requests from residents.

The current station was newly built at that time.

At present, trains stop at Seokbul Station four times a day.

The train bound for Cheongnyangni stops at 6:40 am and 6:07 pm. The train bound for Wonju and Jecheon stops at 7:56 am and 7:53 pm.

As the station is generally closed during the day, it is not possible to step foot on the railroad. 

However, the station is so beautiful that it is very popular among couples on dates.

Seokbul Station got its name, meaning a stone statue of Buddha, because a stone statue of Buddha stood in the town long ago in the past.

I recommend that you visit the station with your loved ones before the end of the year.

Neungnae Station

A place at which you arrive when you follow the bike road along the Namhan River…

This is Neungnae Station, which is located in Joan-myeon of Namyangju City.

Neungnae Station, which started serving as a way station in 1956, had to be closed as the Jungang Line changed in 2008.

With the renovation of the building, the station is now being used as a tourist attraction.

Props reminiscent of the past are placed here and there around Neungnae Station.

The old chairs neatly lined up, the red mailbox and the faded black-and-white photos evoke nostalgic feelings.

The inside area, titled ‘Hometown Photo Studio,’ imparts an experience of time travel.

Old photos taken at Neungnae Station in the past are displayed together with black-and-white photos of people in school uniforms taken in recent years.

I give a big YES to Neungnae Station as a destination for romantic outings, especially during the year-end holidays.

For those who visited Neungnae Station a long time ago, it will be a good chance to revive old memories.

Gudun Station

A place that possesses the pleasing atmosphere of a way station in a cozy countryside… This is Gudun Station, which is also well known from a scene in the movie “Architecture 101.”

Located in Jipyeong-myeon of Yangpyeong County, Gudun Station was built for the section of the Jungang Line from Yangpyeong to Wonju that was opened in 1940.

The station was crowded 10 years ago, but changed to a way station as the number of users declined. The station was closed two years ago, and relocated to another site.

It is a good thing that the station has retained its old features.

 The building and rail tracks have been well preserved, and a train that used to run through this place is positioned next to the station.

Gudun Station has been well preserved since it is designated as Korea’s Registered Modern Cultural Asset No. 296.

That is why the station building has remained in its original state.

By the way, the name Gudun sounds somewhat intriguing, doesn’t it? It is said that the name originated from a legend of the town.

During the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, nine strongholds were set up on a tall mountain near the town. Since then, the town has been called Gudun.

At Gudun Station, there is a tower made of piles of stones and a wish tree.

It is said that if you write your wish and hang it on the tree, your wish will come true. That must be why so many ardent wishes are hanging on the tree.

Although no train now passes by this station, it is a great place to revive precious memories or create new ones.

It would be even more fantastic on a snowy day.

Why not visit one of these beautiful way stations in Gyeonggi Province this winter, and have an unforgettable special day like that of a main character in a movie?

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9498