You may have only walked through the Yongin Recreational Forest. Now you might want to fly over!

You can fly along zip lines through the Yongin Recreational Forest.

Fly like a bird and get your fill of nature.

Can we fly over the valley?

You can fly through the air to fully enjoy the open, blue sky.

The blue sky will pass over your head like a movie scene.

Zip Line Adventure in Yongin City

Location: Yongin Recreational Forest (click here)

Operating hours: Year-round

Advantage: Located in Seoul Metropolitan area, easily accessible, many nearby attractions

Internet reservations: Homepage (click here)

Telephone: 1588-5219

The Yongin Recreational Forest is an ideal place for being healed and revitalized while enjoying hands-on experiences. It is a forest resource for children as well as adults who are tired of their busy lives.

The best way to enjoy nature here is by zip lining.

Riders must weigh between 30 kg and 110 kg. Certified instructors are always standing by to ensure safe rides.

When visitors see the safety equipment, they are filled with curiosity and excitement.

You have to tell guides your exact weight because the rope will be adjusted accordingly.

The instructor said that visitors should follow the instructions for safety purposes.

It departs from course 1 and ends at course 6.

You cannot get off during the ride, so brace yourself for the adventure before departure.

The six courses are named for birds – Pheasant Course (the pheasant is a symbol of Yongin City), White Heron Course, Hawk Course, Red-crowned Crane Course, Eagle Course, and Albatross Course. There are explanations of the birds at each course.

At course 1, an instructor demonstrates zip lining and explains the origin of zip lines. The name ‘zip line’ originates from the zip sound that the pulley suspended on the cable makes when descending.

After instruction, you will depart from the platform with a zzzip sound. You may tremble in the beginning, but you will have greater expectations for the following ride when you arrive at the next platform.

A man shows advanced techniques. If you are familiar with zip lining and have proper knowledge and training, you can fly like a squirrel jumping between trees.

When you fly through the forest, you may worry about colliding with trees since the trees along the zip line course are cut for natural conservation. However, the zip line skims over tree branches to ensure thrills. You can reach out to the trees in the forest, and you will appreciate the blue sky after passing through the forest.

An aerial view of paragliding downhill and the Forest Bathing roads of Yongin Recreational Forest. You can see colorful paragliders while zip lining.

You can enjoy a view of downtown of Yongin City while experiencing nature and forgetting where your feet are.

At the end, you can land safely with the help of a guide.

After landing, you may feel like you are floating in the air for a while.

Now you don’t need to go as far as Gangwon Province to enjoy zip lining.

After you experience the whole zip line course, you may long for another zip line journey, forgetting your nervousness at course 1.

When you descend from the mountain, you can see diverse educational sculptures in the Forest Experience of Yongin Recreational Forest. Descending on the path is not boring since it features an exercise zone and an ecological education area.

The Zipline Adventures Completion Certificate and Zip Line Card are presented to you upon completion of the full course.

You can receive an additional 10% discount at any zip line site in Korea by presenting the Zip Line Card.

You can also use the Zip Line Card in the Yongin Recreational Forest.

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9443

Many people enjoy camping on the weekend. With continuing outdoor-product fever, camping appears to be a new trend. Recent means of enjoying camping are diverse, with auto camping and caravan camping gaining popularity.

There is another camping culture emerging: glamping. Glamping, as its name suggests, refers to ‘glamorous camping’. It is starting to take off especially among those looking to combine outdoor living and hotel comforts.

When you go camping, you have to do everything by yourself including putting up a tent. However, you don’t need to worry about such things when you go glamping since all the necessary amenities are there for you.

Lodgings at a glamping sites include tents – not just ordinary tents but rather spacious yurts – as well as beds, couches, refrigerators, air conditioners, heaters and camping gear such as field cookers, lanterns, grills, and more.

Glamping is an advanced version of auto camping that features cozy and convenient facilities. Recently, the number of glamping sites has been growing as part of a nationwide trend.

Is this introduction too long?

Today I would like to introduce glamping sites in Gyeonggi Province and look into the characteristics of glamping in detail. This is the first time I have written about glamping in My Sweet City blog. As always, what I’ve visited is introduced first, followed by explanations of other sites.

Dongwha Healing Camp, a hotel in a forest

Located in Papyeong-myeon of Paju City, the Dongwha Healing Camp was the first hotel-style glamping site in Korea. Since it opened last September, it has attracted many campers.

The distinguishing feature of the luxury camp is bedding that is replaced every day and cleaned with a UV vacuum cleaner, sterilizer, and high pressure cleaner.

Hygiene is one of the requirements for glamping sites, and the Dongwha Healing Camp focuses particularly on hygiene. It also provides special hotel-style services that you would not usually find at other glamping sites such as guiding cars and hall porters.

You may also want to consider the environment around the camp, because excellent facilities without a good environment cannot provide real camping enjoyment.

The Dongwha Healing Camp is surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings including a 420-meter-long Metasequoia-lined road. Just walking along this road gives you a real healing experience.

That is not all. If you walk on a road along the ridge, you will encounter the Yulgok Arboretum. During about two and a half hours of trekking, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring and silver grass in the fall. In addition, from the summit, a mountain in Kaesong City of North Korea is visible, so it can be a place for security tourism.

The camp offers 35 glamping sites according to four special themes: Premium Glamping, On-the-hill Glamping, Forest Glamping, and Trailer Glamping. The Trailer Glamping site utilizes a military concept and is really impressive.

The Premium Glamping site includes two beds and provides a luxurious camping experience as the name implies.

You can also see many amenities at the camp such as a stone pagoda park, a grass park, recreation halls, seminar rooms, an experience hall for special crops, and restaurants, not to mention toilets, shower booths, and a cafeteria.

Moreover, the Dongwha Healing Camp features a 100-meter-long sledding slope that is popular among families.

You can use the sledding slope year-round; water sliding in summer and snow sledding in winter.

A staff member of the Dongwha Healing Camp said, “The Dongwha Healing Camp is the only camp that focuses solely on glamping”. The staff member added, “Through ideal facilities on a site of 40,000 pyeong (approximately 13.2 hectares) we provide superb services and healing experiences to our customers.” You can see detailed information via the link below.

You can also check out other glamping sites in Gyeonggi Province.

Website: Dongwha Healing Camp website

Hyu Resort in Yangju City

Surrounded by beautiful pine trees, the Hyu Resort features diverse facilities including glamping sites, auto camping sites, camping trailers, BBQ grills, an athletic field, air bouncing, and a swimming pool.

Address: 83-16, Mansong-dong, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Inquire: 031-845-1111

Website: http://www.휴리조트.com

Raventree Glamping in Gapyeong County

Raventree Glamping has special, two-storied tents; a living room and kitchen are located on the first floor, and bedrooms are found on the second floor. Butlers are always on hand,so campers can learn camping know-how from them.

Address: 7-1, Seorak-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Inquire: 02-332-6706

Website: http://www.raventree.co.kr/

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9400

In Icheon, a city of superlative rice and ceramics, there is a municipal museum that provides information about the history and culture of Icheon. I decided to pay it a visit. Located in Seolbong Park, the Icheon Municipal Museum was built by following the exterior design of Changgyeong Palace. Comprised of a folk relic hall, an agricultural history hall, and a relic donation hall, the museum houses items excavated around the Seolbong Fortress.

Seolbong Park is a rest area for Icheon citizens and a place that many residents of Gyeonggi Province visit during the weekends. Icheon Cerapia (Korea Ceramic Foundation), Icheon Municipal Museum, Woljeon Museum, and Seolbong Seowon are all in Selbong Park, making the site all the more enjoyable and valuable.

After the 2001 World Ceramic Biennale was hosted in Icheon with great success, a variety of festivals have been held here in Selbong Park, thus heightening the renown of the park in Korea. Of particular note, the lake in the park looks quite gorgeous in harmony with Mt. Seolbong.

I’ve visited Seolbong Park a number of times before to enjoy festivals and leisurely drives, but it was my first time visiting the Icheon Municipal Museum.

Next to the Icheon Municipal Museum, structured in the shape of the Korean letter “ㅁ,” stands the five-tiered stone pagoda and three-tiered stone pagoda of Huan-ri, as well as the five-tiered Icheon stone pagoda. It is estimated that all the towers were erected in early Koryo Dynasty. The ㅁ-shaped structure leads visitors to enter the museum, explore, and exit through the same portal.

Right next to the entrance, there was an explanation about the history of the name ‘Icheon’. It is said that the history and culture of Icheon began near Bockha Stream, and the name ‘Icheon’ can be traced back to Iseopdaecheon, as bestowed by Wang Geon of Koryeo. The relics of Icheon, such as a rock tool and a hand axe, made me imagine the culture and lives of ancient people, and the relics of Icheon dating from the Three Kingdom Period and Koryeo Dynasty that are displayed in the exhibition hall helped me understand Icheon better.

From the relics excavated around Seolbong Fortress, people thought the fortress was built during the time of the Koguryo Kingdom, but later they discovered that construction of the fortress started during the time of the Baekje Kingdom. Ceramics used for cooking and storing food were once grave goods buried with a deceased person as religious symbols. Relics of roof tiles imprinted with characters, pit dwellings, and relics from the Anheung temple site (where 125 relic traces were excavated) were on display.

There was also a corner for respected figures of Icheon including General Seo Hui, the foremost diplomatic strategist of the Koryeo Dynasty, and those who received monument signboards, white certificates, red certificates, and more from kings praising their work. The history of Icheon was well presented in the Icheon Municipal Museum. When all is said and done about ancient Icheon, ceramics are one of the most important features.

With the spirit passed down through a millennium of ceramic history, Icheon still leads ceramic culture in Korea. Ranging from the traditional Cheongja of the Koryeo Dynasty to Buncheong pottery of the Joseon Dynasty, to Baekja, a culmination of pure beauty of the Joseon Dynasty, and to modern pottery, ceramics have long been treasured by people from all walks of life for both artistic and practical reasons.

Ceramics are an art form created with the pure spirit of a potter, clean water, good earth, and fire. How can I assess the incredible efforts of potters to create exemplary ceramics?

I do believe Icheon ceramics, the best in Korea, stand comparison with the best in the world. Here at the Icheon Municipal Museum, you can enjoy beautiful ceramic pieces made by renowned ceramics masters of Icheon and Korea.

It was an elegant late autumn getaway for me. Seolbong Park in Icheon seems to be an especially ideal place for couples under the sun. If you want to learn more about the history, culture, and ceramics of Icheon, come to the Icheon Municipal Museum.

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9371

In Gyeonggi Province, there is a museum of natural history that is run privately without support from cities or the province. It is the Deokso Museum of Natural History, located in Wabu-eup of Namyangju City. The Deokso Museum of Natural History is an exemplary museum that exhibits thousands of natural history objects gathered from over 30 countries around the world, including minerals, insect specimens, fish and shellfish, and fossil specimens. These natural history collections are displayed in several categories skillfully arranged by experts.

The admission fees were a little bit higher than other general national museums. It was KRW 7,000 for an adult, and KRW 6,000 for a child. For a family of three or more, a discount of KRW 5,000 was offered.

The Deokso Museum of Natural History houses a massive number of natural history objects, including 5 authentic fossilized dinosaurs, some 500 fossil specimens, 350 mineral specimens, 20 pieces of Hwamunsuk, 30 speleothems, 90 pieces of suiseki, 2,000 shellfish, 200 taxidermy fish, 90 taxidermy animals, 1,200 insect specimens, 30 botanical specimens, 50 silicified woods, and 50 pieces of Cenozoic mammals skeletons.

The gigantic fossilized dinosaur greeting us at the entrance is a stegosaurus. It was an herbivorous dinosaur that fed on leaves. It is amazing that leaves were the staple for such a gigantic dinosaur. Its name means “roof lizard,” and ‘stego’ refers to its bony plates.

The stegosaurus had a hard mouth but small and weak teeth. Despite its huge size, it had a very small brain of about 70 grams, the weight of an egg; therefore, people estimate that it was one of the least intelligent and slowest dinosaurs. The four tail spikes were used as a weapon to protect the stegosaurus from carnivorous animals.

The first exhibition hall featured minerals. There were large white crystals, and the sizes were amazing. They looked no different than common stones to me. Why do they look so beautiful to women? How about you?

This mineral that looks like a miniature of the island where Robinson Crusoe was stranded is a stalagmite. Formed through the accumulation of calcareous material deposited on the ground from ceiling drippings, the stalagmite features the gorgeous shape of a forest as if it were artificially made.

A mineral is a naturally occurring solid substance that has a certain chemical composition and an ordered atomic structure. Approximately 3,700 types of minerals have been closely associated with human beings since prehistoric times. Minerals are largely divided into two categories – precious stones and industrial materials – and some of the most representative minerals include feldspar, quartz, and calcspar.

This is the stegodon that we encountered on our way to the dinosaur exhibition hall on the second floor. Stegodons, which resemble elephants, are believed by some scholars to be the ancestors of elephants and mammoths. Dinosaurs are a group of reptiles that existed on earth during the Mesozoic Era from 250 million years ago until 65 million years ago. Dinosaurs were terrestrial animals with two pairs of openings in the skull behind the eyes, and limbs held erect beneath the body which enabled them to walk upright.

The fossilized remains of a tyrannosaur, a brachiosaur, and a pteranodon were displayed in the dinosaur exhibition hall. After viewing the fossilized skull of a tyrannosaur, when we walked up the dark stairs marked ‘Black Hole,’ we were startled by a loud bang and lights that suddenly started circling the dark alley. It was a black hole through which we traveled to the world of dinosaurs. The tyrannosaur encountered right after we emerged from the black hole gave an unexpected cry; it was so dynamic and realistic that we were all startled.

This is a fossil of a very cute bird in the fossil exhibition hall. Not all dinosaurs were big and scary. How could such a small creature become fossilized? The bird looks so real that it almost jumps out of the fossil. I felt like I could hear it singing. I also thought that it would be nice to put such a cute bird fossil on the wall of a house.

This smilodon is like one I saw in an animated movie when I was little. The name has the meaning of “saber-tooth.” The two saber-teeth must have been very useful for hunting. The smilodon is estimated to have been around the size and shape of a modern lion or tiger.

The insect and plant exhibition hall of the Deokso Museum of Natural History houses approximately 1,000 insect and botanical specimens collected from 10 countries around the world. Numerous samples of stag beetles, spiders, moths, and butterflies were on display. I thought butterflies would be the most beautiful of them all, but I found the moths very beautiful, like those we could see in animated movies.

Dinosaurs are also displayed in the outdoor exhibition area, including a tyrannosaur and a deinonychus. Deinonychus, meaning ‘terrible claw,’ grew to be only 3 to 4 meters in length, but it was smart, hunted as a group, and never missed its prey.

At the experiential learning center, a program titled ‘Fossils, come out, come out, wherever you are’ was being offered by the Kkumdarak Weekend Culture School, but we couldn’t participate because advance registration is required. They said it is an educational program in which participants find answers to questions about fossils through field trips, exploring and reconstructing fossils and fossil sites. Offering informative and useful experiences for children, the Deokso Museum of Natural History is where children can find answers to their questions about dinosaurs and insects, and where they can see and feel minerals and fossilized dinosaurs previously only experienced in books. For parents of future scientists and geologists, the Deokso Museum of Natural History is a must-visit place with children.

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9345

It is already the end of October and the weather is turning cold. Around this time of the year, Suncheon Bay and the water front of the Han River are crowded with people who come to see the silver grass. I went to the Ansan Reed Marsh Park, which reflected autumn in its fullness.

Began in 1997 with the aim of improving the water quality of Sihwa Lake, and opened in May 2001, the Ansan Reed March Park treats non-point pollutant sources flowing into the upper region of Sihwa Lake from Banwol Stream, and also plays a role in providing habitat for flora and fauna as well as an ecology park and educational venue for citizens. 

Approximately 290 species of plants, including aquatic plants and wild flowers, as well as some 150 thousand birds of approximately 150 species, are now present in the marsh. Ansan Reed Marsh Park is visited by over 300 thousand people every year.

More people than usual were in the park, viewing the beautiful silver grass. It was still less crowded than Haneul Park in Seoul, so I could leisurely enjoy the silver grass. Slogans encouraging the protection of natural environments were found throughout the site, and I could easily tell that the park was well managed.

It is refreshing just to look at the pictures. I thought it would have been nice if I had previously known about a place like this that is not overly crowded and easy to visit from Seoul. If you like using public transportation, take Subway Line 4 and get off at the Hanyang University Erica Campus Station. From the station, take bus number 52 or a taxi. It costs only the base rate by taxi.

Ansan Reed Marsh Park provides the public with a natural place for relaxation that is hard to find in metropolitan areas. Reeds are known to have wonderful water-purifying effects. The park, inhabited by various species of migratory birds, seems a pleasant place for humans as well as for animals and plants to relax.

On the first floor of the environmental ecology hall, the history of Sihwa Lake and a collection of data about the marsh ecology are on display. A dinosaur egg fossil, pictures of birds, taxidermy birds, and descriptions and pictures about the environment are displayed.

From the observatory on the 2nd floor, you can watch many different species of birds inhabiting the natural surroundings, and enjoy a view of the entire marsh.

Are they lotus flowers? Walking beside lotus flowers blooming on water, it feels like I am in heaven. Visitors are taking strolls, talking to each other in small groups.

Carp swimming in a pond are gorgeous, aren’t they? It is quite interesting that huge crabs can also be seen in the pond. Kids are excited to encounter these scenes that cannot be found in urban centers.

A family peacefully taking a walk looks very relaxed and happy. It would have been better if I had known earlier that there is a nice place like this near Gyeonggi Province. The day flies by to its end.

After looking around Ansan Reed Marsh Park, I am on my way to the parking area. I bet the road will become even more beautiful when the trees don their fall colors. Ansan Reed Marsh Park seems like an ideal place to visit for refreshment after busy weekdays. Come and stroll in the fresh air with family members and forge good memories.

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9266

Situated in southern Gyeonggi Province, Anseong is a city where beautiful rural landscapes mix harmoniously with traditional culture. As one may infer from the corresponding Chinese characters, ‘安城,’ this city has long been known as an affluent place with amiable mountains and waters, no natural disasters, and abundant produce. Today, I went to Anseong Floland to enjoy the scenic autumn views.

The season when the sky is high and horses get fat is upon us. The reservoir, cattle sheds and rice paddies encountered on the way to Floland made me realize that autumn has come.

Floland – a word coined from ‘flower’ and ‘land’ – is an eco-friendly, educational venue of 24.5 acres where people can feel and experience nature free of charge. It is said that there are a total of 280 different types of flowers. A variety of flowers can be seen throughout the year except during winter.

This is the visitor center. Floland is managed by Hankyong National University, and is where a farm affiliated with Hankyong National University used was located until a few years ago.

Here one can find cosmoses, flowers representative of autumn in Korea. Those cosmoses that occur naturally in Floland look even more beautiful. They create a wonderful view from all angles.

In the distance, the Anseong plain is covered with golden yellow rice fields. Rice produced there is known as Pyeongtaek Rice and renowned for its high quality.

Next to the information center is an orchard of Asian pear trees. The pears on the trees look especially attractive and delectable. The soft scent of the pear trees gives me a pleasant feeling. Pears are known to be good for asthma. Eating a piece of pear after a meal helps digestion. The time spent in the orchard was purely refreshing. 

Here one can see tunnel of ginkgo trees with yellow gingko nuts. Strangely, there was no smell of gingko nuts. When all the leaves turn golden yellow, it creates a nice vista, like a scene out of a movie. 

Apples on the tree, ripened to a nice red, greet the autumn season. I bet it a ripe red apple a day will bring out your natural beauty.

Red maple leaves tell me that autumn has come already.

I see beds of beans. Beans are one of the 14 super foods that have been identified as being rich in nutrients by Dr. Steven G. Pratt, a world-renowned authority on nutrition. Just by looking at all the fully ripened beans, I felt healthier.

Different from common cosmoses, the yellow cosmos blooms in orange. It is quite popular among people as it blooms from summer. The cosmos originates from Mexico and is an annual plant of the chrysanthemum family. It is said that the cosmos was introduced to Korea when the nation was liberated from Japan.

The yellow cosmos, which blooms in orange from July until September, is normally cultivated as an ornamental plant, but also grows well in the wild.

Yellow cosmoses, along with golden yellow rice paddies, create a gorgeous view like those in a picture book. It must be because of my mood. The bumble bees look very happy as well.

Red dragonflies flying in the field of Perilla greet the autumn season. I sat on a bench for a moment and thought about what this year had meant to me so far and how I wanted the remainder to go.

Though it was regretful that I couldn’t check out the tunnel of yellow gingko leaves, I had a leisurely walk in such a wonderfully refreshing natural setting, and enjoyed every bit of it while indulging in the scent of flowers. Today, I experienced the true Anseong at Anseong Floland. If you need to a break from your busy life, visit Anseong Floland and take a walk while feeling the autumn breeze. 

Anseong Floland, a scenic farm affiliated with Hankyong National University

Address: 274-4 Yangbok-ri, Bogae-myeon, Anseong City, Gyeonggi Province

Phone No.:031-670-5408

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:00

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9182

On September 13, the Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil Walking Festival was held with the goal of promoting use of Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil and developing tourism programs. Approximately 700 people including families, friends, coworkers and club members participated in the walking festival, and walked the 7 kilometer course — starting from the Imjingak Pavilion, passing over the Unification Bridge, and ending at the Jangsan Observatory — while enjoying the splendors of nature.

Walking Festival Dates
 Location
 Registration Period
 
2014, Sept 13 (Sat) 09:00~13:00
 Paju Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil Course #8 Bangujeong-gil (7km)
 Aug 14~
 
Sept 27 (Sat) 09:00~16:00
 Yeoncheon Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil Course #11 Imjinjeokbyeok-gil (8km/ 14km)
 Aug 24~
 
Oct 11 (Sat) 09:00~13:00
 Gimpo Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil Course #1 Yeomhagangcheolchaek-gil (7km)
 Sept 15~
 

The Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil Walking Festival, started on September 13, continues in Yeoncheon on September 27 and in Gimpo City on October 11. The entry fee is KRW 10,000, and event souvenirs will be offered to participants by Treksta. The official website accepts registrations on a first-come, first-served basis, so please act quickly.

Opened on May 8, 2010, Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil is the northernmost road in Korea; it connects Gimpo, Goyang, Paju and Yeoncheon, the four cities and counties of the DMZ border area. The 189 kilometer-long road is comprised of a total of 12 courses: 3 courses in Gimpo, 2 courses in Goyang, 4 courses in Paju, and 3 courses in Yeoncheon. Each course is around 15 kilometers long and takes approximately 4 to 5 hours on foot.

The 7 kilometer-long course this time starts from the Imjingak Pavilion and ends at the Jangsan Observatory, passing over the southern part of the Unification Bridge. A shuttle bus was provided to return participants to the Imjingak Pavilion from the Jangsan Observatory. Since it is not a long course and mainly level, people of all ages ranging from children to the elderly were seen at the festival. Just one drawback was that many sections lack trees, and the sun was quite strong that day.

The day featured a walking festival with music. A folk song festival was scheduled from 4:00pm at the Imjingak Pavilion, so many participants stayed after walking to enjoy the music. A brief music performance was also staged just before the Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil Walking Festival.

Beautiful songs by Travel Sketch, perfect for the autumn, filled the air of the Imjingak Pavilion. Travel Sketch performed a total of three songs and participated in the walking event. They also hit the stage of the folk song festival later that day.

After Travel Sketch’s performance, the mayor of Paju delivered a congratulatory address. Then came the distribution of participant numbers! I had waited in line since early as I wanted to wear the number 1. Unfortunately, it was not on a first-come, first-served basis; numbers had already been assigned to participants. Many people who applied individually or in groups as well as the staff participated in the walking event.

We did some warm-up exercises before beginning even though the walking course is not long.  The Paju sports-for-all team helped us with the warm-up exercises. All participants, even Chinese tourists who were visiting the Imjingak Pavilion, followed the warm-up exercises.

Let’s go after taking a commemorative photo!

Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil, which was established in 2010, started to gain popularity this year. For some parts of the road, whose surrounding areas have long preserved their natural states since the division of Korea, participants are required to carry identification so as to enter restricted areas. Since today’s walking course includes mostly restricted areas, advance application and valid identification were required to participate. For today’s walking event, only 700 applicants were accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

As there are quite a few restricted areas, the event would have been impossible without the help of the military. Soldiers were stationed throughout the restricted areas, and the walking event had to be completed within a set time. So there was no time to spare to take a rest on the busking stage or to enjoy the nice views.

Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil consists of roads in small villages, paddy paths, roads along banks and more, passing through historic sites such as coastal areas with barbed-wire barriers, the Hangang River downstream and the Imjingang River. Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil is not only a space that evokes nostalgia in our minds, but also an ideal site for children to learn about and experience Korean culture, history and the nature.  

Wishing for the happiness of all, I tied a ribbon to the fence. All of the 700 orange ribbons were waving in the wind. We all want peace, and the stillness of this place may impart a feeling of peace. True peace, however, does not seem to be with us yet.

Snacks and drinks were offered near Chopyeongdo. There was little shade, so we had to eat in the hot sun, but they still tasted wonderful. Chopyeongdo is an island in the middle of the Imjingang River. Since it has been rarely visited by human beings over the past 60 years, the island is a paradise for birds and animals inhabiting the Imjingang River.

In one corner, Flama was singing. Flama in Spanish means flame. The awesome singing group blends a repertoire from samba to bosse nova. Their music and voices were so good that I completely forgot the hot sun and the tiredness from walking, and I stayed there for a while indulging in their songs.

Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil includes areas where traces of the Korean War can be found, such as the 3rd Tunnel of Aggression (1.21 Invasion Route of Armed Communist), the railroad disconnection point, and the Aegibong Peak observatory that consoles displaced people. It is quite meaningful that the road was established with wishes for peaceful reunification. The road is also connected to historic Korean sites including: Sunguijeon, a shrine for the mortuary memorial tablet of King Taejo of the Goryeo Dynasty; Hwaseokjeong, a historic site of Yulgok; Dukpojin, a military camp in the Joseon Dynasty; and Haengjusanseong Fortress, which embodies the spirit of General Gwon Yul.

The sight here is truly incredible. It is the final destination of this Paju Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil walking event — the Jangsan Observatory. The observatory, from which all of the Imjingang River stretching from Gae Seong to Songaksan, Janggunbong and the Masingnyeong Mountains can be seen, has the most spectacular views of the Imjingang River.

I received a completion certificate and a walking stick from Treksta as event souvenirs. It seemed a little too much for just a 7-kilometer walk, but it was a nice ending.

Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil is blessed by heaven with a wonderful natural environment; it includes the Imjingang River, which runs from north to south, and Jusangjeolli Cliff, a spectacular pillar-shaped rock. As the road is near the mouth of the Imjingang River, a home to Eundae-ri water spiders, a designated natural asset, as well as endangered species such as the white-naped crane and blackfaced spoonbill, you may encounter such graceful animals along the road.

The journey was quite special and meaningful as it was restricted to a limited group of people for a limited period of time. On the other hand, it was sad that we could not freely walk on our own land. I hope that we can preserve and pass on the natural beauty of Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil to future generations so that all the people can enjoy walking along the road. I recommend that you apply through the website and participate in the Pyeonghwa Nuri-gil Walking Festival.

http://ggholic.tistory.com/9167

[Gyeonggi Autumn Festival] Let’s play together with cartoon characters! 2014 Tooni Festival

Have you ever imagined cartoon characters jumping out of the TV set and playing together with kids on a wide green lawn? Such a dream is realized at Let’s Run Park Seoul, a family park. The 2014 Tooni Festival, which went into a resting phase during the opening days of the new semester, once again opened its doors on September 20. 

Beloved cartoon characters are all gathered here!

As soon as I entered Let’s Run Park Seoul, I heard kids laughing from afar. The epicenter is the plaza lawn. On the green grass, as lively and vibrant as the children, dozens of kids are screaming for joy. Watching the kids’ smiles, like those of angels, I couldn’t help letting a smile grow on my face. At that moment, something familiar caught my eye — a boy in a green jacket, wearing a red ribbon tie and a pair of glasses that are three times bigger than his eyes. It is Detective Conan.

The atmosphere is quite unique here. Behind Detective Conan, Sergeant Keroro welcomes and salutes people, and next to him are characters of Top Plate, spinning tops that are so popular among children nowadays. It felt as if I had been sucked into a TV screen. Seeing a sign that read ‘Tooni Festival,’ I realized it was the actual site of the 2014 Tooni Festival.

A variety of experiential booths, the cause of much laughter among children

Kids, just arriving at the event site, are in a quandary over where they should go first. It must not be an easy decision for them to make. Tooni Festival is not merely exhibition featuring cartoon characters; the organizers of Tooni Festival have carefully prepared diverse experiential programs that reflect the characters and characteristics of cartoons.

Next to Detective Conan, who hits a criminal with a soccer ball to make an arrest, a soccer ground has been set up. In the Top Plate booth, diverse tops are available for kids to play with. Other experiential programs such as the baseball game of ‘Hello Jadoo’ and the mission game of ‘Crayon Shin Chan’ are also nicely arranged. In addition, with ‘Tooni Survival’ and ‘Tooni Sports,’ comprised of various missions and hurdles, the festival is nothing short of fantastic. 

All things taken together, I have to say the best part of Tooni Festival is the experiential booth ‘Ghost Story Restaurant,’ which has enjoyed tremendous popularity throughout the five-year history of Tooni Festival. This year’s Ghost Story Restaurant, in particular, is very well received by visitors as it has changed from its previous format of presenting a house haunted by a ghost to a game of hide-and-seek played with ghosts and cartoon characters. This year’s festival operates a total of 13 experiential booths, and all are packed with excitement and joy. People say that ‘children’s laughter does not lie.’ The sky rings with children’s laughter, and there are ample reasons for that.

A fun-filled outdoor festival for the entire family, Tooni Festival

Tooni Festival, now in its fifth year, is the nation’s grandest experiential festival for children. Up until last year, it took place alternately in Seoul and Busan during the summer and winter vacation seasons. This year’s Tooni Festival, after the signing of an MOU with the Korean Horse Affairs Association, is held on the plaza lawn of Let’s Run Park Seoul.

The choice of location made by the host of Tooni Festival, CJ E&M Tooniverse, is outstanding not only as both an outing and an event that can be enjoyed together, but also for its outdoor games, which are more diverse than indoor games. The venue is perfect for this year’s concept of ‘family festival.’ Families have great fun participating in various experiential programs, and event organizers feel rewarded watching those families. It is a ‘virtuous circle of happiness.’ This year’s Tooni Festival is clearly playing its part as a true festival where people can get together and enjoy everything as one. What an exciting outdoor festival for whole family! How about having a good time with famous cartoon characters in this autumn?

<Mini Interview> Discussing the 2014 Tooni Festival with the event manager, CJ E&M Tooniverse Kids Business Team PD Lee Seon-hui

Q. What made you plan Tooni Festival?

A. ‘Tooniverse’ is a channel for children. We’ve held diverse events with the goal of offering wholesome entertainment to children, and Tooni Festival is one of them. With that goal in mind, we’ve selected contents that appeal to children aged 4 to 11 years.

Q. Until last year, the festival was held indoors. What is the reason for changing it to an outdoor area?

A. Let’s Run Park Seoul is a family park, and quite well arranged. It is a good place for the entire family. We thought it would be nice for many people to enjoy an outing as well as our Tooni Festival at this park.

Q. What do parents and children think about Tooni Festival?

A. The festival is very well received. An average of some 300 children participate in the event and, at times, the number reaches as many as 700. There are few safe places in which children can play nowadays. I guess that is also why both parents and children love the festival a lot.

Q. Is there anything you would like to say to Gyeonggi residents?

A. The weather these days is good for family outings. I hope that many people will come to Tooni Festival and spend a meaningful day enjoying various experiential programs and sharing stories with family members. We have everything in readiness to welcome Gyeonggi residents. Thank you.

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Adorned with colorful leaves, mountains are luring hikers with their splendor. Enjoying gorgeous views that can only be seen during a brief time in autumn and breathing the fresh air, it feels like all stress is washed away. Where are the famous attractions of fall foliage in Gyeonggi Province? Let me take you to fall hiking trails where you can indulge in Gyeonggi’s fall foliage!

Best fall hiking trails selected by Gyeonggi Tourism Organization

Around this time every year, the number of people hiking for both exercise and fall foliage jumps. Such hiking is quite positive in itself, but in some cases, when you visit a well-known hiking trail, you get to see more people than trees with colorful fall leaves. Do you have any nice hiking trails with awesome fall foliage that only you know about?

For those who do not know where to go for colorful fall foliage, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization has introduced mountains that offer hiking trails near the metropolitan area. Those listed first by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization are Mt. Myeongjisan and Mt. Hwaaksan. Located near the metropolitan area, both Mt. Myeongjisan and Mt. Hwaaksan captivate hikers with their colorful fall foliage.

Mt. Myeongjisan and Mt. Hwaaksan are not the only possibilities. Mt. Yongmunsan also boasts its own gorgeous vistas, proving itself as another great place for fall foliage. On Mt. Yongmunsan stands a gingko tree protected as Korea’s natural monument number 30, creating superb scenery of yellow autumn leaves. The hiking trails of Mt. Yongmunsan, at their height in autumn colors, offer pleasure to the eyes and peace to mind. In addition, an amusement park is located near Mt. Yongmunsan, which makes the mountain a perfect place to visit for families with children.

Mt. Soyosan, familiar as the name of a subway station, is also another wonderful place for fall foliage. Located in Dongducheon Stream and standing 587 meters above sea level, Mt. Soyosan is friendly to all sorts of hikers. Continue to step slowly up the mountain while enjoying the beautiful fall foliage and you will soon reach the top. If you want to go hiking for fall foliage, not for climbing, Mt. Soyosan is the destination for you. Following a trail along the fortress walls of Namhansansung, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another good way to enjoy fall foliage.

It is a perfect season for hiking, but there are some safety tips you must familiarize yourself with before going out! So many people visit mountains in fall that you need to be more cautious when hiking. Otherwise, you might have an accident. Shall we go through the five fall hiking safety tips one by one?

■ Fall hiking safety tip #1. Prepare hiking gear that’s right for you.

The first thing you need to do is preparing hiking gear that is right for you. As the number of hikers has increased, the market for outdoor activities in Korea has expanded explosively. There are so many outdoor clothing brands which vary vastly in price. Buying high-priced gear is not always the right choice. Rather, you should choose gear that is appropriate for you and suitable for mountain hiking. Among the items you need to prepare are: hiking clothes that are water-proof and wind-proof; hiking boots that ensure your joints stay healthy; a set of trekking poles; a water bottle and snacks like candy bars; and a knapsack with spare clothes. Jeans that are neither flexible nor air-permeable must be avoided.

■ Fall hiking safety tip #2. Plan a hiking route that is right for you.

For those who have never climbed a mountain, hiking along the ridges of Mt. Jirisan can be quite dangerous. Planning a hiking route that is right for you is an important part of safe hiking. Planning a route with consideration of your age and physical ability is the first step to a safe and pleasant hike free of accidents and injuries. If it is your first hike, it is safer to go with someone who is experienced, and be mindful about your body condition while hiking.

■ Fall hiking safety tip #3. Warm-up exercise before hiking is a must.

A warm-up is a must before any type of exercise. Since hiking is also an exercise activity that requires a lot of energy, a warm-up is necessary to relax the muscles before hiking in earnest. If you overexert yourself suddenly without warming up, you may strain a ligament or suffer unduly as your muscles tense up. In order to prevent this, you should take time to warm up your body temperature and to relax your muscles and nerves. Slowly circle your wrists, ankles, and repeat squatting and standing movements to slowly warm up your body. For the first twenty minutes of a hike, it is good to walk a little bit slower than usual.

■ Fall hiking safety tip #4. Descend from the mountain before sunset.

The weather is unpredictable in autumn. Furthermore, no one can be sure what the weather will be like on the mountain. Therefore, you must start hiking early and descend from the mountain before sunset. That is also because there is a great temperature difference between day and night in autumn, and it could fall well below zero degrees Celsius on the top of the mountain. Please remember that the temperature differs by 6 degrees Celsius depending on the altitude, and the sun sets earlier than one might expect in autumn. In any case, if you lose your way while descending from the mountain, or you can go no further in the dark, do not continue but instead call 119 for help. Headlamps come in very handy in such circumstances.

■ Fall hiking safety tip #5. Never lower your guard in mountains.

Mountains wear many faces. Beautiful mountains produce edible sweet fruits as well as poisonous ones. That is why you should never lower your guard when you are on the mountain. Even if it is a mountain you’ve hiked a number of times before, you should descend before dark and remain on designated hiking trails. Accidents are often caused by holding a slender twig instead of a tree trunk as it is too far to reach, and slipping on wet leaves is a frequent occurrence. On a hiking trail, you should walk looking a few steps ahead to reduce the risk of an accident. If you find yourself bending forward, you should immediately take a rest.

Hiking is a representative aerobic exercise beneficial for muscle growth and weight loss. It is, however, a dangerous exercise that can seriously hurt you, especially if you are an unprepared beginner. In order to enjoy hiking as a pleasant and healthy activity, you must remember the hiking safety tips. You will be a happy hiker if you are well prepared.

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Gyeonggi Province Mural Village Autumn Tour Destinations Best 4

Casually visiting Mural Villages in Gyeonggi Province with a camera

Looking up at the sky, I realized that autumn has already come. The sky is blue and high, and the golden sunlight of autumn is shining down. It is a perfect day for an outing. So today, let me take you to mural villages in Gyeonggi Province. A number of famous mural villages can be found in the province. Of those, the ones I’d like to introduce today are villages with special histories.

Modest transformations have enlivened old alleys that were forgotten, and flowers blooming on gray cement walls have brought people back. Mural villages in Gyeonggi Province are places that people like to visit with loved ones, camera in hand, on beautiful fall days. Shall we go to these towns?

Best Autumn Tour Destinations in Gyeonggi Province

1. Mural Alley in Cheolsan-dong, Gwangmyeong City: “Taking a Rest and a Step Back”

As always, it is after a boom of urban village redevelopment has swept though. Cheolsan 4-dong of Gwangmyeong City was a backward town forgotten by people in metropolitan areas. It was a poor hillside village with steep inclines and uneven stairs on which a few small bent grandmas were spotted breathing hard. In 2006, however, a special transformation project began. Art college students of Hongik University and artists who participated in a project called ‘Cheolsandong Project’ revived hope on the walls, stairs, and in the street corners. Unfortunately, it will disappear before long since redevelopment is scheduled to commence in a few years.

Over time, most of the murals have faded, and some parts are completely washed out. There is, however, a certain reason for visiting and looking around Cheolsan-dong Mural Village once again, a wistfulness for disappearing things. On Haengun-gil (meaning lucky road), which can be seen only in the Cheolsan-dong Mural Village, you can have fun finding a four-leaf clover. Cheolsan-dong Mural Village offers respite and a step back from hectic lives to those who, wrapped in looking for a four-leaf clover, are missing happiness from numerous common three-leaf clovers.

Best Autumn Tour Destination in Gyeonggi Province

2. Naptteokkol Mural Village in Sokdal-dong, Gunpo City: “Fairy Tale Village Where Time Has Stopped”

Naptteokkol, meaning a wide valley deep in a mountain, is a place that imparts little smiles to so many hikers going to Suri Mountain. About 10 years ago, the artist Kim Hyeong-tae opened his studio in this village and initiated wall paintings with the help of residents; this was the beginning of Naptteokkol Mural Village.

Sparrows perched on clothes lines like musical notes on sheet music, children playing music, fish flying in the sky dreaming of the sea, and storks delivering hope for the new year are all small gifts being offered by the walls to visitors. Bustling with hikers going to Surak Mountain and visitors taking pictures of the murals, this small village, which once was mired in silence, is filled with vibrant sounds — the clicking of camera shutters, lovers laughing and posing for pictures, and people reading out poems written on the walls. Such a pleasant change appears to continue throughout the autumn.

Best Autumn Tour Destinations in Gyeonggi Province

3. Haenggungdong Mural Village in Suwon City: “Happy Murals Flowing from Suwoncheon to Haenggungdong”

Suwoncheon, which provides a rest area for Suwon citizens, has emerged as a tourist attraction with beautiful murals flowing along the stream. As a part of the ‘Suwoncheon Public Art Project,’ beautiful murals were painted on the walls nearby Suwoncheon. In Haenggungdong Mural Village, various cute murals can be seen on the Love Road, First Morning Road, Road Going Backward, and the Romance Road.

Began through the ‘Art Project Shared with Neighbors, Haenggungdong People’ undertaken by Space Eye, Haenggungdong Mural Village is located in front of Maehyang Girls’ Information High School on the banks of Suwoncheon near Hwahongmun Gate, the north gate of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. It is a famous romantic destination for couples because of the mural ‘We got married!’ and love padlocks. Couples enjoy murals on the walls while walking hand-in-hand along Suwoncheon, and fasten padlocks to a heart shaped fence. It is a place recommended for couples who appreciate a simple but meaningful date.

Gyeonggi Province Autumn Tour Destinations

4. Yangji Mural Village in Anyang City: “Murals Bursting with Vivid Colors”

Not all mural villages are lyrical and redolent. The murals of Yangji Village in Anyang City are popular for their vivid colors and distinctive images. A total of 4 member schools of Yeonsung University’s educational-industrial cooperative group — Anyang High School of Art, Anyang Foreign Language High School, Anyangseo Elementary School, and Anyang Girls’ Commercial High School — participated in creating the murals. All the murals, created by students, convey liveliness, so it is hard to imagine the old and weathered walls beneath the murals. 

The murals are not just pretty drawings. They were carefully created under the themes of space, display, information and education. It would be nice to contemplate such meanings while enjoying the murals. The murals of Yangji Village, particularly in vivid colors of violet, yellow, green, and more, also serve as a nice background for taking pictures like those from photo studios. Yangji Village is a great place for taking selfies.  

Mural villages are special because some have given new meaning to places that were almost forgotten with the passage of time, and also because some have planted flowers of hope on worn walls that bear testimony to past lives.

Mural villages are bustling with people again today. It must be because everything starts from and is passed on to human beings. It is autumn, the best season to go out. Please visit the mural villages of Gyeonggi Province where beautiful murals and the stories of lives are stored.

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