The weather has been confusing; it cannot decide weather or not we are in a rainy season. Both Ipchu (the first day of autumn) and Cheoseo (one of 24 seasonal divisions occurring about the end of August) have passed, and now the Chuseok holiday is around the corner. Time does fly, doesn’t it? While time waits for no one, there’s no better time for an outing than now with the onset of cooler weather as summer ends and autumn approaches.

For those who love to travel, it is time to enjoy outings and indulge in the gorgeous weather. So I’d like to introduce some great places to visit in great weather like we have now. 

A well-known tourist attraction close to the Seoul metropolitan area, Yangsu-ri in Yangpyeong is worth a visit.

Dumulmeori is the first place that comes to mind when thinking of Yangsu-ri.

Dumulmeori, which means a place where the Bukhangang River and Namhangang River meet, offers a magnificent view with an ancient-style ferry and a 400-year-old Zelkova tree. The scenery is beautiful beyond all description. Those who love to take pictures must have visited this place at least once before.

Much to my regret, all the pictures of Dumulmeori I have were taken during daytime only.

People say that you can take the best photos of damp early morning fog in the weather we have these days. They say the scenery reflected in the surroundings is like a beautiful painting. Unfortunately, I failed to seize the chance to take some great pictures, but I hope you try to take great pictures of the view.

If you’ve successfully captured the beautiful scenery with your camera, then seeing the majestic view with the naked eye, a definite treat, would be the best way to enjoy the charms of Dumulmeori to the fullest. 

If you’ve spent enough time in Dumulmeori, let’s move on to our next tourist attraction. It is located right next to Dumulmeori, so we can walk there.

It takes only five to ten minutes on foot. Located within walking distance of Dumulmeori, the second attraction of Yangsu-ri is Baedari, a pontoon bridge.

Baedari is a replica of the bridge of 52 boats that was constructed on the Bukhangang River between Dumulmeori and Semiwon during the Joseon Dynasty for King Jeongjo’s visit to the Royal Tombs. The pontoon bridge, replicated in its 250-meter length and 4-meter width, is considered among the best in terms of scale, splendor and technique.

Walking cross the pontoon bridge, you will see Sehanjeong, a garden modeled after Sehando, one of the most celebrated ink paintings of Kim Jeong-hui.

Once you enter the garden, the scene of Sehando lays before you as if the painting has sprung into the three-dimensional world. One gnarled pine tree, contrasting with the long stretches of tall trees, and a simple house in the background are exactly as in the painting.

After gaining historical knowledge while walking through Baedari and Sehanjeong, follow the waterside trail; it will lead to the highlight of today’s tour, Semiwon.

Called a garden of water and flowers, Semiwon is a natural purification garden created with support of KRW 10 billion from Gyeonggi Province. The name “Semiwon” comes from the words of Chuang-tzu, meaning “cleansing one’s mind by looking at water and enlightening one’s spirit by looking at flowers.”

Semiwon, renowned for lotus flowers, presents the beauty of lotus flowers in each and every corner. The water jar fountain, a reproduction of the jangdokade located in Changdeokgung Palace, is another grand sight of Semiwon.

Most of all, Semiwon, well designed with waterside trails, is also an ideal place to take a walk and refresh your mind. It is ideal to visit, especially in these days of weather that is neither cold nor hot.

I’ve introduced the major tourist attractions of Yangsu-ri in the order of Domulmeori, Baedari, Sehanjeong and Semiwon. It doesn’t matter if the course is followed either in the order I introduced or in the opposite direction. Fall is just around the corner. How about taking a trip to nearby Yangsu-ri?

Story and Photos by Master of Transfer

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