Yeoju Godalsa Temple Site (여주 고달사지)

13.8Km 25052 2024-08-22

Sanggyo-ri, Bungnae-myeon, Yeoju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Godalsa Temple Site, at the foot of Hyemoksan Mountain, shows the remnants of a temple that was built in AD 764. The temple rose to prominence in the Goryeo period, but was destroyed at some point, although the timing and reason is unknown. While the temple grounds are no longer at their peak of glory, they do still hold a national treasure, four treasures, and one tangible cultural heritage, making it an important site.

Yumyeongsan Mountain (유명산)

13.9Km 33208 2018-07-05

Okcheon-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun & Seorak-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-582-8830

Originally, no name was given to this mountain on topographical maps. But in 1973, when the Empor Alpine Club reached the mountain during a hike across the nation, the club members named it after Jin Yu-myeong, a member of the expedition. On old maps, the mountain had been called Mayusan Mountain because of the horses raised in the area, but today it is more widely known as Yumyeongsan Mountain. The trail that starts from Yangpyeong leads to an expansive and open grassland. The hiking trails are also connected to those of Mount Daebusan and Mount Sogunisan. On the summit, there is a pile of stones, and the view from the top is splendid.

Jungmisan Observatory (중미산 천문대)

14.1Km 14222 2021-06-15

1268, Jungmisan-ro, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-10-7244-3498

Situated only 40 minute's drive from Seoul, the Jungmisan Observatory is nestled within Jungmisan Recreational Forest 437 kilometers above sea level. In addition to the beautiful natural scenery, the main draw of this particular location is that there is no other place near Seoul as this forest where one can get an excellent view of the night sky. From Seoul, one might expect to see about three stars on a good day, while at the Jungmisan Observatory one can typically observe over 3,000 stars.

Jungmisan Observatory provides an experiential learning center that offers astronomy programs for children, including preschoolers. Children can gain a deeper understanding of space and basic astronomy through various programs, such as stargazing. In addition to the astronomy programs, the observatory also offers forest bathing, forest ecology, and insect learning programs along with the nearby recreational forest.

Seohuri Forest (서후리숲)

14.1Km 1 2024-08-05

200 Geobukbawi 1-gil, Seojong-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Seohuri Forest opened in 2014 with beautiful nature. The forest is comprised of a variety of tree species in different clusters, including pine nut, maple, metasequia, ginkgo, birch, and more. The forest features two walking paths, each taking around 30 minutes to complete.

Jungmisan Recreational Forest (중미산자연휴양림)

14.2Km 52616 2022-09-07

1152, Jungmisan-ro, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-771-7166

Jungmisan Recreational Forest unfolds at the end of a lovely drive along the famous Nongdachigogae Road, the highest ridge road in the vicinity of Seoul. The forest boasts a striking landscape of thick groves of trees and a view overlooking the Namhangang River. During some mornings, the forest’s log cabins are veiled by a thick fog, further adding to the beautiful natural ambience.

Rising 834 meters above sea level, Jungmisan Mountain is a popular sunrise destination frequented by throngs of hikers every year. Thick forests of pine trees create a rooftop of branches from spring to fall. Being surrounded by the tall mountains of Baegunsan, Yumyeongsan, and Yongmunsan, Jungmisan Mountain feels like it is in the inner mountainous region of Gangwon-do, although it is close to Seoul.

The forest has log cabins that can accommodate groups of 4 to 10 people as well as campsites that complement the surrounding natural environment. Visitors can enjoy a comfortable walk through the trees on a trail that winds through the heart of the forest.

Heuktodamgol (흙토담골)

14.3Km 33825 2024-03-13

3 Seokdun-gil, Toechon-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
031-767-2855

Heuktodamgol is a traditional Korean restaurant housed in a Hanok-style building. They prepare dishes using soybean paste and soy sauce made with traditional methods, along with freshly squeezed sesame oil and perilla oil. Their menu includes the Todamgol hanjeongsik (Korean table d'hote), kkotge ganjang gejang jeongsik (soy sauce marinated blue crab set menu), and borigulbi jeongsik (barley-aged dried yellow croaker set menu).

Sottukkeong Dak Bokkeumtang (솥뚜껑닭볶음탕)

14.3Km 33426 2024-02-15

130-18 Eobisan-gil, Seorak-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Spicy Braised Chicken, a staple in Korean cuisine, is prepared by stewing chicken pieces with a fiery blend of red pepper powder and various seasonings. It’s a dish that complements rice perfectly. Here, the chicken is simmered in a sizeable metal pot with a flat lid, a method that not only retains heat better but also infuses a distinctive flavor and a touch of the chef’s personal care into every bite. The dish’s flavor is enhanced when paired with seasoned green onions, adding a crisp, spicy kick. Following the main course, the leftover sauce is used to stir-fry rice into the visually appealing and tasty Fried Rice Art, often shaped into a heart, delighting both the palate and the eyes. Nearby, guests can hear the gentle flow of a stream and have access to the valley via stairs, offering a chance to indulge in some light water activities after their meal.

Saneum National Recreational Forest (국립 산음자연휴양림)

14.6Km 63626 2022-12-21

347, Gobuk-gil, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-774-8133

Saneum National Recreational Forest is located in Danwol-myeon in Yangpyeong. It opened on January 1, 2000 and can accommodate up to 2,000 visitors a day. The park's name "saneum" means "mountain shade," a name given for its geographical location where it is surrounded by other mountains on all sides. The park's lush forest is home to diverse species of wildlife and the valley boasts spectacular views.

Yeoju Heungcheon Namhangang River Cherry Blossom Festival (여주흥천남한강 벚꽃축제)

14.6Km 3652 2024-03-28

Gwibaek-ri, Heungcheon-myeon, Yeoju-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-887-3875

Yeoju Heungcheon Namhangang River Cherry Blossom Festival is a representative spring festival in Yeoju, taking place among the blooming cherry blossom trees on the banks of the Namhangang River. During the festival period, sections of the road are closed to vehicular traffice, and a range of events, performances, and photo zones are set up to enjoy.

Eobigyegok Valley (어비계곡)

14.9Km 59396 2024-02-29

Gail-ri, Seorak-myeon, Gapyeong-gun Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-580-2114

Eobigyegok Valley, originating from Eobisan Mountain, is aptly named 'Eobi' ('flying fish') as visitors can often witness fish leaping from the valley's crystal-clear waters. The constructed walkway, meandering alongside fountains and through valleys, provides stunning scenic views. In winter, the valley transforms as a 25-meter natural ice wall forms around the palgakjeong pavilion, offering a breathtaking spectacle. Nearby attractions such as Yumyeongsan Mountain, Chorongi Dungjimaeul Village, and the Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park also offer unique experiences and are definitely worth a visit.

Yeoju Godalsa Temple Site (여주 고달사지) - Area information - Korea travel information