[WEEKEND GETAWAY] Four Gyeonggi getaways for embracing the tranquility of mulmeong

K-campus

Published: 26 Apr. 2024, 17:16 Updated: 27 Apr. 2024, 12:06

[WEEKEND GETAWAY] Four Gyeonggi getaways for embracing the tranquility of mulmeong

Water Garden in Namyangju, Gyeonggi is home to wildflowers that change colors every season. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Mulmeong, or zoning out while staring into the water, is one way many people choose to chill and restore their energy in peace.

Scrolling through social media and scavenging for gripping content may bring you dopamine and entertainment, but distracting yourself from the mundane and finding places where you can get a breath of fresh air is certainly an effective way to clear your mind. Rather than remaining glued to your phone, now is the time to seize the chance to bask in the splendor of the spring season. Venture outdoors, feel the gentle caress of the breeze, indulge in the picturesque vistas along the waterfront and allow nature to rejuvenate your spirit.

This weekend, try out these four spots in Gyeonggi where you can organically enjoy the art of “waterwatching.”

Majang Lake Suspension Bridge
마장호수 출렁다리

Majang Lake Suspension Bridge in Paju, Gyeonggi, is the main attraction of Majang Lake. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Majang Lake in Paju, Gyeonggi, attracts visitors with a long, red suspension bridge that stretches as far as 220 meters (721 feet) and is 1.5 meters wide. The bridge’s floor is made from bulletproof glass, creating more suspense for those passing. The glass floor continues for only about 18 meters, and the entire bridge is sturdy enough to endure earthquakes and storms.

The suspension bridge is not the only attraction at Majang Lake, as there are other options to check out such as a cafe located 15 meters above sea level, offering a view of the lake, and a 3.6-kilometer (2.2 miles) long trail that encircles the lake. Wildflowers and the mountain surrounding the lake create the perfect "mulmeong" environment for those visiting.

There is also a parking lot that can accommodate around 500 cars, so renting a car is a good option.

481-1 Gisan-ri, Gwangtan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi
(경기도 파주시 광탄면 기산리 481-1)
Operation hours: March to October, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. November to February, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://tour.paju.go.kr/user/tour/place/BD_tourPlaceInfoView.do?menuCode=4&cntntsSn=69

Pocheon Art Valley
포천 아트밸리

Pocheon Art Valley in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, runs a media facade throughout the evening at Cheonju Lake. [POCHEON ART VALLEY]

Pocheon Art Valley in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, is a culture-and-art complex renovated from an old rock mine. What used to be an abandoned rock mine until the 1990s was regenerated into an ambitious art complex in October 2009. It now offers a mix of natural scenery and urban touches including cafes, modern art sculptures and even an astronomical observatory that opened in 2014. Every year, around 400,000 visitors come to the cultural complex, and family groups and couples are frequently found.

Pocheon Art Valley in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, is home to Cheonju Lake, where a granite hill towers over the water. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Pocheon Art Valley is a great place to visit if you are especially interested in geography, as remnants of old rocks and different topographic traits of nature are spotted throughout the entire area.

Cheonju Lake, also referred to as Cheonjuho Lake, is one of the must-visit spots if you stop by, which is a 20-meter-deep lake created by the spring water and rainwater that flowed into a pond dug from granite quarrying. The towering granite hill over the lake exhibits a dramatic view, and you will often see visitors enthusiastically snapping shots in front of the lake. When night falls and the area turns dark, the lake becomes a stage for a media facade, which gives off a different atmosphere from when it's in sunlight. A monorail used to help the visitors arrive near the lake, but it is currently under construction, and you will have to climb up for around fifteen minutes to be able to appreciate the lake view.

234 Art valley-ro Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon, Gyeonggi
(경기도 포천시 신북면 아트밸리로 234)
Operation hours: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Closing hours differ by the dates. Check the website for details.
Admission fee: 5,000 won ($3.6) for adults, 3,000 won for adolescents and those in military service
Phone number: 1668-1035
Website: https://artvalley.pcfac.or.kr/art_eng/index.html

Sihwa Seawall
시화방조제

Sihwa Lake is an artificial lake that was created by the Sihwa Seawall in January 1994, now a shelter to wild flora and fauna including migratory birds. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Sihwa Seawall in Ansan, Gyeonggi, may be a secret getaway for those who want to enjoy a moment of peace and tranquillity near the water. Located between Oido and Daebudo, the sea wall created an artificial lake that spans 44 square kilometers (10,873 acres), with construction completed in January 1994. The name Sihwa comes from the first syllables of Siheung and Hwaseong, the two cities at each end of the sea wall.

The artificial lake was originally meant to supply water for farmland and industrial complexes planned to be built on reclaimed land. Plans changed, however, as the water quality quickly deteriorated once the sewage and wastewater from nearby flowed in just as the sea wall was completed. Eventually, the freshwater lake plan was scrapped, and seawater was let in to prevent pollution.

Sihwa Narae Tidal Power Park awaits visitors with greenery next to the sea, where you can sit on one of the steps facing the sea and watch the sunset. There is a small sea-view cafe where you can get some drinks and snacks. As the small piece of land around Sihwa Seawall is not easily approachable for all, you can enjoy some quiet solitude or a peaceful time with your friends or family.

2109 Daebudong-dong, Danwon District, Ansan, Gyeonggi
(경기도 안산시 단원구 대부동동 2109)

Namyangju Water Garden
남양주 물의정원

A bird's eye view of Namyangju Water Garden in Namyangju, Gyeonggi [JOONGANG ILBO]

Water Garden in Namyangju, Gyeonggi, alarms passersby with its flower bed streamlining the riverside. Red poppies will greet you if you visit now, soon to change into flocks of daisies and fleabanes. This vast ecological park is a result of the Han River restoration project by the government, a well-maintained area of land spanning 484,188 square meters. Located near Ungilsan Station, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, the lake attracts tourists as well as a lot of bike riders since the garden appears in the middle of a bike trail near Mount Bukhan.

Wooden benches offer visitors spots to spend time facing the river and appreciate nature's view, with the mountain, the river and the flowers all visible at once. A photo zone stands in the garden, allowing visitors to sit at the edge and snap pictures of the landscape.

396-2 Songchon-ri, Joan-myeon, Namyangju, Gyeonggi
(경기도 남양주시 조안면 송촌리 396-2)

BY KIM DONG-EUN [kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr]