Gwangju (Gyeonggi)

Gyeongan Marsh Ecological Park, filled with greens and reeds in spring, summer, and fall, is the home of many migratory birds throughout the year. The trees among the reeds by the lake add beauty to the park. This is a unique place that was naturally transformed into a marsh when the nearby farmlands and lowlands were submerged underwater with the construction of Paldang Dam in 1973. It now grows various aquatic plants and invites many migratory and resident birds, thus being a great place for birdwatching and for learning about nature. There is a great trail around the park where picnickers and local residents can take walks and bike rides. The marsh is great for natural purification, and purifies the water environment. It will be expanded in the future, and the park will attract many individual and group visitors as a nature-learning site.

Aengjabong Peak looks like a Chinese oriole hatching eggs. You can see Mt. Yangja to the east and Mt. Mugap to the west from the peak. The mountain is only 667 m high, but it is such a great hiding place that the Catholic believers hid there to escape persecution during the 1801 Persecution. Cheonjinam Rock, the origin of Korea's Catholic church, is located here, attracting many Catholic believers.

Cheonjiam Rock is the sacred place where the Catholic philosophy was developed into a religion. It enshrines the tombs of the five founders of the Catholic Church and houses a monument, Korea Catholic Research Center, St. Mary Hall, Gwangam Church, and Korea Catholic Museum. Cheonjinam Grant Cathedral is under construction for a 100-year project, and constantly attracts many Catholic believers.

The ancient Korean house in Gwangcheon, which is more than 400 years old, has been relocated and restored. 1,000-year-old zelkova trees and pine trees harmonize with the hanok to change new clothes every season. In the beautiful nature, you can feel the tranquil atmosphere of the hanok and feel the relaxation of your life. It operates programs based on family, nature and art, including outdoor barbecues, one-day class cultural lectures, cafes, hanok stays, and baby stone shooting studios.

Mt. Mugap in Chowol-eup stretches out to Gonjiam-eup and Toechon-myeon. It was named such because it is said that the soldiers who refused to surrender hid here during the Japanese invasion of 1592, or because the mountain looks like it’s wearing an armor. When you stand on top, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of Paldang Lake and other surrounding areas. Mt. Mugap, which is 578 m high, is not widely known among hikers, making it a great site for families to hike together as it’s quiet and secluded. It’s covered with Korean rosebay and mountain greens in spring, luxurious trees in summer, and colorful autumn leaves in fall. Its snow blossoms in winter can compare with those of Mt. Halla.

Mt. Taehwa (664 m) at Chugok-ri is a low mountain with an acute peak. Nearby is Gonjiam Someori Gukbab Town and many fishing grounds that attract many visitors. On the southern skirt of the mountain is Baengnyeonam, which is said to have been built by Prist Iryeon in the 12th year of the reign of King Chungsuk of Goryeo. Beneath Daeungjeon is the legendary “Janggunsu,” which provides hikers with drinking water. You can reach the rock observation deck by following the small path through the luxurious forest. When you look down, you will see a valley and a long, open ridge leading to Baengmabong Peak beyond the valley. The top of Mt. Taehwa can be reached in about 3 hours through any trail.

Jungdae Mulbit Park wax built on an artificial lake that provided water for agricultural use. It is now a waterside park equipped with playing facilities for kids, sports facilities, a fountain square, and so on. In the park, there are an observatory, the rose tunnel, the lotus road, an arch wooden bridge, an amplified fountain, and so on.

There are various leisure activities throughout the year, such as skiing and snowboarding in winter and golfing and hiking in summer.