Gyeonggi-do
Live Out Your K-Dreams
Gyeonggi is an attractive region hugging Seoul, the capital city of South Korea and thus is a centre of Korean economy. A place where your tour of Korea will begin, and where you’ll soon fall in love with the country. Known for its nature, art, history and massive theme parks, the region stands in harmony with technology and environment, nature and art as well as war and peace. Based on its stunning natural scenery and cultural heritages, Gyeonggi has also become home to Hallyu (Korean) Wave.
Gyeonggi-do is famous for being the top filming location for Korean dramas such as The Moon That Embraces the Sun, Dae Jang Geum, Romance is a Bonus Book and The Great Queen Seondeok.
Gwangmyeong Cave
A former gold mine has now become one of the top attractions in Gyeonggi province. Having been abandoned for 40 years, in 2014 the cave has been transformed into an artistic venue with various cultural experiences. Visitors can learn about the history of the cave, explore the gold bars, make wine and write wishes on the Golden Road. Experts agree that even today, there is a lot of gold awaiting to be discovered, maybe it will be your lucky day?
K-drama location: Oh My Baby; Drinking Solo
Yangpyeong Dumulmeori
A point where Bukhangang and Namhangang rivers meet makes it a view to admire. Enjoy a picnic under one of the three 400-year-old Zelkova trees while admiring the views of an ancient-style ferry in the backdrop of the mountains, go strawberry picking, take a stroll along the river or, if you’re lucky, admire the blooming lotus flowers at a nearby Semiwon garden.
K-drama location: Melting Me Softly, She was Pretty, Graceful Family and many other movies were filmed here!
The demilitarized zone (DMZ)
One of the most dangerous places on earth, the 4km-wide, 240km long Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) cuts through the peninsula, dividing it into North and South Korea. Both sides armed with landmines, electric fences, tank traps and armies ready to defend, it's said to be one of the most dangerous places, where every step has to be carefully considered. It is amazing that today it is one of the top tourist attractions in South Korea, bringing the history buffs and adventure junkies alike. With several observation points close to the boarder you can easily peek into the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). It will be an experience like no others!
Pocheon Art Valley
In the late 1960s, Pocheon was mined for its beautiful characteristic patterns of granite which was used for building Korea’s most representative buildings such as the Presidential Palace itself. The resources were used up and soon Pocheon became just an abandoned quarry. However, in 2013 it has been transformed into a comprehensive cultural space, healing the environment through creativity with an open air artistic displays. Stay there till the sunset as the views on the backdrop of the mountains are truly stunning.
K-drama location: Melting Me Softly, My First First Love, Legend of the Blue Sea and many more.
Namhansanseong Fortress
The fortress was built to protect Hanyang (the capital city) during times of war. From 7th up till 19th century, the fortress went through a number of expansions and reconstructions. Today, it stands as a gorgeous hiking trail with the sights to admire all year-round. Don’t forget to check out the nearby Haenggung Temporary Palace for some interesting experiences, such as traditional archery.
K-movie: The Fortress
Waujeongsa Temple
Built as a prayer for peace and unification of the two Koreas, a 12-meter long and 3-meter high laying Buddha statue acts as a symbol of hope. Check out the Golden Bell (aka Unification Bell) that announced none other but the opening of the 1988 Seoul Olympics! The temple is home to over 3,000 Buddha statues from all over the world, and holds Guinness Book Record for the world’s longest wooden Buddhist statue.
The Garden of Morning Calm
The park consists of twenty equally stunning gardens each featuring a different theme. What makes this place special is the way the garden embraces not just the natural mystique and beauty of the Korean peninsula, but also how it incorporates the spirit of the Korean people in the garden too. The garden highly focuses on its curves and asymmetric balance expressing the uniqueness and elegance of South Korea. During the cold seasons, it is also transformed into a bright and colourful festival of lights to brighten up the dark winter nights.
K-drama Location: I’m Not a Robot, She Was Pretty, Moonlight Drawn by the Clouds and many others.
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
UNESCO World Heritage site, praised for its scientific structure and its beauty, the fortress spreads over 6km and has a great variety of military facilities hardly seen anywhere else. Along the trail you can find various cultural aspects of Korea, such as shrines, palaces and a number of performances too. Get there before the sunset for the best views of Suwon city down below.
K-drama location: Moonlight Drawn By Clouds , Lucky Romance , Men Are Men; Once Again and; Itaewon Class
Korean Folk Village
It is an accurate recreation of a typical village of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The village has a lot to offer, as it features Chogajip (rice straw-thatched house), Giwajip (mansions of Yangban) and holds a number of cultural appreciation activities. It is a great place to learn about Korean culture and traditions, try on a hanbok or take a ‘haunted train’ from one of the Korean folktales.
K-drama location: My Love from the Star, Moon Embracing the Sun, Dae Jang Geun and many more!