I retired from the US State Department in 2016 and chose to retire in Korea where my wife has family members. She also retired from service in the U.S. military. We bought an apartment in Yeongjongdo, the island that houses the Incheon International airport.
I am happy living in Yeongjongdo, it is truly one of the nicest communities in Korea. Peaceful, not too much traffic, cheaper than living in Seoul, great restaurants, shopping, including being close to COSTCO in Songdo, access to the beaches and mountains and close to the airport and easy to get into town by subway or driving. And it is becoming more cosmopolitan every day.
The Korean government has grandiose plans for the Yeongjongdo island – the home of the Incheon international airport.
They want to turn it into another Singapore.A more realistic option would be to turn it into the equivalent of the Hamptons, the fabled weekend getaway in NYC for the elite of the establishment.
Yeoungjongdo is well positioned to play such a role already.It is easy to get away from Seoul about a hour train ride from most parts of the city and with the expansion of the train service and lowering the excessive bridge toils due to come into effect this year it will be much easier to get away to the islands for the weekend and for several weeks during the summer months.
With the building of bridges to Muido (completed) Jangbo, Shindo, and Ganghwa islands in the works, the whole island could become a great get away for the elite and middle class of Seoul alike.
There are lots of restaurants, good shopping and hotels, great beaches, nice mountains, fresh air, good schools and affordable nice housing everywhere and it now has an international vibe – already becoming another Itaewon, the fabled international enclave in Seoul.
With the expansion of the MAGLEV train around the island transpiration will become even easier.
With the opening of the Casino resorts it will become a very popularweekend designation particularly if the Korean government figures out a way to let Koreans gamble – my suggestion let Koreans gamble once a week (for a 24 hour pass)with a lost limit of 500$ per visit.That will draw enough local residents to make the casino’s profitable but minimize the harmful effects of expanded gambling.
Finally the Korean government should market Yeoungjondo as the Hamptons of the East – enough people would get the reference to make that a popular add.And rename Unseo neighborhood as the New Itaewon and promote it as such. And another slogan could be come to Yeongjondo the best kept secret of Korea.These adds should run in all the major media outlets in the US especially in theNYT and Washington Post, CNN, WSJ etc and other international markets as well. and of course a sign at the airport “Welcome to Yeongjongdo Your Gateway to Korea”
If the Korean government does this it will have tremendous economic and social benefits for the residents of Yeongjongdo islands, as well as increase tourism to Korea.
Yeongjongdo island Korea where the Incheon International Airport is located has lots of things to do besides of course the airport. I have retired here from service in the U.S. State Department. I live in the Airport town next to the Unseo station. Here are a few of my favorite places to go. The airport was build on reclaimed land between three small islands near Incheon Port. When the island was build as part of the agreement to build the airport, the government promised to maintain at least half the island as a rural area, and preserve the mountains on the islands. They have generally kept to that promise, although the island is being over-developed in my opinion, there are still a lot of mountains and rural areas on the island, all within an half an hour drive from the airport. The airport can arrange excursions to some of these mountains for those travelers who have a long overlay at the airport. These are some of my favorite rambles on the island.
Baegunsan Mountain 배운 산
One of my favorite places is Baegunsan Mountain. (762 ft / 232 m height). 배운 산 This mountain dominates the island and there are trails to the top from many parts of the island. It is about 10 kilometers from the airport. Coming from Seoul or Incheon you can take the Airport railroad and get off at Unseo Station, 운서역 unseoyeog, three stops from the airport on the way to Seoul. From the station exit the station via exit A and turn right, then turn right again and you will find the trailhead down the street on the left side right after the first intersection. The trailhead is marked only in Korean though. There are multiple paths to the top. It should take about an hour to reach the top. The views are spectacular. A round trip to the top from the station should take about three to four hours depending upon you speed and fitness levels. The trail is at times steep but there are stairs and ropes along the way. The trail markers are mostly in Korea but it is hard to get lost. Just keep going left and then head up when you see the emergency shelter at the foot of the steeper trail.
Youngunsa and Yaksuam Temples
From the top of Bekuensan, you can walk down to Youngunsa Temple and Yaksuam Temples. These temples are over 1,000 years old and are very tranquil places to visit. At the top of the mountain there is a small pavilion just past an emergency helicopter landing zone. Just past that you will find a steep trail going downhill. Take that trail down and kept to the left and you will find the temple in an about an half an hour of moderate hiking downhill.
Youngunsa Temple 영운사yeong-un sa
199-1, Anambra, Jung-gu, Incheon 22359, South Korea
One can arrange a free tour at the airport transit tour desk. Worth doing if you are the airport and have a couple of hours to kill. It is a 20-minute bus ride from the airport. You pay just for the transportation, entrance to the temple is free. There is an old gingko tree in front of the temple, which is also about a thousand year old. There is a sign in front giving the history of the temple which was an important temple in the Chosun era given that it is relatively close to Seoul.
약수암Yagsuam This is another ancient temple near Youngunsa temple. You can easily see both temples in one trip. To get back to the airport you can go back up the mountain or continue down the mountain and hail any taxi or bus, heading back to the station, or airport. The buses don’t take cash, so pick up a T money card at the airport and put enough cash on it for your round trip fare, make sure you tap the card when entering and exiting the bus. The taxis will also take T money or credit cards.
Baekryungsan Mountain 백제 산
Another nice hike in Yeounjongdo is Baekryungsan mountain. From Unseo station on the airport railroad line, go out exit A and turn right and at the end of the street, right across the street, you will see a road leading up the hill. Follow the road and you will run into the trailhead. The signs are all in Korea. It is a short walk to the top where there are fine views and a nice gazebo. From there you can walk down to the entrance of the World Peace Forrest. Half way up the trail there is a trail cut off to the left which takes you down to a spring (water is not drinkable) and a nice housing estate, turn left and it is a ten minute walk back to the station. Should take no more than an hour to reach the summit and the Peace Forrest. The trail is a bit steep heading down from the top but there are plenty of ropes and stairs. Near the bottom of the mountain there is a great view of the Incheon outer harbor looking out towards Jangbo and Shindo islands. In the distance you can see on a clear day, North Korea.
World Peace Forest
세계 평화의 숲segye pyeonghwaui sup
The world peace forest is a five-mile walk through lovely forests surrounding the new airport town. You can walk to it from the airport railroad Unseo station, third stop from the airport. Exit the station via exit A and turn left. Go past the Lotte market and across the street you will see the entrance. Follow the trail to the other end (about a four mile gentle walk) where you will run into the entrance to Baekryangsan. Along the path you well enter a cherry tree grove, and numerous other flowering trees. Just before you reach the mountain trail head you will run into a boardwalk over a lotus flower bed. Very pretty in the summer months when the lotus flowers are in full bloom. If you are lucky you may run into some of the deer that live in the peace forest and mountains. There are also foxes in the park and mountains, wild boar, bobcats, and of course feral cats everywhere. I have seen the deer and foxes but yet to encounter the wild boars. Both the forest and Baekyrangsan mountain have spectacular wildflowers in the summer and the fall and spring colors are magnificent. The trail is mostly marked in Korean. Halfway up the trail, there is a path that goes back to town and the station. That sign is marked in Korean and English. Next to the trailhead leading to town is a pavilion and exercise equipment. Total round trip to do the park and mountain is about three hours depending upon fitness levels, the tail itself is flat except for the mountain segment.
The beaches
There are three beaches on Yeongjondo . Eurwangi, Maisan and Wangsan beaches. You can get to the beaches from the airport via the Maglev train getting off at Youngju station – the ARA train runs there on the weekends and holidays. These are the closest beaches to both Seoul and Incheon and are quite crowded during the summer season and weekends all year long. There are lots of good seafood restaurants near the beaches and plenty of places to stay.
Eurwangni Beach (을왕리해수욕장)
15, Eurwang-ro 13beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon
인천광역시 중구 을왕로13번길 15 (을왕동)
From the airport, take bus 302 or 306 Gate 2A (1F) and get off at Eurwangi Beach, the bus goes to the rest of the beaches as well. There are also buses from Unseo station as well.
Muido, So Muido (West Muido) and Silmido are islands near to Yongchongdo. You can get to the islands by taking a bus from the airport, or from the Yongju maglev stop. The Airport railroad goes to Youngju on weekends and holidays.
There are hotels and Korean style resorts near bridge and at the beach, there are huts for rent. There are restaurants near the bridge terminal and at the beach but the selection is limited to Korean seafood.
When you enter the island there is a trailhead that takes you to the top of island – Horyonggoksan Mountain (호룡곡산) and Guksabong Peak trails circle the island. Round trip is about 4 hours on a loop trail that takes you back to the trail head near the bridge terminal next to the old ferry terminal. the trial head is not marked very well.
Near the bridge to the island is a Korean tourism information stand. The people there are very helpful, speak good English and have lots of maps and guides in English and can also tell you about the ferries to the other islands. Well worth a stop. You should stock up on tourism information here if you are going to the outer islands as once you get there is very little English language signage or English speakers on the islands. They are open until 6 pm most days.
Address
310-11, Daemuui-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
인천광역시 중구 대무의로 310-11 (무의동)
Type
Seasides/ Beaches/ Islands
Inquiries
1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-32-760-7114
more Information
Muuido Island is located in Jung-gu, Incheon close to the airport. Nearby are two smaller islands, Silmido Island and Somuuido Island. In olden times, small boats were used to go from Muuido Island to Somuuido Island but the two islands are currently connected by a bridge so visitors can reach Somuuido after a 10-15 minute walk. Muuido Village Bus (maeul bus; 마을버스) takes people from Keunmuri Dock (큰무리선착장) to Gwangmyeonghang Port (광명항). To enjoy the beauty of Somuuido Island fully, Muuibadanuri-gil 8 Course is a must-visit path, taking around 1 hour and giving stunning views of the East Sea vista. Two beaches, Hanagae Beach and Silmi Beach, are famous beaches in Muuido Island. One interesting thing in Silmi Beach is that people can walk to Silmido Island at low tide. Hiking up Horyonggoksan Mountain (호룡곡산) and Guksabong Peak is also available on Hanagae Island.
The trail head to Horyonggoksan Mountain (호룡곡산) and Guksabong Peak can be found at bridge entrance to the island and also near So Muido and at Hangagae beach as well. The round trip takes about three hours and the trail is well marked but only in Korean. Go up the stairs and at the top turn right to access the main trail head.
So Muido is a nice spot for a walk as well. Take the bus to the end of the island, and walk across. There are places to stop and eat in So Muido. The walk to the top of the mountain is a nice walk takes about an half an hour to reach the top. There is a private beach on the way back to town.
Silmido
Silmido island is the site of a secret military base where they trained commandos going undercover into North Korea. They closed the base in the 80’s and a Korean K drama was filmed at the island. The island has a resort where one can stay but there is not much there not even restaurants. Still the beach is nice but a bit deserted. You can walk across to Silmido at low tide, at high tide it becomes a separate island.
Shindo, Modo and Jangbo islands
신도, 모토, 장보도sindo, moto, jang bodo
Shindo, Modo and Jangbo Islands located near Incheon International Airport are great places to get away from Seoul or Incheon for that matter. These three islands are near Yongchongdo. You need to take a ferry to reach them. The ferry ride to Jangbo the biggest of the islands takes about an hour. The ferry runs every hour on the hour the last ferry back leaves about 6 pm. You can catch the ferry at Sammok quay.
삼목 부두sammog budu
There are buses from the airport and from Unseo station to the ferry terminal.
Modo island is connected to Shindo island. You can easily walk around both Modo and Shindo in an hour or two. There are places to eat and spend the night, but Jangbo island is the biggest of the three and has the best facilities, beaches, restaurants and walking biking trails.
Jangbo Island
The island is located one hour and 40 minutes from Seoul. To get there take airport express train from Seoul Station and get off at Unseo station and then transfer to a bus going to Sammok wharf in Yeongjong Island, Incheon. The ferry from there takes 40 minutes. The last ferry back leaves at 6 pm. There are plenty of places to stay near the beaches which are a short walk from the ferry terminal. This is also a popular place to camp as there are camping grounds near the ferry terminal. There is a mountain hiking trail that follows the ridge line all over the island and is a great hike. If you go to Jangbong island, it is worth stopping off at Shindo and Modo islands first and take a walk. A number of K dramas have been filmed on these islands.
More info from Visit Incheon web page follows:
Coastal Trail connecting Sindo Island, Sido Island and Modo Islands
Come to the triplet islands and have a bike tour around them for a fantastic ride along the shoreline. The triplet islands are very well known as one of the best spots in Korea for a bike tour. Come down to the Sinsimodo Islands for a safe and pleasant bicycle touring. Take a boat at Sammok Quay in Yeongjongdo Island. You will get to Sindo Island Quay in about 10 minutes. The three islands of Sindo Island, Sido Island and Modo Island are all connected by bridges, so you can tour all of them in a day. You can rent a bike on the island. There are only a few cars on the road, thus the island is recognized as one of the best places for bike riders.
Sindo Island Pureun Beonmal, a designated traditional agricultural village
The name Sindo Island(literally “the island of trust”) has come from the fact that its residents are conscientious and innocent. It is in this context that the salt produced in the island is called jinyeom (literally “genuine salt”). As the island have mud flats, salt evaporation ponds, and rice paddies, visitors can enjoy everything they can expect from the country’s rural area in Sindo Island Pureun Beotmal designated by the government as a traditional agricultural village.
Sinsido Island Yeondogyo Bridge
Sindo Island is connected to Sido Island by a bridge. The name of Sido Island has come from the legend that troops of the Joseon Dynasty practiced archery in Manisan Mountain with targets set in Sido Island(“an arrow island”). The island is also called “Salseom (‘sal’ also means an arrow in Korean).” Given the actual distance between the two locations, the story is hardly credible, but the idea is intriguing enough. Sido Island has been filming locations for popular TV dramas such as “Full House” and “Sad Love Story” because of the harmony between its slow slope hills and the sea.
Sugi Beach, the filming location of ‘Full House’
Sugi Beach in Sido Island was the filming location for the popular TV series called ‘Full House.’ You can see a few islands in the distance. The beach is covered with quality and beautiful white sands. Main characters in the TV drama series often spent time together here. Who would not have fallen in love with each other in such a beautiful environment?
Simodo Island Yeondogyo Bridge
Sido Island and Modo Island are connected by a bridge. Believe it or not, you can get to a totally different island in just a few minutes. The name Modo Island comes from the word ttiyeom (‘tti’ refers to King cogongrass). The legend says that fishermen in the region once complained that his fish net only had grass instead of fish. ‘Mo’ in Modo Island means ‘grass’ in Chinese.
Baemikku mi Sculpture Park
Baemikkumi Sculpture Park is located on Baemikkumi Beach in Modo Island. The ‘Baemikkumi’ (the local dialect meaning a hole in the bottom of a ship) has come from the fact the beach is as flat as the bottom of a ship. The beach is also famous for a sculpture park featuring a number of surreal erotic sculptures. Blue water, white sand, and dreamlike sculptures blend well with one another. The sculpture park has become a reason to many for a visit to Modo Island.
The Sinsimodo Islands, a paradise for bike enthusiasts
Together, the Sinsimodo Islands are small but pretty places to visit. Most notably, as they are connected, the Sinsimodo Islands will sustain the fame of a paradise for bikers in the West Sea for a long time to come.
Incheon Wolmido
Address
36, Wolmimunhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
인천광역시 중구 월미문화로 36 (북성동1가)
Type
Seasides/ Beaches/ Islands
Inquiries
1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-32-765-4169
Wolmido Island (월미도), located roughly 1km off the coast of Incheon, has since become part of the mainland with the creation of a new highway. The name Wolmido Island comes from the shape of the island as it resembles the tail of a half moon. Thanks to its location near Seoul and the convenient transportation, many people visit here during weekends.
The Culture Street starts with Doodle Pillar, and continues onward to Meeting Square, Arts Square, Performance Square, Good Harvest Square and several other notable highlights. Throughout these areas, spontaneous performances are performed, and street artists can draw for you on the spot. Moreover, many cafes and seafood restaurants are lined along the coast so you can enjoy coffee or fresh seafood while viewing the sea.
A must-see attraction on Wolmido Island is “Play Hill.” It’s not as large as other theme parks in Korea, but the Apollo Disco and the Viking rides are truly thrilling. If you’re not into rides, the Apollo Disco ride is still fun just watching. You can also get on a cruise to look around the island.
Comment: this is of course the location of the most famous battle during the Korean war.
The island has a large park that had been a Korean military base and was only opened to the public since the turn of the century. The park is worth a long walk. The views are spectacular from the top.
The amusement park is a bit hooky in my opinion, but still worth a stop and a photo. The waterfront is nice to stroll along but the restaurants there are way over priced.
Jayu freedom park is near Wolmido and features a giant statue of General Mc Arthur and is also worth a visit.
There is a club that has Halloween decoration all year long and that is worth a picture. There are also statues and public art everywhere. And of course coffee shops, beer pubs etc.
About 100 US dollars per person for a sashimi dinner with drinks. The best sea food restaurants are a few blocks away from the water front area, and dinner for two will set you back about 40 dollars including soju.
The Korean government opened a maglev train around Wolmido for the Asian games. But after the games ended the maglev train was disconnected. In my opinion they missed an opportunity and should have extended it to Songdo and the airport as getting to Songdo from the airport is a big of a long subway ride.
Finally, Wolmido has a Korean tourism information stand. The people there are very helpful, speak good English and have lots of maps and guides in English and can also tell you about the ferries to the other islands. Well worth a stop. They are open until 6 pm most days.
To reach Wolmido, get off at the Incheon station on the Seoul-Incheon subway line. Take a bus to Wolmido or a taxi. It is not far from the station. Another fun way to get there is to take the ferry from Yongchongdo (airport island). The ferry runs every 30 minutes and is a five minute ferry ride. The last ferry is at 6:00 pm.
Gerang Mountain in Incheon (계양상)
This mountain is the biggest mountain in Incheon but hiking up to the top is not too difficult. Takes about one to two hours to reach the top and back down. There are lots of side trails as well. The spring and fall colors are magnificent. Lots of nice wildflowers as well. The mountain links to several other mountains in central Incheon. There is a nice old fortress at the top of the mountain. There are plenty of Korean restaurants at the bottom of the mountain.
The closest subway to Gyeansan (giei_iaŋ_saŋ) is Gyeyang subway on the Incheon subway line 1. You can transfer from the Airport express railroad coming from the airport or from downtown Seoul. You can also get off at the ARE stop and walk through the countryside to the mountain enterance along a nice stream bed.
*
Introduction of Mt. Gyeyang
With its altitude of 395m, Mt. Gyeyang is the guardian and holy mountain that represents Incheon. From the beginning of B.C. to the end of the 19th century, the city of Gyeyang was moved from the south of Gohyeon-eup in the Three Kingdoms Period having Mt. Gyeyang at the center and then to the northern and eastern direction. Until its transfer to the southern direction in Bupyeong-dohobueup during the Joseon Period, the city was developed through the capital transfer that was conducted for 6 times. At the peak of the eastern ridge in Mt. Gyeyang, there is Gyeyang Mountain Fortress that was built during the Three Kingdoms Period. Also in the south, Jungsimseong Castle, which was constructed in the 20th year of King Gojong (1883) with the participation of the residents in Bupyeong Village in preparation for defending the coast, is stretched along the ridge of Jingmaei Hill. According to the change of the place name, Mt. Gyeyang was called as Sujuak in Suju of the Goryeo Period and Mt. Annam during Annam-Dohobu. Since the period when this mountain was called as Mt. Gyeyang in the period of Gyeyang-dohobu, it has been called by its present name. This mountain was once called as Mt. Anam and Mt. Gyeongmyeong.
The name of Mt. Gyeyang was originated from the naturally grown Japanese Judas-tree and Korean box trees. Mt. Gyeyang was selected as the first urban natural park of Incheon city on Jan. 8, 1944 (Gyeyang Park) and since then, it became the No. 1 Municipal Park.
88, Gyesansae-ro, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon, 21067, Rep. of KOREA 82-32-551-5701
Copyright ⓒ 2015 Gyeyang Incheon. All Right Reserved.
Office of Gyeyang-Gu Page – Includes information on hiking trails as well as travel advice in English
Sorae Pogu
111-200, Nonhyeon-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, South Korea
This is the second largest seafood market in Incheon and specializes in crab, lobster, octopus, and shellfish freshly harvested from the nearby harbor. The boats come back laden with fresh seafood early in the morning. The place is happening all day long. You can buy your food at the market and then take it to nearby restaurants where they will prepare it for you and sell you soju and beer to wash it down. A very Korean experience!
More info on the port from Visit Incheon web site
Incheon Port was opened to the international community in 1883 through which western civilization came. Sorae Port has served as an important fish market for the Incheon region for more than 60 years after a small-scale fish market was formed in the wake of the Korean War (1950-1953) as war refugees caught shrimps and sold salted shrimps in an open market. Now the fish market at the port is across a railway bridge which has been remodeled as a pedestrian-exclusive bridge.
The market is particularly famous for shrimps, salted fish and blue crabs. In addition to such fresh seafood, you can enjoy fish stand owners’ generosity and seagulls flying over fishing boats and the fish market against a blue sky. The port plays host to festivals of fleshy prawn and blue crabs, whose freshness and taste are recognized nationally, attracting crowds of people from various areas of the country. Come to Sorae Port to smell the sea and feel the sky while touring a dynamic fish market and enjoying fresh seafood of your choice.
Yeonan Pier
Yeonan Pier is home to various important facilities such passenger terminals, Marine Square, the Fish Market Complex, the Raw Fish Restaurant Street, the Seawater Bath Street, Cruise Port, and Namhang Wharf. It is a popular weekend getaway place not only for residents of Incheon but also for tourists from other areas of Korea. For instance, the Fish Market Complex which more than 500 stores call home attracts a crowd of people wanting to buy a variety of fresh and salted fishery goods. The Raw Fish Restaurant Street is home to large-scale raw fish restaurant towns like the Raw Fish Department Store run by Incheon Fisheries Cooperative Association and the Yeonan Raw Fish Plaza. Visitors can enjoy diverse seafood dishes at affordable prices.
Yeonan Pier is also known for blue crabs. Female crabs are popular in spring while male crabs are delicious in autumn. Most notably, blue crabs caught around Yeonpyeongdo Island are highly regarded for the eggs and meat filling the shells completely.
Hiking in the Spring Time Snow
Talking a walk in the mountains
In the spring time snow
Snow falling down all over the trail
As I wander through the hills
Breathing the early spring smells
And seeing the world covered in white magic
The last remnants of the winter’s touch
Before the spring time gambol of flowers
Overwhelms nature once again
Preparing for the summer’s hellish heat
Hiking the Hills of My Youth
I grew up in Berkeley, California in the 60’s. Ever since I was a youngster I would wander the hills of Berkeley hiking for hours by myself and sometimes with my friends. I explored every nook and cranny every corner of the hills and got to know nature in its infinite beauty.
Ever since those days, I have longed for the day that I could spend my days hiking and wandering in the hills. Now that I am retired and living in Korea I can go for a long walk in the hills every day I want. It is not the same as the hills I grew up, no vistas of the Bay and it is in Korea to boot but most days it is sufficient as I head out early afternoon and conquer four or five miles of hills just enjoying that fact that I can still move and am still very much alive at age 62!
I grew up hiking the hills of Berkeley, California
Grew up knowing every corner of the hills
And the infinite beauty of the Bay Area
And now I find myself in a strange land
With time on my hands
I wander the hills above the airport
In Incheon Korea
And wander about here and there
Just being grateful
That I am still alive
And kicking at age 62
Yongjongdo Remixed Cherita version
In the early morning dawn
I like to go for a walk
Down among the cherry trees
And flowering plants
Just to welcome
Another fine spring day
As the sun comes up
Dispelling my dismal mood
And filling me
With love
Hope
and peace
As I walk the path
Of the world peace forest
Near my island home
Near the chaos of the airport
Through the forest
and over the mountain
breathing the spring time air
alive filled with life
and I think to myself
this moment
is the moment
that I am meant
to experience
life itself
and nothing more
nothing less
Just breath in life
Waiting to die
Living in the Far East
today’s challenge – write a direction poem
When I graduated from college
I joined the Peace Corps
And ended up in the Far East
And spend decades
Wandering about East Asia
Lived in Korea for ten years
In Thailand for two years
In India for three years
Travelled to Taiwan twice
Hong Kong and Macao
Vietnam twice
Japan four times
Learned Korean
Some Hindu
A smattering of Chinese
Japanese and Vietnamese
Married a Korean woman
And became half Korean
A kimchi addict
A true Korean foodie
Along the way
And now
As an old man
I live half the year
In the east
And half in the west
But my heart
Remains in the East
Who knows where I will die
If I die in the east
That will be fine
By me
For by now
I am half Asian
In spirit
And in East Asia
If I may meet my final days
that is fine by me
Walking Down The Frozen White Path
failed attempt at writing a ballad
walking down the frozen white path
as the evening starts to fall
as I walk in the snow and talk
listening to the bird calls
filling the air with the music of Bach
I find myself getting lost
as I continue my lonely walk
death waits heading to the end of time
As I walk the snowing cold path
the dark evil evening continues to fall
the very stars are on the war path
lightening the up air as they fall
littering the ground with their cosmic sprawl
as the dying sun sets into the dark night
Life of an Exiled Poet Wandering the Mountains
today’s challenge -write a poem about exile
I am living a lonely life
Exiled from my home land
A stranger in a strange land
Far from where I grew up
Searching for what I lost
Just an exiled poet
Wandering the mountains
Deep in thought
Wondering what
Adventures wait me
As I wander the mountain paths
Wandering here and there
Just searching for my lost life
Wondering where my life
Has gone so terribly wrong
And why I am on this path
I see on the mountain path
A secret climbing cave
And I enter the cave
Hoping to find
A portal
Back to my lost world
To my lost time
To the beginning
Of my journal
The beginning
Of my long exile
But I can’t find
My way back
And am soon lost
And so I become
A ghost-like figure
A lost soul
of the damn
Doomed to wander
The world
Wandering the mountains
Lost in dark thoughts
Forever exiled
From my love
Four Haiku and a Tanka
walking on the path
in the world peace forest
snowing cherry trees
the world at peace
walking with love of my life
all is right with me
the falling cherry trees
along the path of the forest
reminds us of love
noise on the TV
quiet on the path outside
peace in my soul
Dangerous Times Tanka
in dangerous times
we retreat to our corners
convinced we are right
everyone else is evil
everyone else must die
Poetic Sketch of Springtime in Yongonjgdo, Korea
today’s prompt was to write a poetic sketch
In the early morning dawn
I like to go for a walk
Down among the cherry trees
And flowering plants
Just to welcome
Another fine spring day
As the sun comes up
Dispelling my dismal mood
And filling me
With love
Hope and peace
As I walk the path
Of the world peace forest
Near my island home
Near the chaos of the airport
Through the forest
and over the mountain
breathing the spring time air
alive filled with life
and I think to myself
this moment
is the moment
that I am meant to experience
life itself
and nothing more
nothing less
Just breath in life
I have been going to Korean saunas in Korea and a few in the states for decades. First introduced to them during my peace corps days.
Recently I discovered Korean Charcoal saunas.These were popular decades ago and have recently been re-discovered.They are apparently a great cure for all sorts of ailments.
They differ from traditional saunas in a number of ways. First they burn wood to make a charcoal heat that is then pumped into rooms. The temperature is much higher and drier than traditional saunas.In fact, to enter the fire room next to the fire pit, you have to wear special clothes, take off your glasses and only stay in for a few minutes at a time.
Second most do not have soaking tubs unlike traditional saunas.
Third the actionis all co-ed.You take a shower in the men’s locker or woman’s locker then go out to the charcoal sauna main room.
Most have some simple food for sale as well.
The procedure is you go from low heat to high heat ending in the fire room which is closest to the fire pit. You also stand or sit outside the fire pit.
Benefits
The idea is that the infrared heat will penetrate your bones and system heating you up and killing off inflation and pain.Supposed to do wonders for fibromilyagia, artists and cancer. Not to mention cholesterol and weight control, I’ve lost five pounds since I started going to the charcoal sauna a few weeks ago.
Where to Find Them?
These saunas are mostly located north of Seoul in the mountain villages of Northern Gyeongi and Gangwon province.There are a few in northern Seoul as well, including one near Yonsei University, which also has a more conventional sauna as well as the Charcoal sauna.
These saunas are very Korean-I am usually the only foreign visitor. They are friendly though and welcoming to foreign visitors. Worth a visit but you will have to go with a Korean because they are definitely off the tourist beaten path.
The Korean government has ambitious plans for developing Youngjongdo where I live. Here are my proposals for how I would develop the island.I hope someone from the Incheon government is reading this and will take these proposals seriously,
First dust off the plan for extending the maglev trainaround the islandensuring that the maglev train connects sky city, Midan, Youngjong Unseo stations Cheonga international city, Geoman, and new KTX station being built in Gyeyang station, and ensure that the maglev links the new city casinos the waterfront development, the pier to WolmiDo, the Pier to Change island, and the beaches and to Muido. extend the Maglev to Songdo, and link it to the abandoned Asian games Maglev and extend it to Incheon station which would be the terminus.
Build a cross island Maglev train connecting Jangbongdo, World Peace Forrest, Unseo station, Youngjong station, Midan, Casino complex, Sky City, a water park, and Wolmido where it would connect with the other Maglev line.
Build Bridges with Maglev trains on them to Jangbongdo, and Ganghwa Islands
Build bridges to Jangbongdo island, Wolmido, and Ganghwa Island, and have the maglev train and subway trains run on the bridge.The terminus for the Maglev would be Incheon Station, Jangbongdo station, Ganghwa city station, and Gyeyang stations.
Finish building a bridge/maglev train to Jangbongdo Island and to Ganghwa island with the terminus of the maglev being Ganghwa city.the Maglev would connect to the gold line extension to Ganghwa island.stop the policy of stopping some ARX trains at Geoman station, all trains should go to the terminus which will be Muido.
Install mandatory solar power, solar water heaters, rooftop gardens, mini-wind turbines and water Harvesting systems on all buildings five story tall or taller
Second provide a tax incentive to property owners to install solar water heating Solar power panels, rooftop gardens and trees and water harvesting systems for all buildings over five stories.Installation of such systems would be mandatory for buildings taller than five stories, strongly encourages for all other buildings. I would feed all excess into the power grid and most buildings should be self-sufficient water. The garden products would be given to residents as a perk of living in the building.I would also add mini-wind turbines on the top of call buildings. The incentive would be offered to all property owners but only mandatory four buildings over five stories. This would be a pilot project, if successful, they would roll it out nationwide starting in Incheon, and Seoul. Putting solar panels, solar water heaters, rooftop gardens and trees, mini wind turbines and water harvesting systems on top of all top buildings is something that is long overdue.
Redevelop World Peace Forrest, turn old salt mines and Quarries into parks
Redevelop the world peace Park and promote it, running free shuttles from the Airport and local subway stops and Maglev stops with a Maglev stop near the lake.This would involve constructing a stream connecting the lake and the Lotus pond stocking the lake and the stream with fish, building a fishing pier in the lake for fishing and a restaurant/Snack bar big shop at the lake which would cook up any fish people caught.Allow swimming at the lake.Run free shuttle buses from subway stations and the airport and put a maglev train stop near one entrance to the park near the lake. Promote spending time at the World Peace Forrest parks for international visitors who have long overlays. Build a stream park from the World Peace Forest Park to the airport as an extension of the world peace forest. Stock the stream with fish. and extend it to the beaches.
Turn the old abandoned salt mines and quarries into a park, and stock the lake with fish, and build a restaurant/snack bar and bait shop at the lake.allow swimming at the lake.
Connect the scream park by the cultural center to the steam park to the airport and to the world peace force, extend the stream park all the way to the Wolmido pier through Sky City., Extend the stream park past the airport to the beaches.creating a walking trail between the beaches and the world peace forest and Paekdusan mountain, and to the Wolmido pier via Sky City streamExtend the free shuttle from the airport and subway stops to the new Parks which should also have maglev Subway stop on them. Build walking trails in Kumsan mountains and link the other mountains together in an integrated walking trail.
build island wide walking trails
Build a walking bike trail all around the coast of the island as well with links to the World Peace Parks, the Quarry park, the salt lake park, and the mountain parks.Build a walking trail linking the mountains on Muido to the other trail.add a link to the Jangbongdo island trails once the bridge is connected.. Build a network of trails on Ganghwado including a coastal trail and like them to the Yeongjongdo trail network.Build restaurants and bike rental shops along the walking trails,
build regional fish market at wolmido Pier
Rebuild the fish market at the Wolmido pier into a regional fish market destination and include a farmers’ market with locally grown produce.add restaurants and a night market.
More badminton and Tennis courts
Build a badminton court and tennis courts at the park by the library I’m in the new Parks including at the piece of world peace parts
turn Jangbongdo into Korean equivalent of the Hamptons
TurnJangbongdo island into the Korean equivalent of the Hampton Islands as a weekend and summer vacation Second home for the upper middle class and business expat communities and offer land for diplomatic retreat housing as well.
Allow Koreans to Gamble at least once a week
Allow Koreans to gamble at the Paradise and the new casinos, perhaps limiting entry to one 24 period per week to minimize damage
I love Korea public art. Due to a Korean law, building owners receive a sizeable tax deduction for displaying public art. As a result there has been a proliferation of public art all over the country. Some of it is quite good, some questionable, but most have a whimsical sense if not quirky sense of humor. I love walking about discovering public art in my daily walks across town. Here then are my favorite Korean public art pieces, followed by some articles on Korean Public Art. If any one has other examples they wish to share send them to me and I will update this article.
The Art
beer murals
Berkeley in Seoul Coffee Shop
Butterflies
Miscellaneous sculpture
Fish Mural Gyeopodae Beach
Hongdae Street Mural
Hongjae subway mural
Horse statue Gyeopodae Beach
Coffee motto
Mullae Street Art
Make A Wish
Halloween
Manakin
Baseball fans
Unseo Street Mural
Korean Bull
Blue River Demon
Roman Statues
KGB Vodka
more public art
these are taken from a mural at the Youngsan Army base of all places.
For more information look at the following articles
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday that it is looking for Seoul residents, including foreigners, to uncover public art in the city’s streets.
Compared to cities famous for iconic and popular landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty in Manhattan and the 3-ton bronze sculpture Charging Bull in Wall Street, Seoul is relatively less known for public art and its landmarks.
To build a city with more variety in culture, architecture and public art, Seoul City kicked off a project last year that allocated about 700 million won ($590,000) to construct public art and landmarks on par with those around the world.
“We hope Seoul will serve as an artistic city for tourists,” said Yoo Hyun-ju, an official from Seoul City’s design policy department.
(The Seoul Metropolitan Government)
The project “Arts on Seoul’s street found by citizens” invites anyone living in Seoul to participate in uncovering art in the city. It will run from Aug. 19 to Oct. 18.
Under 10 themes, participants are to find public art and landmarks in a group of 10, joined by field experts and art connoisseurs. Their promotions of Seoul’s public arts and introductions of iconic landmarks in the city can be viewed via Seoul City’s social media. After the list of public art is collected, there will be public vote in early November and the results of the most beautiful public art in Seoul will be displayed at Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Those interested can sign up at http://sculture.seoul.go.kr/archives/73034. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 5. Foreign residents should send their name, age, gender, address, occupation and motivation for participating to jenifer@seoul.go.kr.
By Kim Da-sol (ddd@heraldcorp.com)
South Korea’s Public Art is Not for Art’s Sake
February 08, 2011 7:00 PM
________________________________________
Public art in Seoul, South Korea
In recent years, cities have seen sculptures, paintings and all manner of artistic installations sprout like mushrooms, both inside and outside of office buildings. Many critics think the attempt at urban improvement is not a pretty picture.
This is definitely not art for art’s sake. It is, rather, art for the law’s sake.
A South Korean law requires owners of large buildings to set aside one percent of construction costs for art.
But what qualifies as art? That is left up to design committees run by local governments.
Hong Kyoung-han, the chief editor of “Public Art” magazine, says the result of the 15-year-old law is disappointing.
“More than 90 percent of it is problematic. It has no relationship to the architecture and no form,” he said. “There is no artistic sense whatsoever. There are thousands of works of arts on display publicly in Seoul, yet most of them are viewed negatively.”
Many critics say they hesitate to regard as art the similar chunks of metal, human-shaped sculptures and reflective orbs plopped in front of most big buildings. So ubiquitous, they generate little notice from passersby.
A few are harder to ignore. A steel company paid nearly $1.5 million to famous sculptor Frank Stella to build “Amabel.” Some people have called for its removal, complaining that it quickly rusted.
Oh Se-hoon is the mayor of Seoul. He is a big booster of urban design and the city beautification campaign begun under his predecessor.
Mayor Oh says the one percent law initially deserved praise because it helped beautify cities. But, he says, the law is not achieving its aim.
“Because it is enforced by law, people install art out of obligation without any passion or an eye for true art,” he said. “Thus we end up with art that hardly can gain public acceptance.”
Magazine editor Hong, however, does not want to see government involvement disappear entirely.
“If we just leave it to the developers of buildings, we cannot expect to see much in the way of cutting-edge, high-level art,” he said. “And only a small number of building owners would put art on public display. So, for now, government participation is necessary.”
Oh presides over a city that, thanks to the law, has put on display 6,000 sculptures, 1,200 paintings, dozens of murals and hundreds of other items ranging from calligraphy to handicrafts.
“Great art in the right place gives citizens a sense of relief and relaxation,” he said. “These days I’m into fun designs which will give people a smile or make them laugh among the hustle and bustle of city life. I want to see art installed here that gives people peace of mind.”
To appease those who do not find peace of mind from the more questionable pieces of art, South Korea’s Culture Ministry wants a change of scene. It is proposing an art reform bill. Instead of placing art on their properties, owners could contribute a smaller amount of money to a public art fund.
Hongdae Graffiti Alley (홍대벽화거리)
The street art splashed across the sidewalks and walls of Hongdae adds to the energy of the vibrant ambiance of this favorite university neighborhood. Thought-provoking art leaves no space untouched. The messages in the works are deep. The pictures are gripping. The emotions of the artists are almost tangible. For some of the best murals, head to the alleyways surrounding Hongik University.
94 Wausan-ro, Seogang-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea, +82-2-1330
Ihwa-dong Mural Village (이화벽화마을)
A steep walk up the slopes of Naskan Mountain in northern Seoul will take you to Ihwa Mural Village, one of the country’s most famous moon villages. In the span of just a few years, the area has transformed from shanty town to tourist attraction thanks to government-run beautification initiatives. Along the streets that wind through the still-dilapidated homes is a collection of art installations, sculptures, murals and signboards created by over seventy artists. Perhaps the most famous of the works include paintings of flowers and fish cascading down steep stairways and giant portraits splashed across concrete underpasses.
6-18 Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea, +82-2-1330
updated with information about two other stream bed walks I have discovered. One is near Kimpo airport, the other is near Kyunghee University, my old stomping ground. That one is one of the longest biking trail in Seoul stretching from Euijongbu to the Han River parks.
ARA Canal Incheon provides 18 km of great walking/biking trail – great place for a walk/bike near Incheon Airport
One of the things that amazes me about Korea is that no one in Korea seems to realize how great their bike and hiking paths are and they are not promoted at all. Very hard to find out anything about them.
They have sprouted all over the country and are great. One of the nicer ones is the ARA walking path that winds along both sides of the ARA ship canal from the Han River to the Incheon harbor, about ten miles in length.
I had driven by their many times admiring the waterfall and vowing that someday I would take a walk along the ARA.
For this trip, I started off at Gyeyan station on the Railroad express (also line two Incheon Subway). From there we walked down country roads through the edges of mountain. One could easily go up into the mountain from there if one wanted to although that is not the major route to the mountain top, for that you need to go to Gyeansan station on the number two Incheon subway.
After a three mile walk through the country roads, we came to the ARA waterway. It took a while to find an access road down to the trail along the waterway. But once we did it was a very nice walk. A bit windy but nice. When we got to Geoman station – nearest station to the ARA – we had walked 7 miles. We had lunch at a Café Le Mer which overlooks the waterway. It was too windy though to picnic.
There are river cruise ships that go up and down the river way as well. But again, not promoted very much.
I have three complaints about the ARA. First of course is the lack of promotion alluded above. This includes lack of signage from Geoman station which is the only train station that is walking distance to the ARA.
Second, there is very limited access points to the walkway. There should be steps down to the walk way every half mile in my opinion. Most of the steps have been disabled as they are too dangerous to use. They should be maintained! And used.
There are access points here and there – and they are wheel chair accessible which is a big plus. But not enough and too far apart.
Third, there are only a few places to rent bikes – one by the Geoman station and the other two are at the ends of the trail.
Fourth there are no maps available anywhere. The trail connects to the Han River walk so one could ride a bike all the way into Seoul and beyond. Why that is not promoted to a wider audience is beyond me.
Fifth and this is beyond their control, it is windy as hell. Why they don’t line it with wind turbines is beyond me. They should. They have a couple of old wind turbines that are just for display.
All in all, I’d give this an B – the lack of promotion and access is a serious flaw in my opinion.
for more info see the following blog excerpts
Gyeongin Ara Waterway (경인 아라뱃길)
Wiki Article on ARA Canal
• •
The Ara Canal or Gyeongin Ara Waterway (Hangul: 경인 아라뱃길) is a canal in South Korea, linking the Han River to the Yellow Sea. It extends from Incheon district Seo-gu to Seoul Gangseo-gu. It was built in 2012. The purpose of the canal is to provide flood control and to facilitate leisure pursuits.
Contents
• 1History
• 2Outline of the Ara Canal project
• 3Controversy
• 4Contents
o 4.1Scenic views of Suhyang
o 4.2Sport
4.2.1Bicycle
4.2.2Ara Marina
o 4.3Cultural life
4.3.1Gyeongin Ara Culture Festival
4.3.2Hyundai premium outlet
• 5Notes
History[edit]
Choe I, son of Choe Chung-heon, attempted to construct a canal in the Goryeo period. It failed as it was technologically unfeasible. One of the Joseon kings also tried and failed.
The Gulpocheon river “waterproof road” project was started in 1992. Gulpocheon’s limitation was lack of water flow. In particular, there was a flood in the summer of 1987, resulting in six thousand flood victims in the Incheon area. To solve this problem, Gulpocheon waterproofing[clarification needed] was undertaken, starting with a five-year survey. In 1995, the Gyeongin canal project was planned, and controversies followed over the next 20 years.
The project was started in 2009 and completed in 2012.[1]
Outline of the Ara Canal project[edit]
Division Contents
Project Section Incheon Seo-gu Sicheon-dong – Seoul Gangseo-gu Gaehwa-dong
Facilities Plan main Canal: total length 18 km (width: 80 m, depth of water: 6.3m)
Incheon terminal: 244 million(㎡), door of lock: 2
Gimpo terminal: 187 million(㎡), door of lock: 2
Back complex: Incheon terminal back complex, Gimpo terminal back complex[2]
Total cost ₩1.6 trillion (about US$1.4 billion at May 2012 exchange rates)
Project period 2009–2012
Controversy[edit]
Controversy over the construction of the Ara canal can be traced back to 1995. The Gulpocheon waterproof project was examined according to several scenarios. One scenario was to dig the waterway in such a way as to discharge water into the Yellow Sea. Another was that the utility Gimpo develop the region for a reservoir. Though the latter is more economical, the government selected the former way in order to boost Korea’s economy.
The waterway extended in the direction of the Yellow Sea (width: 40~80m, length: 14.2 km). They also constructed a 3.8 km length of waterway to the Hangang river. After long discussion, the government carried forward to private sector investment and Hyudai Engineering & Construction was selected as the main business operator in 1995.
With no economic benefit[citation needed] and a negative effect on the ecosystem, public opinion turned against the project. Business operator and Ministry of Construction and Transportation submitted an ‘economic analysis’ and demand prediction report to demonstrate the project’s validity. As a result, eight reports were made for Gyeongin Ara canal. The cost-benefit report about Gyeongin Ara canal submitted by Korea water resources corporation gained 2.08 and 2.2 scores in 1996. However, when the IMFcrisis occurred, the project was cut.
After the IMF crisis passed, the ministry of construction and transportation requested a KDI report of demand prediction and cost analysis in 2002. This time the score was 0.8166 and on reanalysis the score remained below 1. They rejected the report and delayed service cost to adjust report. The KDI resubmitted report by eight scenario including method of main traffic road and whether road charging or not. The result is 0.9223 to 1.2807. However, in 2003, the board of audit and inspection of Korea confirmed inflated result. So they stopped this project and requested disciplinary action.
In August 2004, the ministry of construction and transportation assigned project’s report service to Netherlands company and got a 1.76 score in March 2007. In 2008, KDI investigated this report again and submitted score result 1.065. Also predicted the quantity of goods transported in 2011 was 290 thousand 4000 TEU related to container, 6.3 million ton related to sea sand, 5 million ton related to steel, 6 million related to passenger. At this point, 80 percent of container and 53 percent of sea sand are included the quantity of goods transported in yellow sea. Also the tailrace[clarification needed] which discharged water to hanyang river was completed in width 80 m. It was decision to consider Ara canal. The member of the national assembly of opposition party said that if government don’t consider the Ara canal, the width is enough to 40 m.[3]
This controversy reappeared during the project period. In the summer of 2010, there was damage in the nearby Ara canal region, due to heavy rain. Environment groups insisted that this project has no effect to prevent disaster, like flood or heavy rain. Also they said that the Ara canal has no plan to build ‘rain water pump station’, ‘rain water pipe’ and so on. So they demanded that this project be reexamined. But Korea Water Resource Corporation insisted that if the Ara canal has not existed, this had great damage. This damage was due to lack of capacity in pipe conduit. The Ara canal help to prevent a great damage to flow rainwater. Also the Ara canal’s role is to flow rainwater to Yellow sea by preventing flood. So installing ‘rain water pump station’ and ‘rain water pipe’ and others are not related to this project.[4]
Contents[edit]
One of the parks on Ara Canal
Scenic views of Suhyang[edit]
There are eight scenic views of suhyang. First is “The Yellow Sea” , “Ara Incheon passenger terminal”, “Sicheon Riverside”, “Ara Waterfall”, “Suhyangwon”, “Duri Eco Park”, “Ara Gimpo Passenger Terminal” and “Ara Hangang Waterside”.[5][6]
Suhyang 2 Ara light island
Suhyang 3 Sicheon park resting place
Suhyang 4 Ara maru / Ara waterfall
Suhyang 5 Traditional palace
Suhyang 6 Auto camping place
Suhyang 7 The water’s edge square
In “Ara Waterway”, there is a 41.3 km bicycle path[7]
There are five bicycle rental shops in Ara Waterway.
There are three facilities in the Ara Marina region.
The yacht mooring facility accommodates 199 ships (water: 136, land: 58). The marina support facility has a “ship gas station”, “ship repair shop”, “crane”, “inclined plane”, “washing room”, “sewage disposal”. Also in the Ara marine center, there is a convention center, wedding hall and restaurant.[9] In late May, the Gimpo mayor yacht contest is held.
Cultural life[edit]
Gyeongin Ara Culture Festival[edit]
‘Gyeongin Ara Culture Festival’ was first held in October 2013. It is a nine-day festival.[10] The program has changed every year. The programs are divided by region, Incheon jeongseojin.
Hyundai premium outlet[edit]
The shopping mall opened in February 2015.[11] It is the largest shopping mall in the Ara canal region.
Address
41 Jeongseojin 1-ro, Seo-gu, Incheon
경기도 김포시 고촌읍 아라육로270번길 74
Type
Amusement Parks/ Tourist Resorts
Inquiries
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-1899-3650,
+82-31-999-7833~4
Homepage http://www.giwaterway.kr
(Korean only) http://www.waterway.or.kr
(Korean only)
Go to map
• Information
Introduction
Ara Waterway flows downstream of the Hangang River to the West Sea.
In the 13th century, King Gojong, the twenty-sixth king of the Korean Joseon dynasty started the waterway construction for the first time, but it was discontinued due to technical obstacles and the difficult state of the country.
In 2011, Ara Wateway was finally completed. Along the main waterway are ports and water bridges. and people can enjoy the parkways and Ara-rium.
Telephone
+82-1899-3650, +82-31-999-7832
Activity Information
[Aramarina Yacht School]
ㆍDinghy yacht class: 40,000 won – 300,000 won (varies by level)
ㆍCruiser yacht class: 250,000 won for certificate training course / 170,000 won for long distance sailing
* Inquiries regarding Yacht school: +82-70-4247-6730 (Gyeonggi-do Yachting Association)
[Water Leisure Experience]
ㆍCanoe, kayak, water bike – 7,000 won (30 minutes) per person
ㆍBumper boat – 7,000 won (20 minutes) / per person
ㆍYacht – 15,000 won (50 minutes) / per person
ㆍPontoon boat – 15,000 won (30 minutes) / per person
* Waterway + (plus): Inquiry +82-31-999-7895
[Gyeongin Ara Waterway Cruise]
ㆍIncheon pier ↔ Ara Waterway: 16,000 won for adults
* Departure and arrival points are subject to change according to dinner
ㆍYeouido Island ↔ Ara Waterway ↔ Deokjeokdo Island: 57,700 won for adults
* Departure and arrival points are subject to change according to dinner
* Inquiry to Hyundai Cruise: +82-32-882-5555
[Amphibious Bus]
ㆍAdults 30,000 won / Teenagers 25,000 won / Children 20,000 won
* People with disabilities & Seniors: 20% discount
* Early-morning discount: 20% discount
* Inquiries to Aqua Tour Korea: +82-1670-3355, +82-32-747-3355
[Bike rental]
ㆍ4,000 won for 1 hour * Inquiry to Waterway + (plus): +82-31-999-7834
Operating Hours
[Ara Waterway Incheon Terminal]
Ararium Culture Hall 09:00-18:00
Ara Tower Observatory 09:00-22:00
[Ara Maru]
Round-observatory 09:00-22:00
[Aramarina Yacht School & Yacht Activity]
March-November 10:00-18:00
* Reservation must be made in advance via website or phone.
[Water Leisure Activity (Ara Gimpo Terminal)]
April-October 10:00-18:00
* Permanent operation / Closed on every Monday
Pontoon boat (11:00-20:00)
[Cruise Experience]
* Schedule and course must be checked in advance as it is possible to operate irregularly depending on weather conditions and boarding numbers.
* Hyundai Cruise: http://www.scruise.com, +82-32-882-5555
[Amphibious Bus]
10:00-18:00 / Intervals: every 1 hour
* Check in advance for bus operations as it may subject to changes depending on weather conditions.
* Aqua Tour Korea: +82-1670-3355, +82-32-747-3355
Parking Facilities
Available
Available Facilities
Main facilities
Main Waterway
Terminal (Gyeongin Incheon Port Terminal, Gyeongin Gimpo Port Terminal)
Barrage (West Ara Barrage, Ara Hangang River Barrage)
Bridges (Cheongungyo Bridge, Baekseok Bridge, Geyang Bridge, Baekungyo Bridge)
Sightseeing facilities
Ara-rium
Barrage Control Center
Lookout
Fountain
Ara Waterway Bridge
Facilities
Information center, coffee shop, observation deck, restaurants, rest areas, toilets, etc.
Facility Utilization Fees
[Duri Ecological Camping Site]
Site A (for car): 25,000 won per night
Site B & C (for general visitors): 20,000 won per night
* Inquiries to Waterway+: +82-10-3824-0426
Restrooms
Available
Korean Info. Service
Available
* Operating hours: 09:00-18:00
* Inquiry for reservation of the service: +82-1899-3650
Interpretation Services Offered
Available in Chinese (09:00-18:00)
* Inquiries: +82-32-561-1339
Ara Waterway Canal – 경인아라뱃길 from Korean travel blog
July 15, 2018
After I moved to Line 9, I create a new objective to explore more places around this line area. This time I want to share a healing place near Incheon. The place called Ara Waterway, here is the official website.
When I searched about this place, lots of beautiful pictures posted online. Most people posted about the transparent observation deck, where you can enjoy the waterway view from top of the deck. The deck floor is made of glass. Feel it yourself
The deck named Aramaru Observation Deck (아라마루전망대)
How to Go
This is important. If you search in the naver map, the map will tell you to get off at Geomam Station, the airport railroad. Well its not wrong, but you are in trouble if your purpose is too visit the deck.
If you get off at Geomam Station, go to exit 2 or 3, and walk around 200m to arrive at the Ara Waterway cruise ticket booth. This point is the start point if you want to enjoy the cruise. As I remember, the price is 16000 KRW for 1 adult. This place called Sicheon Bridge.
You can take bus from here to the Aramaru deck, however last time I couldn’t find the bus stop and ended up walking for 1h to reach the deck ._. You can walk along the Bike Road. Once you arrived at Sicheon Bridge, you will find elevator beside a big statue. Take the elevator and cross the bridge to the opposite site. After that walk to the Gyeyang Station direction. If you walk from Geomam Station, you need to turn right and walk to that direction.
However, if possible, I suggest you to get off at Gyeyang Station and take 597 bus from there. The bus will stop exactly in front of the observation deck HAHAHA The bus stop name is 둑실동아라마루전망대
Aramaru Deck
May Update
I have discovered two other great steam bed walks in the Seoul area.
Golden Walkway
the first is out by Kimpo airport in Janggi station (Gold Line opening July, 2019)
the Golden Walkway is a five k biking/walking path along a restored stream bed. the path leads to a central park that is pretty nice. Above the bike path are streets lined with restaurants and cafes. this is a newly emerging hipster neighborhood not too far from Kimpo airport.
Chungdechong Stream Bike Path (Eijongbu to Seoul Forrest)
the other trail runs to the east of Kyunghee University, and the University of Foreign Languages.. about a five minute walk from Hoeki station. This stream runs from Euijonbu to the Han River trails and goes by the Seoul Forrest. It is lined with bike rental stations. 5,000 won per hour.
we went there during early Spring and it is a great place to see cherry trees. The trail also links to Paekdusan mountain and Changonsan mountains to the west of the bikeway. There are plenty of places to stop off to find a place to eat along the pathway which is one of the longest pathways in the city.
