Don’t sleep on these top 10 things to do in Hwaseong-si. I’ve included some pretty big adventures.

About Hwaseong-si

Hwaseong-si (화성시) is a sprawling administrative district south of seoul and northwest of Pyeongtaek. The district includes both highly developed and modern cities as well as expansive rural and industrial areas. It’s certainly not tourist central but if you live in the area it’s worth exploring.

Additionally, Dongtan exists within the Hwaseong-si administrative boundaries. This city alone provides many weekends of exploring potential. We could do a top 10 list just for Dongtan, however, I wanted to be more inclusive with this list.

Tips for Rural Living and Travel

If you’ve already read these tips feel free to jump straight to my recommendations for the Top 10 Things to Do in Hwaseong.

Keep in mind that rural South Korean tourism and culture planning may not assume international foreigners will visit. This means there may be limited English in some more rural locations. Consider the small towns in your country. Generally, small communities don’t have the financial resources to create information in multiple languages and they focus on the needs of the immediate community.

This remains true in rural South Korea. However, rural areas in South Korea do welcome international visitors. You don’t need to feel uncomfortable visiting. The following tools may help you feel more comfortable and engaged in rural areas where English language information and speakers may not be available.

Top 10 Things to Do in Hwaseong-si

Hwaseong-si has many different types of things to do from modern city shopping to countryside beach camping. I’ve chosen a wide selection of experiences for this particular list. I’m a bit of a blue-collar girl so I’ve included quite a few things that I love that are not fancy.

Dongtan lake park ⁵

Hangul Address

경기도 화성시 동탄호수2길 40

A little walk around this park can make room for the various cafes and restaurants nearby.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Hwaseong City International Area⁰

Hangul Address

경기도 화성시 향남읍 3.1만세로 1124

A thriving epicenter of international restaurants and grocery stories. Food from Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Russian, Uzbek, Myanmar, and so much more. Walk the streets and discover foods you never knew existed.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Gungpyeong Beach⁰

Hangul Address

경기도 화성시 서신면 궁평리 534-2

A rustic beach for fishing and relaxing. Not a big tourism spot. Fun for those who enjoy a traditional Korean beach vacation of camping and beach combing. Bring your tent and BBQ for the perfect day out Korean style.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Jebedo Island^4.5

Hangul Address

경기 화성시 서신면 제부리

Awesome island that has a beach with plenty of seafood shops! You can drive here easily.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Jeongok Port⁰

1577-4200

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기도 화성시 서신면 전곡항로 40

You can book private yacht trips and mini group yacht tours from this port. Each yacht is an independent operator. Additionally, there are seafood restaurants in the area.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

U And I Center Ice Rink⁰

031-267-8751

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 화성시 태안로 145

A public ice rink. Use 1330 to check public skate times.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Gyeonggi Gun Range⁰

0313526056

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 화성시 양감면 사격장길 142

An indoor outdoor gun range for target and skeet shooting. Guns provided.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Okine Apple Sunshine Farm⁰

0507-1406-2677

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 화성시 팔탄면 구장리 254-1

Apple picking available through November. You must call this number 0507-1406-2677 and make a reservation. However, since they are older people, they may not be able to speak English, so it is better to ask a Korean colleague or friends to make a reservation

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Dongtan Skate Park⁵

Hangul Address

경기도 화성시 동탄공원로2길 32

Open again after the pandemic! Large and busy skate park with intro raps and a bowl.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Lotte Department Store Dongtan⁵

1577-0001

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 화성시 동탄역로 160

High end department store with a movie theater, pet park (small dogs), art galleries, and attached mall. Lots for families, couples, and friends. Attached to Dongtan SRT Station.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Current Air Quality in Hwaseong-si

Air quality and weather change throughout the day. However, having an idea of what the air quality is right now can help make decisions easier. You can download the Air Matters App for your phone to keep current on changing air quality conditions throughout the day. You can even set up alerts.

Hwaseong-si Air Quality

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

www.southofseoul.net

The post Top 10 Things to Do in Hwaseong-si appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

If you live near Cheonan-si this list of top 10 things to do in Cheonan-si is perfect for you. I’ve made the list diverse so that families, new arrivals, and friends can easily find something that appeals to them.

About Cheonan-si

Cheonan-si exists in Chungnam. Cheonan-si refers to an administrative district that includes many rural areas as well as a large centralized city. For the purpose of this blog post, I am referring to the administrative district of Cheonan as a whole and not simply the developed city area.

As you can see in the image below, Cheonan City is marked in red but the borders of the Cheonan-si administrative district extend quite far east through the mountains.

Information about Cheonan, and other Korean administrative districts, may be confusing due to the fact it’s easy to conflate the city with the administrative district when talking about a place in English. In fact, many English speakers do not realize the actual size of Cheonan-si.

Tips for Rural Living and Travel

Keep in mind that rural South Korean tourism and culture planning may not assume international foreigners will visit. This means there may be limited English in some more rural locations. Consider the small towns in your country. Generally, small communities don’t have the financial resources to create information in multiple languages and they focus on the needs of the immediate community. This remains true in rural South Korea.

However, rural areas in South Korea do welcome international visitors. You don’t need to feel uncomfortable visiting. The following tools may help you feel more comfortable and make it easier to engage in rural areas where English language information and speakers may not be available.

1330 For Additional Information

If you find a place you want to visit and have questions about ticketing, access for kids, parking, or other visitor information you can contact 1330. The tourist information line offers free English language support via phone or message.

Papago Translate App

Papago is the Naver translation app and it provides superior Korean to English to Korean translation. You can use it to read images, signs, menus, and much more. It even has a voice-to-text option.

Top 10 Things to Do in Cheonan

Obviously, everyone’s top 10 list looks different. Over the years these Cheonan places have remained on my list of places I go back for a day out. These locations provide perfect day trips for families, friends, and those who have just arrived in the area and want to get to know it better.

The Independence Hall of Korea^4.7

041-560-0114

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 목천읍 독립기념관로 1

The Independence Hall of Korea houses artifacts and documents from Koreas struggle for independence during the Japanese Colonial Period.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Gakwonsa Temple⁵

041-561-3545

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 각원사길 245

One of the largest temples in Gyeongju, quiet Gakwonsa Temple is nestled at the foot of Mount Taejosan. Among the sights to see is a towering bronze Buddha, but there are also numerous nature trails winding through the forest and up the mountain. There are no admission fees, and there is plenty of parking. The temple is a lovely place to bring your family for an afternoon of exploration and reflection.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Taehaksan Recreational Forest⁴

041-529-5108

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 풍세면 휴양림길 105-2

Serene, forested walking trails weave through many different types of native flowers and trees in this lovely park. It is also home to Beobwangsa Temple.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Arario Gallery ⁴

041-551-5100

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 만남로 43

Located next to Shinsagae, this gallery is a must visit for contemporary art lovers. Owned by artist Ci Kim who also works out of a studio in the penthouse, this gallery/museum is an wonderful place to learn more about what art looks like in Korea in the present day. With only a 3,000 entrance fee its the perfect place to escape the heat and wrap yourself in creativity. Ci Kim is both an artist and a collector so the shows are well curated and documented. English language exhibition information is available. We love it here. The gallery is also who hosts the sculpture park located just outside. Pro Tip: If you click on the arrow in the header image you can also see a video of one of Ci Kims past solo-exhibitions at Arario Gallery in Cheonan.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Cheonan Shirim Art Gallery⁵

041-901-6611

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 성남면 종합휴양지로 185

A substantial modern art gallery with changing exhibitions.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Cheonan Art Center⁰

1566-0155

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

주소 충남 천안시 동남구 성남면 종합휴양지로 185

A hub of cultural expression, the Cheonan Art Center is the place to go to experience a wide variety of visual or performative art. Operas, musicals, concerts, theaters, museum exhibitions - this place has it all!

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Ocean Park Resort⁰

041-906-7000

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 성남면 종합휴양지로 200

Part of Daemyung Resorts and located in the scenic mountains of Cheonan, Ocean Park is host to rejuvenating hot springs and a fun water park. There are indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a wave pool, outdoor themed pools, and much more! It is open year round, and parking is readily available. Search for "Tedin Resort" or "Tedin Water Park" in WAZE to pull up the proper pin. Cultural Notes for Swimming Pools: This is a Korean pool. They do not cater to foreigners. You will be expected to follow Korean customs when visiting. To enjoy the experience leave behind your expectations of home and be open to experiencing something new. Here are some basic rules to help you be successful: - Wearing bikinis, board shorts, or revealing clothing is not appropriate. Men must wear body conforming swim suits and women should wear a full coverage suit. Think competitive swimming wear. - Swim cap and googles are REQUIRED. You will NOT be allowed in the pool without them. - Free lap swim areas are often limited. Expect to be swimming in close quarters with others. - Consider your noise level. Try to avoid taking over the space. Be considerate of others around you.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Cheonan Sangnok Water Park³

041-560-9114

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 수신면 수신로 576

A small, family focused indoor and outdoor water park that is open year round. Water parks require hats/swim caps and swimming goggles.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Cheonan Skate Park⁴

Hangul Address

충청남도 천안시 동남구 천안대로 357

A terrifyingly difficult skate park.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Shinsegae Mall Cheonan⁵

1588-1234

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 만남로 43

A medium sized fancy mall will pretty much all the same shops as Seoul but way less people. Gorgeous outdoor sculpture park outside.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Current Air Quality in Cheonan-si

Air quality and weather change throughout the day. However, having an idea of what the air quality is right now can help make decisions easier. You can download the Air Matters App for your phone to keep current on changing air quality conditions throughout the day. You can even set up alerts.

Cheonan-si Air Quality

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

www.southofseoul.net

The post Top 10 Things to Do in Cheonan-si appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

You came to the right place if you want to find the top 10 things to do in Gangneung. In addition, please keep in mind that this list was made by me – an outdoor lover.

About My Top Things to Do Lists

I don’t travel to pay for things that someone built for me to look at. I know that many people find great value in these types of designed experiences as they feel safe and easily accessible. However, for me, I struggle to connect with these types of moments.

Instead, I love physical activities and spending a long time in an area “taking it all in”. This means that my travel lists often include things like skate parks, beaches, biking, and other outdoor activities. Since Gangneung has such exceptional outdoor beauty, we mostly spend our time outdoors.

All that said, I do love history, art, and learning new things. Therefore, my travel lists also often include a few organized and structured stops like art museums or historical places. Gangneung is no exception. I might go there for the outdoor activities but I make sure to visit the art and historical places at least once.

Who Loves Gangneung?

Gangneung sits on the edge of Gangwondo on the east coast of South Korea. It’s about 1.5 hours south of Sokcho and connected to Seoul by both the KTX and a freeway that cuts across the country.

For those of us obsessed with Gangneung, we love it because it mixes both city life and nature. It’s also filled with artists and artisans being nerdy and fabulous in a very hometown way. If you love the process of making things, Gangneung has what you want. Although, it might take a few trips to connect with all the hidden corners, you won’t regret taking the time to fall in love with the place.

Gangneung also has spectacular food. Some of our favorite international and Korean restaurants exist in this seaside town. From homemade tofu to fabulous crab, the perfect brunch, and excellent craft beer – Gangneung has it all.

Best 10 Things to Do in Gangneung

As always, the term best remains relative to your personal and cultural lens. Since we all travel for different reasons, best is different for each of us. For me, best refers to the things that I enjoy and feel peaceful doing. Things that don’t require me to rush and rarely have tons of people.

Gangneung Tourist Taxi⁰

222382895

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

강원 강릉시 용지로 176

Taxi tours that can take you around the city. Taxis hold up to 4 people and if you schedule in advance some taxis accept small dogs. The taxi tours are a fantastic way to become oriented to the city and area. The tours last 3 or more hours.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Ojukheon House⁰

033-660-3301

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

강원 강릉시 율곡로3139번길 24

A beautiful park dedicated to a family which contributed extensively to Korean culture.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Gangneung Seongnam Market⁰

033-647-0006

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

강원 강릉시 중앙시장1길 16

Markets in each region of Korean have a different vibe. The East coast markets put their own twist on many Korean dishes and offer fresh seafood that will delight you.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Gyeongpo Bike Rental Area⁰

Hangul Address

강원 강릉시 안현동 94-161

A copious number of bike rental shops offering a plethora of riding options. Any bike shop will work. Just find what you want to ride and enjoy yourself.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Gangneung Museum Of Art⁰

033-640-4271

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

강원 강릉시 화부산로40번길 46

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Gyeongpo Aquarium⁰

033-645-7887

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

강원 강릉시 난설헌로 131

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Ponam Bridge Pump Track⁰

Hangul Address

강원 강릉시 포남동 1005-2

A pump track for skaters and bikers near the river and not far from the traditional markets.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Speed Boat Rides⁰

Hangul Address

강원도 강릉시 창해로14번길 20-1

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Aranabi Zip Line Gangneung⁵

050713329008

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

강원 강릉시 공항길127번길

Zip line, zipline, Gangneung, Gangwondo, coastal zipline,

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Gyeongpodo Beach Cafe Area⁰

Hangul Address

강원 강릉시 사천면 순포안길 6

A beautiful beach lined with lined with excellent cafes.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group

You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most of who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventures across the country.

Volunteer with South of Seoul

Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content.

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

www.southofseoul.net

The post Top 10 Things to Do in Gangneung appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

We love a good day trip to Haemi Fortress. Sometimes we stop here on the way to Mallipo or other Taean beaches.

Grab breakfast before getting on the road

It’s going to be a big day so we usually start with a big breakfast before heading out. Our preferred pre-trip meal is galbitang because it keeps us powered up for adventures along the way. Since we live in Godeokmyeon, we usually start our adventures off at Bangil Haejangguk which opens at 8:00 am and offers tasty soups, some that rotate based on the season.

Bangil Haejangguk⁵

031-665-5887

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 고덕면 안재홍로 71

Delicious restaurant with excellent kiimchi.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

If you live closer to Camp Humphreys and want to get a later start, you can grab a galbitang breakfast at Sodam Korean Restaurant at 10:00 am and it’s very delicious. We have been known to stop off here fairly often because it’s so good.

Sodam Korean Restaurant^4.8

0507-1388-8250

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 팽성읍 팽성남산5길 33

The food is obnoxiously delicious. In the mornings they serve soups for breakfasr and lunch, then BBQ options for dinner. The side dishes are a vision.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

About Haemi Fortress in Seosan, Chungcheonnam-do

Haemi Fortress might be one of the most overlooked fortresses in Korea. This little fortress is not only visually beautiful, but it’s also super fun and easy to enjoy in a day. A total retreat from the hectic cities. Families will love how the fortress grounds have been designed so that kids can run free and get all their energy out!

The Haemi Fortress its in the middle of a tiny village called Haemi-eup in Seosan, Chungcheonnam-do . According to Wikipedia, the fortress was built between the 17th year of the reign of King Taejong (1417) and the 3rd year of Sejong the Great‘s reign in 1421 during the Joseon period. This fortress was built to protect against Japanese pirates.

In 1886, thousands of Catholics were executed at Haemi Fortress during the French Invasion in 1866. Yup, that’s right, the French spend six weeks trying to invade Korea in order to spread Catholicism. Random fact of the day.

What to do at Haemi Fortress

Haemi Fortress is 45min to 1.5 hours from Pyeongtaek depending on where you are leaving from. You will need to drive since this is far out into the countryside and public transit is inconvenient at best. We always recommend the use of Naver Maps and Kakao Maps when traveling across South Korea.

Inside the Haemi Fortress walls, the park a pleasantly organized and beautifully maintained park provides a relaxing place to frolic. And let’s admit it, everyone loves to frolic. The park area has a traditional village (the prison is cool), full-size weapons of war, an obstacle course, a place to fly kites, tons of spots for picnics, some places to get snacks, an area to play traditional Korean games, and more!

Haemi Fortress⁵

0507-1325-8006

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 서산시 해미면 읍내리

Constructed in 1491 (22nd year of King Seongjong), it has a circumference of 1,800m, a castle height of 5m, and an area of ​​196,381m2 inside the castle. The mission of defending the west coast.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Where to eat near Haemi

If you are traveling alone or with others, you will find many places to eat near Haemi Fortress. Here are a few spots we recommend trying.

Chibi Katsu⁰

0507-1366-6716

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 서산시 호수공원12로 22

Hearty meals that are perfect for lunch or dinner. Traveling alone? They have a counter for you to eat comfortably.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Haeseol⁰

0507-1394-2213

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 서산시 한마음16로 24 1층

A restaurant specializing in raw seafood prepared in soy sauce. This is a delicious, salty, flavourful meal. Raw crab is a delicious dish served a variety of ways across Korea. Its for those who crave a developed and complex flavor profile.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Golden Mushrooms⁰

Hangul Address

충남 서산시 해미면 남문2로 161-1

So many mushrooms! These mushroom soups are absolutely fantastic.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Where to snack or dessert

Personally, I’m always looking for street donuts, but if you can’t find any you NEED to grab hotteok.

Haemi Gold Hotteok³

041-688-3336

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 서산시 해미면 남문5로 13

An humble, Insta-famous Korean snack bar with tasty hotteok. They also have tteokbokkie, fish cake, sundae, and more.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Where to Grab Coffee

Get the Hazelnut Latte at Haemidong Cafe but NOT the Americano (don’t even look in its general direction of the Americano). We LOVE the specialty drinks here but equally avoid the regular drinks. I should note that this is often true because it’s on purpose. Korean roasters specifically blend and roast their coffee to taste best with milk.

Haemidong Cafe ⁴

01064072124

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 서산시 해미면 남문1로 37-4

A cute, hipster cafe with two floors and a view of the fortress.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Pre-or-Post Haemi Ad-ons

Here are a few things we often like to add on to our Haemi Fortress trips. It all just depends on how busy you like to be and how much time you have in your day. Haemi is small enough to make it a two-event day!

Yesan Skate Park⁵

Hangul Address

충청남도 예산군 예산읍 발연리 441

A very remote skatepark thats a bit rough but fun. No bathrooms or shops near ye so come prepared. Directions: We added the exact spot for the parking lot. The Naver link it’s quite right.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Pinnacle Land⁵

0507-1495-2584

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 아산시 영인면 월선길 20-42

A gorgeous garden that winds up a small mountain. Waterfall and observatory at the top. Sculpture park throughout. Cafe and event room at the entrance. Adults W8,000, W5,000 if you live in Asan. Stroller friendly.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Agroland Taeshin Ranch⁴

041-356-3154

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 예산군 고덕면 상몽2길 231

Spacious farm land with many activities for kids and outdoor lovers. Playgrounds, large open spaces for running, petting zoos, water activities, and a restaurant. Next to camping site.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group

You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventure across the country.

Volunteer with South of Seoul

Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content.

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

www.southofseoul.net

The post Haemi Fortress Itinerary appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

Skaters will love trying 10 more skate parks outside Seoul. These are the perfect way to combine your love of travel and boarding.

About Skating Outside Seoul

You would be surprised how many lovely skateparks criss-cross around Korea. There are skateparks from top to bottom and left to right. Almost everywhere we go has a place for us to put on our inline skates or grab our skateboards and have some fun!

Skateparks in South Korea may be more aggressive than you are used to riding. Many parks have no easy or middle-ground options. You better be ready to go! That doesn’t mean beginner can’t have fun. Just know your limits and wear your gear. We skate with many folks of varying levels and we all enjoy the parks in our own way.

Who can ride at skateparks?

South Korean outdoor skateparks tend to be mixed-use parks. That means roller skaters, skateboarders, inline skaters, BMX, and flip-scooters will all be at the same park. This also means every park isn’t optimized only for skateboards or only for inline skates. Instead, the parks are often a wide mix of things to play on.

What gear do I need to wear?

Most South Korean skateparks require you to wear a helmet and knee pads. It’s also smart to have wrist elbow guards just in case. Skateboarders, BMX, Rollerskaters, and inline skaters all need to wear protective gear. Some parks don’t make wrist guards mandatory because it’s too hard to wear them doing BMX, however, they really prefer if you wear them.

10 More Skateparks Outside Seoul

Gimhae Skatepark⁵

Hangul Address

경상남도 김해시 삼계로 132

During Covid: only open to Gimhae residents so don’t drive across Korea for this until social distancing decreases. Required: Helmets and knee pads The is one of the fanciest in Korea. Lots to play on. Pretty aggressive drop ins so come prepared.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Sejong Skate Park⁵

Hangul Address

세종특별자치시 대평동 578-12

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Daejeon Skate Park⁵

Hangul Address

대전광역시 서구 둔산북로 85

Skate park with a bowl and huge ramps. Lots of coping for skateboarding. Even has a bouldering area.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Alpensia Skate Park⁰

Hangul Address

강원도 평창군 대관령면 용산리 225-3

The ramps aren’t in the best shape, but definitely skateable if you are in the area including vert. There are several restaurants within walking distance that belong to the Apensia resort. The address is for the resort, but the skatepark stands alone, opposite the lifts and main area, with no gates/fee and there is plenty of parking.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Daejeon Riverside Skate Park⁴

Hangul Address

대전 유성구 원신흥동 492

Small, delightful skate Park near the river.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Incheon Concrete Skate Park⁵

Hangul Address

인천광역시 서구 청라동 산5-16

A large concrete skate park.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Liberty⁰

070-7770-2200

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

강원 양양군 현북면 하조대2길 48-54

A very cool small concrete bowl and skate hangout spot on the east coast. Surf and skate

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Jungmi Sports Park X-arcade¹

8/2021 Update: Temp closed for social distancing Beginner friendly skatepark with a smooth track around it and a unique circular approx. 3.5ft wooden bowl. Plenty of free parking although it can get crowded on weekends because there is a splash park in the vicinity.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Tongyeong Sports Game Park⁴

Hangul Address

경남 통영시 산양읍 산양중앙로 100

Best for skateboarding. Part of a big sports complex. Well used and loved by a lot of local skate kids.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Manseok X-Arcade⁵

Hangul Address

경기도 수원시 장안구 송죽동 436

Nice skatepark, in good condition with lots to play on. 6ft miniramp with coping, vert ramp, 3ft spine, and smooth track around the skatepark. Public paid parking, path around the lake bordering the skatepark. Restroom is a little bit away near the tennis courts.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Join the Us on Facebook

Join our Skate the ROK Facebook group to stay current on skating information, learn about other skateparks, share your skate stories, and connect with other skateboarders. We are always looking for other avid skaters (roller skaters, inline skaters, skateboarders, BMX, etc) who want to share their adventures. We are here to celebrate getting out and loving life on wheels.

Other Skatepark Blogs

This certainly isn’t all the skateparks outside of Seoul! You can find many more skateparks and skate shops in the South of Seoul app available for Android and iPhone. You can also check our first blog in this series, 10 Skateparks Beyond Seoul.

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

www.southofseoul.net

The post 10 More Skate Parks Outside Seoul appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

Why choose Bojeong for a date?

Bojeong has a skate park. My husband and I have been causing trouble on wheels together since we were teenagers. In our ever-advancing years, he tends to choose a skateboard and I tend to go with inline skates. We LOVE going to skate parks where both of us can skate together. The fact we both love goofing off on wheels is something that always makes us smile together. That means skate parks are a date of choice for us.

Bojeong has a Shinsegae Mall right next door. Some couples might not be into skating but love visiting malls and shopping for the latest things. In that case, couples will love visiting the very fancy Shinsegae Mall Yongin. You can shop till you drop.

Bojeong has a beautiful bike trail and easy hiking trails. If skating or shopping isn’t your thing, you can bring your bikes and take a lovely ride along a relaxing river trail that winds through the city. Or, you can take a little city hike to spend some time chatting and relaxing in the trees.

The reason you want to do all of these things in Bojeong is that there is a place called Cafe Culture Street that feels like you have stepped into a different dimension. This super romantic little, tiny neighborhood (It’s more than just one street.) is the perfect place to relax with your special someone after a day of activities. Here is what a day in Borjeong might look.

11:00 am: Yongin Skate Park / Biking / Shopping

Yongin Skate Park ⁵

Hangul Address

경기 용인시 기흥구 죽전로27번길 33

Reported Closed for COVID: August 30, 2021 This is a VERY fun park with lots to play on.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Yongin X Park River Trail Access⁰

Hangul Address

경기도 용인시 기흥구 보정동 1340

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Shinsegae Mall Yongin⁰

1588-1234

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 용인시 수지구 포은대로 536

A large, fancy mall and department store.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

1:30 pm: Lunch on Cafe Culture Street

After we have skated a few hours we go to Cafe Culture Street to grab something to eat. This is a crazy romantic little street with lots of outdoor seating and delicious food and drinks. It feels like you have left South Korea and landed in Europe. Even if you don’t come here to skate, come here to enjoy Cafe Culture Street.

Cafe Culture Street Bojeong⁵

Hangul Address

경기도 용인시 기흥구 죽전로15번길 8-1

A small neighborhood near the Shinsagae mall that’s designed to celebrate cafe culture. Tons of cafes and restaurants within a picturesque setting. It’s also near a skate park, hiking, climbing wall, and a river walk/bike path. The perfect weekend spot. Traffic is hectic. You can park nearby at Emart in a pinch if it’s open.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

A Few Lunch Recommendations

Las Margaritas⁴

031-889-4343

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 용인시 기흥구 죽전로15번길 15-8

A very Tex-Mex restaurant with delicious mixed drinks and big portions. It’s a bit pricy but you can easily share a meal with drinks and be full. The flavors are very middle America. No surprises. They have the menu in English.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Over The Moon Brunch Cafe⁰

0507-1311-3042

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 용인시 기흥구 죽전로15번길 14

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Ganges Indian Restaurant ⁵

031-889-3434

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 용인시 기흥구 죽전로15번길 7-15

A busy Indian restaurant with nice outdoor seating.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

2:30 pm: Visit the local skate shop

Don’t miss the chance to check out New Skate Shop. You can get some new equipment or ask about skiing and skating around South Korea.

Neo Skate Shop⁵

0318983489

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기도 용인시 기흥구 죽전로15번길 7-14

Located in the basement so stay alert for the signs. The owner used to live in California and he opened this shop because he couldn’t find a shop that met his US influenced skating needs here in Korea. He also surfs and snowboards. An absolutely wealth of information in one shop. This is the skate shop you need. Plus, the skate park down the street is fire.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

3:30 pm: Grab some coffee

We are coffee addicts so a cafe stop is generally on the list. We like to take our time since it’s mid-day and often too hot for us at the park around this time. We might spend 1-2 hours taking a rest at this time.

4:30 pm: Back to the skate park for some bouldering

After lunch, we might choose to put aside the wheels to mess around on the artificial boulder wall. We usually have our climbing shoes with us just in case.

6:00 pm: Grab some wine and snacks

Depending on our schedule, we may also stop off at the wine bar. Sometimes only one of us grabs a drink because the other has to drive.

Today, One Glass Of Wine⁰

Hangul Address

경기 용인시 기흥구 죽전로15번길 7-9

A lovely wine bar with drinks and snacks.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

If you don’t drive

Nearest Subway Station: Jukjeon Station (죽전역) on the Yellow Line. This station is next to the Shinsegae Mall in Yongin. You can walk to Cafe Culture Street and Yongin Skate Park in about 10-15 minutes from Shinsegae Mall/ Jukjeon Station.

Random info about taxis: If you both decided to drink and still need to make it back to Camp Humphreys or Osan Air Force Base in Pyeongtaek, it will cost between 38,000 – 45,000 for the taxi on-way. You can also taxi to Suwon station for around 16,000 won and then catch the subway to your home. You can contact 1330 if you ever find yourself far from home and need to get back without driving. They will let you know your transportation options.

Would you like to share your ideal date in South Korea?

The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for new bloggers! We love offering up diverse blogs by people from different cultures, countries, can communities! Feel free to message us a blog@southofseoul.net if you would like to share your date ideas.

Would Bojeong be good for families?

Yes, of course, Bojeong and Cafe Culture Street are perfect for either couples or families spending the day bonding. All of us bloggers simply have to choose all these specific words to make the algorithms happy. For me, my blogs tend to “date” focused because we don’t have kids so I can’t speak to exactly what kids love. However, I assure you that the exact same itinerary with your kids will be very fun. I say that because I see tons of kids where we go. So, if you are traveling with your family in Korea you can also use these Date Ideas to plan your days out. Maybe you just pick a different restaurant when you visit the area.

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

www.southofseoul.net

The post Date Idea / Itinerary for Bojeong, Yongin, South Korea appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

Looking for some skate ramps? Here are 10 places outside of Seoul to grind your day away. Don’t sit at home, grab your board and ride.

Is there any skateboarding outside of seoul?

Yes, of course! We have found ramps big and small from Gangwon-do to Geoje. Some of them we remembered to mark and others we did not. We try to always keep our boards and blades in the car on any trip so that we can take advantage of whatever parks we find.

What are skateparks like in Korea?

We have found parks to be quite different all over the country. Some are so scary we can’t even attempt them, others are perfect for any level, and some are run down and like skating on a haunted house.

The two most terrifying parks we found are in Incheon and Cheonan. Songdo Skate Park in Incheon is brutal and weather-worn. Cheonan Skate Park is made of metal ramps that drop onto concrete, terrifying. We have these on the list but we don’t recommend them. However, visit them once to be entertained.

Our favorite skate parks are Dongtan, Godeok, and Yongin. These locations are user-friendly and fun. We go to them often. Many families like the skate park in Sapgyoho but it gets too overrun by kids for us to feel comfortable skating.

10 Skateparks in South Korea!

Godeok Skate Park⁵

000-000-0000

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기도 평택시 고덕동 2388

A small and rideable skate park. Ok, this is actually a big park complex with basketball court courts and playgrounds as well.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Dongtan Skate Park⁵

Hangul Address

경기도 화성시 동탄공원로2길 32

Open again after the pandemic! Large and busy skate park with intro raps and a bowl.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Yongin Skate Park ⁵

Hangul Address

경기 용인시 기흥구 죽전로27번길 33

Reported Closed for COVID: August 30, 2021 This is a VERY fun park with lots to play on.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Hyangnam Skate Park⁰

Hangul Address

경기도 화성시 향남읍 행정동로 96

Update: Closed during level 4 social distancing. A nice simple skatepark with less traffic than many.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Ansan Skate Park⁵

Hangul Address

경기 안산시 상록구 광덕대로 70

A nice sized skate park that allows most kinds of wheels.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Sapgyoho Skate Park^2.3

Hangul Address

충남 당진시 신평면 운정리 213-1

An easy skate park that can get overrun by non-skaters during the summer.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Cheonan Skate Park⁴

Hangul Address

충청남도 천안시 동남구 천안대로 357

A terrifyingly difficult skate park.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Songdo Skate Park³

Hangul Address

인천광역시 연수구 인천신항대로892번길 25

Older skate park thats a bit rough for skate boarding but perfect for BMX

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Habor skateboards⁰

010-8339-2069

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

대전광역시 서구 대덕대로335번길 23

This is an indoor skateboarding facility for beginners. There are lessons available.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Play Ground Skateboard Park⁰

0507-1308-3318

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

대구 중구 중앙대로 278

An indoor basement skatepark.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Surfy Beach is also building a skate ramp at their spot on Yangyang (summer 2021) and there is also another portable skate park in a different part of Yangyang, which we will leave as Easter eggs to discover on your own.

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

www.southofseoul.net

The post 10 Skateparks Beyond Seoul appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

The post Skateboarding appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.