Do you love a fun festival on a beautiful spring day? Don’t miss the spring festivals across South Korea. If you already know about festival culture in South Korea, click here to jump to the spring festival list. Spring in South Korea Many consider spring in South Korea as March, April, and May. Therefore, we have selected festivals occurring from March to May for our Spring Festivals list. However, such festivals may begin earlier than March or end later than May. Korean festivals may occur over many months. During these months the weather quickly changes and begins to warm up, bringing in new growth in plants, beautiful blossoms and the cold weather begins to move out. If you love a festival, you may want to visit more than one and take friends. South of Seoul volunteers choose to combine spring festivals in one post since many cover more than one month or change months depending on the year. Therefore, it made more sense to organize festivals by season rather than month by month. Large Spring Festivals in South Korea During the spring months, Korea loves to host flower-focused festivals. The weather tends to be warming up and people are excited about being outside before it gets hot. You will want to dress in layers. Some festivals may be promoted nationally and internationally while others may only be promoted in the neighborhood or city hosting the event. It can often feel frustrating trying to stay on top of each festival. Finding National Promoted Festival Information Large, nationally promoted festivals may have English information and promotion. The best location for large nationally focused festival information is the Visit Korea website. Visit Korea is a non-profit government-affiliated organization that provides tourist information in a variety of languages. Basically, Visit Korea exists as a primary source of information. Non-Korean-speaking bloggers use this website to create many of their seasonal blogs. This means you don’t actually need to hunt through blogs to find current festivals, just go straight to the Current Festivals section of the Visit Korea website. National Festivals May Change Months, Dates, or Seasons Over time, the large festival details may change. You can’t be sure that a festival held in August one year might not be in September the next year. Date changes occur for a variety of reasons based on city budgets, national holidays, the fact that Korea runs off of two types of calendars, etc. It’s not a problem that dates change, it just means we always need to double-check each year. You should always check the Visit Korea website for current information. Festival Announcements Korean festival marketing campaigns may only start 1-2 weeks before an event. This means that you need to be ready to take action when you start seeing the advertising. Don’t expect extensive advertising for a festival 1-2 months away. It’s easy to miss a festival if you don’t know what time of year it may happen. Festivals May Be Ticketed, Free, or Mixed Methods Each festival planning committee makes its own decisions regarding pricing. Korea often has three types of festivals: free, ticketed, and mixed methods. The different types break down like this: Festival Parking Large, nationally focused festivals tend to offer extensive amounts of parking that may be paid or unpaid. Remember, extensive parking and large festivals also may mean that arriving at and leaving the festival by car may require extra time. Many festival attendees may choose to take public transportation to the festival. Taking public transportation may help a person avoid the stress of parking and queuing to park. Festival Events and Activities South Korea has its own festival culture. They do not base their festival experience off of festivals from other countries. This means that the foods, games, and experiences you may be accustomed to in your home country may not exist at Korea Festivals. Additionally, Korean festival culture revolves around the Korean experience. This means international culture may mix with Korean festival culture in unique ways. Each year festivals may evolve a little and change as Korea changes and culture moves in different directions. Korean society, like any society around the world, changes with time. Nationally Promoted Spring Festivals in South Korea The following large, nationally promoted festivals generally happen each year in South Korea. This list may change from year to year. Organizers may cancel festivals and organizers may add new festivals to the list. Always check with the Visit Korea Current Festivals list to determine when festivals may occur. Light Festivals Spring Blossoms Cherry Blossom Festivals Other Festivals Locally Promoted Spring Festivals in South Korea In addition to the nationally promoted festivals, different communities across South Korea also host localized events. These smaller festivals offer a closer connection to the local community. Smaller, locally promoted festivals can be a great way to connect with your community. For example, such festivals may provide a chance to connect with local businesses, community organizations, and culture. Finding Local Festival Information Visit Korea does not include information on localized festivals. Instead, you will need to look around the smaller cities and rely on local websites and information portals. Local city websites often offer information on local festivals. Local festival locations may only be available in Hangul. Such festivals will often be advertised on city websites, Facebook communities, and on banners around town. Everyone in the community is welcome at such festivals. Don’t get too worried about things not being in your own language. Google Translate Chrome Extention You can use the Google Translate Chrome extension to translate online information about local festivals. Papago Translation for Images If the local festival information is on an image, poster, flyer, or sign – use Papago to translate the image. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Wondering about Children’s Day in Korea? Here is a quick look at this family holiday on May 5th. About Children’s Day South Korean kids look forward to Children’s Day (어린이날) every year. They look forward to family activities and time off from school. This is their day to shine. Children’s Day is a ‘red day’ or public holiday on the Korean calendar. A ‘red day’ means that salaried employees have a paid day off for Children’s Day. The public holiday dedicated to celebrating kids occurs on the 5th of May each year. Children’s Day often falls near a weekend which means many families may travel. KWOW has an excellent introduction to Children’s Day that talks about the history of the holiday. Celebrating Children’s Day Families will often spend the day together enjoying the kids’ favorite activities and foods. This means that parks, theme parks, malls, theaters, museums, and more will be packed with families enjoying the day. Children’s Day Sales Additionally, businesses capitalize on Children’s day by offering sales, deals, and discounts. Malls and department stores will often have special kid-oriented events and activities. Embracing Children’s Day in Korea This family holiday may feel uplifting and enjoyable for those that love to feel community. The feeling of family and connection permeates the public spaces. It’s a time to sit back and learn more about South Korea and how the culture comes together to celebrate and appreciate their children. Potential Inconveniences on Children’s Day Obviously, any of the following inconveniences may or may not occur depending on where you live in South Korea and the current social climate. However, the awareness that the following issues may occur may allow you to better plan ahead and avoid stress: South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Want to know more about Buddha’s Birthday in South Korea? You came to the right spot. We even share a few of the inconveniences that may surprise you. About Buddha’s Birthday Buddha’s Birthday does not fall on the same day each year according to the Gregorian Calendar. Instead, the holiday follows the Lunar Calendar. Specifically, Buddha’s Birthday in Korea falls on the 8th day of the 4th month of the Lunar Calendar. Buddha’s Birthday is a ‘red day’ or public holiday on the Korean calendar. A ‘red day’ means that salaried employees have a paid day off for Buddha’s Birthday. Much like Christmas in the western world, both religious and non-religious people enjoy celebrating this holiday dedicated to an important religious historical figure. Things to Do for Buddha’s Birthday Participating in the following activities may create a well-rounded Buddha’s Birthday experience. Attend a Parade of Lanterns Festival Cities across South Korea may offer a “Parade of Lantern Festival” on Buddha’s Birthday. Although Seoul offers the most well-known festival, many other cities offer equally impressive festivals with far smaller crowds. Visit a Local Temple Additionally, visiting temples during Buddha’s Birthday might be the perfect chance to focus and reflect on time in Korea. Temples will be decorated with beautiful paper lanterns. The following video takes you deeper into the customs and meaning of Buddha’s Birthday. Temple Etiquette for Visiting Temples in Korea Temples in South Korea exist as active sites of worship. Although the public may visit temples, just like they visit mosques or cathedrals, it is important to honor customs and traditions. South of Seoul compiled a Temple Etiquette to make it easier to honor the religious traditions of Korean Buddhism. Readying this before visiting temples can help make the experience more comfortable for everyone. Everyone can make mistakes. Even the president of South Korea has offended some monks for not being aware of all aspects of etiquette. Learn More About Buddhism in South Korea Religions change based on culture, language, and country. In Korea, Buddhism developed differently than in other countries. The following videos take a deeper look into Buddhism in South Korea. Highlights of Buddha’s Birthday Korea feels downright festive in the time leading up to this much loved and celebrated holiday. Cities and temples decorate with lovely lanterns and put up displays. Since the holiday usually also means a long vacation, there is often a sense of excitement in the air. Plus, Buddha’s Birthday comes in May when people are ready to get back outside after a long cold winter. Basically, people across Korea feel ready to celebrate life and get excited about being outside and reflecting on life’s journey. It can be the perfect holiday to connect with friends and meditate on the meaning of life. Inconveniences Surrounding Buddha’s Birthday Obviously, any of the following inconveniences may or may not occur depending on where you live in South Korea and the current social climate. However, the awareness that the following issues may occur may allow you to better plan ahead and avoid stress. Inconveniences occur more often in highly populated places and at locations that invest a great deal of money in marketing events nationally and internationally. Since Buddha’s Birthday usually falls on a long weekend, many travel-related inconveniences may occur: Expect bad traffic. Families travel all over the place for events and fun activities during this holiday. Don’t expect to get anywhere fast. Expect hectic parking. Holidays usually mean circling the parking lot or neighborhood a few times before you find a place. Give yourself extra time if you need to go somewhere. Expect booking travel to be harder. Buddha’s Birthday tends to create a long holiday weekend. This means hotels, trains, and buses all across Korea may be booked. Expect higher prices. Higher booking rates also may mean higher than usual rates for hotels and rental cars. Expect crowded spaces. If you attend events and activities related to Buddha’s birthday you may find yourself in large than usual crowds. This includes hiking near temples. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Arboretums are for Everyone Whether you have a deep admiration for the great outdoors, want to inspire an appreciation for nature, or you just need socially distancing alternatives during a pandemic, the many arboretums in South Korea are fun for people of all ages. They are often free or have affordable admission rates. Additionally, each arboretum is unique. How to Prepare for an Arboretum Visit To truly appreciate the distinctive characteristics of the arboretums in South Korea, I would recommend bringing comfortable shoes, drinking water, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, and, of course, your camera. Make sure you do not leave any trash behind. Some of these arboretums have insect repellent dispensers, if you see one, they’re usually free for use. The arboretums may not have printed maps, so take a picture of the map at the entrance, just in case. Entrance Fees Some of the arboretums in South Korea may be either publicly or privately owned. Also, the majority of the arboretums will have a fee between 2,000 and 15,000 won per person depending. You can contact 1330 to confirm the entrance fees. Pets Arboretums do not usually allow pets, however, you can confirm the pet policy of each arboretum by contacting 1330. They will confrim the pet policy for the arboretums you wish to visit. 7 Wonderful Arboretums in South Korea These are seven arboretums I personally enjoy visiting. There are many other arboretums as this list includes my personal favorites and is not comprehensive of all of Korea.T Yeonginsan Natural Forest (less than 30 minutes from Humphreys) Just over a 5k hike with a stream, waterfall pond, gardens, grassy areas for the kids, and gorgeous mountain views. Yeonginsan National Forest also has a sports area with a water park, basketball, volleyball, and badminton courts. You need to bring your own supplies but you may rent a net. Campgrounds and zipline, too! Samseonsan Arboretum (45 minutes from Humphreys) Samseonsan Arboretum has he expansive, mountainous hike which you can do barefoot. Walk around barefoot as most of the mountain trails are “carpeted.” There are also foot-rinsing spots. Your kids will also love this location because there are a variety of playgrounds here for kids of all ages and climbing levels. While there are many picnic spots, you won’t really find any restaurants or cafes in this arboretum. Challipo Arboretum (Mallipo Botanical Gardens) (1.5 hr drive from Humphreys) The South of Seoul app refers to Challipo Arboretum Mallipo Botanical Gardens. With Challipo Beach on one side, pampas grass, flower gardens, and a pond, this arboretum is perfect for romantic and meditative walks. Not a lot for the kids but there is a children’s garden with swings and Hobbit holes. However, the fascinating piece of history for this location is that it was founded by a U.S. expatriate who was later naturalized as a Korean citizen. There’s a cafe and shop at the entrance and another cafe along the walk. This location may be best paired with another activity in the area as it’s not as large as some of the other arboretums. Cheongsan Arboretum (about 1.5 hrs from Humphreys) As a popular filming location for KDramas, if you love taking Instagram-able pics, this is the arboretum for you. From pampas grass, the Millet Art Garden, to the flower maze, you’ll definitely find an amazing shot. The restaurant is currently closed because of the pandemic, but there is a cafe. Food is not allowed in this arboretum. However, small dogs (under 5kg) are welcome. Anmyeondo Island Arboretum (just under 2 hr drive from Humphreys) Recommended for couples or those who need time for self-healing and meditative thought. Expansive hike through a pine forest. Many photo zones and a variety of trails. Greenhouse, flower gardens, fish ponds, grassy areas for the kids who like to run, and a Dinosaur landscape area. Sejong National Arboretum (2hr drive from Humphreys) Expansive garden with a large conservatory. We spent hours just walking around the greenhouse, including getting lunch at the restaurant and drinks at two of their cafes. The greenhouse also has rotating art exhibits and a coloring station. For example, one season it was decorated with an Alice in Wonderland theme and another year there was a light fantasy exhibit. This location is more of a full-day experience and, since there’s food on location, it’s easy to enjoy the day here. Additionally, there are large, grassy areas for kids who love to run. Deokpyeong Dinosaur Arboretum (2 hr drive from Humphreys) Expansive garden but be prepared for a few uphill walks while you’re surrounded by creatures from another time, possibly another world. If the dinosaurs aren’t engaging enough, there’s also a petting zoo, playground, waterfall, and greenhouse. In addition, there’s a restaurant and shop at the entrance and a cafe further in. The cafe has an amazing view so be sure to stop there. 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. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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Looking for spring flower festival information? You’ve come to the right place. About Spring Flower Season From March through May, spring flowers bloom across South Korea. Arboretums across the country will host festivals and show off their stunning gardens. The country is covered with stunning locations to view copious amounts of blooms that will make your Instagram sing. Famous Spring Flowers in Korea Famous spring blooms in South Korea include cherry blossoms, pear blossoms, apricot blossoms, tulips, canola, digitalis, lupine, daisies, grape hyacinths, azaleas, magnolia, and forsythia. Of all of these flowers, cherry blossoms and tulip photos are the most coveted by Instagram lovers. Confirming Festival Dates Since spring blossoms are a thing of nature, festival dates may change a little each year. You can easily confirm the dates of any festival or the hours of any location by contacting the free tourist help center 1330. Use Instagram to Follow Blooms Korean influencers use an amazing system for tagging their images to make it easy to track bloom progress. We have created a whole blog to help you track the best picture-taking moments across South Korea. Five Places for Spring Tulips and Flowers [Photo Credits] Header Photo: Julie O’Leary, Pyeongtaek Travelers South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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About Anseong Farmland Anseong Farmland celebrates agricultural life in South Korea. They have fields of wildflowers, a petting zoo, events, activities, and a relaxing atmosphere. This is Korean countryside destination a very low-key day trip that lets you relax and enjoy a mellow and relaxing day. Check out this video by Anseong Farmland celebrates agricultural life in South Korea. They have fields of wildflowers, a petting zoo, events, activities, and a relaxing atmosphere. This is Korean countryside destination a very low-key day trip that lets you relax and enjoy a mellow and relaxing day. Here is what they are saying about Anseong Farmland in the Pyeongtaek Travelers Facebook Group. I should have done a bit more research before we headed out today because I thought we were going to a farm/field, but I was way wrong. Anseong Farmland is like an amusement park/fairground-on farmland. There were carnival type rides, horseback riding, a petting zoo, ice cream shops, restaurants, a magic art (3D) house, souvenir shop, etc. Once you make it past that- you’ll find yourself surrounded by countless sunflowers. We took no less than a hundred pictures because there was so much beauty. It took about 35 minutes from Osan, and you could easily make an entire day of it. Happy adventuring, everyone! Michelle, Pyeongtaek Travelers You can learn more about Anseong Farmland on Youtube. The All About MiE channel offers this approachable and helpful look at visiting this relaxing and fun location. Who Enjoys Anseong Farmland? Anseong Farmland is perfect for anyone who loves the relaxing countryside and beautiful agricultural spaces. However, you will find three main groups at Anseong Farmland: We like this trip because it’s easy, relaxing, and close to home. We live in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do (about 50 minutes south of Seoul) and Anseong Farmland is an easy trip that doesn’t take getting up too early in the morning. 11:30 am Grab Lunch at Old Time Cafe The Old Time Cafe is one of the must-visit spots simply because it’s a place to eat AND an experience. You get to walk through a replica of an old Korean town which also has cafes and places to eat inside! It’s fun and food all wrapped up into one spot. 2:00 pm Arrive at Anseong Farmland You will want to spend a few hours at Anseong Farmland. Don’t rush yourself. Enjoy the benches, feeding animals, and taking rides. Prices From Naver in 2021: 5:00 pm Dinner Near Anseong Farmland Once dinner rolls around, choose between western or Korean food with these two excellent options. You will be hungry after a day walking around Anseong Farmland so go ahead and treat yourself before the drive home. 6:00 pm Head for Home You are going to be exhausted by 6pm. Don’t be a hero. Head home and enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing at home. Remember, that if it is the weekend traffic can be rough everywhere. Make sure the kids have something to do and settle in for the drive. Do You Have More Questions About Anseong Farmland? 1330, the FREE Korean tourism hotline, can answer your questions year-round. 1330 truly will be your best friend while living or traveling in South Korea. For the best results, contact them during the day when they are able to contact businesses to ask specific questions for you. Join a Group Learn more about family travel around South Korea. Explore More Korean Travel Itineraries South of Seoul has over 52 travel itineraries that extend across Korea. That’s one trip every week for a year! Many itineraries range from 1 to 3-day plans which can be combined to create extended trips across the country. Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAITLanae 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

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Lakes have a special charm in the summer sun. Here are five spots for some summer fun. Layer up with sunscreen and go visit these beautiful lakes. What is lake life like in South Korea? Lake life in Korea is about taking walks, enjoying a cafe, riding in a swan boat, fishing, and enjoying the view. Folks living in Korea do not do a ton of lake sports or swimming (although there is some). It is also important to remember that the sun will be very hot and sun protection like hats, sunscreen, umbrellas, or sleeves are important for enjoying the day. Also, consider taking water if you will be exercising. What kinds of services are at lakes? Lakes may offer things such as water skiing, walking paths, picnic areas, water features, benches, boat rides, swan or duck boat rentals, and fishing platforms. The lakes also usually have cafes and restaurants which make them the perfect spot for a date night. Should I pack my swimsuit when going to the lake? Nope, not usually. Lakes in Korea usually are not for swimming. If you do go for water sports, you will usually wear shorts and a t-shirt with swimwear under. Instead, most folks dress pretty nice when they go to the lake. It can be a bit of a fancy thing to do in some places. Why would I go to the lake if I’m not swimming? The lakes have wonderful recreation areas to enjoy the day. Plus the water is peaceful and helps to brighten your day. Spending the day by the water will help relax your mind and body so that the next week of work isn’t so stressful. 5 Lakes I love to Visit Every Summer You can find these listings and more in the South of Seoul app. Download the app to leave your reviews of all the places you visited! 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, MAITLanae 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

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Did you just move to Pyeongtaek and want to find the top 3 Pyeongtaek hikes? You’ve found the right post. About Hiking in South Korea Some might call hiking Korea’s national sport. It’s a country that loves a good walk outside. Thousands of marked and unmarked hiking trails exist across the country. You can find many marked trails in Naver Maps which includes hiking routes in the maps app. Also, in South Korea, they consider walking trails and hiking trails. Sometimes you might find a Korean hike to simply be a short, relaxing walk. When someone asks you to go for a hike, you might want to ask additional questions before saying yes or no. The hike could be 15 minutes through the town park or an epic 2-day slog through a national park. Always ask clarifying questions. Please note that in Korea there is no difference between a mountain and a hill, so don’t be shocked with the “mountains” turn out to be nothing more than a small hill. Sadly, such a linguistic ‘difference may leave people feeling let down. Consider managing your expectations when hearing the word ‘mountain’.  No matter what it turns out to be, you will have a lovely day out. About Hiking in Pyeongtaek Pyeongtaek is actually peppered with tiny hikes and walking trails. However, many hiking trails get overgrown or exist in remote areas. A little too much adventure for new arrivals in the area. Thankfully, we do happen to have three beautiful, well-maintained sets of trails for those looking for some lovely outdoor time throughout the week. About the Top 3 Hikes Both long-term residents and short-term residents in Pyeongtaek recommend the following three hikes at least 90% of the time, even after hiking the smaller hikes around Pyeongtaek. The most well-known and popular hiking trail is located near Songtan City Hall and not far from Osan Air Force Base. Buraksan is a beautiful, easy-to-access hiking area settled in a relaxed area of the city. You can get here via bus or a short walk from Seojeongri station. If you don’t have a car but do have access to the subway system, this is going to be the easiest place for you to visit. Although there are many ways to enter the preserve, the most commonly used access point is what we have noted in the South of Seoul app. Nearby the entrance to the hiking, you can also find a great park with a splash pad in the summer, basketball hoops, space for skating, and lots of room for playing. A little further west from Buraksan, you will find the entrance to the trails that go to Taebugsan, Deokamsan, and Pakryongsan. This is one of the more extensive trail systems in the area. A great spot for those who want to spend all day hiking. If you are taking a bike, be sure to follow the trails that are approved for bikes and avoid the hiking-only trails. They are usually well marked. There are many entrances to these trails but this is the most common for those living in Songtan. If you go here, be sure to give yourself time to eat at this restaurant, SanMalMyeongGa. It’s a tiny, extremely delish side dishes restaurant. Arrive hungry because they are going to stuff you full to the gills. It’s one of the most famous restaurants in Pyeongtaek for a reason. CLICK HERE to check out more images from a past hike here. Although not particularly easy to access without a car, this hike is truly lovely. It follows along Pyeongtaek Lake and has some perfectly, beautiful views. It’s not far from Anjung and Anjeongri. The trailhead also hosts a very cool Bee & Honey cafe perfect for fueling up before and after the hike. Hiking Near Pyeongtaek There you have it, the Top 3 Pyeongtaek Hikes. If you are looking for bigger mountains you will want to go to Asan, Anseong, or Cheonan where you can find more extensive and challenging hikes. Should I Go Hiking Today? You will enjoy the Top 3 Pyeongtaek Hikes the most if you go either on a day with good air quality or in your preferred weather. However, you can also enjoy the parks if you go prepared for incidental weather and the current air conditions. Here is what is happening currently in Pyeongtaek so that you can determine what is right for you right now. Current Air Quality in Pyeongtaek 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. Godeok, Pyeongtaek Air Quality Bijeondong, Pyeongtaek Air Quality Current Pyeongtaek Weather Join a Hiking Group Connect to more hiking trails and hikers across South Korea by joining a hiking-based community. Want More? Check Out the Ultimate Hiking in South Korea Guide If today’s blog has you ready to lace up your boots, don’t stop here! We’ve partnered with United on the RoK Magazine to bring you a full resource on hiking across Korea — from beginner trails and Dulle-gil walks to epic mountain climbs and seasonal tips. Check out the Hiking in South Korea Guide Whether you’re an expat, military family, or traveler, this guide will help you plan your next adventure and discover the trails that make Korea a hiker’s paradise. Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAITLanae 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

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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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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! 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, MAITLanae 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

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