Korea has a plethora of folk villages where you can learn about Korean history during different eras. Take a day for this Yongin Korean Folk Village itinerary and enjoy all the expansive, family-friendly park has to offer. Also, this particularly itinerary happens all in one place! About Folk Villages In South Korea Korea has many different types of folk villages across the country. Folk villages provide a way for Korean citizens, residents, and tourists to learn more about Korean culture. Each folk village may focus on one particular historical time period or may have different areas of the village dedicated to a variety of historical time periods. Korean folk villages focus on Korean history from a Korean education standpoint. This means that the villages are designed for those who live and travel in South Korea. They aren’t designed specifically for foreign visitors. This means most information may be in Korean. Arrive at Folk Village Early It’s a great idea to arrive around 10 am – 11 am so that you can enjoy 5-8 hours since tickets aren’t cheap. There is more about ticket costs later. As I mention later in the blog, we spent 5 hours and wished we had more time. Additionally, arriving early means cooler weather during the hot months. Our Experience at Yongin Folk Village While you may find a number of folk villages across the peninsula, which we encourage you to visit, the Korean Folk Village in Yongin offers the most immersive, traditional cultural experience.  This folk village stands out against the rest. While MOST of the folk village is stroller-friendly, you may find the folk village dirt path bumpy at times. Thankfully, the markets and amusement parks are paved. Just keep in mind that there may be easy areas and more difficult areas. We recommend blocking out your day for this trip. When my toddler and I visited, we arrived when the Korean Folk Village opened and stayed for almost 5 hours.  I felt unfulfilled because there were SO many things that we did not experience but such is the life of a toddler mom.  The folk village is wonderful day and night. The evening experience looks like a beautiful moonlit walk, including shadow performances in traditional houses and a haunted house, which you can also experience during the day.  Things to Do The Yongin Korean Folk Village offers many things to do. Experience includes traditional food, performances, educational classes on traditional craftwork, Korean architecture, horseback riding, riverboat rides, and an amusement park. Overall Experiences Stroll through the houses of a traditional Korean village, from farmers and tradesmen to scholars and nobility.  Participate in crafts, such as pottery, woodshop, silk-thread making, mask painting, straw shoe making, traditional fan making, and bamboo flute making, located in different houses.  Peruse exhibits and demonstrations in the museums.  Horseback riding, swings, and ferryboats are also in this part of the village.  Enjoy a breathtaking walk to Keum Ryeon Sa (Buddhist Temple).  * The temple walk is not stroller-friendly. Lots of stone steps. Performances Performances begin at 10:00 and run every hour with the last performance at 14:00.  Each performance showcases a different traditional instrument or dance so you may want to circle back to the stage to catch each one.  The schedule may change due to weather conditions. Amusement Park Park rides for children and adults of various sizes.  My toddler was limited to 4 rides – the Merry-Go-Round, Mini-Viking, Magic Tea Cup, and Bounce Spin because of the height requirement but there are 11 other rides for those less vertically challenged.  You’ll also find toys, arcades, a photo area, a folk museum, a shooting range, western-style food options, and a haunted house.  Definitely go through the haunted house, which includes recreations of ghosts that have been seen in Korea. Lunch or Dinner Breaks Hungry?  You’ll find a variety of Korean dishes, street food, desserts, and cafes at the Yongin Korean Folks Village.  For the cafe experience, stop at Darakbang, in the Market Village, near the entrance to the folk village.  Otherwise, you will find coffee and street food at the kiosks in the Market Village.  If you have more of an appetite, the Market Village and the Marketplace, at the opposite end of the folk village, offer touchscreen ordering with a cafeteria-like experience.  The kid’s plate includes orange juice, soup, rice, a hamburger patty, and sotteok (rice cakes and sausage).  If you require something more Western-inspired, visit the Amusement Village.  Lockers are available at a price. Seasonal Attractions The pool opens during the Summer and a snow sled field during the Winter.  The folk village also hosts seasonal festivals, such as the Romantic Fall by Joseon during the Autumn, rice cake on New Year’s, Jeongwol Daeboreum (First Full Moon), Dano (hair washing in flower water), Chuseok Farmers’ Performance, Dongji (Winter Solstice) red bean soup. Accessibility Stroller, wheelchair, and audio guide rentals are available at the entrance. The availability of mobility support means that Korean Folk Village in Yongin may be perfect for multi-generational travel. Yongin Korean Folk Village is family-friendly. You’ll find nursing stations throughout the park.  If your toddler is potty-training, like me, the restrooms include toddler-sized toilets. Yongin Folk Village Listing and Location Additional Information for Yongin Folk Village Remember that all Yongin Folk Village policies, prices, and opening hours may change over time or during different seasons and holidays. You may want to confirm details via their website or by contacting 1330. Hours of Operation Open from 10:00 to 19:00 on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and 10:00 to 21:30 on the weekend (Friday to Sunday) Shuttle Service The Korean Folk Village offers a free shuttle service 3 times a day, to Suwon Station and back, on a first come-first served basis. The shuttle leaves Suwon Station Exit No. 4 at 10:30, 12:30, and 14:30; Korean Folk Village at 13:50 and 16:00. Please remember that times may change due to traffic. Parking If you have a Hi-Pass, there’s a fast parking option that will charge your Hi-Pass card.  Just keep an eye out for the usual Hi-Pass blue lane and sign. Otherwise, don’t forget to cover your parking fees before you leave. Ticket Prices Adults & Youth (14yo to 64yo) admission costs W32,000; Children (36 months to 13yo), W26,000; and Over 65, W22,000.  Under 36 months are free. The price was a bit more than I wanted to pay but if you stay for the day, then you’ll discover that it’s worth it.  You may purchase annual memberships, ranging from W90,000 to 190,000.  The Amusement Village, museum, and exhibition halls are included in the cost of admission. Pet Policy Pets are not allowed.  Bikes, Scooters, Etc Policy While strollers and wheelchairs are permitted, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc are not.  Drone Policy Drones are not permitted. Join a Facebook Group I hope you enjoyed the Yongin Korean Folk Village Itinerary. Looking for more travel itineraries or ideas for families? Join some Facebook groups. 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. 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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What is the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? South of Seoul is proud to host the 5th Annual Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in celebration of our delicious and delightful community. The South of Seoul volunteer organization has supported ex-pats living outside of Seoul since 2015. The South of Seoul (SOS) volunteers and manage multiple Facebook groups, the South of Seoul Facebook page, South of Seoul blog, and South of Seoul smartphone app. In 2021 the South of Seoul volunteers also launched the SOS Public Health which researches and distributes information to support the physical and mental health of expats in Korea. Our volunteers adore this rich life we live south of Seoul and feel honored to help new arrivals discover the hidden magic it holds. Pyeongtaek is a rewarding mix of city life and country life which can make it a challenge for new arrivals. However, with a little information like the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll Winners list, Pyeongtaek-si can be a delightful place for new arrivals and long-term international residents alike. How did the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll change in 2021? For 2021 we added a few new categories and withdrew a few categories in order to respond to the changes caused by the global pandemic and shifts in information. Since SOS volunteers stay closely connected with the community, each year we adjust the categories to reflect what is happening right now. This means each year the poll is a little different. Specifically in 2021, South of Seoul decided to split the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll into two different polls. The Best of Pyeongtaek winter poll focuses now on food and beverage hotspots while the summer poll will focus on lifestyle and health and coordinated by the SOS Public Health Program. Who votes in the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? The South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek poll is open to the public. We make every feasible effort to reach outside the South of Seoul community into the communities around us to gain an authentic insight into the preferences of English-speaking international residents in Pyeongtaek. SOS volunteers feel confirmation bias does not serve the greater good, so we seek opinions outside of our own sphere of influence. We want the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll to hold accurate information whether that information matches our belief or not. South of Seoul volunteers want to meet the authentic needs of the community and the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll provides us with the insight we need by reflecting on the opinions of others. That said, nothing about this poll is scientific. It is for fun and for community development. We try to level the playing field by leaving the poll open for two weeks so that community members can vote once a day and deeply support the people and businesses they love. Over 250 people participated in the poll in 2019 and over 350 individuals cast votes in 2021. What did you learn from the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in 2021? When reviewing the responses to The Best of Pyeongtaek 2021 poll we found that English-speaking residents’ comfort zone in Pyeongtaek has expanded! This trend started in 2018 and has continued to grow when we saw more international residents voting for businesses outside of Paenseong and Sinjangdong. In 2021, a variety of businesses located far from US military bases won Best of Pyeongtaek. Each year more votes are cast for businesses that 1) aren’t English dominant or 2) located outside of the Songtan/Shinjang or Paengseong areas. That’s right! English speakers are moving about the different neighborhoods of Pyeongtaek more every year! International residents now enjoy more of the magic Pyeongtaek has to offer. This growing trend makes our South of Seoul hearts very happy. In 2021, we learned that South of Seoul continues to be a leader in information in Pyeongtaek. Our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group has been a powerhouse of information with the community that allows us all to come together to support people every single day. The hard work of each member of Pyeongtaek Food & Fun has driven the group to become one of the most influential places for ex-pats to gather information.  We want to congratulate the SOS Technology Development Volunteers for continuing to build the South of Seoul app. We never imagined a volunteer-built app could compete in Pyeongtaek with giants like Naver, Kakao, Google, and Facebook. South of Seoul 2.0 is under development and will hopefully be available in the first quarter of 2021. Enough talking, time to get down to business. *drum roll please* We are proud to announce the amazing, hard-working, talented winners of The Best of Pyeongtaek 2020. Go visit them all! PYEONGTAEK’S BEST NEIGHBORHOOD SOSABEOL Offers the Best Experience for Date Night, Hanging Out, and Families One of the most common questions we in the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun group get is, “Where can we go on a date?” or “Where can I go that’s family-friendly?” So we decided to put it to a vote and the winning neighborhood is Sosabeol, Bijeondong! Every year since the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll started, Sosabeol has been the date night choice of English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek. Past Awards: PYEONGTAEK’S BEST RESTAURANT WINNERS IN 2021 Best International Grilled Meat: BRAAI REPUBLIC Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Braai Republic offers heaping plates of South African comfort food including grilled lamb, ribs, chicken, and more. Braai Republic also has a location in Seoul. In addition to their BBQ, we also recommend their hearty and filling meat pies. Braai Republic’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best Pub / Sports Bar: TAILGATE TAVERN Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Tailgate Tavern has been a popular spot for beer and burger enthusiasts. It’s not surprising with their many TVs, large menu, and solid beer selection. With seating for 100, Tailgate is an excellent space for large groups. Plus, drum roll please, parking! Tailgate also does catering for large events in-house and off-site. This is their second year winning Best Pub or Sports Bar. Tailgate‘s Other Awards: Support This Business: Best Sandwich Shop: EPHPHATHA Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) For the third year in a row, the sandwich shop with the impossible name-Ephphatha- has won over Pyeongtaek hearts with their hearty and delicious Philly cheese-steaks. A well-deserved win by this hardworking couple. Sandwich shops keep opening in the area, but Ephphatha has held on and kept up the great work. In 2020 they also began offering the first burger in Pyeongtaek served on a homemade pretzel bun. Ephphatha’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best American BBQ Restaurant: JP’S BBQ Neighborhoods: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong and Sinjang (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base and Osan Air Force Base) JP’s BBQ has been working hard to bring authentic USA-style smoked meat to Pyeongtaek for years and that work has paid off! He started out working the pink carts in Songtan that grew into a popular catering company. In 2018, the husband and wife team opened their own storefront in Paengseong, and in 2019 they opened a second location in Songtan/Sinjang-dong. Last year they won for Best BBQ Sandwich and best brisket. In 2020, they swept all non-Korean BBQ categories. In 2020 JP’s BBQ also went out of its way to support US troops by providing meals to soldiers and their families in quarantine. JP’s Other Awards: Support This Business Best Korean Galbi Restaurant: HWA HWA and MYEONGNYU AYCE (Tie) Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Hwa Hwa has been a Paengseong institution for as long as we can remember. It was recently remodeled and offers Korean BBQ and sides that lean toward the western taste. It’s the perfect spot to get used to this delicious new way of eating. Once you have tried them, keep trying as many other BBQ joints as you can. The choices are limitless. In 2020 Hwa Hwa supported US troops by providing meals to soldiers and their families in quarantine and packaging their tasty BBQ for take-out so that the local community could continue to enjoy their food at home. HWA HWA’S Other Awards: Support This Business Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Myeongnyu AYCE is another popular galbi restaurant in South Korea that recently opened a new location in Paengseong. The location became a big hit with the English-speaking community in 2021 earning them their first Best of Pyeongtaek award. Support This Business Best Korean BBQ Restaurant: ARIRANG Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Arirang has been around for many years. The location offers delicious Korean BBQ and side dishes near gorgeous cafes. It makes it the perfect spot for families, couples, and companies. The location also offers plenty of parking huge tables and private rooms. This is Arirang’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. They greatly deserve it since they are popular with both Korean and English speaking residents. Support This Business Best Fried Chicken: BRUXIE CHICKEN AND WAFFLES Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base) Bruxie has two locations. One location is in Paengseong and the original location is in Sinjang. The brand originated in California and opened locations in Pyeongtaek recently. Their savory fusion fried chicken mixes American comfort food with a Korean twist. You can find both sandwiches and plates that will remind you of home with a Korean twist. The perfect meal for hungry days. This Bruxie Chicken and Waffles’ first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Support This Business Best Family Restaurant: THE RED ONION Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) This is The Red Onion’s first win in the Best of Pyeongtaek Family Restaurant category. Red Onion’s recent remodel and expansive menu which offers something for everyone pushed them to the top of the list in 2021. The Big Bite’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best NOT Fried Chicken: SOUS VIDE CHICKEN PUB Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sosabeol Sous Vide Chicken Pub has a unique and interesting menu. They even have a giant chicken dish that gets set on fire. It’s hard to compete with a restaurant that offers delicious and exciting food along with a nice assortment of beers, including some they brew themselves. Additionally, Sous Vide Chicken Pub is located in Sosabeol which has been winning awards as the Best Pyeongtaek Neighborhood for date nights, family fun and hanging out since 2017. This is Sous Vide Chicken Pub’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Sous Vide Chicken Pub Other Awards: Support This Business Best Italian: DEL VINO Winner 2 Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Pyeongtaek-dong (Near AK Plaza) Del Vino is one of Pyeongtaek’s longest-running Italian Restaurants. Located about a 5-minute walk from Pyeongtaek Station, Del Vino offers an open concept kitchen and a romantic atmosphere. The menu features steak, pasta, stone over pizza, and a substantial wine list.  This is Del Vino’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Support This Business Best South American Restaurant: CEVICHE 210 Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base) When you think Pyeongtaek you probably don’t think “What an amazing place for Peruvian food!”… but you should. The best of the bunch is hands down, Ceviche 210. It’s a show-stopper. It’s hard to pick a favorite dish on their menu because it’s all friggen delicious. Their green sauce is a legend all its own. Ceviche 210 also offers stunning off-site catering for your events. They often cater events for the Peruvian embassy in Seoul. Ceviche 210’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best Filipino Restaurant: ALICE’S FILIPINO CUISINE Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) In Pyeongtaek-so, we have been blessed with a plethora of Filipino options and Alice’s Filipino has been voted the best. It has a great location near Camp Humphreys and offers very affordable meal sets. This is the perfect cuisine for those who don’t like spicy food. Next time you need some lumpia or chicken adobo, you know where to go. Next year this category will be packed! Even more Filipino restaurants are opening each month and SOS volunteers love it! Alice’s Filipino’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best Thai Restaurant: TASTE of THAILAND Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army...

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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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Want to learn more about the local farming culture? Visiting local farms is the perfect way to connect with your new home. About picking your own fruit in near Pyeongtaek, South Korea South Koreans love to visit farms with friends and families to pick their own fruit. Some farms charge an entry fee per person and then by the weight of fruit that you pick, while other farms may only charge for the weight of fruit you pick. Many even offer “all-you-can-eat” fruit while you pick fruit to go home. You can call 1330 to clarify the rules before visiting a farm. Both Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Force Base are located in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. That means that all of the fruit-picking farms recommended in this blog are near Camp Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Force Base. We recommend using Naver Maps or Kakao Maps to Navigate around Korea. Making Reservations for Fruit Picking You can make a reservation to pick-your-own fruit by using a bi-lingual concierge service. Since fruit picking is a popular activity in South Korea, you will need to make reservations at most farms – especially if you have a group or plan to go on the weekend. Making a reservation usually requires the ability to speak Korean or use Korean booking sites like Naver. Common fruit that you can pick in South Korea The common pick-your-own farms you can find across South Korea include: Pyeongtaek and surrounding areas have excellent pick-your-own farms because it’s a farming area with many old orchards and vines. Fruit picking seasons near Pyeongtaek Every fruit needs picked during a different time of year. You will want to confirm the season before visiting a farm because seasons can change based on the weather. These are the estimated seasons of each fruit: What to wear on your farm adventure It’s a farm. Wear comfortable shoes, and clothes that can get dirty, and take bug spray. Obviously, long pants and long-sleeved shirts are ideal yet many folks will still be dressed for Instagram. Just don’t get pressed if you get tons of bug bites and scratches picking fruit in a sundress. 7 most popular places to pick your own fruit near Pyeongtaek Watch these experience videos to learn more 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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Types of Activities to Consider During the Holiday Chuseok is a great time to get outside! The weather is often gorgeous since the summer heat has faded and a cool breeze often blows across the rice paddies. Since restaurants in the area you are interested in might be closed, it is a great time to plan a picnic! Also join the Pyeongtaek Food and Fun Facebook group to find out more information about what is happening in the area. 7 Things to Do in or Near Pyeongtaek Over Chuseok Visit one of Pyeongtaek’s many wonderful parks. Over Chuseok the Sosabeol parks are a great choice since a variety of businesses remain open in the area. Grab the kids and go for a long bike ride together on one of the many river bike paths. The Pyeongtaek Lake Recreation Area businesses will mostly be closed, which makes it the perfect spot for a Chuseok picnic with friends. You can’t BBQ in the park but you can certainly pack some sandwiches and head that way. Hiking is always a great choice over the Chuseok holiday. Maybe it’s time to try a new trail. We recommend the Jangan Hiking and Biking trails because they are only about a 20-minute drive from Sinjang-dong (near Osan Air Force Base) which has many businesses that remain open during the Chuseok holiday. You can find more local Pyeongtaek hikes in the South of Seoul app by searching “hike” or “hiking” There are actually two bowling alleys in Sosabeol that will be open throughout the Chuseok week, this one is the most visually fun! You can download the South of Seoul app to discover more stuff to do in Sosabeol. Many Sosabeol places are open throughout Chuseok. Maybe it is time you gave the skate park in Godeok a try. The skating area isn’t huge, but the park is gorgeous and skateboarding or inline skating makes any week better! You can easily bring a picnic here! Be warned, the area has not officially opened, which means access to the park can be tricky. Prepare to drive around a little before you figure it out. When in doubt, you can always go to the mall! Grab the family and head to Anseong to enjoy the malls many restaurants and activities. Read Two More Important Blogs About Chuseok! There is more to know about Chuseok! Be sure to read these two blogs as well Supporting & Celebrating Chuseok Best Pyeongtaek Neighborhoods for Chuseok 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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Visit Pyeongtaek during Chuseok and eat all the delicious international food without the crowds or giant price tags. Where to Visit in Pyeongtaek During Chuseok International residents living in Pyeongtaek have far more options over the Chuseok holiday than other areas of South Korea. Due to the presence of two US Military Bases, Camp Humphreys Army base and Osan Air Force Base, a few neighborhoods in Pyeongtaek-si remain open throughout the holiday week. Does this mean every business in Pyeongtaek remains open during Chuseok? It does not, but more places than in other cities. In fact, there are four primary places you can go over the holiday weekend. Businesses that serve Pyeongtaek’s international residents are the most likely businesses to remain open. Don’t even worry! There will be plenty to do if you know where to look! Sinjang-dong near Osan Air Force Base The neighborhood in front of Osan Air Force Base, also known as the SED by those associated with the Air Force, remains busy during the Chuseok holiday. Many businesses are owned and staffed by international community members who don’t celebrate local holidays. Many Korean families will also visit the area during Chuseok since the businesses around their homes may be closed for the holiday. This can often give the streets in front of Osan Air Force base a slightly festive and fun feel during Chuseok. Anjeong-ri Near Camp Humphreys Much of the neighborhood in front of Camp Humphreys also stays open during Chuseok. The crowd in this area tends to be mostly US Army during the Chuseok holiday as families may stay home to avoid the extensive traffic during the Chuseok Holiday. It is often a quiet and easygoing place to visit during the holiday time. Sosabeol Sosbeol is one of Pyeongtaek’s favorite neighborhoods for hanging out. That means many businesses remain open over the Chuseok holiday, even on Chuseok itself. Folks from across the Pyeongtaek will often head to Sosabeol to spend some time outside the house. Korean society is ever-changing and the younger generation enjoys meeting up with friends after the day with family. Not every business will be open, but many will. Additionally, Sosabeol businesses may have modified hours and open late in the day (after 5pm) or close early. Visit Sosabeol with an open mind and use Chuseok as a chance to try something new! Read Two More Important Blogs About Chuseok! There is more to know about Chuseok! Be sure to read these two blogs as well Supporting & Celebrating Chuseok Things to Do in or Near Pyeongtaek Over Chuseok 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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Relaxing on with friends while riding a rail bike in Asan.

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What to do: Day Visiting Suwon Fortress from Pyeongtaek Hwaseong Fortress covers a large area in Suwon, South Korea. We decided to head up to the area from the Osan Air Force base area of Pyeongtaek to see some of the Suwon fortress that we missed the first time we visited. We parked in the area by Janganum Gate (Also Romanized as Changnyongmun Gate).  After parking, we purchased tickets for the trolley around the city. The trolley costs around 4,000 won per person and if you bring headphones, you are able to listen to the tour in English, Korean, Chinese or Japanese. Even without headphones, it is a nice tour around part of the fortress and you can take photos from the trolley as well. We got some great shots along the ride as well as video. Where to eat: Grab some Korean fried chicken on Suwon chicken street Upon returning to the Changnyongmun Gate, we walked down the wall towards Buksumun (Floodgate/Hwahongmun) and walked over to Suwon’s Chicken Street for lunch. This is a bustling area usually with lines at the most popular restaurants. If you go during the week, note some of the locations may be closed due to working all weekend.  Our plan for chicken street was simple, order a small amount at each location so we could try multiple locations. One of the locations we stopped at was Dae-Bong Chicken. The staff spoke some English and were very friendly. The chicken was fabulous. We tried a couple of other locations but because we went on a Monday many were closed.  Where to have a chat: A Star Cafe has a beautiful view of Suwon Fortress To round out our afternoon, we ended up at It’s A Star Cafe across from Hwahongmun Gate. Hwahnogmuch Gate is where the waterfall is located. This cafe is three floors and you can get a great view of the fortress from the rooftop area. It was a neat location and just what we needed for our walk back up to the Changnyongmun Gate. This proved to be a great day of exploring and we look forward to coming back on a busier day to get a more thorough tasting of the offerings of Chicken Street. The great thing about Suwon and the fortress area is that there is always something to do, shopping, eating or just exploring the area’ Popular Suwon Fortress Gates visited on this date Discover more of the Kimchi Rednecks on Youtube! You can learn about ordering McDonald’s when you want to stay home for a lazy, no dishes date night! 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. KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com

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Looking for the beautiful fall flowers around the Pyeongtaek area? With the temperatures cooling off, it is a great time to get outside and see some of the beauty of Pyeongtaek. Although there are many locations where you can view the beautiful fall flowers and colors, these are a few of my favorite places. Where is Pyeongtaek? Feel free to skip this section if you live in Pyeongtaek or know about the area. Pyeongtaek-si is located in the southern portion of the Gyeonggi-do province. This large city includes both US military installations, Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base. The fall flower locations listed are in the Pyeongtaek area. In addition, there are a few locations listed nearby in Asan and Osan City. Therefore, In this blog post, South of Seoul provides addresses and phone numbers. However, we recommend using this information in either Naver Maps or Kakao Maps for the best results. As a result, such apps help you figure out how far each restaurant might be from you. Where to Find Fall Flowers around Pyeongtaek When the air is getting colder, that doesn’t signal the end of colorful blooms. Thankfully, Korea is home to several native flowers that are hardy enough to bring some color into these increasingly cloudy days. Most of these fall varietals bloom from September to November. From jewel tones to soft pastels, here are some places in and around Pyeongtaek to enjoy fall flowers. Anseong River Trail, Pyeongtaek Here you will find a paved jogging and cycling trail lined with tall autumn grasses and cosmos. Parking can be challenging. You will see several cars parked at various spots where roads meet the trail. If precarious parking isn’t for you, there is also a large gravel parking lot about a kilometer from Pyeongtaek Station/AK Plaza with free parking. You can also catch the trail from Paengseong Bridge near the Camp Humphreys Dongchan-ri gate. There is also a delightful cafe, Bom Cafe, along the trail. Also, the trail is dog friendly. Baram Saemaeul, Pyeongtaek Writer’s Top Pick! The wispy pink muhly fields look almost like a sea with pink waves when the wind blows. The fields are small but magical and dreamy. There is also a little cafe here with indoor and outdoor seating options. In the spring these same fields are full of bright yellow rapeseed blossoms. Sopung Park is just a few hundred meters down the road where you can enjoy multiple playgrounds, walking trails, and art installations. Ginkgo Tree Trail, Asan Along this trail you will find large fields of Cosmos, bike rentals, and multiple cafes. There are several free and well-marked parking lots along the trail. Trails are shaded and dog friendly. Come back later in the fall when the Ginkgo trees are glistening and the golden leaves blanket the trail. Jinwicheon Amusement Park , Pyeongtaek Enjoy cosmos, mums, and other fall flowers while riding a rail bike! In addition to the rail bike, Jinwicheon Amusement Park also offers campgrounds and walking trails. Since it is so close to Osan Air Base, come back in the spring when the bright yellow rapeseed flowers are in bloom. Rail bike appears to only be operational on the weekend and there are dedicated parking and rail bike fees. Mulhyanggi Arboretum, Osan The Mulhyanggi Arboretum is situated in Osan City and easy to get to via subway from the immediately adjacent Osan College Station. Expect to spend around 2 hours walking through the entire arboretum. It offers a variety of things to do and see including an insect exhibit, pond, greenhouse, topiaries, and countless varieties of trees and flowers. There are no shops or restaurants on site but there is a “rest area” with tables and other spots to enjoy a picnic if you choose to bring your own lunch. Parking on-site for a small fee, no dogs or bikes are allowed. There is also a small entrance fee. Pyeongtaek Agricultural and Ecological Garden, Pyeongtaek Yellow cosmos bloom on one side of the hill and pink and purple varietals bloom on the other and large areas with mounds of mums fill the landscape. There is a huge playground here and some farm animals as well. Also sometimes referred to as Pyeongtaek Botanical Garden, this garden is a great spot for families, kids love the big slides that go down the hillside! In April there is a huge flower festival and the hills are full of colorful tulips. Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group Autumn-blooming flowers are some of my favorites. I am so delighted that there are so many beautiful places to find fall flowers around Pyeongtaek. These blossoms are sure to provide some color in these increasingly grey cloudy days. Share your adventures and beautiful fall flower photos with our community at Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. With so many different voices and opinions, it is always refreshing to see everyone’s adventures in our local community. In addition, all of the posts shared introduce our community to new places and old places that can feel new all over again. 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. Updated September 2022 Angie Alvis, M. EdAngela Alvis holds a Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. Ms. Alvis specializes in curriculum development and instructional design. Angela Alvis has a depth and breadth of experience in education and early childhood that has taken her across the world to work in a variety of school settings, from rural programs to large urban districts, and everything from ECSE and DLL classrooms to childcare and university settings. Prior to her work with South of Seoul, Ms. Alvis spent several years leading the wide-scale implementation of play-based learning and a formative assessment model with over 120 educators in five early childhood schools that served over 15,000 students in Washington D.C. After transitioning back to the US, Ms. Alvis became the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Tools of the Mind, she works on cross-departmental teams as the education and content expert. She is currently co-designing a multi-faceted teacher development model that integrates workshops, video coaching, and professional learning communities.

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By: Angela Alvis, South of Seoul volunteer  While there is an abundance of temples in Korea, some of the oldest and most unique temples are located in the mountains and countryside. We are fortunate to have so many in and near Pyeongtaek! Abouth Korean Temples Korean temples are welcoming to all visitors – Buddhists and non-Buddhists, locals and foreigners. Devout Buddhists go to temples to pray or meditate, those not practicing Buddhism visit Korean temples to appreciate their history, traditional architecture, and acclaimed statues, paintings, and other artifacts. Other people visit temples just to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life or as a quick stop along a hike.  Although Korean Buddhist Temples are tourist destinations as well as cultural and historic heritage sights. Always remember that a temple is primarily a place of worship and visitors should act accordingly with respect and courtesy. Here are a few additional cultural notes to keep in mind when visiting Korean Buddhist Temples.  Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to visit a Korean Buddhist temple. Here are a few in or near Pyeongtaek.  Simboksa Temple, Pyeongtaek Simboksa Temple is the smallest of the temples listed. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in history. Simboksa is named for the seated stone statue of Buddha which is said to have been made in the 10th century and was found by Buddhist fisherman in the nearby river over 700 years ago. These fishermen built a temple to enshrine the statue, where both remain today.  Mangisa Temple, Pyeongtaek Located less than 10 miles from Osan Air Base is Mangisa Temple, the home of the Iron-Seated Buddha. Mangisa Temple was founded in 962 at the beginning of the Goryeo Period. During this period the seated iron Sakyamuni Statue was also created. Visitors may enter four buildings, each containing unique artifacts and artwork dating back hundreds or thousands of years.  Bonggoksa Temple, Asan  Located in the foothills of Bongsoo Mountain, the juniper pine trees that line the entrance fill the air with a fragrant aroma that leads to the quiet and secluded Bonggoksa temple. The temple consists of 3 buildings of notable architecture. There are many hiking trails that converge at this temple which makes it a perfect place to begin and end a hike.   Gakwonsa Temple, Cheonan Gakwonsa Temple is located at the foot of Mt. Taejosan, a few kilometers from downtown Cheonan. One of the most notable features of this temple is the massive bronze Buddha statue that stands at over 15 meters tall along with one of the largest wooden halls in all of Korea. Everything at this temple is done on a grand scale, even the parking.  Seongbulas Temple, Cheonan Just south of Gakwonsa Temple, Seongbulas Temple is one of the most scenic spots in Cheonan. Beautiful stone stairs lead to the temple, stop along the way to admire the view of downtown Cheonan and Cheonhoji Lake. This temple is unique because rather than a buddha statue enshrined in the main Buddha Hall, Buddha is carved into the natural rock wall located behind the hall. Visiting Korean Buddhist temples has been an enriching experience that I want to share with everyone. Visiting a religious site for the first time can be intimidating, especially if it is not of your faith. You can help others learn about Buddhist temples by leaving reviews on the South of Seoul app, post about them on our Facebook page or group, tag us in your Instagram posts, and support South of Seoul through Patreon. Angie Alvis, M. EdAngela Alvis holds a Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. Ms. Alvis specializes in curriculum development and instructional design. Angela Alvis has a depth and breadth of experience in education and early childhood that has taken her across the world to work in a variety of school settings, from rural programs to large urban districts, and everything from ECSE and DLL classrooms to childcare and university settings. Prior to her work with South of Seoul, Ms. Alvis spent several years leading the wide-scale implementation of play-based learning and a formative assessment model with over 120 educators in five early childhood schools that served over 15,000 students in Washington D.C. After transitioning back to the US, Ms. Alvis became the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Tools of the Mind, she works on cross-departmental teams as the education and content expert. She is currently co-designing a multi-faceted teacher development model that integrates workshops, video coaching, and professional learning communities.

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