Home to scenic rural villages and landscaped parks, Yangpyeong-gun surrounds the city of Yangpyeong to the east of Seoul. It’s renowned for its historic Buddhist temples, as well as providing a scenic setting for the long-distance Han River Cycling Trail.
Things to do in Yangpyeong
Spend an afternoon wandering the scenic area of Dumulmeori where the Bukhangang and Namhangang Rivers meet. A historic ferry dock, weeping willows and 400-year-old Zelkova trees add to the romance of this area, which is popular as a shooting location for Korean TV dramas.
Admire the lotus-themed poetry and artworks of Semiwon, a landscaped park inspired by the Korean proverb “one can cleanse his mind by looking at water and enlighten his spirit by looking at flowers”. Water lilies and irises ignite the six ponds that surround Semiwon’s washboard-designed pathways and there’s a stunning Monet’s Garden depicted just like the French masterpiece.
Visit the Silla-era Yongmunsa Temple, which boasts an ornate main hall, historic bell tower and a 1,000-year-old gingko tree. A number of walking trails surround the temple, allowing you to explore the forested slopes of Yongmunsan Mountain and the expansive views of Yangpyeong-gun from Madangbawi Rock.
Jump aboard the Yangpyeong Rail Bike to experience the region’s natural beauty along an abandoned railway line, passing sparkling rivers and forested mountains that transform with the seasons. The Han River Cycling Trail also passes through Yangpyeong-gun, offering a pleasant way to explore the traditional villages and historical sites that dot the region.
Getting around Yangpyeong
Yangpyeong-gun is a one-hour train ride east of Seoul and just under three hours from Incheon International Airport. Buses connect the towns and villages across the county and bicycles are available for rent at locations along the Han River Cycling Trail.