Henan, South Korea: A cultural secret and natural poetry that transcends time and space
🌸 Opening: A hidden paradise favored by time
Hidden in the embrace of Gyeonggi Province is a city called Henan - this is not a major province in the Central Plains of China, but a "healing back garden" privately kept by Koreans. It has the thousand-year-old style of the Joseon Dynasty, the gentle water charm of the Han River, and the city life that makes your taste buds dance. Get ready for a trip that combines history, nature and food!
🏯 [Part 1] Touching history: Finding the imprint of dynasties in the folds of time
1️⃣ Henan History Museum
📍 Sinjang-dong, Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do
🔍 How to play: Travel through the luster of Goryeo celadon, touch the war armor of the Joseon Dynasty, change into a Korean dress in the restored dynasty study, push open the window frame with swaying bamboo shadows, and take a photo of the same "time-travel drama heroine".
💡 Tips: The museum is closed on Tuesdays, so remember to book a Chinese guide on the official website in advance!
2️⃣ Namhansanseong Fortress (World Heritage)
📍 The border between Henan and Guangzhou
👣 Experience: Hike along the wild flowers blooming in the cracks of the city wall, and climb to the top of "Shouyujangdae" to overlook the winding Han River. You can rent Korean clothes in the village on the mountainside (10,000 won/hour). When you stand in the same frame with the ancient city, you can almost hear the sound of history.
⏰ Route: East Gate-North Gate hike takes about 2 hours, beginner-friendly!
3️⃣ Hanok Experience Village
📍 Hanok Village Road in Eastern Hanok District, Hanam
🎎 Immerse yourself: Stay in a restored Joseon noble house, drink a bowl of abalone porridge under the thatched roof in the morning, participate in a tea ceremony class, or encounter a craftsman demonstrating the production of rice cakes and soy sauce jars. On the first day of every lunar month, the traditional market reappears and is as bustling as it was a hundred years ago.
🌿 [Part 2] Intoxicated by nature: Take a deep breath among the mountains and rivers
1️⃣ Qiandan Mountain
📸 Guide to making photos: Spring cherry blossoms are like pink snow, summer is green and cool, autumn maples are like fire, and winter snow is quiet. The observation deck on the top of the mountain offers a panoramic view of the city, and every photo you take is a postcard-worthy one.
🚶 Route: Lightweight hiking trail, suitable for the whole family.
2️⃣ Henan Botanical Garden
🌸 Seasonal Limited:
April: Pink rain falls in the cherry blossom tunnel
July: Hydrangea fields bloom into a blue-purple dream
November: Maple forest ignites autumn passion
🌵 Hidden gameplay: The succulent plant area in the glass greenhouse, where light and shadow interweave like a desert fantasy, the mugwort latte at the Greenhouse Cafe is a limited delicacy!
3️⃣ Misari Rowing Stadium
🚣 Water adventure: An international rowing base on the banks of the Han River. Row on the river at sunset with the darkening Seoul skyline in the background. Beginners can choose a 1-hour coaching package (about 30,000 won). Remember to wear sunscreen in summer!
🍲 [Part 3] Traveling with your tongue: Savoring life in the streets
1️⃣ Henan Traditional Market
🍢 Must-eat list:
Korean sugar cookies: bursting brown sugar cinnamon filling, freshly made and sold
Spicy fried chicken gizzards + soju: Uncle set meal, so spicy that you have to lick the plate even if you stamp your feet
Mugwort rice cake: Delivered directly from the farm next to the botanical garden, fragrant and non-sticky
👵 Easter egg: The grandma's bibimbap stall at the end of the market, where you can eat until you lean on the wall for 5,000 won!
2️⃣ Specialty restaurants
🥩 BBQ restaurant: Beef/pork marinated with exclusive sauce, wrapped in basil leaves, it's delicious
🍲 Ginseng Chicken Soup: free range chicken + ginseng + red dates + glutinous rice, a spiritual comfort for those who care about health
🦐 Seafood pancakes: squid and shrimp + crispy batter, seafood lovers will scream!
3️⃣ Slow time at Coffee Street
☕ Recommended stores:
Book Brew: Surrounded by a wall of books, Earl Grey latte and scones are a perfect match
Factory Grey: Industrial-style coffee roasting workshop, hand brewing master class is super healing
🎶 Easter egg: Street jazz performances every Friday night, river breeze + coffee aroma = a perfect night!
🚇【Practical tips】
📍 Transportation:
Seoul→Henan: Subway Line 5 (approximately 40 minutes)
In the city: Public transportation is affordable, and taxis are the most economical (starting price is 3,000 won)
🏡 Accommodation:
City center hotels: convenient for shopping
Hanok B&B: Experience the culture (reservation required two weeks in advance)
⏰ Best season:
April-May: Cherry Blossoms + Hydrangeas
October-November: Maple Leaves + Autumn Harvest Food
💌 Ending: Henan City is not a passer-by, but a story
Here, every step is on the pulse of history, every breath carries the sweetness of nature, and every raise of a glass can meet the warmth of life. Henan City will not wait for you, but its four seasons, its flavors, and its stories will remain deep in your memory and become a gentle obsession of "wanting to go there again."