Exploring Seoul's Satellite City Goyang
📍Destination: Gyeonggi-do, Goyang, South Korea
🚇Directions: Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Jeongbalsan Station and transfer to a bus/30-minute drive
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🔥Trip Highlights
Morning: Journey Through Millennia of Royal History
⛩️Haengjusanseong Fortress (Free)
One of the three major fortresses of the Joseon Dynasty. Ascend the 124.8-meter-high Deokyangsan Mountain for a panoramic view of the Han River winding into the city. In spring, cherry blossoms surround the walls, while in autumn, red leaves complement the rammed earth ruins. Capture stunning photos of the "silhouette of the city walls + Han River sunset."
🏯Goyang Seosamneung & Seooreung Royal Tombs (Combined Ticket: KRW 12,000)
The core area of the Joseon Royal Tombs, a World Cultural Heritage site. Explore seven royal tombs, including the Tomb of Queen Janggyeong and the Tomb of King Injong. Focus on the stone statues of civil and military officials lining the path to the Uireung Tomb, and experience the pinnacle of Joseon Dynasty stone carving art.
Afternoon: Wandering in an Urban Oasis
🌊Ilsan Lake Park (Free)
The largest artificial lake park in Asia, with a 300,000-pyeong water area offering various activities:
- Cycle along the 4.7 km lakeside greenway and visit the iconic water bridge featured in "Crash Landing on You."
- Participate in the International Horticulture Goyang Korea in May-June and enjoy the nighttime musical fountain show in July-August.
- Savor hand-drip coffee and matcha Swiss rolls at the lakeside cafe "Terarosa."
🛍️Goyang Hyundai Premium Outlets
A shopping paradise adjacent to Lake Park, with luxury brands like Gucci and Prada offering year-round discounts of 30-70%. Enjoy authentic Korean beef barbecue at the top-floor food court.
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🍜Local Food Recommendations
✅Deokyang-gu Traditional Market
- Tteokbokki (KRW 5,000): An innovative recipe with fish cakes and cheese.
- Samgyetang (KRW 15,000): Herbal soup base paired with glutinous chicken and rice.
✅Wangneung Samgyetang Specialty Restaurant
A time-honored restaurant passed down through three generations, featuring samgyetang made with 6-year-old Korean ginseng. Complimentary ginseng wine tasting is offered.
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📌Practical Tips
1. Transportation Pass: Purchase the "Seoul-Goyang One-Day Pass" (KRW 25,000), which includes round-trip bus fare and access to attractions.
2. Photography Guide: Use a telephoto lens to capture the texture of the walls at Haengjusanseong Fortress, and a wide-angle lens to capture the depth of the path at Seosamneung Royal Tombs.
3. Seasonal Highlights:
- April: Haengjusanseong Cherry Blossom Festival
- November: Royal Tomb Ginkgo Avenue
4. Cultural Experience: Hanbok rentals are available at the Seooreung Royal Tombs Visitor Center (2 hours/KRW 20,000) for traditional photo shoots.
✅Suitable for: History buffs/Families with children/Photography enthusiasts
📅Best Seasons: April-May (Cherry blossoms + Horticulture exhibition), October-November (Autumn foliage + Ginkgo trees)