Every November, the expansive field of reeds at Suncheonman Bay takes on a golden hue. Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve is home to the largest colony of reeds in Korea, and it is yet another perfect way to enjoy autumn and early winter by taking leisurely romantic strolls around the park. In addition, Korea’s first national garden, Suncheonman Bay National Garden is nearby, drawing in an overwhelming number of tourists. With an epithet “garden from heaven,” experience the unique nature and beauty of Korea’s most outstanding eco-system and protected wetland – Suncheonman Bay!
Gardens from around the world gathered as one, Suncheon Bay National Garden
Suncheon Bay National Garden, opened for the international Suncheon Bay Garden Expo, is the first National Garden in Korea. A wide variety of themed gardens can be found meticulously lined up at the garden. Autumn in particular is lively, with thousands of chrysanthemums in every shade, mirroring the field of reeds in the bay.
There are two entrances found at the east and west sides of the garden. The East Gate leads to Suncheon Lake Garden, World Garden and Metasequoia Path while the West Gate brings visitors to the Korean Traditional Garden, Suncheonman Bay International Wetland Center and other nearby attractions. Visitors may choose to start their excursion from either entrance. As the park is fairly large and spacious, visitors can board the sightseeing bus (adults 3,000 won) that operates around the park.
Suncheon Bay National Garden – Suncheon Lake Garden
Suncheon Lake Garden was designed by world famous landscape designer Charles Jencks during his stay in Suncheon. This garden displays the city in miniature size, including replicas of the mountains surrounding the city made into smaller hills. In a reversal of elements, the lake in the center of these hills serves as the city of Suncheon, while the wooden deck above represents Dongcheon Stream winding its way through the city. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk or climb up the hills; the view of Suncheon Lake Garden from the hill peaks is quite stunning.
Suncheon Bay National Garden – World Garden
The World Garden is made up of garden styles from various countries, including Thailand, Japan, Great Britain, Italy, Turkey, Spain, the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and China. It is an interesting experience to compare and appreciate different aesthetics presented by each nation. The Chinese Garden features a pond and pavilions, while the Turkey Garden represents the culture of the Middle East. The Dutch Garden and French Garden have models of their famous windmills and Palace of Versailles, respectively. Walking through each garden will offer visitors a chance to experience the visual differences in cultures from around the world.
Suncheon Bay National Garden – Metasequoia Path & Participation Garden
The Metasequoia Path is the most popular trail at the garden among couples. The trees were originally slated to be cut down in order to expand the highway system, but were moved to the garden to live out the rest of their lives.
The Participation Garden displays artworks designed and created by various cities, companies, and individuals in Korea, creating a feeling of visiting an art gallery. The recycling garden features aluminum cans hanging on a fence, being repurposed to hold flowers instead of drinks. The seed bank also showcases many plants, symbolic of the International Seed Bank, where seeds of every type are saved in order to replant the world should an extreme disaster take place.
Dream Bridge
The Dream Bridge, designed by installation artist Kang Ik-joong, was created by reusing 30 container boxes. The walls of the bridge are decorated with more than 140,000 vivid paintings created by children from around the world. All those who cross the bridge can feel a strong desire to protect Suncheonman Bay and the world’s natural environment.
Korean Traditional Garden
Korean Traditional Garden’s palace garden reproduces the elegant and beautiful Huwon areas of Changdeokgung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace. The noblemen’s garden shows a glimpse of the atmosphere in which ancient noblemen relaxed and studied with nature by their side. Lastly, the garden of hope focuses on a motif of folk beliefs. One can see many stone towers, created with the tradition of stacking a stone while making a wish in order for the wish to come true.
Lungs of the Earth – Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve
Suncheonman Bay is one of the world’s top five coastal wetlands, and is by far Korea’s most beautiful natural landscape. The seemingly endless field of reeds surrounded on three sides by mountains and open to the sea on the fourth is something not easily seen in the world. Moreover, Suncheonman Bay was registered with the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in January 2006. The wetland serves as home to an array of migratory birds including species like hooded crane, Saunders’s gull and more.
Enjoying Suncheonman Bay in autumn
The Suncheon Literature Hall features the works of authors Kim Seungok and Jeong Chae-bong, both from Suncheon. Handwritten manuscripts, books, and daily living items from both writers are on display. The building was constructed as a traditional thatch-roofed house, harmonizing with the nature of Suncheonman Bay.
As soon as you enter the main gate of Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve, green lawns and ponds greet you before reaching the reed fields. As soon as you cross Mujingyo Bridge, your journey through the dancing fields of reeds begins. It takes approximately 40 minutes to walk along the path until you reach Yongsan Observatory. Relaxing views of vast fields and picturesque landscapes accompany you throughout your journey.
Visitors can comfortably stay above the mudflat where the reeds grow by walking on the wooden deck that threads its way across and around the bay. The field of reeds are beautiful in the day time but be sure to head up to the observatory before the sun sets, as you won’t want to miss out on the spectacular view over the plain’s horizon.
* This column was last updated in November 2017, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check details from the official websites before visiting.
The above article is courtesy of VisitKorea, the official website of the Korea Tourism Organization (www.visitkorea.or.kr)
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Newcomers to Budnamu Brewery are recommended to try out Budnamu Sampler as the menu consists of the brewery’s four signature beers – Minori Session, Zeumeu Blanc, Pine City Pale Ale, and Ojuck Stout. Minori Session is characterized by a refreshing mandarin-scented aftertaste and Zeumeu Blanc by its smooth wheat flavor followed by a hint of chrysanthemum and Chinese pepper. On the other hand, Pine City Pale Ale offers a bitter but refreshing taste, while the dark Ojuck Stout is bold in both flavor and alcohol content. Budnamu Brewery offers several side menus to go with the beer, but we recommend Budnamu Platter for a taste of the various choices, including cheese, nachos, olives, croquette, and chili.
Taking a photo of Wanda Mansion’s desserts is a must as they look just as charming as the café’s interior. Their appearance will delight you even before you take your first bite. Homemade sweet fruit ades are available regardless of season, but a warm latte or cup of strongly blended flat white will melt away the winter cold. Add a rich chocolate brownie to complete your perfect afternoon.
Bonbon Roastery can be characterized by its sincerity. The fragrance of carefully roasted beans fills the air, tickling your nose. Coffee lovers will be pleased with the diverse coffee options to choose from. If you’re not a fan of coffee, other beverages are also available, such as the house special lemon grape bonbon, presenting a sweet refreshing taste to recharge your energy, or the misutgaru (powder mixture of roasted grains) drink with honey to make for a filling meal in a cup.
The breathtaking view of the vast ocean is not the only significance Bossa Nova has to offer – the café’s true value lies in their outstanding coffee. Only the most exceptional coffee beans are carefully selected on a seasonal basis and prepared to bring out flavors as superb as the rooftop’s view. The café opens early morning, offering fresh croissants and warm coffee to start the day. Other beverages beside coffees are also available so don’t forget to include Bossa Nova into your itinerary.
Swings just the right size for two people can be found along the sandy beach, perfect for taking in the ocean view as you share body warmth with someone special. The swings especially serve as a romantic photo spot for couples along with the open beach as a wonderful backdrop. Another way to enjoy winter at Anmok Beach is to take in the ocean view with a hot cup of coffee from the nearby coffee vending machine. The sweet instant coffee is readily available at only 400 won per cup, so don’t forget to prepare some coins in advance.
Jumunjin Port consists of a huge hoe center where visitors can enjoy hoe menus at a reasonable price. Other attractions are also available near the port, such as the Jumunjin Beach and Jumunjin Lighthouse.
Located in the heart of Seoul, Insa-dong Street is one of the most memorable attractions in Seoul and represents the focal point of Korean traditional culture and crafts. Stores in Insa-dong specialize in a wide variety of goods that can only be purchased or appreciated in Korea: hanbok (traditional clothing), hanji (traditional paper), traditional teas, pottery, and folk crafts.
Hwaseong Fortress was constructed under the guidance of Yu Hyeong-Won (1622-1673) and Jeong Yak-Yong (1762-1836), and is believed to have been constructed very scientifically. The fortress wall was built using Seokjae and Jeondol (bricks) and the holes between the bricks are just big enough to fire guns, arrows, or long spears through in case of an attack.
Located in Seoul’s lively Yongsan-gu area, north of the Han River, Four Points by Sheraton Seoul, Namsan offers convenient access to business areas, tourist attractions and public transportation. It is directly connected to Seoul Station, one of the city’s major railway stations, via an underground passage. Also, Incheon International Airport is just 60 minutes away via the Airport Express train.
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