Yangpyeong is county in Gyeonggido province very close to Seoul. Situated in a mountainous area near a river, Yangpyeong possesses an extremely clean environment where pollution free agricultural products are grown. You might ask what is so special about this place? The ecologically clean surrounding has given a start to the ecotourism in the area. Semiwon garden and Dumulmori are just the most popular places that attract tourists but apart from them there is much more to see and experience in Yangpyeong.
Dumulmori (๋๋ฌผ๋จธ๋ฆฌ)
Translated from Korean โdumulmoriโ means โthe head of two watersโ (โ๋โ โ two, โ๋ฌผโ โ water, โ๋จธ๋ฆฌโ – head). It is called โdumulmoriโ because thatโs where the two rivers Bukhangang (๋ณตํ๊ฐ โ the north river) and Namhangang (๋จํ๊ฐ โย the south river) meet and merge into one river โ the starting point of Hangang (ํ๊ฐ).
The surrounding mountains along with the river and lotus field create a tranquil and charming landscape attracting many visitors.
Dumulmori is, also, a popular shooting place for Korean dramas, movies, commercials and wedding pictures. Some of the dramas shot here include: Melting Me Softly (2019), Graceful Family (2019), The Beauty Inside (2018), Two Cops (2017), She Was Pretty (2015) and Goddess of Marriage (2013).
Strolling around Dumulmori you cannot miss the big 400-year-old Zelkova tree. Originally, there were two trees but one of them had submerged.
The photo zone is a place you should definitely visit. Koreans love taking pictures and they do take a lot. The frame is transparent, allowing people to take beautiful pictures with natural landscape in the background.
Semiwon (์ธ๋ฏธ์)
Semiwon is a botanical garden solely focused on lotus flowers. ย The name โSemiwonโ comes from an old proverb that says โone can cleanse his mind by looking at water and enlighten his spirit by looking at flowers.โ
Map of the garden
Link to an online version of the map: semiwon.or.kr
The paths marked with red on the map are with highest level of difficulty, the ones in orange – intermedium level and the blue ones are the easiest. But in my opinion only people with disabilities should consider these colours. Also, there are two recommended courses; the first one more suitable for people intending mainly to take pictures and the second one for people prefering a walk.
Exploring the garden
Semiwon has two entrances. One for people coming with a car and one for people using the public transportation. Both are located at the two opposite sides of the garden. Personally, I recommend using the second one as you will get to walk on a very cool bridge. The bridge connects Dumulmori with Semiwon and is made out of old wooden boats. Creative, isn’t it? Moreover, you can, get another point of view of the area.
After crossing it you can choose to turn right and continue walking to Monetโs Garden or turn left to Water Lily Garden. Whichever direction you choose, you won’t mistake.
The garden is named after the famous painter Claude Monet. It is, also, called “์ฌ๋์ ์ฐ๋ชป”, which translates as “the pond of love”.
Semiwon is mainly dedicated to lotus flower but apart from it you will see water lilies and irises, too. The common thing between all of these plants is the possession of natural purification properties. Therefore, the gardenโs location is very important. Situated at the head of Hangang, the water goes through the 180,000 square-meter park where it is filtered and purified before flowing back into the river.
The park is open all-year-round but is most beautiful in summer when the lotus blossoms are in bloom. The best months are July and August. During this time a lotus festival is organized, too.
The garden, also has Environment Learning Center, Experience Center, exhibition areas and museum.
Operating Hours
During the period of Lotus Culture: 07:00 – 22:00
June & October: 09:00-22:00
November & April: 09:00-18:00
Admission fee
Adult (aged 19 or older):ย 5,000 won
Children (ages 6-18) & senior citizens (ages 65 and older): 3,000 won
โป The admission fee for children aged 5-years-old or younger is free.
What else to see and experience in Yangpyeong
- Try different lotus themed street food at the snack booths in the area.
- Pick your own strawberries from the strawberry farm
- Visit Yangsuri traditional market
- Visit Yangsuri eco-park
- Rent a bike and explore the area. The bike paths here are well developed. Thus, this is the most preferable way for many visitors.
How to get to Dumulmori & Semiwon
The nearest subway station is Yangsu (์์์ญ) Jungang Subway Line. Make sure not to mistook it with GyeonguiโJungang Line. You can either walk for about 20-30 minutes from the station to Semiwon or take a bus. The bus stop is right in front of exit 1. You will, also spot a bike rental shop in front of exit 1 in case you prefer exploring by bike.
More information
For more information please refer to the following sites:
All you need to know before going to Yangpyeong is available here: tour.yp21.go.kr
Semiwon (only in Korean): semiwon.or.kr
