Introduction to Pocheon City : Close Tourist Destination from Seoul

It is an interesting city full of cultural and historical values of Korea. Indeed it's famous for tourism. But did you know about its economy too?

Introduction to Pocheon City 

Pocheon City, located in northeastern Gyeonggi Province, is the third largest of the cities and counties in province in terms of area after Yangpyeong and Gapyeong. Since it was just recently promoted from county to city level, most of its area is still primarily comprised of farmland and mountains. The city is bordered by Uijeongbu City to the south, Namyangju City to the east, Gapyeong to the west and Dongducheon to the north.

The city offers access to four main transportation networks: the Sejong-Pocheon Highway (now partially opened from Guri to Pocheon), Seoul Subway Line 7 (to be opened in 2024), Road No. 43, and Pocheon Intercity Bus Terminal. Public transportation in the region, however, still has considerable room for improvement.

Economy, Culture and Tourism of Pocheon City

Economy

Pocheon lies adjacent to Uijeongbu and the corresponding districts of Seoul; its population began to increase as more small and medium-sized manufacturing facilities were established in the region. Moreover, with the opening of the Guri-Pocheon Highway in June 2017, the sales rate for sites in local industrial complexes nearly doubled as accessibility to Seoul dramatically improved. Apart from the manufacturing industry, Pocheon is also famous for its egg production as it accounts approximately 10 percent of all eggs produced in South Korea.

Culture

Pocheon City is home to famous makgeolli brewers. Since ancient times, there have been many breweries making makgeolli in the region due to the high-quality of the spring water found in Pocheon. Among such products, Ildong Makgeolli and Idong Makgeolli are representative brands distributed all around Korea (but which taste much better if you drink them in Pocheon, of course). Also, Pocheon is home to the headquarters of the famous traditional alcohol beverage company Sansawon.

Idong Galbi (이동갈비, BBQ bone-in short rib,) named after the township of Idong, is also a famous delicacy of the city. It originated in the 1950s right after Korean War as many military units were concentrated in the Idong area and a number of restaurants sold cheap pork ribs. In the 1980s, with the opening of paved roads linking Pocheon and Seoul, local restaurants started to sell the beef ribs for which the area eventually became renowned.

Tourism

Pocheon City’s major tourist attractions include Sanjeong Lake, Baekwoon Valley, Bears Town and the Sansawon Traditional Alcohol Brewery & Museum.

Sanjeong Lake in Autumn

Sanjeong Lake, located in Yeongbuk-myeon, is an artificial reservoir that was created in 1925 and is now a famous tourist destination for people in northern Gyeonggi and Seoul. It used to be an ordinary district with lakes and restaurants, but the construction of condominiums and amusement parks has contributed to its emergence as a famous tourist destination. Duck boats and motorboats are available at the lake during summer and, during winter, the lake turns into a natural skating rink. Also, the Bears Town ski resort (opened in 1985) is famous for its ski slopes and attracts many ski-lovers in winter.

Scenery of Beakwoon Valley
ⓒGyeonggi Province

Beakwoon Valley (part of Hantan River Geopark), famous for its clean water ,is another summertime tourist destination in Pocheon. The valley is about 10 kilometers long with ponds and rock formations adding to its beautiful scenery. Heungryongsa Temple is located at the entrance to the valley, and the 30-meter-high Guemgwang Waterfall is located upstream.

Aging jars for alcohol outside the Sansawon museum

The Sansawon Traditional Alcohol Brewery & Museum produces and exhibits various kinds of traditional Korean alcoholic beverages. The museum features numerous displays depicting the interesting history of Korean alcohol and its production. Visitors can also sample some of Sansawon’s finest alcohol products including makgeolli and soju. Of particular note, the large ceramic vessels used for aging alcohol just outside the museum are not to be missed.