You can find plenty of beautiful valleys around capital region of Korea. Especially if you are looking for a less crowded spots to cool off!
When it comes to nature in Korea, most people think of the ocean that surrounds the country and regional areas far away from Seoul, such as Jeju Island. However, many natural attractions frequently visited by Koreans are actually quite close to Seoul. According to an analysis of domestic travel in South Korea, the most frequently visited travel destination was Gyeonggi Province. In fact, Gyeonggi Province has been the leading travel destination for two consecutive years, attracting 45 million visits by domestic travelers. It has become a beloved travel destination through environmental policies—including ecological tourism policies, clean valley policies and coastal policies—that promote traditional tourist destinations, such as Hwaseong Fortress, Yangpyeong Dumulmeori, and Imjingak Pavilion, to name a few. |
| The valleys in Gyeonggi Province has been cleaned up through Gyeonggi Clean Valley Project ⓒGyeonggi Province |
Of particular note, valleys in Gyeonggi Province have long functioned as centers of communal life for local residents. However, a range of unlawful activities took place in valleys—ranging from illegal occupation to the installation of unauthorized facilities—that contaminated local waters and destroyed valley ecosystems. In response, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government has endeavored to restore beautiful valleys and return them to local residents through the Clean Valley Project.
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| ⓒGyeonggi Province |
Areas that have shown the greatest change since the implementation of the Clean Valley Project include Gapyeong County, Yangpyeong County, and Pocheon City, which are frequently visited tourist destinations. These areas not only restored natural features including valleys, waterfalls, and forests, but also gained greater popularity as green tourist destinations with campsites and locally themed accommodations, as well as water sports and leisure facilities. Here are some tips on how to enjoy the clean valleys of Gyeonggi Province.
1. Enjoying clean waters and forests in pristine valleys
The Gyeonggi Provincial Government and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization launched the Clean Valley Project for tourist destination development. The project involves the selection valleys that have the potential to become a tourism resource, and formulating tourism products and programs related to those valleys in order to develop them as new tourist destinations. The project emphasizes participation by residents who live around the selected valleys in the realization of sustainable valley tourism. The aim is the creation of clean valleys belonging to all Gyeonggi residents where tourists, local residents and local entrepreneurs are equally happy. |
| Gyeonggi Clean Valley Project is to restore valleys from unlawful activities and facilities ⓒGyeonggi Province |
2. Experiencing locally themed accommodations
In many of the cities and counties of Gyeonggi Province, you can stay at a wide range of accommodations that feature the unique character of each location while enjoying the surrounding natural environment. There are hundreds of options including campsites for trips with friends, glamping sites (a current trend), and villas with swimming pools where the whole family can relax. |
| There are various options for visitors who want to stay near the valleys ⓒGyeonggi Province |
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| ⓒGyeonggi Province |
Among the various types of accommodation, the so-called “pension” is a unique type of holiday accommodation found in Korea. Each pension boasts unique architecture and interiors, and offers distinctive programs and services. If you are traveling in Korea, experiencing “pension” culture in Gyeonggi Province is highly recommended.
3. Exciting water sports programs
The Namhangang River and Bukhangang River, headwaters of the Hangang River, flow through areas that lie in close proximity to Seoul, such as Hanam City, Gapyeong County and Yangpyeong County. Moreover, large and small valleys branch off from the Namhangang River and Bukhangang River, comprising part of the source of clean water for the Hangang River. |
| From wakeboarding to jet skiing, visitors can enjoy exciting water sports ⓒGyeonggi Province |
Along these rivers, there are numerous areas where you can enjoy water sports. Nowadays, Koreans enjoy wakeboarding and jet skiing, extreme sports in which you cleave through clear water while enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings. There are a number of companies that offer opportunities to enjoy water sports and other attractions without requiring athletic expertise.
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| ⓒGyeonggi Province |
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| ⓒGyeonggi Province |
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