© Kim Sungjin

© James Kim

A WALK THROUGH YEOUIDO IN THE SPRING

Seoul’s Manhattan is more than just cherry blossoms

Written by Robert J. Fouser

April brings spring flowers to Seoul, and one the best places to enjoy them is Hangang Park and Yeouido Park, both on Yeouido, the large island in the Hangang River. Built on the site of the old Seoul airfield in the 1970s, Yeouido was the first planned city south of the Hangang River in Seoul. Its success helped spur the development of Gangnam and other new cities throughout Korea.

Yeouido sits at the center of the Korean establishment. The National Assembly, the Korea Exchange Center, and the headquarters of KBS, MBC, and a number of other important companies, including LG, are located here. The island also has several apartment complexes that are excellent examples of the “matchbox” design that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s.

The best way to begin a tour of Yeouido is from Yeouido Station 여의도역 (Line 5, 9). Leave from Exit 3 and walk straight toward Yeouido Park. From 1972 to 1999, the area was a large concrete plaza that was used mainly for political events. Large-scale political events fell out of favor after democratization in the 1980s, and the area was redeveloped into a green park in 1999. Walk through the park and enjoy the many flowering trees.

From Yeouido Park, KBS makes for an interesting stop. The KBS On Exhibition Hall offers a short introduction to KBS and broadcasting (free, 9:30am–5:30pm every day, admission by 5pm) Next to KBS is the National Assembly Building. People interested in Korean politics can visit the National Assembly Visitor’s Center (free, 9am–6pm weekdays, 9am–5pm weekends, except for the second and fourth Sundays of the month; admission one hour before closing), which offers an interesting look at the function and history of the National Assembly.

Leaving the National Assembly Visitor’s Center, turn left and walk past the front of the National Assembly Library until you come to Hangang Park. Developed in the 1980s as part of a chain of parks along the Hangang River, the park hosts the annual Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival in the middle of April. The park spans the entire perimeter of the island and offers wonderful views of the Yeouido skyline as well as Mt. Namsan on the other side of the Hangang River. The park is particularly popular for nighttime cherry blossom viewing during the festival.

The long walk in Hangang Park leads to another Yeouido attraction: 63 City. Opened in 1985 as part of the preparations for the 1988 Olympics, the tall golden building was the tallest building in Asia at the time and remained the tallest building in Korea until 2003. The top floors offer sweeping views of Seoul from the observatory and restaurants. The lower floors have one of the largest aquariums in Asia, an IMAX theater, and a shopping mall.

From 63 City, turn left and then right at the next main street. The walk passes a number of “matchbox” apartment complexes built in the 1970s that sit symmetrically amid mature trees. Turning left at the corner with the Korea Exchange Center and MBC leads back to Yeouido Station.

Compared with the historic center of Seoul, Yeouido feels new and at times artificial. As a product of the period when Korea focused on creating a solid middle class, it offers more for children, making it a relaxing family destination, particularly during cherry blossom season.

© James Kim

© James Kim

GO>
Yeouinaru Station 여의나루역 (Line 5),  Yeouido Station 여의도역 (Line 5, 9), National Assembly Station 국회의사당역 (Line 9), or Saetgang Station 샛강역 (Line 9)

Courtesy of Gwangyang City Hall

Courtesy of Gwangyang City Hall

Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival | 광양국제매화축제

Head out to Gwangyang, the eastern edge of Jeollanam-do bordering the South Sea where the annual maehwa (apricot flower) festival will take place March 23–31. In springtime, Maehwa Village, the festival site, becomes a most splendid landscape as the apricot flowers burst into bloom. Picture-taking is by far the most popular thing to do, as families and friends preserve their memories of a beautiful spring day. A maehwa blossom photo contest, opportunities to learn traditional Korean drawing, and a variety of other craft-filled opportunities will also go on at the event. This festival truly shows the splendors of Korea’s countryside and even an occasional glimpse into the past.

EAT>
Hungry festival goers can indulge in the smorgasbord of local specialties as well as food and drink made with maesil (apricot fruit and flowers). Judging from the many bulgogi restaurants in Seoul that flash “Gwangyang” in their signage, Gwangyang is in a sense regarded as a mecca of this dish.

SEE>
Close to Gwangyang is Suncheon, which is known for its ecological park and many species of birds.
Yeosu, the site of the flamboyant world expo last year, sits just around the corner in the region.

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The festival also features a schedule of traditional and modern performances, from samulnori (traditional percussion music) to pop song contests.

STAY>
Abundant accommodation options are available in this eco-friendly tourist area.

FYI>
T. 061-797-3714
www.gwangyang.go.kr/gymaehwa
(Gwangyang Maehwa Village, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do | 전라남도 광양시 광양매화마을)

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Buses for Gwangyang depart from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal and Nambu Bus Terminal.

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