A Gentle Stroll Around Bucheon, a Cozy and Easy City Hidden Near Seoul
Small everyday moments and green breathing spaces discovered in Bucheon, a vibrant city with a population of 830,000.
Let's Take a Light Look Around Bucheon
Snugly tucked between Seoul and Incheon, Bucheon gives a strange sense of familiarity and is a lively neighborhood with a population of over 820,000. You can find charming parks hidden among the forest of buildings and landscapes that stimulate childlike innocence in every alley, true to its title as a city of cartoons. It's the perfect place to easily escape for a light weekend getaway.
The Path Bucheon Has Walked
Originally having a strong image as a bedroom community where people commute to Seoul, Bucheon is actually a city quite sincere about culture and arts. It used to be ordinary land with many agricultural fields, but through rapid urbanization, orchards where peach blossoms bloomedโakin to its nickname Boksagolโgradually transformed into spaces for culture and arts. In particular, it has been reborn as a city for people who love cartoons and movies, becoming a dynamic place where huge festivals are held every year.
Places You Must Visit
If you are wondering where to go in Bucheon, it's a good idea to choose parks great for walking and spaces where you can smile like a child. I've carefully handpicked only the places I walked through myself and loved, ranging from oasis-like spots among the buildings to arboretums where you can escape daily life and heal.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โBucheon's representative downtown park, vibrant with people enjoying weekend picnics amidst spacious lawns and lush trees.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โA place where you can reflect on the preciousness of the environment, making it a great location to visit with children for a unique educational experience.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โA peaceful and relaxing neighborhood park with open views and wide walking trails that constantly attract local residents.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โA plaza imbued with the charming cuteness of Bucheon, the city of cartoons, where you can return to childhood while meeting Dooly from your memories.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โA place where you can fully experience nature within the city, great for clearing a complex mind while walking along cozy forest paths.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โA tranquil temple in the city center, offering a cozy resting place to find peace of mind while enjoying a quiet stroll.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โA complex shopping mall where you can comfortably spend the whole day regardless of the weather, ranging from shopping to delicious dining and cultural life.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โA place equipped with an indoor water park and various amusement facilities where the whole family can spend a vibrant day regardless of the season.
Nature Enveloping the City
Although Bucheon might seem full of only concrete buildings, neighborhood parks and arboretums that serve as resting places for residents are solidly established throughout the city center. Thanks to the flowers blooming each season and green trees, you can feel the changes of the seasons with your entire body whenever you visit.
๋ถ์ฒ ์ค์๊ณต์ (Bucheon Central Park)
A representative park nestled in the middle of the city where you can easily visit anytime to rest on the green lawn and beneath the shade.
๋ฌด๋ฆ๋์์๋ชฉ์ (Mulungdowon Arboretum)
A nature-friendly healing space where various native plants and an ecological pond harmonize to show different charms across four seasons.
The Taste and Style of This City
True to its title as a city of cartoons and movies, every summer and autumn, interesting events like the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) or the Cartoon Festival make the entire city buzz. Sculptures and murals that you inadvertently encounter while walking down the street add a small fun element to your trip. Food-wise, hearty Korean dishes that people of all ages will love and trendy menus are evenly developed, leaving no shortcomings for enjoying a culinary tour.
Restaurants Found by Locals
It would be too disappointing to leave out delicious food from a trip. We have gathered only the places praised unanimously by Bucheon natives and worthwhile restaurants where you can fill up with a hearty meal. It will be a fail-proof choice.
A legendary ppyeo-haejangguk (pork bone hangover soup) restaurant representing Bucheon, boasting a rich, deep broth and tender meat attached to the bones.
A place where you can taste North Korean-style food with a charmingly mild yet deep flavor, along with Pyongyang naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) featuring a refreshing and clean broth.
A cozy-vibe cafe where you can comfortably visit with your pets, drink warm beverages, and enjoy leisure.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โA place you must visit whenever you crave freshly hand-made dumplings stuffed with rich fillings and a refreshing, spicy hot pot broth.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โA neighborhood meat restaurant great for filling your stomach heartily by grilling thick, juicy pork until golden brown.
Things to Know Before Traveling
Since both Metropolitan Subway Lines 1 and 7 pass through Bucheon, it is really convenient to travel by public transportation from Seoul or Incheon. In particular, parks and restaurants are well distributed near the subway stations, so there is no problem at all visiting as a walker traveler. Parking lots around the parks can get busy on weekends, so using public transportation is actively recommended.