A Cozy Shelter Hidden Near Seoul: A Day in Uiwang
I spent a relaxing weekend in Uiwang, a quiet and green city with a population of 160,000.
Let Me Introduce This City
Uiwang is a compact city nestled snugly between Seoul and Suwon. With a population of just over 160,000, it offers the perfect atmosphere to catch your breath away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Thanks to the nature embraced by Mt. Moraksan and Lake Baegun, it's a great place to take a light breath of fresh air every weekend.
The Path This City Has Walked
During the Joseon Dynasty, it was a small town located on the border of Gwacheon-hyeon and Suwon-bu. Since ancient times, it has been a transportation hub while maintaining its tranquility thanks to its deep mountain ranges. It was promoted from Uiwang-eup to a city in 1989, taking on its current appearance. Even amidst rapid urbanization, old churches and nature-friendly spaces are well-preserved, allowing the past and present to comfortably coexist.
Must-Visit Places
Uiwang has hidden spots that calm your mind wherever your steps take you. In particular, it ranges from churches that retain their old-fashioned sentiment to parks where you can fully enjoy nature, making it perfect for walking courses.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โIt is a compact church with over 100 years of history. The red brick building and the surrounding tranquil scenery combine to make it a great place for quiet contemplation.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โIt is a fascinating section where you can experience an optical illusion where water or cars seem to roll upward despite being a downhill slope. Go and see it with your own eyes.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โIt is a cozy park where you can honor the achievements of King Sejong, who created Hangeul, and reflect on the beauty of the Korean alphabet. The walking trails are well-maintained.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โEquipped with wide lawns and athletic facilities, it is a place frequently visited by local residents to enjoy leisure strolls or light exercise.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โA place lined with various restaurants and cafes along the lake. It is great to take a walk around the lake and enjoy the open scenery after a delicious meal.
Nature Surrounding the City
A significant portion of Uiwang's area is surrounded by mountains and lakes. In particular, the Hakui-dong area embracing Lake Baegun boasts scenery that changes its clothes every season. Cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage harmonize with the lake, making you stop in your tracks.
Lake Baegun (๋ฐฑ์ดํธ์)
It is great to walk along the open waterside deck trail, and the sunset reflecting on the calm lake is especially beautiful.
Mt. Moraksan (๋ชจ๋ฝ์ฐ)
The hiking trail is gentle, so even beginners can climb without burden, and once you reach the summit, you can overlook the entire city of Uiwang at a glance.
Taste and Style of This City
Uiwang has a deep affection for Hangeul culture enough to have a Hangeul Park, and every autumn, various local events such as the Galmi Hangeul Calligraphy Tour are held. In terms of restaurants, there are many eateries centered around Lake Baegun where you can enjoy a healthy meal in nature. It is a neighborhood good for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city to nourish your body or taste neat Korean food.
Restaurants Loved by Locals
In Uiwang, you can find hearty nourishing meals or healthy dining tables containing nature. Rather than tourist-targeted soliciting, we have selected hidden gem restaurants frequently visited by real locals.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โA place where you can taste fresh Gondre-bap (thistle rice) and clean side dishes. You can enjoy a hearty table setting in the late 10,000 KRW range per person.
ํ๊ตญ๊ด๊ด๊ณต์ฌSearch โSavory and rich nurungji baeksuk (chicken soup with scorched rice) is the signature menu. The combination of tender chicken and chewy scorched rice is excellent.
A place where you can taste neat Korean traditional set meals in a serene Hanok atmosphere, making it great to visit with your parents.
A simple and cozy eatery where the barley rice set meal mixed with generous wild greens is top-notch.
Good to Know Before Traveling
Uiwang has good Subway Line 4 connections (Uiwang Station, Indeogwon Station, etc.) and wide-area bus routes, making it easily accessible from Seoul within an hour. However, popular attractions like Lake Baegun or Hauhyeon Catholic Church may have somewhat long public transport dispatch intervals, so we recommend checking the timetable in advance.