JARA ISLAND (자라섬) - Area information - Korea travel information

JARA ISLAND (자라섬)

17.2Km    2024-10-31

60 Jaraseom-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

JARA ISLAND takes its name from its view of a hill resembling a terrapin, "jara" in Korean. Comprising four smaller isles—Dongdo, Seodo, Jungdo, and Namdo—the island is being developed with leisure and ecological park amenities. Jungdo features a sprawling cultural park, centered around a lush grassy plaza that spans over 100 meters in diameter. Meanwhile, the west end of the Jarasum Campground is home to Ewhawon, a park designed to immerse visitors in natural ecology. Beyond its renown as a prime camping destination, Jara Island has also gained fame for hosting the Jarasum International Jazz Festival annually since 2004.

Gapyeong Rail Park (가평레일파크)

Gapyeong Rail Park (가평레일파크)

17.3Km    2025-10-23

14, Jangteo-gil, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

The railbike tour departing from Gapyeong Rail Park passes through Gapyeongcheon Stream Iron Bridge, Bukhanggang Iron Bridge and Zelkova Tree Tunnel before turning back to Gapyeong Rail Park. This route is featured in the Korean film "The Letter (1997)," and thus loved by both couples and photographers looking to capture some beautiful scenes along the old railroad track. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful river view while getting some light exercise with loved ones.

Namyangju Sareung Royal Tomb [UNESCO World Heritage] (남양주 사릉(정순왕후) [유네스코 세계문화유산])

Namyangju Sareung Royal Tomb [UNESCO World Heritage] (남양주 사릉(정순왕후) [유네스코 세계문화유산])

17.6Km    2023-06-22

180, Sareung-ro, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Sareung Royal Tomb is the tomb of Queen Jeongsun (1440-1521), a consort to King Danjong. She was perhaps the most tragic royal woman of the Joseon dynasty.

In 1453, she was selected to be queen out of many candidates and actually became the queen two years later. However, when King Danjong was forced to abdicate from the throne in 1457 and was exiled to Yeongwol in Gangwon-do, Queen Jeongsun was deprived of her title as well.

After King Danjong died, she built a thatched-roof house outside Seoul’s Dongdaemun Gate and lived there for the rest of her life, continuing to mourn her husband. The tomb’s name, Sareung, came from the fact that she had missed her dead husband so much.

Unlike other royal tombs, Sareung looks very simple. Its size is relatively small.

Bandi Village (반디빌리지)

Bandi Village (반디빌리지)

17.6Km    2024-12-13

287 , Mugan-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Located in Banditbul Village, Seorak-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Bandi Village is a pool villa pension for pet dogs. There six guest rooms with two stories, including a spacious living room, kitchen, and dining room on the first floor and a bedroom on the second floor. There is an exclusive bathtub and dry room for dogs on one side of the living room, and potty pads, dog diapers and wraps, and dog towels are provided free of charge. There are also emergency first aid kits available for dogs. There is a grassy area outside, as well as a playground exclusively for dogs. Café Bandi offers complimentary welcome drinks and breakfast.

The Stay Hotel (더 스테이호텔)

The Stay Hotel (더 스테이호텔)

17.7Km    2024-12-20

73 , Bonap-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

The Stay Hotel in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do is in a peaceful spot where Gapyeongcheon Stream meets the Bukhangang River, with Mount Bonapsan behind it. Local facilities such as Gapyeong-gun Office, Gapyeong Market, Gapyeong Station on the Gyeongchun Line and Gapyeong Bus Terminal are all within a convenient 2km radius. Jara Island, where the annual Jarasum Jazz Festival is held, is 4 minutes by car, while Chuncheon Nami Island is a 10-minute drive away.

Hongneung and Yureung Royal Tombs [UNESCO World Heritage] (남양주 홍릉(고종과 명성황후)과 유릉(순종과 순명,순정 황후) [유네스코 세계문화유산])

Hongneung and Yureung Royal Tombs [UNESCO World Heritage] (남양주 홍릉(고종과 명성황후)과 유릉(순종과 순명,순정 황후) [유네스코 세계문화유산])

17.8Km    2021-07-19

352-1, Hongyureung-ro, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Hongneung and Yureung Royal Tombs is Historic Site No. 207. Hongneung Tomb is the resting place of Emperor Gojong and his wife Empress Myeongseong, while Yureung Tomb is the resting place of Emperor Sunjong, his first wife Empress Sunmyeonghyo, and his second wife, Empress Sunjeonghyo. Hongneung and Yureung look different from other royal tombs. When the name of the country changed from the Joseon dynasty to the Daehan Empire, the rulers of Korea were called emperors. Therefore, the tombs of the two emperors were modeled after the tomb of the Ming dynasty’s ruler, King Taizu (Zhu Yuanzhang). Surrounding Hongneung and Yureung are statues carved in the shape of animals such as giraffes, elephants, and lions, which can’t be seen at the other royal tombs of the Joseon dynasty. The stonework of Hongneung tomb was made in a traditional way, while the stonework of Yureung tomb shows a more realistic and advanced technique.

Ananti Chord (아난티코드)

18.0Km    2021-05-21

961-34, Yumyeong-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Ananti Chord is a golf resort operated by the golf course leisure expert company Emerson Pacific. Ananti Chord was designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, x_heightening the aesthetic features of each component that make up the resort, including the golf courses, buildings, and nature. Although the golf course is exclusive to members only, Ananti Chord welcomes non-members to use the racket club, swimming pool, restaurants, and other amenities. Unlike other golf resorts that are closed for winter, Ananti Chord hosts winter activities every year for year-round entertainment.

Yeoninsan Provincial Park (연인산도립공원)

Yeoninsan Provincial Park (연인산도립공원)

18.0Km    2025-01-08

Buk-myeon, Ha-myeon, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

The source of Yongchu Falls, Mount Yeoninsan (연인산) stands at 1,068 meters above sea level and features soft terrain and beautiful scenery. Local folklore has it that those coming to the mountain wishing for true love will have their dreams come true.

The soil of Mount Yeoninsan is fertile, offering a great natural environment for a variety of flowers and trees. Numerous types of wild flowers thrive from early spring to late autumn. The trail connecting Mount Yeoninsan with mounts Myeongjisan, Cheonggyesan, and Gwimokbong remains relatively unspoiled by human influence: cooking and camping in the area is strictly forbidden. All the mountains in the trail are over 1,000 meters high. A defining feature of Mount Yeoninsan is the royal azaleas that bloom in late May. The County of Gapyeong celebrates the royal azalea by hosting the Mount Yeoninsan (Natural Ecology) Festival in May of each year.

Also ideal for hiking, Mount Yeoninsan offers a number of trails: one starts from Buk-myeon in Baekdun-ri, one from Mail-ri, and one from Yongchu Valley. With a minimum of climbing, hikers can take in a variety of scenic views, ranging from the bloom of the royal azaleas in the spring to the beauty of the changing leaves in the fall.

Pocheon Sansawon (포천 산사원)

18.4Km    2022-12-27

25, Hwadong-ro 432beon-gil, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Pocheon Sansawon is a museum of traditional Korean liquor, mainly home-brewed liquor. Several rows of liquor crock pots in Sewollang, the garden in Sansawon, create a magnificent view. Old materials and books about the history of Korea's liquor culture attract visitors. After touring the museum, visitors can try non-sterilized liquor of Baesangmyeon Brewery and join activity programs for making home-brewed liquor, fruit-based liquor, seasonal liquor, and more.

Sujongsa Temple (수종사)

Sujongsa Temple (수종사)

19.7Km    2023-06-22

186, Bukhangang-ro 433beon-gil, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Sujongsa Temple is a branch temple of Bongseonsa Temple, located near the top of Ungilsan Mountain. Amazing views from Sujongsa Temple include various mountaintops and the Bukhangang River. While records are not entirely clear, it is believed that the temple was built in 1439 during the Joseon period. The temple went through many reconstructions and expansions, but ultimately was entirely destroyed during the Korean War. In 1975, Monk Hyegwang began reconstructing the temple, starting with Daeungbojeon Hall and slowly expanded the temple site subsequently.