[Interview] Park Kyum-su, Gangbuk District Mayor: "Uidong Family Camping Site to be Developed as an Urban Stay-Type Historical and Cultural Tourism Attraction"

Family Camping Site Expected to Establish Itself as an Experiential Tourism Hub Connecting Historical and Cultural Resources Scattered Across the Slopes of Bukhansan, Not Just Staying Overnight at the Campsite in Nature

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] “We will create the Ui-dong Family Camping Site as an ‘urban stay-type tourist attraction’ that embodies the historical and cultural resources of the foothills of Bukhansan Mountain.”

In an interview with this publication, Park Kyum-su, Mayor of Gangbuk-gu, said, “The family camping site is not just a campground where you rest and spend a night in nature,” adding, “I hope it will establish itself as a hub for experiential tourism that connects the scattered historical and cultural resources along the foothills of Bukhansan Mountain.”

Over the past decade, Mayor Park has been shaping a historical and cultural tourism belt by adding together the historical and cultural resources located at the foothills of Bukhansan Mountain.

With the opening of the Ui-dong Family Camping Site, Mayor Park has taken one step closer to completing the ‘historical and cultural tourism city’ he has championed. He explained the significance of the camping site, saying, “The original goal of the Bukhansan historical and cultural tourism belt project was to establish a 1-night, 2-day tourist course ‘with stories.’ In that sense, the Ui-dong Family Camping Site is an essential facility.”

The area surrounding the camping site is a treasure trove of historical and cultural tourism resources, making it an ideal place for families to enjoy experiential activities and relaxation under the scenic views of Bukhansan Mountain. The camping site is located at the entrance of the Ui-dong Forest Culture Village, where visitors can enjoy various traditional foods, and along the 12th section of the Bukhansan Dulle-gil Trail, Ui-ryeong-gil. It is conveniently accessible near Bukhansan Ui Station, the terminus of the Ui-Sinseol Urban Railway. Nearby, hiking trails lead up to Baegundae Peak of Bukhansan Mountain.

There are various options after an overnight stay. Visitors can embark on a historical and cultural outing by exploring the Ui-ryeong-gil Trail or linking with the ‘You and Me and Us’ stamp healing tour, a representative tourist course of Gangbuk-gu.

Across from the camping site, the opening of a mountain exhibition experience center and the Bukhansan Recreation Condominium is imminent, enriching the range of activities available. Mayor Park introduced, “The mountain exhibition experience center is being designed as a space with experiential elements themed around ‘Bukhansan,’ ‘Um Hong-gil,’ and the ‘Himalayas.’ We will also establish an internationally scaled artificial rock climbing wall within this year.”

A Cheongja kiln site experience center is planned to be installed on one side of the camping site. It will include an exhibition experience center, a kiln model, and an outdoor learning area. Mayor Park stated, “This place will be used as a historical education site for youth and visitors,” and added, “We also plan to operate pottery experience programs.” In 2011, a kiln site that produced Cheongja celadon from the late Goryeo to early Joseon periods was excavated at the foothills of Bukhansan in Gangbuk-gu.

The family camping site spans 11,561 square meters and features 31 camping sites including glamping, as well as a multipurpose lawn plaza. Wireless internet is available throughout the site.

Until the end of this month, the ‘LED Music Flower Field’ will also be featured. The combination of landscape lighting and music will create scenes that enhance nighttime attractions.

Mayor Park Kyum-su of Gangbuk-gu said, “With the opening of the family camping site, there is a noticeable buzz in the Ui-dong area,” and added, “I hope visitors will take the opportunity to spend a night at the camping site and then enjoy nature by hiking Bukhansan or walking the Ui-ryeong-gil Trail the next day.”