[One Day Walk] Step by Step in Nature, Siru Growing Rapidly... Siheung Premium Ecological Trail

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Hojobeol in Siheung City where spoonbills play

Today's walking course is a premium ecological trail in Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do, which retains its natural state. About 60% of the area is designated as a greenbelt, and Siheung-si, home to Gyeonggi-do’s only inner tidal flat, is renowned as a treasure trove of ecological resources. The Gaetgol Ecological Park is especially designated as a Grade 1 ecological environment area and a national marine wetland protection zone. Siheung-si offers a hidden premium ecological trail where you can fully experience the nature of Siheung. The course starts from Gaetgol Ecological Park and continues to the Lotus Theme Park, Hojobeol, and Mulwangho Lake.

The walking course begins at Gaetgol Ecological Park. With an area of 1.5 million pyeong (approximately 4.96 million square meters), it is an excellent walking path by itself. The tidal channels of Gaetgol exhibit the large tidal range characteristic of the West Coast, and the tidal flats and grassland clusters formed here show a rare distribution of diverse species. The old salt field sites and salt warehouses bear traces of the disappearing coastal culture. It is a treasure trove where natural ecology breathes and a ‘eco-friendly ecological park where nature and people harmonize,’ providing rest for citizens.

Leaving Gaetgol Ecological Park and continuing on foot, you will see Hojobeol, Siheung-si’s largest granary area, spread out like a painting. It is a beautiful landscape rarely seen in the city. Modern people tired of the concrete jungle can leisurely walk along the open paths and fully enjoy nature.

Siheung-si Gaetgol Ecological Park

As you walk, you can see a simple stone wall under small roof tiles. You have arrived at Gwankokji, Siheung-si’s Local Cultural Property No. 8. It is said that Kang Huimaeng of the early Joseon Dynasty brought lotus seeds from Ming China and planted them here. The city has created a lotus cultivation area nearby to commemorate this. This is the Lotus Theme Park.

The lotus flowers begin to bloom in early July, reach their peak around late July, and can be enjoyed until early October. However, you can appreciate the beautiful scenery year-round, not only during the lotus blooming season, and the surrounding walking and bicycle paths are neatly maintained, making it a great place to experience nature as it is.

It is also nice to take a break and take a photo at the photo spot in Hojobeol, which surrounds the entire course. Right next to the Lotus Theme Park, you can see a letter sculpture representing the heart of Siheung, Hojobeol, and the symbol of Hojobeol, the black-faced spoonbill. Within this beautiful landscape live about 3,000 black-faced spoonbills worldwide, an endangered natural monument, as well as endangered species such as the golden frog, stork, and whooper swan. Hojobeol is both the workplace of farmers cultivating rice and a resting place for busy citizens.

Scenic View of Mulhwangho Lake in Siheung City

Finally, when you reach Mulwangho Lake, the largest lake in Siheung-si, you are at the end of the course. Due to its well-preserved beautiful natural environment and accessibility, the number of tourists increases every year. Also, it is perfect for satisfying your hunger while walking, as there is fun in discovering hidden local restaurants.

If you plan to explore Siheung’s premium ecological trail, try installing the ‘Manbo Siru’ app. The app measures your steps and rewards you with Siru points, Siheung-si’s local currency, when you reach your goal. The accumulated Siru points can be converted into Siru local currency and used at Siru-affiliated stores in the area. It is truly a win-win walking experience. Why not take some time out of your busy day to walk the beautiful Siheung ecological trail for healing and also earn Siru points?

▶Course Route: Location: Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do - Gaetgol Ecological Park ~ Lotus Theme Park ~ Hojobeol ~ Mulwangho Lake (approx. 7 km) ▶Distance and Duration: 7 km, about 2 hours 30 minutes, 10,000 steps ▶Calories Burned: 434 kcal, Difficulty: Moderate ▶Directions: Take Bus No. 5 from Exit 1 of Siheung City Hall Station on the Seohae Line