[One Day Walk] Rape, Wedome, and Hosu Park... Jeongbalsan Station

[Editor's Note] The subway is not only a transportation method that anyone can easily access and travel safely with, but also an important point for daily walking. We introduce walkable spots around subway stations.

Today's course is Jeongbalsan Station on Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 3. It is named after the nearby hill, Jeongbalsan. The height of Jeongbalsan is only 87 meters above sea level. It is just a hill in the neighborhood. Ilsan Cultural Park was formerly called Migwan Square, so locals are familiar with that name.

In front of Ilsandong-gu Office, the Ilsan Cultural Park, now renamed Ilsan Cultural Plaza, is an open space connecting Ilsan Lake Park, La Festa, and Western Dom. Various civic events are held year-round in the central area. La Festa opened in 2003, and with the opening of Western Dom in 2007, the La Festa-Western Dom twin tower system has continued.

Ilsan Lake Park Aesugyo Bridge
Photo by Goyang City

Ilsan Lake Park is a neighborhood park created in connection with the Ilsan New Town land development project. It features the largest artificial lake in Korea, recreating a natural ecosystem that city dwellers cannot usually experience, and provides various surrounding landscapes and recreational spaces utilizing the lake. The 4.7 km bicycle path around the lake and the 9.1 km walking trails including the Metasequoia Road are especially popular places among citizens. Additionally, ecological nature learning centers, sculptural artworks, and a cactus exhibition hall are among the diverse ecological and cultural facilities established. Every year, events such as the Goyang International Flower Festival, Autumn Flower Festival, and Lake Flower Light Festival are held, making it a renowned spot not only in Korea but worldwide.

Lafesta (left) and Western Dom

Along the walking trails near Areutmal Mountain, there is a 200-meter-long acupressure path. Walking barefoot on the jade pebbles, amber stones, and granite clears your mind completely. The Metasequoia Road offers a soft dirt path for strolling and creating romantic memories. It is 1.7 km long and takes about 23 minutes to walk. Since the park is very spacious, there are walking courses 1, 2, and 3. The Lake Natural Ecology School, covering 25,000 square meters, is home to over 1,300 species of various organisms including endangered species like the Korean fire-bellied toad, showcasing the features of a natural ecological park in the city. Visitors can experience flower classes, insect classes, observe aquatic creatures and seasonal wildflowers, and learn a proper understanding of the lake and the importance of nature.