A Variety of Experiences Where Tradition and Modernity Coexist
Highlights Include Uijeongbu Jeil Market, Art Library, and Hoeryongsa Temple
The welcome long holiday of the Lunar New Year is approaching. With the designation of a temporary holiday on the 27th, it is an opportunity to enjoy a week-long break and recharge. You can spend the Lunar New Year holiday in a special way through recommended places that encompass nature, culture, sports, and leisure. Uijeongbu City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Dong-geun) introduces various attractions and experiences where citizens and visitors can comfortably enjoy during the Lunar New Year holiday.
◇ Traditional Markets to Enjoy the Vibrancy of the Lunar New Year
Traditional markets are the best places to feel the atmosphere of the Lunar New Year. In particular, Uijeongbu Jeil Market boasts the longest history and largest scale in northern Gyeonggi Province, and is popular not only among local residents but also visitors. Additionally, Uijeongbu Market and the Fruit and Vegetable Market are filled with fresh agricultural products, diverse holiday foods, and daily necessities, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the festive spirit. Uijeongbu Jeil Market and Uijeongbu Market remain open throughout the holiday for convenient shopping, while the Fruit and Vegetable Market will be open from the 25th to the 27th. Street foods available throughout the markets and nostalgic scenes reminiscent of childhood memories offer another joy of the holiday.
◇ Art and Music Libraries Where Culture and Leisure Coexist
For those who love books and art, the art library and music library, which have become well-known complex cultural spaces nationwide, are recommended. The art library offers various exhibitions and specialized art materials, while the music library, equipped with studios and audio rooms, allows visitors to enjoy a wide range of music from classical to black music. Both libraries operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the 25th and 26th. They will be closed from the 27th to the 30th, but book returns are possible, and the art library allows borrowing of reserved books during this period.
◇ The Charm of Winter Sports: Indoor Ice Rink and Curling Arena
If you want to enjoy winter sports, Uijeongbu Indoor Ice Rink and Curling Arena are the perfect places. You can skate at the indoor ice rink and enjoy curling experiences with family and friends at the curling arena. The ice rink operates from the 25th to the 27th, and the curling arena on the 25th and 27th. Equipment rental is available, making it easy for anyone to participate. Notably, the indoor ice rink will host the ‘2025 LGT World Women’s Curling Championship’ for nine days from March 15 to 23. These facilities offer a preview of Uijeongbu City’s ambition to become an international ice sports city.
◇ Energetic Sports Facilities
For families seeking active physical activities during the Lunar New Year holiday, Uijeongbu’s sports facilities are ideal. There are various facilities such as badminton courts (Singok, Chudong), tennis courts (Songsan, Howon, Nokyang, Jangam, Pureunmadang), soccer fields (Jikdong, Gonje, Hwalgi), and Cheonbo Table Tennis Hall, allowing you to spend a healthy holiday in a spacious and pleasant environment. Operating hours on the 25th and 26th are: badminton, tennis, and soccer courts from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the table tennis hall from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. On the 28th and 30th, shortened hours apply: badminton and tennis courts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., soccer fields from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the table tennis hall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
◇ Harmony of Tradition and Nature: Hoeryongsa and Mangwolsan Temples
If you want to quietly enjoy meditation or experience traditional culture, Hoeryongsa and Mangwolsan Temples are recommended. Hoeryongsa is a temple associated with legends of Yi Seong-gye, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, and Muhak Daesa, embodying the origin and identity of Uijeongbu City. Mangwolsan Temple, known as the oldest temple in Uijeongbu, houses various cultural assets designated by Gyeonggi Province. The paths to these two temples offer different beauties each season, and the snowy scenery in winter is especially splendid, making it recommended to visit while hiking.
◇ Embracing Beautiful Nature: Suraksan Dojeongbong Peak
Suraksan Mountain, with its majestic rocky formations, is a granite ridge mountain renowned as one of the famous mountains in the metropolitan area. In particular, Suraksan Dojeongbong is a representative hiking course in Uijeongbu, boasting an open view from the summit overlooking the entire Uijeongbu city. Enjoying the wide-spread beautiful scenery with your family while welcoming the New Year will be a meaningful experience. However, for safe hiking, it is important to bring hiking boots and gear, and to consider weather and physical condition to avoid overexertion.
◇ Relaxing in Nature on Premium Riverside Trails
Bal-mul Shelter and Barefoot Youth Trail along Jungnangcheon Stream, and the Mud Trail at Minrakcheon offer special spaces to feel nature and find relaxation within the city. The Mud Trail, in particular, is gaining attention as a healing course where you can walk barefoot to promote health and mental stability. Along with the Mud Trail, barefoot walking paths created throughout the city allow you to connect with nature and take care of your health, making them perfect for the whole family to enjoy during the holiday. The riverside walking paths in Uijeongbu’s downtown, where culture and leisure blend, are highly recommended for citizens who want to spend a healthy and special holiday.
◇ Urban Natural Park: Jikdong Neighborhood Park
Jikdong Neighborhood Park is a healing space in the city where you can enjoy nature and spend a relaxing time during the Lunar New Year holiday. The log cabin located within the park is a lodging facility where family visitors can gather and spend a comfortable day together. It can be reserved and used through the Uijeongbu Urban Corporation website and operates on the 25th to 27th and the 30th. The surrounding forest and lawn are well maintained, making it perfect for walking and picnicking.
◇ Attractions Enjoyable for All Generations from Youth to Seniors
Additionally, unique places suitable for each generation during the Lunar New Year holiday include Hoho-dang, the Youth Center ‘Youth Sympathy Place,’ and the Future Planet 2050 pop-up store. Hoho-dang, located under Hyoja Station of the Uijeongbu Light Rail Transit, is a resting place loved by seniors where they can enjoy games like baduk (Go) and janggi (Korean chess). The Youth Sympathy Place supports free activities and rest through programs that enhance job skills, provide employment counseling, and offer cultural and artistic experiences for youth. The Future Planet 2050 pop-up store is a special space where teenagers can experience future jobs and technologies to prepare for the future. Hoho-dang and the Youth Sympathy Place are open on the 25th and 26th, and the Future Planet pop-up store is open from the 25th to the 27th.
Mayor Kim Dong-geun said, “I hope citizens spend warm and special times with family and friends throughout Uijeongbu during the Lunar New Year holiday,” and added, “We will do our best to ensure that citizens have a safe and enjoyable holiday.”
Meanwhile, last December, the city selected the ‘8 Scenic Spots of Uijeongbu’ through a citizen survey to re-examine the characteristics and values of Uijeongbu City and promote the development of tourism resources. The selected spots are Mangwolsan Temple, Art Library, Suraksan Dojeongbong, Music Library, Uijeongbu Light Rail Transit, Uijeongbu Arts Center, Uijeongbu Jeil Market, and Hoeryongsa Temple (in alphabetical order).
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