Gyeonggi-do(Anseong-si)

The word ‘Mirinae,’ from the Mirinae Holy Site (미리내 성지) in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, is a pure Korean word for the Milky Way. The site holds the graves of Saint Andreas Kim Daegeon, Korea’s first Catholic Saint; his mother Ursula; Bishop Ferréol, the third head of the Joseon parish who ordained Priest Kim; and Vincentius Lee Minsik who buried Saint Kim’s body. To be sure, this holy site is a serene and peaceful sanctum. The reason it came to be called ‘Mirinae’ is that Korean Catholics came to this place in secret to avoid persecution during the late Joseon Dynasty, and the lamplight coming from their homes in the village where they settled resembled the starlight of the Milky Way. Father Kim was executed at the age of 26 and was not permitted a funeral. But, 40 days after the execution, Vincentius Lee Minsik was able to steal away Kim’s body with great difficulty; he carried it on his back eventually burying it in Mirinae – dismissing all advisement and council that urged him against this. At the center of the site stands a grand memorial church and the Way of the Cross behind it has 15 bronze sculptures depicting the passion of Jesus being captured by Roman soldiers, crucified, suffering, passing away, and being interred. Kim Daegeon (1822~1846) Korea’s first Catholic priest and saint. He was chosen as a scholarship recipient by a French priest, and joined the priesthood at the young age of 24. Kim returned to Korea, but was captured, and executed, dying a martyr. He was blessed by the Roman Pope Pius XI on July 5, 1925, and became a Catholic saint at the canonization ceremony conducted by Pope John Paul II himself in South Korea on May 6, 1984.


Gyeonggi-do(Icheon-si)

Ansan Valley Rock Festival is now held annually at Ansan Daebu Sea Breeze Theme Park. As Korea’s biggest rock festival with a line-up of big-name musicians from Korea and abroad, Ansan Valley Rock Festival is ready to welcome music fans, moving from its previous location of Jisan Resort to the festival-only zone with an expansive view.


Gyeonggi-do(Icheon-si)

The Hotel Miranda is known as the greatest landmark in the Icheon province, presenting over 8,000 pyeongs (approx. 26,400 ㎡) of hotel luxury consisting of a basement floor, 10-story building for its main complex, and a 3-story annex, along with an astonishing 10,000-pyeong (approx. 33,000 ㎡) SpaPlus spa complex. This enormous spa facility consists of an indoor swimming pool, a kiddie pool, event spas, a tube ride, and more for the entire family to enjoy. Other forms of family fun also include a variety of wave pools and Korea’s longest water slide to indulge visitors in thrills and chills.


Gyeonggi-do(Ansan-si)

The Ansan Botanical Garden (안산식물원) has three pavilions: The first pavilion (382.81㎡) is a tropical garden, while the second pavilion in the middle (846㎡) and the third to the south (846㎡), feature marsh plants. Outside are four rose gardens, a fruit tree garden, a wild plant garden, a plant succession garden, and a pond (featuring a total of 46 plants including red momo botan lotus). The botanical park has a pyramid-shaped, modern greenhouse that is a source of pride for Ansan City. The park is also connected to Seongho Park.


Gyeonggi-do(Gunpo-si)

Surisan Mountain (수리산), a provincial park of Gyeonggi Province, surrounds Gunpo City and is easily accessible as it can be reached in about one hour from anywhere in the Seoul metropolitan area. Grand old trees that range from 100 to 300 years old make for picturesque scenery. The mountain is also an important ecological zone, inhabited by many species of flowers and butterflies that are only found in Korea, along with many endangered species of animals and plants. Meanwhile, the value of areas such as Bat Ridge along Taeeul Peak, Seulgi Peak, Surisa Temple, or Wind Hill in Sokdal-dong are all immeasurable for their natural scenery.


Gyeonggi-do(Gwacheon-si)

Gwacheon Hanmadang Festival, held every fall, is a unique celebration embodying the unique spirit of the street art culture. The festival’s main events are a large selection of performances by various performance teams from home and abroad as well as other invited performers. Shows include street theatre, Madang plays, dance performances, circus acts, mimes, and street music, held in the open-air stages around Gwacheon City Hall. Favorite programs include: Festival Explore Program (an interactive program allowing spectators to experience the joy of street art) and Guest Performances from abroad (giving viewers a rare look at the culture of countries around the world). Besides street performances, there are hundreds of festivities visitors may enjoy including an ‘artist area’, academic events and a marketplace filled with delicacies.


Gyeonggi-do(Siheung-si)

The Ecological Culture Exploration Site on Oido Island (오이도) in Siheung City is abundant in natural resources and historic relics dating back to the prehistoric era. Shell mounds are scatted across the island, the scale of the shell mounds is the largest along the west coast and they are the only relics that give any information about exchanges between Korea’s neolithic populations. They show evidence of exchanges between the northern and southern populations that inhabited the peninsula and continent, and how the coastal environment along the west coast changed during the Neolithic Age.


Gyeonggi-do(Bucheon-si) , Bucheon

Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan) is a film festival that highlights films in the fantasy genre. The festival presents audiences films abound in imagination and individuality.


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin

Yangji Pine Resort is nestled among the foothills of Dokjo Mountain in Gyeonggi-do, Yongin-si, Yangji-myeon. Located right next to the Yeongdong Highway Yangji IC (about a 40-min drive from Seoul) it is the closest resort town to the capital. In spite of its convenient location, the resort allows guests to truly commune with nature, offering a unique view throughout each of the four seasons. The main building of the resort (B3-11F), houses a total of 302 guestrooms, most of which offer an open view of the lush forests of the mountain. In addition to its beautiful golf course, modern ski facilities, and luxurious condominium, the hotel prides itself on its friendly, well-trained staff.