The most beautiful view in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, South Korea: Gyeongpo Lake
Gyeongpo Lake
Jung Cheol, a politician and literary figure in the middle of the Joseon Dynasty, wrote a song called "GwandongByeolgok," which centers around the "Gwandong Eight Scenes" and celebrates the beauty of Gangwon Province and the East Sea. The Gwandong Eight Scenic Spots are eight scenic spots that can be found in Gangwondo, or more precisely, east of Baekdu-daegan. Among them, Gyeongpo Lake has been and still is the most popular scenic spot.
The name Gyeongpo Lake means that the calm surface of the water is like looking into a mirror. The large, rounded shape of the lake is so beautiful that you might think it's manmade, but it's not. It's a natural lagoon. It was formed when the water flow between the sea and the river was blocked by sand, and it continues to this day. The last ice age is believed to have been the last time the lagoon was created, so it's been around for a long time.
Now, Gyeongpo Lake will look a little different. Even before Jeongchul praised its beauty, Gyeongpo Lake was already a famous scenic spot. There are records of Silla's painters coming here to practice and play. Gyeongpodae, an observation deck on the hill north of the lake, was considered a "hot spot" by our ancestors. You can't pass it by. Climb up the hill and enjoy the view that our ancestors raved about. It's also a great place to take in the lazy spring breeze. If you feel like it, you can even write a poem.
The circumference of Gyeongpo Lake is about 4 kilometers. There is a wellmaintained walking path that can be completed in about an hour. Cherry blossoms bloom every spring, adding to the charm of Gyeongpo Lake, but that's not all. On a clear day, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Baekdudaegan Mountain range, a lake that shimmers like a mirror, and tranquil moments with pine forests and cherry trees. It's a secret: the sunsets here are stunning.
Anything goes. Let's find the hidden charms of Gyeongpo Lake and indulge in every nook and cranny. Take your time, take your time.
- Address: 365, Gyeongpo-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (Gyeongpodae) / 459-28, Chodang-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (Gyeongpo Lake Square)
Heo Gyun, Heo NanSeolHeon Memorial Park
South of Gyeongpo Lake, in Chodang-dong, is the birthplace of Heo NanSeolHeon. Considered one of the top three female poets of Joseon, Heo NanSeolHeon was the older sister of Heo Gyun, author of the well-known classic novel Hong Gil-dong. Heo Gyun was also born here. Although the architecture is not exactly what it used to be, it's still worth a visit to see the Heo Gyun, Heo NanSeolHeon Memorial Center and Chodang-dong Traditional House together.
The Heo Gyun, Heo NanSeolHeon Memorial Center displays stories and artworks about the lives of the siblings. You can find a novel 'Hong Gil-dong', representative works of Heo NanSeolHeon. Surrounding the memorial are a statue of Heo NanSeolHeon and a poemstone with key passages inscribed on it. If you're interested in the siblings, we recommend taking a tour together.
A park surrounds the birthplace of Heo Gyun, Heo NanSeolHeon. It's located between Chodang Tofu Village and Gyeongpo Lake, so it's easy to combine them into one trip. Flowers are planted according to the season, so you can enjoy the seasonal atmosphere. It doesn't end there. Between Gyeongpo Lake and Heo Gyun, Heo NanSeolHeon Memorial Park, there is also a dense pine forest that looks like it's in the middle of the city. The scenery is also spectacular. Compared to Gyeongpo Bridge and Gyeongpo Beach, there are not many visitors, so you can enjoy a quiet atmosphere.
- Address: 1-29, Nanseolheon-ro 193beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
- Hours: 09:00~18:00
- Closed: Every Monday
- Admission: Free
Gyeongpo Aquarium
If you want to learn more about Gyeongpo Lake and its surrounding aquatic ecosystem, head to Gyeongpo Aquarium. Gyeongpo Aquarium is a representative underwater life research and exhibition center in Gangwon Province. It is located near Gyeongpo Lake, where freshwater and saltwater meet, and is famous for researching various underwater ecosystems. In addition to the creatures that live in the sea in front of Gyeongpo Lake and Gyeongpo Beach, various friends from all over the world roam the aquarium's tanks.
The scale of Gyeongpo Aquarium is even larger than 'Aquaplanet 63' in Seoul's 63 Building. This means that it offers a wide variety of attractions. You can see sturgeon from the Han River, piranhas that are famous for being cannibalistic fish, and sea turtles swimming around in large tanks. At certain times, you can listen to an aquarist who specializes in studying underwater life in various tanks. If you're interested, make sure to visit Gyeongpo Aquarium at the appropriate time.
- Address: 131, Nanseolheon-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
- Hours: 10:00~18:00
- Admission: Adult 20,000 won / Youth 18,000 won / Child 16,000 won