Everything........Korea! Korean! :): Nurtured with the sun, sky and the wind

Photo: Spectacle landscape of Suncheonman Wetland viewed from Yongsan Observatory When it comes to autumn travel, most would be thinking about the beautiful red, orange and yellow canopy of autumn leaves as ideal fall foliage destinations. However, besides that, there is another magnificent sight of autumn – the golden fields of reeds. Suncheonman Bay Ecological Park is home to the biggest colony of reeds in Korea, and it is yet another as a perfect way to enjoy autumn by taking leisurely romantic strolls around the park. In addition, Suncheonman Bay National Garden has recently been designated as Korea’s first national garden thanks to the overwhelming number of tourists who visit here to appreciate the scene. With an epithet “garden from heaven”, let’s experience the unique nature and beauty of Korea’s most outstanding natural eco-system and protected wetland – Suncheonman Bay Ecological Park! Korea’s First National Garden – Suncheonman Bay National Garden Photo: 10 million chrysanthemum exhibition at the Suncheonman Bay National Garden Since the opening of the Suncheon Bay Garden Expo in 2013, the garden has become a top tourist attraction for all and it was designated as the first National Garden on September, 2015. A wide variety of themed gardens can be found meticulously lined up at the Suncheonman Bay. Furthermore, as we approached this new season, autumn flowers such as chrysanthemums can be found on display, bringing the liveliness of the garden to a whole new level. There are two entrances found at the East and West side of the Suncheonman Bay National Garden respectively. The East gate leads to the Suncheon Lake Garden, World Garden and Metasequoia Path while the West gate brings visitors to the Korean Traditional Garden, Suncheon Bay International Wetland Center and other nearby attractions. Visitors may choose to start with either entrances to begin their trail. As the park is fairly large and spacious, it may take a few hours to explore. Thus, it is best advised to grab the free map available at the entrances for navigating around. A sightseeing bus (separate fees applicable) also known as the Ferris wheel, is operating in the Suncheon Bay National Garden. Take a ride on this sightseeing bus to the World Garden and other attractions found around the East-gate direction. One circulation tour takes approximately 20-minutes in duration. Visitors may board the bus at the bus stop in front of the French Garden. Photo: Ferris Wheel Sightseeing Bus Sightseeing Course French Garden → Chinese Garden → Oriental Herbs Experience Center → German Garden → Dutch Garden → International Outdoor Garden → American Garden → Metasequoia Path → Italian Garden → Spanish Garden → Turkish Garden → British Garden → Japanese Garden→ Thai Garden → Rock Garden → Dream Garden → Indoor Garden → GEO East Gate → Suncheon Lake Garden → Rose Garden → Hooded Crane Maze Garden → French Garden *If you have the time and would prefer to adequately explore each garden, it is recommended to tour around by foot instead. Recommended Courses (Hourly Basis) 2-Hour Course: ① GEO East Gate → Rose Garden → Hooded Crane Maze Garden → Suncheon Lake Garden → Lugworm Path → Chinese Garden → French Garden→ Rock Garden → Indoor Garden/Plants Factory → GEO East Gate ② West Gate → Suncheon Bay International Wetland Center → Dream Bridge → French Garden → Suncheon Lake Garden → Rose Garden → Green Yard→ GEO East Gate 3-Hour Course: ① GEO East Gate → Indoor Garden/Plants Factory → Rock Garden → Japanese Garden → Spanish Garden → Metasequoia Path → Dutch Garden → Oriental Herbs Experience Center → Suncheon Lake Garden → Chinese Garden → French Garden → Rose Garden → GEO East Gate ② West Gate → Korean Garden → Dream Bridge→ Chinese Garden → French Garden → Suncheon Lake Garden→ Rose Garden → Lugworm Path → Dream Bridge → Suncheon Bay International Wetland Center → West Gate 5-Hour Course: ① West Gate→ Tree Ground → Korean Traditional Garden → ECOGEO Greenhouse → Dream Bridge → Oriental Herbs Experience Center → German Garden → Dutch Garden → Metasequoia Path → Spanish Garden → Italian Garden → British Garden → Japanese Garden → Thai Garden →Indoor Garden/Plants Factory→ Rose Garden → Hooded Crane Maze Garden → Suncheon Lake Garden → Lugworm Path → Chinese Garden → French Garden → Dream Bridge→ Suncheon Bay International Wetland Center → West Gate Suncheon Lake Garden Photo: Suncheon Lake Garden As soon as you enter Suncheon Lake Garden, another incredible biodiversity of Suncheon attractions appear. Inspired by the city’s unique topography, this venue was created and formed by American landscape designer Charles Jencks during his stay in Suncheon. This garden displays the city in miniature size, including Bonghwasan, Nanbongsan, Haeryongsan, Aengmusan Mountains’ replicas made into simple slopes of hills, all surrounding Suncheonman Bay, of which is recreated to have the lake in the center of the garden. Visitors can take a leisure walk around the area; where climbing on these hills and entering the lake can be done through the use of the promenade deck set atop of the lake. This deck represents Dongcheon Stream that crisscross the Suncheon in reality. World Garden Photo: Thai Elephants (left) / Roses at the Turkish Garden (right) One of the most visited places among the park’s themed garden here, the World Garden is literally filled with diverse designs of ecological parks influenced by a number of countries from the European, American and Asian continents. Besides Korea, it is an interesting experience to compare and appreciate different beauties presented by each nation including America, Britain, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand and Turkey. If you are looking to see some exotic beauty, we recommend visiting Thai garden, which is hands down the most atypical site to pick from the group, featuring the nation’s own traditional sculptures, architectural adornments, and of course the iconic elephants! This garden certainly connotes a Middle Eastern charm, encompassing that of Asia as well as Western cultures. Photo: Dutch Garden (left) / Chinese Garden (right) The Dutch Garden was build with Suncheon Bay’s hopes of announcing to the world that spring has come to Suncheon, the world’s ecological capital. Symbols of the Netherlands, tulips and windmills form the festive mood during springtime, whereas dazzling colors of chrysanthemums are planted during the cool autumn season. French Garden is located closer to Suncheon Lake as compared to others, therefore creating a more calm and organized ambience. The place is highlighted with baroque styles, of which is motivated from the Versailles Palace in France. Next to French garden, lies the Chinese Garden dotted with pagodas, ponds, and a bridge, creating a well-balanced picture. Chinese long believed that natural energy from trees would bring a good fortune and health benefits, consequently leading them to have deeper understanding in gardening and preservation of the greeneries. International Outdoor Garden Photo: C4 + Recycling Garden (left) / HANA Seed Bank Garden (right) This garden was completed by the participants from all walks of life, diverse professions and industries, under a one united interests of ‘recycling’ and ‘continuous growth’. Designers and artists suggested to plant seeds inside the disposed aluminum cans to replace using typical flower pots. Interestingly, these cans are suspended on strings creating a theme of a ‘floating garden’. On the other side, there is HANA Seed Bank Garden where the sources for the preparation of seeds are located. These two projects equally aim to reduce the amount of wastes and save energy by cutting down emissions and planting more vegetations and floras as an alternative. In addition, there is Durumi Park where collaborated works reflecting the wishes and interests of the people such as ‘peace and longevity’ can be seen and a Suwon Hwaseong Fortress themed garden that provides a great learning experience on the value of ecological perseveration of several other UNESCO world heritages. Korean-Japan Friendship Garden is also located on the same ground, giving visitors so much to learn and see! Metasequoia Path Photo: Metasequoia Path (feft) / Fields of cosmos (right) Metasequoia Path stretches about 300 meters afar, along with flower beds on each side. These trees were to be cut down to make room for ’88 Olympic Highway expansion, but the city of Suncheon was able to find them a new home here with the help of the Korea Highway Corporation. Various symbolic sculptures such as telephone booth, romantic flower trails and couples’ benches are available and serve as great photo props. Dream Bridge Photo: Dream Bridge The Dream Bridge, designed by artist Kang Ik-joong, notably expresses the dreams and hopes of children with more than 140,000 drawings displayed on its wall. The bridge itself is rated to be a remarkable installation art piece. Reusing 30 different materials and colors of container boxes, the Dream Bridge is added with vivid paintings describing the important ecological role that Suncheonman Bay provides to all. Korean Traditional Garden Photo: Korean Traditional Garden Attractions in Suncheonman Bay Garden can be categorized into major two types: a Western-styled and the other is a traditional Korean-styled garden. The latter in particular can mostly be seen at a royal palace such as Changdeokgung Palace in central Seoul. Luckily for us, tourists will not need to travel to two separate places because both of the charming natures coexist here. Korea’s modest beauty and nobility is well captured at this place, a quiet fitting for meditation and rejuvenation while looking around. Although it is might not be as grandeur as seen the ones from Huwon Garden of Changdeokgung Palace or Gyeongbokgung Palace, this would adequately serve as a great location to recharge your mind and body. In addition to the Palace Garden, Noblemen's Garden and the Garden of Hope make up the rest of the Korean Traditional Garden. The stone pagoda standing in the middle of the Garden of Hope is one feature not to be missed as it is known as the ‘wish granting statue’, making the tour all the more worthwhile. Suncheon Bay International Wetland Center Photo: Panoramic View of Suncheon Bay International Wetland Center Now it’s time to really immerse yourself in various groups of the fauna and flora at the Suncheon Bay International Wetland Center. More than 70% of the entire exhibition halls, including the outdoor and indoor space, house items of living organisms and animals reflect the current status of quo of our eco system. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and research archives, visitors can learn the history of Suncheonman Bay and obtain useful information about the gardens from abroad. Acquainting with an endangered species is not surprising here, as the center is full of interesting discoveries and facts about the Mother Nature. Photo: Water Birds' Playground (left) / Wildlife Conservation Park (right) The center even recreated a playground for groups of flamingos and several unusual wild migratory birds to inhabit and rest at its outdoor water garden. Cute little creatures like otters, meerkats, wallaby and more can be observed up close, making it a delightful experience for all. ☞ Address: 47, Gukgajeongwon 1ho-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do ☞ Direction: Take bus No. 670 from Suncheon Station Bus Stop and get off at Suncheonman Bay Garden East Gate Bus Stop. ☞ Admission: 4,000 won (Integrated ticket for Suncheonman National Garden + Suncheonman Bay Ecological Park 8,000 won) ☞ Operating hours: April, September-October 09:00-18:00 / November-March 09:00-17:00 / May-August 08:00-20:00 ☞ Admission for Ferris wheel (sightseeing bus): 3,000 won ☞ Website: www.scgardens.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) Eco-friendly movement between Expo grounds and Suncheon Bay Ecological Park – SkyCube Photo: SkyCube Station (Left) & SkyCube in operation (Right) After touring the bay garden, visitors can move on to Suncheon Bay Ecological Park to take photos in front of the reed beds nearby. In order to get here, visitors can take the SkyCube monorail, which is not only economically but environmentally friendly as it runs by electricity. The entire rail route stretches to an approximate 4.6km, connecting Garden Station (정원역) and Literature Museum Station (문학관역) and it takes roughly 12-minute to tour from one point to the other end. Tickets are priced at 6,000 won for one-way and 8,000 won for round-trip. Please be noted that if you do not purchase the round-trip ticket, you will need to walk back or find alternative ways to return, because this transportation serves in one direction (Garden Station → Literature Museum Station) only. In case the ecological park is your next stop on itinerary, you may take ‘Reed Train’ (the train is closed on Mondays) and enjoy 15 minutes of ride, departing from the bay garden, or have a little exercise by walking for about 70-minute on foot. Lungs of the Earth – Suncheonman Bay Ecological Park Photo: Coastal wetland of Suncheonman Bay (Left) / Hooded cranes (Right) Suncheonman Bay is named to be one of the world’s top 5 beautiful coastal wet lands for its unquestionable landscape and crucial role in functioning as lung in respiratory system. Moreover, this is Korea’s the first venue to be registered on the list of the ‘Ramsar Wetland’ on January 2006. Being a home to array of migratory birds including species like hooded crane, Saunders’s gull and more, as the bay provides the birds’ nest protecting them by the colony of reeds and wetland plants. Alternative to Enjoy Autumn Photo: Tranquil pond at Suncheonman Bay Ecological Park (left) / Pathway along reed bank (right) If you wish to escape from repeated routines of stress and is seeking for something different from everyday life, we suggest you to visit Suncheonman Bay. This is will be a perfect ‘resting tour’ destination, healing your exhausted mind and body for tourists and local residents alike. As soon as you enter the main gate of the ecological park, fields of green grass and ponds are shown even before proceeding to the reed garden. Starting from Mujingyo Bridge, breath-taking panoramic views begins where fields of reeds dance along with the gentle breeze. The reed grows mainly on dirt land, such as swamps, rivers, and mudflats. To avoid inconvenient walking in this gluey ground, walking paths are made for visitors. This way, accessing to the most beautiful sight of Suncheon Bay is available. You can even see white vein running down long leaves and the flowers grow on the neat, slender stems. Reaching the other end of the walking deck, a fairly easy steep mound trail begins, consequently leading up to the top of Yongsan Observatory. This route is only 1 km long, and is very well managed, thus not requiring any heavy trekking gears. Visitors are allowed to enter at any time of the day but the best time for viewing is around sunset, when spectacular sights will be unveiled over the reed’s horizon. Experiential travel at the Ecological Park Photo: Suncheonman Bay Observatory (left) / Ecological Boat Experience (right) As soon as you enter the ecological park, you can find the observatory building that is interestingly shaped in a circular form. Pre-reservations have to be made if visitors would like to view star constellations in the sky at night while on-site registration is available for viewing of the sun in the day. Even if you are not a fan of sun or star gazing, the observatory deck is a great spot for you to get a picturesque panorama of the park. Also, the observatory deck is connected to the Suncheonman Bay Eco-Museum that exhibits various ecological materials. From birds chirping to the sounds of wind blowing through the beautiful fields of reeds, water running through a stream, and sounds of animals living in the bay, visitors to the park can hear a variety of sounds of the nature. Among the experiential programs available at the ecological park, the ecological ship experience is one of the most popular activities. A ride on the boat brings visitors into the vast mudflats, passing by beds of reeds and seeing the variety of migratory birds close (separate charges applicable). It takes approximately 30-minutes for this 6km round-trip by boat. The tickets are only available for sale on-site and they are usually sold out fast on weekends. If you are planning to experience this ecological boat ride, do note that they do not operate on Mondays. Suncheon Literature Hall Photo: Suncheon Literature Hall Suncheon Literature Hall celebrates the literary world of artists Kim Seung-ok and Chung Chae-bong who were natives from Suncheon city. Housing the exhibits of both artists’ handwritten manuscript, their own works, possessed books, and livelihood goods in order for visitors to get a quick understanding of their lives and literary worlds are presented. This establishment opened to the public on October, 2010, and is built with 9 separate houses with straw-thatched roofs. ☞ Address: 513-25, Suncheonman-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do ☞ Direction: Take bus No. 67 from Suncheon Station Bus Stop. Then get off at Suncheonman Bay Bus Stop. ☞ Admission: 7,000 won (Integrated ticket for Suncheonman National Garden + Suncheonman Bay Ecological Park 8,000 won) ☞ Operating hours: 08:00-Sunset (nighttime viewing at observatory tower is available until 22:00) ☞ Admission for Ecological Experience Ship: 7,000 won ☞ Website: www.suncheonbay.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) More Info ☞ How to get there (Seoul → Suncheon) Train: KTX Yongsan Station → Suncheon Station (Price 44,000 won / Travel time: approx. 2.5 hours) Bus: Seoul (Honam Line) Express Bus Terminal (Central City) → Suncheon Bus Terminal (Price 19,300-28,600 won / Travel time: approx. 4 hours) * The ticket prices aforementioned is for adults and standard seats basis. ☞ Website: KORAIL www.letskorail.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) Suncheon Tourism tour.suncheon.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) ☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) * This column was last updated in October 2015, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check details from the official websites before visiting. <Last updated on October 20, 2015>


Date	10/27/2015