Autumn Journey Following the Garden Path

4 Recommended Places to Visit in October by Korea Tourism Organization

Jindo Unlim Sanbang

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Yong-jun, Travel Specialist] The Korea Tourism Organization has recommended gardens that are perfect for walking or strolling as the season for pleasant walks arrives. The travel destinations include the autumn garden for contemplation within an art museum, the rooftop garden at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Gwacheon (Gwacheon, Gyeonggi) ? a garden where love deepens; Romiji An Garden in Jeongseon (Jeongseon, Gangwon) ? "Don’t get ahead of the wind"; Okcheon Aquatic Plant Learning Center (Okcheon, Chungbuk) ? a courtyard garden that seems closed yet open; and Jindo Unlim Sanbang (Jindo, Jeonnam) ? crafting beautiful landscapes like Namjonghwa paintings. Since conditions may vary depending on local circumstances, it is essential to check detailed information such as opening status, hours, and viewing methods in advance through the relevant local government websites or tourist information centers when visiting these destinations.

◇ Autumn Garden for Contemplation within an Art Museum, Rooftop Garden at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Gwacheon

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) Gwacheon (hereafter Gwacheon Branch) is located at the foot of Cheonggyesan Mountain, making it an ideal spot for an outing. This year, the exhibition enhances the autumn atmosphere. The Garden of Time is a circular structure with a diameter of 39 meters designed by Joho Architecture (Architect Lee Jung-hoon) on the rooftop of the Gwacheon Branch. The surrounding nature visible outside the garden and the variations of shadows cast by white pipes are fascinating. A good starting point is Nam June Paik’s "Dadaikseon," which resumed operation on September 15 after being suspended for restoration since 2018. Visitors move along a spiral path from the first floor to the entrance of the Garden of Time on the third floor. Inside the Garden of Time, on the lower floor, there is an exhibition by artist Hwang Ji-hae titled . Dalppuri?Slow and Fast Dialogue uses vegetation from nearby mountains and fields as its main materials and brings ecological elements from various parts of Korea. The Gwacheon Branch is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (rooftop garden until 5:30 p.m.) and is closed on Mondays.

The National Gwacheon Science Museum is a perfect companion destination to the Gwacheon Branch, offering abundant scientific experiences. The Ahae Museum exhibits and allows hands-on experience with traditional toys. Nearby, the Chusa Museum captivates visitors with Gwaji Chodang, and the gentle sound of water from the Dokuwol heard at the Numaru pavilion is soothing.

◇ Garden Where Love Deepens, Romiji An Garden in Jeongseon

Romiji An Garden in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, is a special garden cultivated by a husband for his beloved wife. Because every tree and stone is cherished as much as his wife, it took a full 10 years to complete. The garden’s landmark, "Gasibeosi Castle," draws attention with inscriptions about love and trust, just like the pure Korean word "Gasibeosi," meaning husband and wife. The "Begonia House," where begonias can be enjoyed year-round, adds to the attractions. Various spaces such as the "Prana Tower" and "Hill of Red Self-Reflection" express insights gained during the garden’s creation. There is also a meditation program conducted with experts at the "Geumgang Pine Forest Bathing Area." The caf? reminiscent of a European mountain lodge, a Japanese restaurant boasting authentic local flavors, and accommodations with excellent views make it a perfect place to walk leisurely and relax. Romiji An Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on major holidays), with admission fees of 15,000 KRW for adults and 7,000 KRW for teenagers.

Near Romiji An Garden is Najon Station, which also operates as a caf?. The photo zone preserves the nostalgic atmosphere of an old train station. Aura-ji, known as the birthplace of "Jeongseon Arirang," is named because the waters of Songcheon and Goljicheon rivers merge there. The Donggang Observatory Natural Recreation Forest, famous as a scenic camping site, offers a unique night as if sleeping above the clouds.

*Contact: Romiji An Garden 033)562-3382

◇ "Don’t Get Ahead of the Wind," Okcheon Aquatic Plant Learning Center (Heavenly Garden)

The Aquatic Plant Learning Center has become a popular spot during the COVID-19 era. It was selected as a "Fall Non-Face-to-Face Tourist Destination" by the Korea Tourism Organization in 2020, gaining wide recognition and becoming a representative tourist site in Okcheon through TV broadcasts. The director, Joo Seo-taek, who served as a pastor for a long time, created this place after early retirement to provide urban people with a place to rest in nature’s embrace. The center is a space for reflection and contemplation nestled in the arms of Daecheong Lake, and the nickname "Heavenly Garden" suits it better than its official name. The highlight here is the "Heavenly Wind Path." Along the quiet and quaint walking trails, Daecheong Lake suddenly appears. Visitors can also enjoy the "smallest church in the world," an observatory overlooking the entire center, and a pond full of water lilies. Taking a leisurely stroll around the center fills visitors with relaxation and joy. The Aquatic Plant Learning Center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5 p.m. in winter) and closed on Sundays. Admission fees are 6,000 KRW for adults and 4,000 KRW for teenagers.

Cheongpungjeong is a hidden travel spot in Okcheon. It is known for the poignant love story between Kim Ok-gyun, who led the Gapsin Coup, and the courtesan Myeongwol. Jangryeongsan Natural Recreation Forest is a great place to spend a night immersed in nature. Walking along the healing forest by the clear Geumcheon Valley lightens both body and mind. Iwon Brewery, a distillery passed down through four generations, bears the marks of a long history.

◇ Crafting Beautiful Landscapes Like Namjonghwa Paintings, Jindo Unlim Sanbang

Unlim Sanbang (a scenic site) is the studio built by Sochi Heo Ryeon, a master of Namjonghwa painting, who retired to the countryside in his later years. The name means "Morning and evening mists rise layer upon layer in the mountains, forming a cloud forest," reflecting the very beautiful scenery. Heo Ryeon, born in Jindo, studied under the monks Choi and the calligrapher Kim Jeong-hui, becoming a leading painter of the late Joseon period and enjoying the highest honor of painting before the king. This story elevates the prestige of Unlim Sanbang. It is a space perfect for autumn where visitors can stroll and experience Heo Ryeon’s life, the outstanding surrounding scenery, and beautiful Namjonghwa paintings. Sochi Halls 1 and 2 showcase works from Heo Ryeon through five generations, along with holograms and media art, providing travelers with a friendly approach to art. Unlim Sanbang is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. in winter, open year-round), with admission fees of 2,000 KRW for adults, 1,000 KRW for teenagers, and 800 KRW for children.

Jindo Tower serves as an observatory for Uldolmok Strait, Jindo Bridge, and the Haenam area. The Myeongnyang Marine Cable Car, connecting Jindo Tower and Usuyeong National Tourist Site, crosses the skies above Uldolmok, the fierce battleground of the Battle of Myeongnyang. The Jindo Dog Theme Park showcases the excellence of the Jindo dog (Natural Monument No. 53, referring to "Jindo’s Jindo Dog") through various materials and performances. At Jindo Yongjang Fortress (a historic site), one can almost hear the battle cries of the Sambyeolcho resisting the Mongols during the Goryeo Dynasty.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.