New ways to enjoy the four rivers

Package tours offer  visits to diverse cultural heritage sites along Han, Geum, Nakdong and Yeongsan rivers


With the government’s large-scale four-rivers restoration project near completion, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Korea Tourism Organization have come up with travel packages available until the end of the year to showcase the transformed riversides.

Reflecting how rivers have long been at the center of culture and business, each of the four major rivers in South Korea ― Han River, Geum River, Nakdong River and Yeongsan River ― are situated near numerous cultural attractions.

Depending on your choice, a day out along a river can be an enriching exploration of cultural heritage sites, a retreat into nature, or even a culinary trail savoring local meals.

Han River ― Empress Myeongseong’s birthplace and Yeoju Premium Outlet

Tired of the same old view of the Han River from the similar parks and roads alongside it in Seoul? Go to Yeoju in Gyeonggi Province.

Located by the low reaches of the river, the city has many historical sites including the birthplace of the Empress Myeongseong, the tragic last empress of Joseon Dynasty, killed by Japanese assassins in 1895, and Sinreuk Temple which was established by Master Wonhyo, the great Buddhist thinker of the Silla Kingdom. The temple is well-known for its beauty, nestled in the untouched scenery near the river.

The tomb of King Sejong is also nearby, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. King Sejong, the fourth King of Joseon Dynasty who created Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, and his wife Queen Soheon lie there together. In the memorial hall, visitors can see scientific tools developed at the time, among the many of the 15-cenutry king’s great achievements.

For a bit of relaxation time, visit Yeoju Reservoir which is famous for its sunset, and for a quality shopping spree, visit Yeoju Premium Outlet. 

KTO offers a package tour which visits Empress Myeongseong’s birth place, Shinreuk Temple, King Sejong’s tomb, Yeoju Reservoir and Yeoju Premium Outlet for 39,000 won.

Geum River ― Ganggyeong Jeotgal Market and Saemangeum Seawall

Geum River flows through Ganggyeong, South Chung­cheong Province, and Gunsan, North Jeolla Province.

KTO’s tour starts from Baekjae Reservoir and leads onto Ganggyeong Jeotgal Market where visitors can find different types of salted seafood pastes. The market holds a big festival every October, consisting of performances, tasting events and also chances to buy products at bargain prices. The 1,300-year-old Naeso Temple and a fir forest packed with 150 year-old trees nearby are also must-visit spots.

In Gunsan, Saemangeum Seawall, the world’s longest breakwater, is worth driving by. The trip leads to the lower reach of Geum River and Maryang-li camellia forest where migratory birds will soon be flying in.

KTO offers a two-day package tour which includes visits to Baekjae Reservoir, Ganggyeong Jeotgal Market, Nabawi Cathedral, Naeso Temple on the first day and Gunsan Samangeum Seawall, a habitat for migratory birds around the lower reach of Geum River, and Maryang-li camellia forest on the next day. The tour package costs 99,000 won.

Nakdong River ― Confucianism culture tour in Andong

The nation’s representative Confucian cultural heritages are mostly found along Nakdong River which flows through Andong and Yeongju, both in North Gyeongsang Province.

Byeongsanseowon in Andong, established in 1613, was used as an educational institute for Confucian scholars during the Joseon Dynasty. Nearby is Hahoe Folk Village which is well-known for many beautiful hanok, or Korean traditional houses. The village is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In Yeongju, Buseok Temple, Sosuseowon Confucian School and Seonbichon well represent the region’s characteristics. Visitors can imagine what it must have been like to live as a scholar in the Joseon period and participate in craft-making, dyeing or tofu-making classes.

KTO offers a package tour which visits Byeongsanseowon, Hahoe Folk Village on the first day and Buseok Temple, Sosuseowon Confucian School and Seonbichon on the next day for 129,000 won.

Yeongsan River ― Jeolla Province gourmandism tour

The tour around Yeongsan River allows visitors to explore the delicious dishes of South Jeolla Province, a province known for its tasty meals. Ganjang gejang, or raw crab marinated in soy sauce in Jindo; figs in Yeongam; and sliced raw skate in Naju are the most recommended dishes.

There are also many tourist attractions along Yeongsan River which offer something for every family member to enjoy. Kids can ride on a mock version of the famous turtle ship, an ironclad warship invented by Admiral Yi Sun-sin, at Uldolmok, the battle ground of Admiral Yi ‘s Myongryang Battle. A 3-D film about Admiral Yi is screened inside the ship. Adults may prefer strolling around the famous raw skate street near Yeongsanpo wharf ― from the Yeongsanpo lighthouse to Naju Railroad Park.

KTO offers a package tour which visits Baekjae Reservoir and Uldolmok on the first day and Yeongam fig farm, Yeongsanpo wharf and Seungchon Reservoir, where tourists can check out the views of Yeongsan River, on the next day. The cost is 99,000 won.

For more information on the tours, visit www.gtour.or.kr.

By Park Min-young  (claire@heraldcorp.com)