Gonjiam is in Gyeonggi Gwangju.
Understand
[edit]Gonjiam (Gonjiam-eup) is located in the southwestern part of Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province, and boasts a long history and tradition. The name "Gonjiam" is a combination of "Gonji (坤地)" meaning "great land" and "am (巖)" meaning "rock," which together imply "the rock of a great land."
In modern times, Gonjiam has become well-known for Gonjiam Resort, a popular winter destination for skiing. The area itself is peaceful and offers beautiful natural landscapes. The opening of the Gyeonggang Line train in 2016 has improved accessibility to Seoul, boosting the local economy.
History
[edit]This area has been known for its beautiful natural landscape since the Joseon Dynasty and is historically significant, especially due to its proximity to Cheonggyesan Mountain and Namhansanseong Fortress.
During the Joseon era, the Gonjiam area was a key transportation hub, connecting Seoul (then Hanyang) with southern regions.This strategic location also made it a military stronghold. Moreover, the region developed a rich agricultural industry, with active trade and logistics centered around the Han River basin.
In modern times, Gonjiam has developed into a tourist destination, thanks to its proximity to natural attractions. Notably, Gonjiam Resort is a popular ski resort that attracts many visitors. Additionally, urban legends surrounding the Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital have led some to associate the area with eerie experiences, though this is largely based on superstition. In reality, Gonjiam is a peaceful and scenic area.
Gonjiam's growth is also closely tied to industrial and transportation developments. With the opening of the Gyeonggang Line, transportation access has greatly improved, making travel between Seoul and Gyeonggi Province more convenient. This, in turn, has boosted the local economy as more people visit the area.
Given this historical background, Gonjiam is a region where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony.
Gonji Rack is a natural landmark located in Gonjiam, Gwangju City, Gyeonggi-do. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its unique rock formations and scenic surroundings. According to local folklore, Gonjiam Rock is believed to have mystical powers, and wishes made here are said to come true. The area is a favorite among hikers, offering well-maintained trails and opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature. Gonji Rack combines the wonder of nature with traditional Korean folklore, making it an attractive destination for visitors.
Get in
[edit]Get around
[edit]- 1 Gonjiam station (곤지암역), 333, Gonjiamcheon-ro, Gonjiam-eup, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea, ☏ 1544-7788. Gonjiam Station is a railway station on Gyeonggang Line of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway in Gonjiam-eup, Gwangju, Gyeonggi, South Korea.
See
[edit]
- 1 Gonjiam Bandi Forest (곤지암 반디숲), 139-22 Sindae-gil, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31 761 3206. 10:00~18:00 (Closed on Tuesday). It is a space where you can see various bulbous plants and various plants. Adult ₩9,000, Senior citizen/Adolescent ₩7,000, Children ₩6,000.
- 2 Gonjiam Ceramic Park (곤지암도자공원), 727 Gyeongchung-daero, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31 799 1500. 9:00~18:00. This is an experiential complex cultural space where anyone can see, experience, and enjoy, with sculpture parks, ceramic shopping malls, complex cultural halls, performance halls, Paleolithic experience yards, and Jungang Lake Plaza. Adult ₩3,000, Youth & Soldier ₩2,000.
- 3 Gonjiamcheon (곤지암천), Gonjiam-ro, Gonjiam-eup. * It flows through Gonjiam-eup, Docheok-myeon, and Sangdo-eup and joins Gyeongancheon Stream. Nogokcheon Stream, which originates from Doguk-myeon, joins Gonjiamcheon Stream near Sindae Intersection. In addition to Nogokcheon Stream, there are tributaries such as Sangohyangcheon Stream, Sangyeolmicheon Stream, Sinchoncheon Stream, Sanicheon Stream, and Hakdongcheon Stream.
See (outside the area)
[edit]- 4 Hwadam Forest (화담숲), 278-1, Docheok Witro, Docheok-myeon, ☏ +82 31 8026 6666. 09:00~18:00 (Closed on Monday). It is an arboretum where you can see various trees and natural scenery. Adult ₩10,000, Senior citizen/Adolescent ₩8,000, Children ₩6,000.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Olive young (올리브영 곤지암점), 45, Gonjiam-ro, Gonjiam-eup, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea, ☏ 031-761-5073.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Cheongsan kalguksu (청산 칼국수), 11, Gonjiam-ro 50beon-gil, Gonjiam-eup, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, ☏ 031-769-5296.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Mega coffee (메가커피), 57, Gonjiam-ro, Gonjiam-eup, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, ☏ 031-761-2866.
- 2 Ediya coffee (이디야), 53, Gonjiam-ro, Gonjiam-eup, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, ☏ 0507-1416-4408.