Uiwang (의왕시) is a small city in southern Gyeonggi Province, forming part of the ring of satellite cities around Seoul. Wedged between Anyang and Suwon and backed by the low peaks of the Gwangju mountain range, it is largely residential while also offering easy access to nearby parks and trails. Forested slopes like Baegunsan and Moraksan frame the city, while reservoirs such as Baegun Lake and Wangsong Lake include lakeside roads and walking paths that are used for short outings from the Seoul Capital Area.
Despite its compact size, Uiwang is primarily residential and generally quieter than nearby Anyang and Suwon. The lakeside promenades, rail bike trails, and nature learning parks around Wangsong Lake and Baegun Lake and is used for walking and cycling, especially around the lake areas. At the same time, Uiwang’s role as a rail and road hub—home to the Korean Railroad Museum and served by Seoul Subway Line 1—means the city is convenient to reach, making it easy to visit for day trips focused on nearby green spaces.
Understand
[edit]Uiwang is a compact city nestled in the northern part of Gyeonggi Province, just south of Seoul, with access to lakes and low mountains. Its identity is defined by its landscape, which is including nearby hills and lakes such as Wangsong and Baegun.
The city is significantly quieter and less crowded than its major neighbors, offering offering a less crowded alternative to larger nearby cities with easy access to walking paths, hiking trails, and birdwatching is possible in wetland and lakeside areas (seasonal). Visitors will find a modest but functional downtown area, traditional markets for local goods, and cafes and restaurants are concentrated around some lakeside roads and commercial areas. Uiwang’s appeal lies in its balance of urban convenience and natural immersion, it works well for a day trip or an overnight stay for visitors looking for nearby nature.
| Gocheon-dong (고천동) Administrative center area around Uiwang City Hall, with local services and bus connections. |
| Bugok-dong (부곡동) Residential area with local shopping and everyday services; some larger retail is nearby. |
| Ojeon-dong (오전동) Central residential/commercial area with local shopping streets and everyday amenities. |
| Naeson 1-dong (내손1동) Residential area near the eastern side of the city; access to trails depends on the chosen route. |
| Naeson 2-dong (내손2동) Mostly residential; convenient for reaching the Cheonggye and Baegun Lake areas by bus or taxi. |
| Cheonggye-dong (청계동) Area on the city’s southeastern side with access to Cheonggyesan trailheads and nearby valleys. |
History
[edit]Uiwang was historically a small rural area located between Suwon and Gwacheon, with villages scattered around Baekun and Gwanak mountains. For much of the Joseon period, the region belonged to nearby administrative districts and served mainly as farmland and a minor transit route toward the capital.
Modern development began in the late 20th century as Seoul’s urban area expanded southward and major rail lines—most notably the Gyeongbu Line and later Seoul Subway Line 1—were constructed. Uiwang became an independent city in 1989, followed by rapid growth and the establishment of national railway facilities, including the Korea Railroad Museum. Today, it functions as a suburban city with convenient rail access, surrounded by natural attractions such as Lake Wangsong and Baegun Lake.
Climate
[edit]Uiwang has a humid continental climate typical of the Seoul Capital Area, with four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid, often reaching the high 20s to low 30s °C, and most of the annual rainfall arrives during the monsoon season in July. Winters (December–February) are cold and dry, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall.
Spring and autumn usually have mild temperatures and clearer days than mid-summer. Cherry blossoms appear in early April around Baegun Lake and other parks, while autumn foliage peaks from late October to early November. Expect high humidity in summer and dry, cold weather in winter.
| Uiwang | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climate chart (explanation) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]The closest major airport is Incheon International Airport (ICN). From the airport, Common routes involve rail/metro transfers in the Seoul area before continuing to Uiwang.
By subway / train
[edit]Uiwang Station is on Seoul Subway Line 1 (Korail/Seoul Metro services).
- 1 Uiwang Station (의왕역). Main passenger rail/subway station in Uiwang (Line 1). For the latest platforms, first/last train times, and transfers, check live route planners.
By bus
[edit]Intercity and airport-bus services can change frequently (routes, operators, and schedules). Avoid relying on old route lists; confirm using official bus schedule/booking services and on-site stop signage.
- 2 Uiwang Gocheon Intercity Bus Stop (의왕(고천) 시외버스 정류장), Gocheon-dong area (near Uiwang City Hall), along Gyeongsu-daero. Roadside intercity bus stop (not a full terminal). Services may be seasonal or revised; verify routes/timetables using official intercity-bus information/booking sites (e.g., TxBus / Bustago) and the stop notice board.
Local transit notes
[edit]For local buses inside Uiwang and to neighboring cities, use a transport card (T-money/Cashbee) for easier boarding and transfers. Fares and transfer rules vary by distance and operator; check the fare notice inside the bus or in route-planning apps.
Get around
[edit]
Uiwang is compact, and most districts are connected by local buses. For the most reliable navigation, use real-time route guidance in KakaoMap/Naver Map, especially for bus stop direction and last bus times.
By bus
[edit]Local buses connect the city’s districts (Gocheon, Bugok, Ojeon, Naeson, Cheonggye) and link to nearby Anyang, Suwon, Gunpo, and Gwacheon. Routes and stop patterns can change, so check real-time information before boarding.
- Tips:
- Confirm the correct stop direction (bound for your destination).
- Check last bus times (they vary by route/day).
- For transfers, follow guidance from map apps and on-site stop notices.
3 Uiwang Station bus stops (의왕역 버스정류장), Around Uiwang Station (Line 1) (Major local-bus transfer point; check stop signs and real-time map apps for the correct platform and direction.). Convenient interchange for local buses and taxis. Useful for reaching most districts and major attractions.
4 Uiwang City Hall area bus stops (의왕시청 일대 정류장), Gocheon-dong (near Uiwang City Hall) (Another key transfer area in central Uiwang. Stops are spread across nearby roads; confirm the stop name/direction before boarding.). Large cluster of bus stops around the city hall area, useful for reaching Gocheon and transferring to routes toward neighboring cities.
Transportation cards
[edit]A rechargeable transportation card (e.g., T-money/Cashbee) is recommended for buses and subways. Transfer rules, discounts, and time limits can vary by region and policy, so rely on the fare information shown in apps or at stations/stops.
- Where to buy/recharge: convenience stores and subway stations.
- Works across Seoul and Gyeonggi public transportation in most cases.
By bicycle and micromobility
[edit]Bike/scooter sharing can be convenient for short trips, but availability is location-dependent and policies/rates change. Check the app for service areas and pricing.
- Everybike (에브리바이크). QR-based bike sharing. Availability and pricing vary; check the app for current rates and service zones.
- Kakao Bike (카카오바이크). App-based bike rental (including e-bike options depending on area). Rates and service coverage vary; check the app before riding.
- SOCAR elecle (쏘카 일레클). Electric scooter/bike sharing service. Requires app registration; availability depends on service zones.
By taxi
[edit]Taxis are widely available and can be useful for trips to trailheads or areas less convenient by bus. Fares and late-night surcharges can change, so confirm in the app or on the meter display.
- Common options: Kakao T, T-map Taxi.
- Uiwang Call Taxi (의왕 콜택시), ☏ +82-31-456-7272. Local call-taxi dispatcher. You can also use app-based taxis for pickup and estimated fares.
See
[edit]- 1 Baegun Lake (백운호수), Hakui-dong area. Reservoir with lakeside walking paths and nearby commercial strips. Exact walking routes and access points vary; check the map on arrival.
- 2 Baegun Valley (백운계곡), Cheonggye-dong area. Forest valley area with stream-side paths. Water level and footing change by season and after rain; follow on-site guidance.
- 3 Cheonggyesan Clear Forest Park (청계산맑은숲공원), Cheonggye-dong area. Forest park area with maintained walking paths near Cheonggyesan trail access. Facilities and route options vary by entrance.
- 4 Gallmi Hangul Park (갈미한글공원), 65 Munhwayesul-ro. Outdoor park with Hangul-themed landscaping and installations. As an open public space, conditions and lighting are seasonal.
- 5 Korea Railroad Museum (한국철도박물관), 142 Cheoldobangmulgwan-ro,, ☏ +82-31-461-3610. Railway museum with indoor exhibitions and outdoor rolling-stock displays. Verify opening days/hours and ticketing on the official website.
- 6 Korean Bird Ecology Center (조류생태관), 209 Wangsongmotdong-ro, ☏ +82-31-8086-7490. Small education facility near the Wangsong Lake wetlands. Check on-site notices for hours and program availability.
- 7 Lotte Premium Outlet Uiwang (Time Villas) (롯데프리미엄아울렛 타임빌라스), 1 Barasan-ro. Large outlet shopping complex. Individual store hours vary; confirm on the venue’s official channels before visiting.
- 8 Moraksan Mountain (모락산), 31 Omaegijung-an-gil. Low mountain with hiking routes; trailheads and course options vary. Use a live map for the most current access information.
- 9 Uiwang Natural Learning Park (의왕자연학습공원), 307 Wangsongmotdong-ro, ☏ +82-31-462-3001. Wetland-oriented learning park with walking paths and interpretive signage. Some facilities may have separate opening hours.
- 10 Uiwang Rail Park (의왕레일파크), 221 Wangsongmotdong-ro, ☏ +82-31-8086-7480. Visitor facility around Wangsong Lake with rail-bike-related attractions. Check the official website for operating dates/hours (weather and season can affect service).
- 11 Wangsong Lake (왕송호수), 295 Wangsongmotdong-ro. Lake with perimeter paths and nearby wetlands. Route conditions vary by season (mud/ice after rain or in winter).
- 12 Youngryeongdaekun Tomb and Shrine (임영대군 묘역과 사당), 32 Neunganaraenmal-gil. Historic tomb/shrine site associated with the Joseon period. If access rules or visiting hours are posted on-site, follow them.
Do
[edit]- 1 Baegun Lake lakeside walk (백운호수 산책), 526 Baegun-ro, Hakui-dong. Lakeside paths and deck sections make this an easy walk with viewpoints and rest areas. Routes and walking time vary by access point and chosen loop. Free.
- 2 Barasan trail (light trekking) (바라산 트레일). Light trekking routes in the Barasan area. Course length and difficulty vary; follow trail markers and check conditions after rain or maintenance work Free.
- 3 Hike Cheonggyesan (청계산 등산). Well-known hiking area on the Seoul–Gyeonggi boundary with multiple trailheads. Routes range from easy to steep; check current trail notices and the best access point in a live route planner before you go. Free.
- 4 Walk around Wangsong Lake (paths and wetlands) (왕송호수 산책로/습지). Flat lakeside paths and nearby wetland areas suit light exercise and birdwatching. Conditions can vary by season and weather; bring warm layers in winter and expect muddy sections after rain. Free.
- Nature walks and photography spots (자연 산책/사진 포인트). Common outdoor walks include lakeside paths (Baegun Lake, Wangsong Lake) and forest trails (Cheonggyesan and Barasan areas). Lighting and scenery vary by season; sunrise/sunset are popular times for photos. Free.
Events
[edit]- 5 Uiwang Children’s Railroad Festival (의왕어린이철도축제). Family-oriented event held around the Wangsong Lake / railroad-museum area. Dates, venue details, and programs change by year—confirm via Uiwang City announcements before visiting. Usually free (some programs may charge).
- 6 Uiwang Baegun Lake Festival (의왕백운호수축제). Seasonal local event around Baegun Lake. Schedule and program vary by year—check current listings on Uiwang City culture/tourism postings before planning a trip. Usually free (some programs may charge).
Drink
[edit]1 Artisanos Lab (아띠제노스랩), 144-7 Baegun-ro. A cafe and bakery known for its unique, avant-garde architectural design and Cafe and bakery with a distinctive interior/design style.
2 Briti (브리티), 505-20 Poil, ☏ +82 31-426-0403. 09:00 - 21:30. Briti is a large bakery cafe with Large bakery cafe. Parking availability and peak-hour crowding vary by day.
3 Café Ekinesia (카페 에키네시아), 630-1 Hakui, ☏ +82 31-426-0403. 10:00 - 21:00. Cafe Ekinesia is a large brunch cafe Cafe near the Baegun Lake area. Views depend on seating and season.
4 Cafe Memor (카페메모르), 243-9, Poil-dong. A bakery café near Baegun Lake in Uiwang, with a spacious indoor-outdoor layout and garden surroundings.
5 Cheong-idang Hanok Cafe (청이당 한옥카페), 167-6 Cheonggye-ro. A hanok-style cafe in Uiwang's Cheonggye area, preserving traditional Korean architecture. It offers a calm atmosphere with garden spaces and multiple rooms.
6 C.O.T. (시오티), 1059-4 Hakui, ☏ +82 507-1407-2852. 09:00 - 22:00. Cafe with indoor seating; menu and seating layout vary. Check recent updates on the linked Instagram page.
7 Green Flag Coffee (그린플래그커피), 404 Baegun-ro. A cafe located near Baegun Lake in Uiwang, with expansive windows and serene views of the lake and fields.
8 Sebong Mangtnung (쎄봉 맹트넝), 664 Foil, ☏ +82 031-422-7787. 09:00 - 22:00. Sebong Mangtnung is a bakery cafe with a wide and pleasant atmosphere, offering a variety of bread and drinks.
9 Working room with warm dreams (따스한 꿈을 꾸는 작업실), 668-16 Naeson, ☏ +82 0507-1480-0560. 10:00 - 19:00. The studio with warm dreams is a Korean dessert cafe located in Uiwang. Dessert cafe; menu changes seasonally.
Learn
[edit]- Korea National University of Transportation (Uiwang Campus) (한국교통대학교 의왕캠퍼스), 50 Cheonggye-ro. National university campus focused on transportation and engineering.
- Kaywon University of Art and Design (계원예술대학교), 66 Kaywon University-ro. Private arts university with programs in design, media, and fine arts.
Buy
[edit]1 Bugok Dokkaebi Traditional Market (부곡도깨비시장), 13 Bugokjungang-ro. Traditional local market with fresh produce, snacks, and small vendors; Traditional market for produce, snacks, and small vendors.
2 Cheonggye Discount Mart (청계할인마트), 28 Cheonggye 1-ro, Cheonggye-dong. Community supermarket serving the new apartment complexes in Cheonggye-dong, useful if you are staying near the Cheonggye area and need food, drinks, or simple household items without heading back to the big-box stores.
3 E-Mart Uiwang Branch (이마트 의왕점), 262 Gyeongsudaero. A primary hypermarket in the Ojeon-dong area, known for its wide selection of fresh food, electronics, and household goods.
4 Lotte Mart Uiwang Branch (롯데마트 의왕점), 7 Gyewondaehak-ro. A major hypermarket in Uiwang providing groceries, daily necessities, and various amenities, including a kids' café and smaller retail shops.
5 Lotte Premium Outlet Uiwang / Time Villas (롯데프리미엄아울렛), 1 Barasan-ro. Large outdoor-style premium outlet with nature-inspired design, restaurants, and cultural spaces
6 Shinbando Mart (신반도마트), 34 Galmi-ro, Naeson-dong. Large neighborhood supermarket in the Naeson residential area, convenient for self-catering visitors; stocks a wide range of Korean groceries, snacks, drinks, and basic daily necessities at local, non-touristy prices.
Eat
[edit]1 Baegun Hanjeongsik (백운 한정식), 27 Neungan-gil. Upscale Korean traditional set meals with focus on fresh ingredients. ₩30,000–40,000 per person for traditional set meals.
2 Baekwoonae Flower (백운애꽃), 823-2 Cheonggye, ☏ +82 507-1488-5259. 11:00 - 21:00. Baekwoonae Flower is a spacious and comfortable Korean restaurant located near Baegun Lake, and a set of stir-fried spicy pork and grilled mackerel is a popular menu.
3 Bongdeok Kalguksu (봉덕칼국수), 11 Jinggyegol-gil. Serves handmade knife-cut noodles; menu and pricing change over time. ₩11,000–15,000 per person.
4 Cheonggye Nureungji Baeksuk (청계누룽지백숙), 170-82 Hakhyeon-ro. Popular for its whole chicken or duck boiled with medicinal herbs, served with scorched rice porridge. ₩20,000–30,000 per person.
5 Jogane Gabojineo (조가네갑오징어), 161 Munhwa-yesul-ro. Specialty restaurant serving thick and tender spicy stir-fried cuttlefish (Gap-ojingeo). ₩20,000–30,000 per person.
6 Jungseongdam (정성담), 317 Gocheon-dong. 09:00-22:00. Korean restaurant serving standard set meals and familiar dishes. Around ₩15,000–₩25,000 per person for Korean classics.
7 May's Gondre (오월의 곤드레), 790-23 Cheonggye, ☏ +82 507-1370-9028. 11:00 - 21:00. Korean restaurant; menu varies. Check on-site for current set options.
8 Mont Brick (몽브리끄), 181-1 Hakui, ☏ +82 507-1382-0490. 10:00-21:30. Montbrique is a cafe and restaurant where you can enjoy the surrounding scenery through a barrel window with a high floor height.
9 Nature and Urban (자연 그리고 어반), 83 Barasan-ro. Known for its charcoal-grilled fish and fresh seafood dishes. ₩20,000–30,000 per person for grilled fish or seafood.
10 Neungiok Baegun Lake Main Store (능이옥 백운호수본점), ☏ +82 507-1389-5295. 11:00-21:00. Neungiok Baegun Lake Main Store is a Korean restaurant where Baeksuk and Haesintang using Neungi mushrooms are popular.
11 Seonil Ranch Butcher Restaurant (선일목장 정육식당), 49 Baegunan-gil. A popular Korean BBQ specializing in fresh cuts of meat. ₩25,000–35,000 per person for Korean BBQ.
Sleep
[edit]1 25 Hotel (25 호텔), 733-3 Naeson 1(il)-dong. A small hotel in Naeson 1-dong with standard rooms and basic amenities.
2 Hotel Cullinan Uiwang (호텔 컬리넌), 15 Galmian-ro. A mid-range hotel in the Naeson-dong area with standard rooms and basic amenities.
3 Hotel ON (호텔 ON), 6 Bokji-ro. A small hotel in Uiwang City with rooms suitable for short stays.
4 Hotel The Art (호텔 디아트), 17 Galmian-ro. A hotel in the Naeson-dong area offering simple rooms and basic amenities.
5 Mayotte Hotel (마요트 호텔), 14 Obongsandan 3-ro. A hotel in the Obongsandan industrial area with standard rooms and basic facilities.
6 Milos Hotel (밀로스 호텔), 16 Obongsandan 3-ro. A business hotel in the Obongsandan industrial area with standard rooms and basic facilities.
Go next
[edit]Suwon: The city of Suwon, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its magnificent Hwaseong Fortress, is just a short trip away.
Seoul: The bustling capital of South Korea is easily accessible by subway and offers an endless array of attractions, from historic palaces to modern skyscrapers.
Gwangmyeong: Located nearby, Gwangmyeong is home to the unique Gwangmyeong Cave, a former mine turned into a theme park with an aquarium, wine cellar, and light shows.
Anyang: A major metropolitan hub just north of Uiwang, known for its vibrant downtown, art projects, and easy access to mountains like Gwanaksan.
Gwacheon: A compact, planned city hosting major national attractions, including the Seoul Grand Park, the National Science Museum, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA).