Uiwang(의왕) is located in the southern part of Gyeonggi Province and is a city with outstanding natural surroundings
Understand
[edit]Uiwang is a compact city nestled in the northern part of Gyeonggi Province, serving as a gateway to nature and regional history just south of Seoul. Its identity is defined by its landscape, which is centered around Baegunsan Mountain and several tranquil lakes, including Wangsong, Baekun, and Chopyeong.
The city is significantly quieter and less crowded than its major neighbors, offering a calm respite with easy access to walking paths, hiking trails, and excellent birdwatching spots. Visitors will find a modest but functional downtown area, traditional markets for local goods, and a growing selection of lakeside cafes and pubs. Uiwang’s appeal lies in its balance of urban convenience and natural immersion, making it an ideal day-trip or short-stay destination for those who want to escape the metropolitan bustle.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]The closest major airport is Incheon International Airport (ICN). From the airport, you can take an express bus or a train to Seoul, then transfer to a subway or bus to reach Uiwang. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
By subway
[edit]Uiwang is located on Subway Line 1:
- Seoul Station (서울역): It will take 52 minutes
- Sindorim Station (신도림역): It will take 34 minutes
- Geumjeong Station (금정역): It will take 7 minutes
By car
[edit]- From Incheon International Airport: It will take 48 minutes
- From Gimpo Airport: It will take 55 minutes
- From Seoul Station: It will take 27 minutes
Get around
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See
[edit]- 1 Uiwang Rail Park (의왕레일파크), 221 Wangsongmotdong-ro. A scenic rail-bike track where you can pedal along lakeside and forest trails.
- 2 Wangson Lake (왕송호수), Wangsongmotdong-gil. A quiet lake area popular for walks, birdwatching and family relaxation.
- 3 Korea Railroad Museum (한국철도박물관), 142 Cheoldobangmulgwan-ro. An interactive museum showing Korea's rail history, with trains and hands-on exhibits.
- 4 Baegun Lake (백운호수), 526 Baegun-ro. An artificial lake surrounded by scenic mountains, famous for a beautiful deck trail (about 3km), cafes, restaurants, and family-friendly festivals.
Do
[edit]- Ride the Uiwang Rail Bike: Enjoy a unique experience by pedaling a rail bike along the tracks that circle Wangsong Lake. It's a relaxing and scenic activity that's perfect for families and couples.
- Hike Cheonggyesan Mountain: For those who enjoy hiking, the trails on Cheonggyesan Mountain offer a good challenge and rewarding views of the city and its surroundings.
- Visit the Wangsong Lake Ecological Park: This park, adjacent to the rail park, is a great place for bird watching and walking through wetlands.
- Seasonal Festivals and Events: In April, Uiwang holds an annual spring flower festival with cherry blossoms and azaleas in full bloom, and in autumn, a city cultural festival features traditional performances, food markets, and art fairs.
- Barasan Trail: It is a walking trail suitable for light trekking, offering a panoramic view of Anyang and downtown Uiwang from the summit. In spring, the trail is adorned with blooming azaleas, creating a beautiful landscape.
Drink
[edit]- 1 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.
- 2 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.
- 3 Cafe Memor (카페메모르), 243-9, Poil-dong. A bakery café near Baegun Lake in Uiwang, with a spacious indoor-outdoor layout and garden surroundings.
- 4 Artisanos Lab (아띠제노스랩), 144-7 Baegun-ro. A cafe and bakery known for its unique, avant-garde architectural design and delicious, high-quality handmade bread and pastries.
Learn
[edit]- Korea National University of Transportation (한국교통대학교), 50, Cheonggye-ro, +82 31-460-5114. A national university specializing in transportation and engineering located in Uiwang city.
- Kaywon University of Art and Design (계원예술대학교), 66, Kaywon University-ro, +82 31-420-1700. A private arts university located in Uiwang city, specializing in design and creative arts.
Buy
[edit]Uiwang offers convenient shopping options for locals and visitors. The city features several supermarkets and local markets where daily necessities and fresh produce can be found. Uiwang Lotte Mart is a major retail center, providing a wide range of groceries, household goods, and fashion items. Additionally, smaller specialty shops and cafes are scattered throughout the city, making it easy to enjoy a diverse shopping experience.
- 1 Lotte Premium Outlet Uiwang / Time Villas (롯데프리미엄아울렛), 1 Barasan-ro. Large outdoor-style premium outlet with nature-inspired design, restaurants, and cultural spaces
- 2 Bugok Dokkaebi Traditional Market (부곡도깨비시장), 13 Bugokjungang-ro. Traditional local market with fresh produce, snacks, and small vendors; popular among residents
- 3 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.
- 4 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.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Seonil Ranch Butcher Restaurant (선일목장 정육식당), 49 Baegunan-gil. A popular Korean BBQ specializing in fresh cuts of meat.
- 2 Baegun Hanjeongsik (백운 한정식), 27 Neungan-gil. Upscale Korean traditional set meals with focus on fresh ingredients.
- 3 Nature and Urban (자연 그리고 어반), 83 Barasan-ro. Known for its charcoal-grilled fish and fresh seafood dishes.
- 4 Jungseongdam (정성담), 317 Gocheon-dong. This Korean restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and quality traditional dishes.
Sleep
[edit]Uiwang is not a major tourist hub, so accommodation options are more limited compared to larger cities. You'll find a few hotels and motels, primarily catering to business travelers and domestic tourists. Many visitors choose to stay in nearby Seoul or Suwon and visit Uiwang as a day trip.
- 1 Hotel Cullinan Uiwang (호텔 컬리넌), 15 Galmian-ro.
- 2 Hotel ON (호텔 ON), 6 Bokji-ro.
- 3 Hotel THE ART (호텔 디아트), 17 Galmian-ro.
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).