Gwangneung Arboretum is located in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It is a vast botanical garden renowned for its diverse collection of trees and plants. Here’s some information about the area surrounding Gwangneung Arboretum:
- Scenic Beauty: The vicinity of Gwangneung Arboretum is known for its scenic beauty, with lush greenery and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks amidst nature, exploring various trails and pathways.
- Cultural Heritage: The area is rich in cultural heritage, with several historic sites and landmarks nearby. Gwangneung Forest, located adjacent to the arboretum, is home to the royal tombs of King Sejo and his consort, Queen Jeonghui. These tombs are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites and offer insights into Korea’s royal history.
- Outdoor Activities: In addition to exploring the arboretum itself, visitors can engage in various outdoor activities in the surrounding area. Hiking, picnicking, and photography are popular pastimes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.
- Local Cuisine: Visitors can sample local cuisine at nearby restaurants and eateries, offering traditional Korean dishes and specialties. As mentioned earlier, there are also options for grilled fish and other regional delicacies, providing a taste of authentic Korean flavors.
- Accessibility: The area is easily accessible by public transportation or private vehicle. Gwangneung Arboretum is well-connected by roads and highways, and there are ample parking facilities available for visitors. Additionally, various bus routes serve the area, making it convenient for tourists to reach.
Overall, the area surrounding Gwangneung Arboretum offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
During the evening hours, I briefly visited Gwangneung Arboretum in Pocheon and indulged in nearby grilled fish. After exploring several nearby fish grilling spots, all of which seemed quite similar in atmosphere, I decided to try this one out. Despite never having been here before, I was pleasantly surprised by the sizable grilled mackerel that arrived, which seemed to surpass the taste of fish from other places.
At the entrance of Hyangnamu House, the traditional tiled-roof building exuded a rustic charm, evoking a sense of longstanding tradition.
Located just 50 meters away from Pocheon’s Idonggyori, on the road leading towards Gwangneung Arboretum and Gwangneung, Hyangnamu House boasts a separate parking lot, ensuring parking is not an issue.
The menu offers options like Cheonggukjang Set Meal for 10,000 won, Doenjang Set Meal for 10,000 won, and an additional 2,000 won for stone pot rice. The Grilled Mackerel Set Meal is priced at 15,000 won, while Grilled Smelt and Grilled Hairtail Set Meals range from 17,000 won onwards. They also serve Potato Pancakes and Grilled Tofu with Perilla Oil.
When ordering Grilled Mackerel or other fish dishes, you can choose either Cheonggukjang or Doenjang Soup as a side, making ordering fish a recommended choice.
Additionally, they offer special menu items like duck and chicken, available for pre-order.
The basic side dishes, totaling eight, are typical of nearby restaurants, usually offering between seven to ten varieties. Despite initially having modest expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of the side dishes, which complemented the meal well.
Grilled Mackerel is served in portions for more than one person, so if you order the Grilled Fish Set Meal for two, keep in mind that Cheonggukjang soup will accompany it.
The well-cooked mackerel was satisfying, tantalizing both the taste buds and appetite.
The Cheonggukjang exuded a deep, rich rural aroma, packed with generous amounts of beans, imparting a sense of nutritious goodness with its rich flavor and broth.
Scooping up spoonfuls of Cheonggukjang alongside the slightly crispy rice from the iron pot was an irresistible delight.
Personally, the oversized portions of mackerel were the highlight for me, and all the side dishes were equally delightful.
The freshly cooked, slightly sticky white rice was a welcome change from my usual brown rice at home, offering a nostalgic indulgence with its soft grains.
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