Day trips and overnight escapes: Gyeonggi travel spots for the Lunar New Year holiday

Citizens watch the sunrise from a footbridge at Seonyudo Park in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, Jan. 1. Korea Times photo by Wang Tae-seok

To mark the Lunar New Year holiday in the Year of the Red Horse, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization recommended destinations across Gyeonggi Province suited for day trips or one-night, two-day getaways.

Dome riding in the sun: Beradel riding club

Beradel Riding Club / Courtesy of Gyeonggi Tourism Organization

Ansan’s Beradel Riding Club stands out with its massive circular dome at the edge of Daebudo Island. Inside, visitors can ride under warm sunlight filtered through a UV-blocking glass roof. Two outdoor grass arenas allow for walks, and a path at the end leads to views of the sea off Daebudo.

The club is located at 376 Buheung-ro, Danwon-gu, Ansan. Riding experiences cost 30,000 won ($21) for 10 minutes or 50,000 won for 20 minutes. It is closed on Lunar New Year’s Day and the preceding day, Jan. 16–17.

Family-friendly riding: Gungpyeong camp

Gungpyeong Camp / Captured from the camp's website

Hwaseong’s Gungpyeong Camp is popular with families, as booking a riding session includes a tour of the stables. Visitors can see around 40 horses in the main stable and several more in a secondary barn. Notes in front of each horse describe its name, age, appearance and personality, such as “Smaller than other horses and shy” or “Likes grazing.”

Guests can ride ponies or walk about one kilometer along a path outside the arena while holding the reins. A mural by artist Kim Shin-a decorates the second-floor café of the main building.

The camp is located at 1206 Gungpyeonghang-ro, Seosin-myeon, Hwaseong. A 30-minute riding experience costs 50,000 won. It operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is usually closed Tuesdays, but remains open during the holiday period.

Mountain-ringed vistas: Golden Saddle riding club

Golden Saddle Riding Club / Courtesy of Gyeonggi Tourism Organization

Yangpyeong’s Golden Saddle Riding Club sits on a forested hill surrounded by mountains, offering scenic views. It has both international-standard indoor and outdoor arenas, with certified instructors on site to teach beginners.

Behind the arena, a hillside campground with private pool villas and outdoor baths makes the site suitable for family overnight trips.

The club is located at 2960 Gyeonggang-ro, Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong. A 20-minute ride costs 50,000 won. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., or until 5 p.m. on weekends. It is closed Mondays and opens in the afternoon on Lunar New Year’s Day, Jan. 17.

Ski and sledding: Gonjiam resort

Gonjiam Resort / Courtesy of Gyeonggi Tourism Organization

At Gonjiam Resort in Gwangju, skiers and snowboarders can descend eight slopes stretching down from 579-meter Nogobong Peak. While most runs are intermediate to advanced, the longest extends 1,087 meters. A separate slope unconnected to Nogobong is dedicated to beginners, making it suitable for first-time learners. A sledding hill is also available, and nearby restaurants serve Gonjiam’s signature cow-head soup.

Located at 278 Docheokwit-ro, Docheok-myeon, Gwangju, the resort offers lift passes ranging from 72,000 won on weekdays for two hours to 105,000 won on weekends for six hours. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to midnight, or from 8 a.m. on Lunar New Year’s Day.

Indoor winter fun: One Mount Snow Park

One Mount Snow Park / Courtesy of Gyeonggi Tourism Organization

Goyang’s One Mount Snow Park offers an indoor winter playground unaffected by cold weather, featuring colorful lighting and upbeat music. Visitors can sled or skate on the Ice Lake rink, and a Santa Village inspired by Finland displays Santa sculptures ideal for photos. A mini sledding hill and carousel cater to children.

The park is located at 300 Hallyuworld-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang. Admission is 60,000 won for a day pass or 45,000 won for afternoon entry. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and until 8 p.m. on weekends.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.