[Naver Map]
Sopung Jeongwon Camp Site
경기도 평택시 고덕면 궁리 424-25
Sopung garden is conveniently located between Osan AB and camp Humphreys making it very accessible for military there. It is a gorgeous park based around three ponds. Parks based around water features are very popular in Korea and definitely worth a visit. I made my first trip there my first weekend after quarantine when some friends of mine showed it to me.
The park is nestled by a river that you can take stairs to access, and has many scenic walkways around 3 ponds. It also has a cafe, a public camping space, and a fun playground for kids. The playground has all the normal equipment with a sandbox to boot.
One striking feature of sopung garden is this magnificent pavilion within a courtyard. This was my first view of traditional clay Korean tiles. It is beautifully lit at night, along with the rest of the park.
The ponds in the garden are surrounded by many magnificent trees; my favorite being the Willow trees. The first accessible pond is also a lotus pond that blooms around mid July and lasts a few weeks.
The landscaped walkways throughout the park make for excellent strolls including bridges, fountains, flowers, and decorative poles.
Each season in the garden offers unique sights that make it worth returning for.
There are plenty of flowering cherry trees in the park that bloom from late March to early April. I was very impressed with how the cherry trees mingled with other trees to offer a myriad of spring colors.
The ice and frost on the lakes in winter add feelings of solitude and serenity.
In the fall, the trees themselves offer spectacular views, but also just down the road from the park is a seasonal garden that boasts pink Muhly grass and sunflowers for fun pictures. This garden is only open in October though for pink Muhly season and charges a small fee at entrance. You will want to have some won on you to pay the entrance fee.
Being a public space, the park is pet friendly and stroller friendly. It is open all year and offers stunning views during daylight and night time hours.
Related blog entry: Pyeongtaek City
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