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There are an array of things to do in South Korea, with Gwangmyeong sharing quite a few of those!
Embark on a sparkling adventure in the city of Gwangmyeong – where glittering sights and enchanting experiences await you at every turn!
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Gwangmyeong:
1. Gwangmyeong Cave
Gwangmyeong Cave is a former mine turned underground attraction that offers visitors a unique experience of exploring the history and culture of Korea.
What to see or do: – Visit the mining museum and learn about the life and work of miners.
Don’t miss: The Mirror Lake, a stunning underground lake with crystal clear water that reflects the stalactites and stalagmites above.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing, as the temperature inside the cave is around 12-15°C.
2. Lotte Premium Outlets
Lotte Premium Outlets is a shopping destination located in Gwangmyeong, just a short distance from Seoul.
What to see or do: The outlet mall offers a wide selection of international and Korean brands, including Adidas, Coach, Nike, and Zara, all at discounted prices.
You can also explore the surrounding area, which has several other shopping centers and restaurants to check out.
Don’t miss: If you’re in the mood for a snack, be sure to visit the Lotte Mart food court, where you can try a variety of Korean cuisine (including street food favorites like tteokbokki and fried chicken).
There is also an impressive 3D art museum called Trick Eye that is definitely worth checking out.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs from Seoul to Lotte Premium Outlets. The mall can get pretty crowded on weekends, so try to visit during the week if possible.
Lastly, make sure to bring your passport if you’re a foreign tourist – you can get additional discounts with your passport at participating stores.
3. Aqua Planet 63
A massive aquarium located inside the iconic 63 Building in Gwangmyeong, South Korea.
What to see or do: Explore over 80 different tanks and exhibits featuring a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, penguins, and colorful tropical fish.
Don’t miss the amazing underwater tunnel, where you can walk through the middle of a massive tank and see all sorts of sea creatures swimming above and around you.
Insider travel tips: As with any popular tourist attraction, it’s best to try and visit Aqua Planet 63 during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
You can save a bit of money on admission by booking your tickets online in advance rather than at the door.
And make sure to take advantage of the various feeding and animal encounter experiences offered throughout the day for a truly immersive experience.
4. G-Valley Mall
A shopping mall located in Gwangmyeong, South Korea.
What to see or do: Shop at over 420 stores offering a variety of clothing, electronics, beauty products, and Korean souvenirs. Enjoy a meal at one of the many dining options including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Western cuisine.
Catch a movie at the state-of-the-art CGV Cinema.
Don’t miss: The VR theme park located on the 5th floor which offers virtual reality experiences for all ages and interests such as rollercoaster rides, escape rooms, and shooting games.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to grab a discount coupon booklet, available for foreign travelers, at the information center on the first floor. Take advantage of the tax refund service offered to non-Korean nationals on purchases over KRW30,000.
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience.
5. Gwangmyeong Traditional Market
A bustling traditional market located in Gwangmyeong, South Korea.
What to see or do: Experience Korean culture and food through browsing and tasting the variety of street foods, fresh produce, and souvenirs.
Don’t miss: The famous Gwangmyeong Cave located underneath the market which serves as a museum showcasing the history and culture of the area.
Insider travel tips: – Come hungry and try the market’s specialty dishes such as the Galchi jorim (braised hairtail fish) and Sundaeguk (blood sausage soup).
6. Gwangmyeong Cultural Center
Gwangmyeong Cultural Center is a modern art museum located in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
What to see or do: The museum houses impressive art collections from local and international artists, showcasing a diverse range of media such as paintings, sculptures, and installations.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the outdoor sculpture garden which exhibits various contemporary artworks.
Insider travel tips: – Visit on a weekend to catch the occasional live performance or exhibit.
7. Gwangmyeong Lake Park
A spacious city park located in the suburb of Gwangmyeong, South Korea.
What to see or do: Gwangmyeong Lake Park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including cycling paths, walking trails, fishing, a botanical garden, and a large lake for boating.
The park also features a cultural center that showcases local history and traditions.
Don’t miss: The park’s stunning light displays and fountains at night are a must-see, especially during the warmer months.
Insider travel tips: Visit the park during the week to avoid the crowds. Rent a bike and explore the vast grounds.
Don’t forget to bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon by the lake.
8. Gabriel’s Bookstore
Gabriel’s Bookstore is an enchanting independent bookstore located in Gwangmyeong, South Korea.
What to see or do: The bookstore offers an extensive collection of books in both English and Korean, ranging from classic novels to contemporary reads. Visitors can spend hours browsing the carefully curated shelves or cozying up in one of the comfortable reading corners.
Don’t miss: One of the most unique features of Gabriel’s Bookstore is the rooftop garden, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: If you’re an avid reader, be sure to block off a few hours to explore this charming bookstore. Don’t forget your camera for some stunning rooftop photos.
Also, keep in mind that the bookstore is closed on Mondays.
9. Juna In
A trendy and stylish themed hotel located in Gwangmyeong, South Korea.
What to see or do: Enjoy the unique and creative interior design of the hotel, which features art installations and murals created by local artists. Relax in the spacious and comfortable guest rooms, which are equipped with modern amenities.
Take advantage of the hotel’s convenient location, which is near shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Don’t miss: The hotel’s rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views of the city.
Be sure to also check out the hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar, which serves up delicious Korean cuisine and specialty cocktails.
Insider travel tips: If you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience, try booking one of the hotel’s themed rooms, which are decorated with a specific concept and are sure to make your stay unforgettable.
Also, be sure to take advantage of the hotel’s shuttle service, which can take you to nearby attractions and sights.
10. Woongjin Play City
Woongjin Play City is a massive indoor theme park located in Gwangmyeong, South Korea.
What to see or do: The theme park boasts over ten exciting attractions ranging from thrilling rides, games, and various activities for all ages. You can experience an indoor rollercoaster, a drop tower, a giant slide, go-karting, VR games, and much more.
Don’t miss: The park’s most popular rides include the 4D Extreme Ride, 360-degree Rotating VR Ride, and the adrenaline-pumping Beast Gladiator, which is a high-speed car race surrounded by a landscape of a post-apocalyptic world.
Insider travel tips: – Make sure to purchase your tickets online in advance to save time and avoid the queue.
11. Grayeongchi Museum
Grayeongchi Museum is a unique museum located in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, that showcases the history of toilets and bathrooms.
What to see or do: Visitors can see various types of toilets and bathrooms from a wide range of time periods and countries. The museum also has interactive exhibits that educate visitors on toilet and bathroom etiquette.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take a selfie with the museum’s mascot, Mr. Toilet.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can be reached via public transportation, with a bus stop located directly in front of the museum.
12. Baedari Brewery Museum
Baedari Brewery Museum is a unique museum located in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, that showcases the history and culture of Korean traditional liquor-making.
What to see or do: Visitors can wander through traditional-style buildings and discover various exhibitions showcasing different aspects of the brewing process, from fermentation to distillation.
You can also watch live demonstrations of traditional liquor-making techniques and even try some of the rarest and finest Korean liquors on offer.
Don’t miss: Make sure you don’t miss the tasting room to try a variety of the alcoholic drinks, including Soju and Makgeolli, made in Korea.
You can buy souvenirs from the gift shop, which stocks a variety of traditional Korean liquors and brewery equipment.
13. MBC Dramia
A film set and studio complex in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, operated by the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).
What to see or do: Visitors can see a variety of permanent sets including a traditional Korean village, a palace, and a detective agency, as well as temporary sets from popular MBC dramas.
There are also live performances demonstrating traditional Korean stagecraft, as well as workshops on traditional Korean crafts and dance.
Don’t miss: The guided tour of the film sets, which takes visitors through different eras of Korean history, and the opportunity to dress up in traditional Korean clothing and take photos in the historic sets.
Insider travel tips: If you’re a fan of Korean dramas, check the schedule for when your favorite shows are filming at MBC Dramia. Some odd time slots offer access to the film set for fans to see the filming process live.
Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
14. Munjeong Catholic Church
Munjeong Catholic Church is a modern architectural landmark in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, that attracts visitors from all over the world.
What to see or do: Visit the church and admire its impressive exterior, designed by French architect renowned for his innovative use of geometry and light.
Attend a service to experience the spiritual significance of this stunning place of worship.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the magnificent stained glass window behind the altar that illuminates the interior with vivid colors and light.
Take a moment of silence to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the place and admire the simple yet elegant interior design.
Insider travel tips: Attend early morning services to avoid the crowds and experience the serene beauty of the church in solitude. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
Remember to dress modestly when attending services, as the church is a place of worship.
15. Seoul National Cemetery of South Korea
Seoul National Cemetery is a burial ground for Korean soldiers who died during the Korean War and other major conflicts. It is located in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi province.
What to see or do: Visitors can pay their respects at the burial mounds and memorials of the fallen soldiers. There is also a museum that displays historical artifacts from past wars.
Don’t miss: The Memorial Tower, which stands at the center of the cemetery, is a must-see attraction. It is a 30-meter tall stone structure that serves as a symbol of national pride and unity.
Insider travel tips: – It’s recommended to visit the cemetery during the annual Memorial Day ceremony, which is held on June 6th.