One of the things that I love about South Korea is just how EXTRA they are with everything. (If you saw my post about our visit to Hwalok Cave, then you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about!) Their parks, their food, their insane high-rise apartments… it’s all incredible. We wanted to do some mild adventuring after church one Sunday, and the weather (and air quality) was great. So we hopped in the car and drove the 30 minutes to Buraksan Culture Park.
Buraksan Culture Park
It was kind of random how I came across this park – and even when I looked back to see how I’d found it, I couldn’t quite remember. And even when I plugged what I HOPED was the address into Naver (the navigation app we use here), I wasn’t sure it was going to take us to the place I’d been researching. But we figured, let’s just see what happens and at the very least we can have a relaxing Sunday drive. Thankfully, Naver took us directly to the parking lot and we could see the playground not far off. There was also a cool rock wall by the parking lot that looks like it’s a waterfall during the warmer months – so we DEFINITELY plan to go back sometime in the summer.
I had my doubts when I first saw the playground. There didn’t seem to be an overabundance of playground equipment compared to other parks we’ve been to. But as it turned out, there was PLENTY of fun for every single one of our kids. From the tiny toddler play structure that had our littlest coming back over and over and over again, to the spider web and hammock swings that entertained even our ten-year-old happy – there was enough variety to please every child, no matter their age or interest. Plus, the whole playground was set on sand which just added to the fun (and the mess).
We’ve gotten pretty used to making a scene anytime we go anywhere as a whole family these days. This trip was no exception and the ajummas and ajushis were having a fun time playing with our kids. At one point I was pretty certain that M was just going to up and leave and join a nice Korean family who was DYING over her facial expression (and I mean… we can’t blame them).
Something that we haven’t had much experience with is all of the Korean children who want to talk to us. (They also kept on rubbing our arms which was kind of funny. I guess they wanted to see if white skin feels the same as theirs?) So many kids stopped and said “Hi!” to us, and then would proceed to speak to us in Korean – which, of course, we did not understand. One little boy in particular seemed set on joining our family. He followed H around and any chance he got, he would grab onto my arm or my hand, or hug Brandon around the waist. It was definitely something we aren’t used to, but all of the children that we encountered were so kind – as were their parents.
Not only does this park boast a really fabulous playground, it also has an amazing hiking trail next to it. After climbing 70ish stairs into the forest, the first part of the trail feels a lot like pretty much every other hike we have ever taken. That is, until you reach the Skywalk Doorway which leads to the Forest Classroom where kids can cross suspension and wobbly wooden bridges all while being on the skywalk meters above the ground! It’s all safe, of course, but the kids had a great time trying to get across each obstacle without losing their balance! After exiting the skywalk there is also the Forest Experience Center where there are more challenging obstacle courses that kids can do for a fee. We didn’t participate in the extra obstacle courses, but I know our kids would love to go back and try sometime (however, for the easiest level, your child has to be at least 8 years old AND 120cm or taller).
The hike was not a challenging one – although my calves were definitely feeling all the stairs we took by the time we got back to the playground! Even without a baby carrier, it wasn’t bad with our kids. We packed plenty of snacks (as per the usual) which always helps for when the kids start getting a little cranky.
Buraksan Culture Park blew our minds, which was something we had NOT anticipated when we set out on this little mini-adventure. The kids loved it and are already asking to go back. If you find yourself in the Camp Humphreys area, I HIGHLY recommend checking this place out!
’til next time…
Ash
Tips for visiting Buraksan Culture Park
Directions: Paste 경기도 평택시 지산동 1263 into Naver to get to the parking lot for Buraksan Culture Park.
Cost: Parking is FREE and the lot is large. Visiting the park and hiking the trails are also FREE. There are other activities you can do at the Forest Experience Center for a fee.
Amenities: There are bathrooms in the large parking lot and other bathrooms closer to the playground.
Tips: Bring sunscreen on sunny days as there is little to no shade at the playground. For the hiking trails, bring bug spray.
