Nestled along the trails of Yeonmisan Mountain in Gongju sits the Geumgang Nature Art Biennale – a large showcase of nature-themed art exhibits. My friend, Lydia, and I had planned to hike to Elephant Rock with all of our kids, but the pouring rain the day before caused us to make other plans. Unaware that the Geumgang Nature Art Biennale was ALSO basically a hike, we settled on that. And, while it was a bit muddy at parts, the overcast weather proved to be perfect for exploring the park.
Geumgang Nature Art Biennale
I first heard of the Geumgang Nature Art Biennale from my friend Missy’s blog. I logged it away in the back of my mind in case we needed something to do. Honestly, though, even when I decided to take the kids there, I wasn’t completely sure what we were headed to.
The Korean Nature Artists’ Association hosts this art exhibition – with its focus being free expression through art made from all natural materials. The over 60 art exhibits are scattered through the hiking trails and are all made from wood, stone, or metal. It’s an art major’s dream, but it’s also just a fun environment for anyone who loves interesting (and totally random) locations. At only about an hour from Camp Humphreys, Geumgang Nature Art Biennale is a must-see for anyone living in the area.
While each exhibit was unique in its own way, there was one theme that was clear throughout the whole park: Bears. As we were exploring, we were aware of the MANY bear sculptures, though we didn’t understand why. We later found out that these are all tributes to Gongju’s Mascot: Goma the bear. In 2004, Gongju – interestingly enough – was announced to be the new capital of South Korea by 2030. However, the Prime Minister at the time was met with a lot of disagreement over this decision, and nothing has been done since.
Something that was really fun about this park was how interactive the exhibits were. The kids were allowed to touch and even climb on so many of them. Their favorite was the giant bear – which they could climb all the way up to stick their heads through the bear’s eyes. And honestly, the trails were perfect for the kids to run wild and crazy on while Lydia and I (as well as my 2-year-old) trailed slowly behind. And even though it was humid beyond all reason, this kind of low-key hike was the perfect adventure for the middle of the week.
If you’re looking for a fun outing that doesn’t cost a ton of money, then this nature hike is the way to go. It’s worth the hour drive from Camp Humphreys!
’til next time…
Ash
How to visit Geumgang Nature Art Biennale
Directions: Paste 충청남도 공주시 우성면 연미산고개길 98 into Naver and it will take you right to the entrance of the park.
Parking: There is a VERY small (but free) lot right across the street from the entrance of the park. It was only about half full when we went, but I imagine on weekends it could fill up quickly.
Hours:
*Hours of operation are subject to change at any time. Information is accurate at the time this post was made according to the information available.
March – October
10:00am-6:00pm Tuesday-Sunday (closed Mondays)
November
10:00am-5:00pm daily Tuesday-Sunday (closed Mondays)
December – February
Closed
Cost:
Park admission
Adults ₩5,000
Children ₩3,000
Accessibility: Strollers are not allowed inside the park. We didn’t know this ahead of time, but the man at the ticket counter let me park my stroller behind the booth. Even if strollers were allowed inside the park, you wouldn’t want to have one anyway. The trails are absolutely not stroller-friendly.
Amenities: There are bathrooms in the parking lot across from the park, and more right when you enter the park. Other than those two bathrooms, there are no others – so better to stop in before you start exploring. In addition, there is a small café right next to the ticket booth.
Tips: Wear good walking shoes – especially if there has been rain recently. Carry smaller children in a hiking backpack. Bring bug spray unless you want to be eaten alive by mosquitos.
