Getting the Hang of Anyang

So much to do, so little time! I can't seem to fit it all in. There is so much of Korea I still need to see, and too many festivals I don't want to miss. But being on a shoestring budget (as always), you have to know when to say no....and how to find the cheap and free things around this country. And everyone knows that the best things in life are free. So! What new and free things can we find around us this week?

Just a hop, skip and a 30 minute bus ride away from Siheung is Anyang Art Park. And this is no ordinary park. It's a bloomin wonderful park! It's like a trip to the sea-side, with a hike up a mountain and lots of art thrown in. 

'The Dancing Buddha'

The park is a huge public art space, where artists display their pieces amidst the forest and paths leading up to Samseong Mountain. So it's like an extra exciting hike. You never know whats going to be around the next tree.

The small river Samseongcheon also flows through the park, with a few tributaries running to it from the mountain. The river is fast flowing, crystal clear, and on a hot day.....dear lord you just want to jump in the water. And that's exactly what the Koreans do. Grab an inflatable dolphin and jump in. There are families eating lunch sat mid-stream, old couples floating in the shallows, kids wearing life-jackets in 3-feet of water, and of course, people knocking back soju in every direction. Ah the joys.

The nice thing about it, is if you fancy getting away from the crowds, you can just trace a tributary up through the forest until you find a nice quiet bit to sit in the water with a big contented sigh. Aaaaaah. And there are loads of small shops and restaurants down by the river to stock you up with drinks and food.

The final attraction to the park, and the first reason we heard about it, is the Alvaro Siza Hall. The hall shows different exhibitions throughout the year, but today 'A Revolutionary Lens, KORDA - Che Guevara and Cuba' was on display. The photographer had followed Che Guevara throughout Cuba after the revolution in 1959, and these were snapshots of his work. Despite having seeing the exhibition advertised in full English, there were no English texts once we got there (should have seen that one coming) - but heyho, even just viewing the photographs was worth it anyway. And I got a nice postcard. Well worth it then.

Where, How, What... Hmmmmm?

Transport - Gwanak Subway Station (line 1 exit 2), 10 minutes walk following sign posts.
Cost - Anyang Art Park is free. Alvaro Siza Hall 3,000 won.