Tourism Special Zones are legally designated areas requiring concentrated development of tourism conditions, including promotion of services, guidance, and publicity related to tourism activities, to attract foreign visitors. Among them, the Goyang Tourism Special Zone was designated to include the key MICE industry site KINTEX and surrounding complexes, as well as many tourist resources such as Ilsan Lake Park, Lafesta, and Western Dom. It aims to attract domestic and international tourists and establish its status as an international tourism hub. The Goyang Tourism Special Zone links major attractions located around Ilsandong-gu and Seogu in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, including the Goyang Tourism Information Center, Lafesta and Western Dom, Ilsan Lake Park, One Mount, and Hanwha Aqua Planet, creating a region themed on the Korean Wave. Various singer performances, music festivals, and events continue to be held here.
The hometown of BTS member RM is Ilsan, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do. When speaking at the UN in 2018 on the theme 'Speak Yourself,' he also mentioned his childhood days in Ilsan. He attended Baekseok Elementary School and Shinil Middle School and dreamed of becoming a rapper since middle school. The Goyang Tourist Information Center features an RM mural measuring 18m wide by 12m high. In the song 'Ma City,' lyrics such as 'I like Hosu Park more than the Han River,' 'Lafesta and Western Dom felt like home,' and 'Hugok academy district raised me as a child' appear, so visiting these locations is recommended. Inside the Goyang Tourist Information Center, there is a café on the first floor, and on the second floor, facilities for InBody measurement, blood pressure, scalp, and skin analysis are available. There is also a traditional Goyangjae hanok, a studio available for SNS and YouTube filming, and a space for busking activities.
Jeongbalsan, representing the Ilsan area, is a low mountain less than 90 meters above sea level. There is a legend that long ago people with the surnames Jeong and Park lived in this area, originally naming it Jeongbaksan, which later became Jeongbalsan. It is close to Ilsan Lake Park, making it a good place for walks or dates, and it features a badminton court, library, and observatory. Although it is called a mountain, the park consists of low hills that children can also enjoy.
In the alleys of Banggasi Village 8~9 Complex residential area, there is an antique street. Quiet parks and serene residential areas have welcomed antique shops, now numbering over 20 stores. The alleyway from Madu Library Intersection towards Pungdong Anigol is collectively called Bonnet-gil, featuring a variety of items from charming small accessories to vintage furniture. As the antique street has grown larger and gained popularity, many atmospheric restaurants and cafes have opened along the alley. Recently, it has become a popular date spot for young couples and earned the nickname Bamridan-gil. Parking can be a bit difficult, so visitors must park along the alley or use public parking lots. Known as a place for flea markets for a long time, it offers plenty to see, including antique-related products and various other accessories and clothing. Twice a year, in spring (April) and autumn (October), the Bonnet-gil Antique Flea Festival is held over two days, where visitors can find vintage furniture, accessories, clothing, and more. It is worthwhile to visit if time allows.
Bamgasi Park is a neighborhood park in Jeongbalsan-dong near Exit 1 of Pungsan Station on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. The park has multiple entrances, making it easy to find. Inside, there are playgrounds, benches, and resting areas scattered throughout, providing a relaxed environment without crowds for walking and resting. There is no dedicated parking lot, but you can park along the nearby streets. At the center, a broad sand playground and wooden swings create a great place to walk and play with children. Around the walking paths are cosmos flower fields, and next to the seniors' center, various exercise facilities are installed. Many charming cafes are nearby on Bamridan-gil, so taking out coffee to enjoy in the park is recommended. There is also a soccer field, restroom, and water facilities. The entire park is a no-smoking zone, and when accompanied by pets, leashes and cleaning up after them are mandatory. ※ Pets allowed (leash and waste bag required).
Pungdong Anigol is a food culture street designated by Gyeonggi-do, located in Goyang, a city known for its beautiful lakes and fragrant flowers as a city of culture and arts. The origin of Anigol dates back to Baekma Station on the Gyeongui Line, a memory for those in their twenties in the 1970s-80s who waited for the train to Sinchon with their lovers, tapping their feet. In the early 1990s, when the Ilsan new town was developed, most pubs and cafes around Baekma Station disappeared. However, about 2 km away in Pungdong, Ilsan-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, a number of cafes and restaurants combining acoustic guitar performances by singers and various foods have opened in recent years, reviving the old glory of Baekma Cafe Village and bringing back memories. Anigol is called 'Aehyungol Street,' derived from the old place name in the Pungdong area, 'Aehyeon Village.' The village elders say the name 'Anigol' came from the pronunciation changes by villagers: from 'Aehyeon-gol' to 'Aein-gol' and finally to 'Ani-gol.'
