Small joyful tour with charming little stops | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Gana Art Park originated from Total Museum, Korea's first private art museum established in 1984, and was established in 2005 by being acquired by the parent company Gana Art Center, focusing on a sculpture park. Since then, Gana Art Park opened a museum (designed by Uchida Shigeru) and a performance hall (designed by Ban Shigeru), a children's experience center, and Gana Atelier No. 1 (designed by Jean Michel Wilmotte) in 2006. In 2007, Blue, Red, and Yellow Spaces were newly built and opened, followed by the opening of Gana Atelier No. 2 in 2008. In 2013, Gana Art Park Museum was transformed into 'Gana Children's Museum,' and Blue Space became Korea's first 'Picasso Children's Museum,' positioning Gana Art Park as a complex art space embracing all age groups including children. In 2016, Gana Art Park celebrated its 10th anniversary by operating the art academy 'Nunkopip Museum' and 'Curious Museum Exploration,' and the 'I am also an artist' program participated in by resident artists of Gana Atelier was held in the experience workshop. Gana Art Park aims to realize an 'art complex space where humans, nature, and art coexist' by providing better creative spaces and exhibition opportunities for emerging, mid-career, and veteran artists, and embracing diverse art genres including visual arts for the public.

Jangheung Native Arboretum, located within the Jangheung tourist area, is a private arboretum utilizing the natural forest of the eastern Hyeongjebong ridge on Gaemyeongsan Mountain (559m above sea level), which forms the boundary between Yangju-si and Paju-si. The arboretum is an ecological learning site created with minimal disturbance to the existing forest form and vegetation, allowing observation of wildflowers in a pine forest over 100 years old. It has 14 themed gardens including paths, virgin forest, natural ecology observatory, butterfly garden, bonsai garden, seasonal theme garden, textbook plant garden, orchard, alpine plant garden, and hydrangea garden, housing 162 families and 1,288 species of plants. Facilities include an observation deck, observation paths, experiential learning center, cafe, wildflower shop, and Jangheung Arboretum pension accommodations. Numerous rest sites with shelters, swings, and benches are scattered throughout, offering relaxed forest bathing. Visitors can enjoy naturally flowing large and small valleys, streams, and seasonal wildflowers. The arboretum offers various forest, play, and craft experiences for kindergarteners, elementary students, and adult groups. Operating times differ between winter and summer, so checking before visiting is necessary. Nearby cultural tourist resources include an art museum, folk museum, observatory, and valleys, making it ideal for linked outings. It is about a 14-minute drive from Songchu IC. Nearby attractions include Jangheung tourist area (Cheongam Folk Museum, Gana Art Center, Dooly Land, Yangju Jang Ukjin Museum, Yangju Min Bokjin Museum, Songam Space Center), Songchu Recreation Area, Iryeong Recreation Area, Bukhansan National Park, National ASEAN Natural Recreational Forest, Philux Lighting Museum, and Hoamsaji Temple Site.

Located atop a mountain peak, Songam Space is one of the world's largest theme parks. Offering various programs and facilities, Songam Space is a new type of observatory that can be conveniently used anytime. It is a technological hub that brings the distant and faint universe into reality. Featuring Korea's first 60cm large Ritchey-Chretien telescope made with in-house technology and high-end telescopes from Takahashi and Meade, visitors can observe cosmic phenomena rarely seen elsewhere and witness the infinite universe revealed by technology. Additionally, various programs can be experienced within its auxiliary facilities, including a cable car, observatory, and Stars Cafe.