[K TRAVEL 13] Yangsu-ri Dumulmeori… A Lake Where Water and Mountain Colors, Lotus Flowers, and Reeds Harmonize

*This content was translated by AI.

As the flow of KHallyu has grown, the number of travelers from around the world visiting various parts of Korea has increased significantly, establishing K-travel as a new trend. StarNews introduces travel destinations where one can fully experience Korea’s unique charm and allure without large crowds. Visitors can gain their own Korean charm and memories.

[K TRAVEL 13] Yangsu-ri Dumulmeori

"…If you travel down about twenty ri along the river, you will reach the place where two streams merge… The colors of the water and mountains between them, along with the forms of the delta and sandbars, are so clear and bright that they seem to penetrate the bones, capturing all attention with their purity… To compose poetry and play the geomungo while contemplating this pure and tranquil landscape must surely be one of life’s greatest joys."

This passage is part of a poem written by Jeong Yang-yong, a renowned scholar and Confucianist of the late Joseon Dynasty around 1800. Through it, we can discern his intention to praise a place blessed with nature’s unparalleled gifts. This very location, Dumulmeori, has long served as a sanctuary for people’s minds and bodies, preserving its natural beauty centered on mountains, rivers, and flowers from that time to the present day. Few foreigners likely know that such a celebrated scenic spot exists so close to Seoul.

Two Rivers Merge to Form a Large Lake

As the name suggests, Dumulmeori means "where two waters meet." It is located in Yangsu-ri, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do. The village name "Dumulmeori" corresponds to the Hanja characters for Yangsu-ri (). The two rivers refer to the North Han River, which flows from Geumgangsan, and the South Han River, which originates at Geomyongsaek on the foothills of Geumdabong in Gangwon-do. As the North Han River and South Han River flow together, they form Paldang Lake, a large and expansive lake, before merging into Seoul’s Han River.

Once you enter Dumulmeori, your eyes and heart open wide to the vast, blue waters of the lake. It feels as though tangled thoughts like a ball of yarn in your mind will dissolve and vanish in the calm river water. The high mountains surrounding the lake in the distance display a deep green hue, refreshing your eyes alongside the blue river. Surrounded by mountains, most of the river appears calm and tranquil, bringing a sense of peace to the heart.

Harmonious Scenery of Over 400-Year-Old Zelkova Trees, Lake, and Lotus Flowers

In this landscape, several zelkova trees stand tall against the river backdrop, as if completing the masterpiece. The oldest among them is over 400 years old, standing 26 meters high with a majestic presence. These trees provided ample shade for tourists and once served as landmarks for travelers heading to Hanyang (Seoul) by raft or boat.

While photo zones are available throughout the area, taking photos against the backdrop of these zelkova trees, mountains, and river can yield unforgettable shots. For foreigners, sending such memorable photos to family back home while letting nostalgia float on the river water may bring a sense of abundance to their hearts abroad, much like this Mid-Autumn Festival moon.

What enriches Dumulmeori’s attractions are the lotus fields scattered throughout. The lotus leaves grow densely and large like umbrellas, making it one of the largest lotus flower complexes in Korea. Even the massive lotus leaves display a green hue, so the colors of Dumulmeori here are entirely green and blue. Clouds float whiter than any sky above.

Adding to this scenery are the morning mist rising over the river at dawn and sunrise views. Yangsu-ri Dumulmeori has been selected as one of the "Korea Tourism 100 Must-Visit Places" that every Korean should visit. Additionally, it was chosen last year as a "2025 World’s Best Tourism Village" organized by UN Tourism. Famous since ancient times, it has been preserved through Jeong Yak-yong’s poem and paintings by Jeong Seon and Lee Geon-pil from the Joseon Dynasty, transcending eras to reach the present day. Jeong Yak-yong, who praised this place in his poetry, was born and raised near Dumulmeori.

A traditional sailboat catches the eye on the riverbank beside the zelkova tree. Measuring 16 meters in length, 3 meters in width, and with a mast height of 8 meters, this is a traditional sailboat restored exactly to its original form by master carpenter Kim Gwi-seong, holder of Gyeonggi-do Intangible Cultural Property No. 11 (Joseon-era boatbuilding). It is also called the "yellow-sailed boat" due to the yellowish color of its sail. Historically used to transport firewood and food while shuttling along the Han River, its purpose as a transportation vessel has disappeared with the development of modern transport. Although mostly moored here, this sailboat well captures the unique charm and history of Dumulmeori.

Dumulmeori Ferry, Sailboat, and Morning Mist

The space where the zelkova tree and sailboat are located offers a place to rest while viewing the morning mist. Many people visit this spot from early dawn to capture the mysterious sight of mist rising over the river on camera. Especially on days with large temperature differences, thick fog can be seen lingering for extended periods.

About 400 years old, another zelkova tree stands slightly away from the riverbank near the first one, known by the nickname "Wish-Giving Tree." Traditionally, people at Dumulmeori made wishes to zelkova trees called Dodang Halbae and Dodang Halmeoni. Unfortunately, the Dodang Halmeoni tree was submerged in the river, leaving a deep sense of loss. However, since some time ago, two new zelkova trees have grown, and people now call them the Dumulmeori Wish Trees and make their wishes there. If you have a sincere desire, it may be worthwhile to make a wish at the Wish-Giving Tree.

Beside the Wish Tree is a frame photo zone, an essential spot not to miss at Dumulmeori. It gained even more popularity after appearing as a filming location for the 2015 drama "She Was Pretty." This natural landscape permeable frame allows visitors to enjoy nature within a picture frame, enabling unique photos with Dumulmeori as the backdrop. Visitors sit inside the frame, stand behind it, or even jump, creating various memorable photos and personal memories.

Dumulmeori was historically an important ferry crossing for transporting goods via the river. It served as the final stop connecting Gangwon-do Jeongseon-gun and Chungcheongbuk-do Danyang-gun, where the upper reaches of the South Han River meet, to Seoul’s Ttukseom and Mapo Ferry at the river’s terminus. Now, after the completion of Paldang Dam and its designation as a Suwon Protection Zone, fishing activities and shipbuilding are prohibited, halting its ferry function. Instead, it now offers visitors the expansive, calm lake scenery in full.

The exact point where the South Han River and North Han River merge at Dumulmeori is called Dumulgyeong. Visitors can reach Dumulgyeong via a wooden deck path or by walking along a dirt trail. It is a 30-minute walk along the Metasequoia Road, where you will soon encounter a signpost and an ancient map embedded in the ground. This spot is famous for its stunning sunset views and winter snowscapes. Occasionally, when rain turns the water muddy, visitors can witness the two streams merging smoothly and peacefully.

In autumn, visitors can enjoy the sight of reeds stretching in all directions around Dumulmeori dancing in the wind. Taller than an adult’s height, these reeds display silver or white hues, enhancing the charm of Dumulmeori’s scenery.

Nearby Semiwon Garden, Sujongsa Temple, and Yangsu-ri Traditional Market

Several contents enrich a visit to Dumulmeori. Representative ones include Semiwon Garden, Sujongsa Temple, and Yangsu-ri Traditional Market. Of course, numerous unique cafes serving coffee, tea, and bakery items line the area around Dumulmeori. Additionally, snack shops selling lotus leaf ice cream and lotus hot dogs that highlight local characteristics are also eye-catching.

First, Semiwon Garden is a garden of water and flowers, holding approximately 270 species of plants including traditional Eastern-style gardens and aquatic plants. It is recognized as Gyeonggi-do’s No. 1 Local Garden with diverse attractions.

Historically, Jeong Yak-yong built a pontoon bridge over the narrowing section of the South Han River in Yangju, which is believed to be the current site of Semiwon Garden. From Dumulmeori, visitors can reach Semiwon via a newly constructed replica of the old pontoon bridge. This main bridge (Jubyo) connects 44 boats and measures 4 meters wide by 245 meters long. For two months in September and October, the 2026 Water Lily Culture Festival is held, featuring Victoria water lilies, red-flowered Australian water lilies, tropical water lilies, and a special exhibition at the Lotus Museum. Especially, Sehaejeong Pavilion recreates the National Treasure "Sehan-do," symbolizing the unchanging friendship between Chusa Kim Jeong-hee and his disciple Lee Sang-jeok during the Joseon Dynasty. Pines and arborvitae trees here symbolize integrity and moral character, making it an ideal spot for quiet contemplation while gazing at the river. Large-scale lotus fields are also cultivated around Semiwon Garden. Admission to Semiwon costs 7,000 won for adults, with a complimentary 2,000 won Yangpyeong gift certificate included.

Sujongsa Temple is located at the foothills of Unghilsan Mountain, offering a vantage point overlooking Dumulmeori and the confluence of the two rivers, though it is somewhat distant from Dumulmeori (about 7 km by car). Nestled in the midsection of Unghilsan (610 meters above sea level), Sujongsa Temple is a serene temple featuring the important cultural property Octagonal Five-Story Stone Pagoda and a magnificent ginkgo tree over 500 years old. Yangsu-ri Traditional Market is one of Yangpyeong’s traditional markets, hosting a five-day market on the 1st and 6th of each month.

How to Use Public Transportation

To reach Dumulmeori by public transportation, take the Gyeongui-Jungang Line subway to Yangsu Station and walk or take a bus. Alternatively, buses are available from Namyangju Unghilsan Station or Gapyeong Daeseong-ri. Since bus intervals are long, it is advisable to check bus schedules in advance. Public transport options are relatively limited, making access somewhat inconvenient without a private car; however, severe traffic congestion can be experienced on weekends. If visiting on weekends, consider planning during extended holidays like the upcoming Chuseok holiday. On weekdays, driving is relatively convenient. There is a private parking lot directly in front of Dumulmeori, and just beyond it lies a public parking lot with lower fees.

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*This content was translated by AI.