Hapgang Park
Hapgang Park (합강공원; map) is located at the confluence of the Geum River and Miho Stream Rivers in Sejong City. Known for camping and relaxation, the park’s name translates to “river junction.”
Key Features
Hapgang Park is located near the Geum River and Miho Stream. This meeting of rivers forms expansive wetlands, creating habitats for a wide variety of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, fish, and native plants.
Visitors can explore the area through a network of walking trails that meander along the riverbanks, each with unobstructed views of the water and greenery.
Seasonal changes bring cherry blossoms in spring, verdant trees in summer, vibrant hues in autumn, and frost-covered landscapes in winter. Early mornings often feature mist rising from the water.
History
Hapgang Park was created by South Korea’s Four Rivers Restoration Project. Beginning in the early 2010s, the massive project built a series of weirs to control floods and retain water for farmers during droughts. It also created Korea’s long-distance cycling paths and numerous waterside parks, including Hapgang Park.
At the heart of the park are restored wetlands and riparian forests, which support biodiversity, improve water quality, and stabilize the riverbanks. The park’s trails, viewing decks, and bicycle paths are designed to minimize environmental impact and enhance access to the landscape.
The project incorporated eco-friendly design elements such as rainwater management systems, solar-powered lighting, and native vegetation.
Hapgang Certification Center
Hapgang Park is the western endpoint for the Ocheon Bike Path, with the Hapgang Park Certification Center (합강공원 인증센터; map) being the last (or first) red booth for cyclists to stamp their Bike Passports. The area around the booth is equipped with shaded seating, restrooms, and informational signs.
(The Hapgang Park Certification Center also lies on the Geumgang Bike Path, but it’s stamp only counts towards completing the Ocheon Bike Path certificate.)
Visiting
- Operating Hours: Open year-round
- Parking: Available
- Accessibility: Facilities are designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities.
- Fees: Access to the park is free.
Sejong Hapgang Campground
The Sejong Hapgang Campground (세종합강캠핑장; map) is the known section of Hapgang Park. Nestled in the heart of the park near the Geum River, the large campside offers a family-friendly design, versatile camping options, and recreational opportunities among the serene landscapes.
Camping Facilities
Hapgang Auto Camping Site is thoughtfully divided into distinct zones to accommodate a variety of camping preferences:
- Camping Car Zone: Featuring 33 spacious sites, this area is designed for RVs and campervans, with space for vehicles and setups. It can host up to 424 people, making it great for larger groups.
- Auto Camping Zone: With 83 designated sites, this zone caters to traditional car camping and can accommodate up to 1,036 people.
- Free Camping Zone: Including 20 flexible sites, this area is designated for tent campers seeking a laid-back and adaptable experience.
- Barbecue Zone: Equipped with 17 designated grilling areas, this zone is meant for outdoor cooking and dining.
The site is equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay:
- Restrooms and Showers: Clean and well-maintained facilities.
- Dishwashing Stations: Dedicated areas to clean utensils and cookware.
- Management Office: A central hub with a customer service desk, lounge, and information center to assist visitors.
- Playgrounds and Grassy Fields: Spaces for children to play and families to gather, promoting relaxation and recreation.
Hapgang Auto Camping Site offers a wide range of activities to enhance the outdoor experience:
- Cycling and Riverside Strolls: The site connects directly to the Ocheon and Geumgang Bike Paths and walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the scenic beauty of the Geum River and Miho Stream Rivers.
- Sports and Play: Well-maintained sports fields and playgrounds provide opportunities for casual games of soccer, badminton, or other activities.
- Evening Barbecues: The designated barbecue areas encourage shared meals and gatherings under the open sky, fostering a sense of community among campers.
- Stargazing: The site’s location, away from urban light pollution, makes it an excellent spot for stargazing and nighttime photography.
- Nature Observation: With its proximity to the park’s wetlands, the camping site serves as a gateway for birdwatching and ecological exploration.
Visiting
- Operating Hours:
- Check-in: From 2:00 PM on the day of arrival.
- Check-out: By 12:00 PM on the day of departure.
- Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
- Camping Fees:
- Auto Camping Zone:
- Large Sites (10×15 meters): ₩38,000 per night on weekends; ₩33,000 on weekdays.
- Small Sites (10×10 meters): ₩30,000 per night on weekends; ₩25,000 on weekdays.
- Camping Car Zone:
- Large Sites (10×15 meters): ₩45,000 per night on weekends; ₩40,000 on weekdays.
- Small Sites (10×10 meters): ₩40,000 per night on weekends; ₩35,000 on weekdays.
- Free Camping Zone (5×10 meters): ₩20,000 per night on weekends; ₩15,000 on weekdays.
- Barbecue Zone:
- 4-Person Table: ₩10,000 per session on weekends; ₩9,000 on weekdays.
- 8-Person Table: ₩19,000 per session on weekends; ₩17,000 on weekdays.
- Auto Camping Zone:
- Reservations: Required in advance; can be made online through the official Sejong Facilities Management Corporation website.
- Contact Information:
- Call: 044-850-1117
- Email: [email protected]
Aramchan Bridge
One of the park’s most noteworthy man-made sights is Aramchan Bridge (아람찬교; map), which leaps over the park’s western end and crosses the Geum River. The bridge was constructed as part of Sejong’s urban development to connect its north and south. The bridge’s name, “Aramchan,” derives from a Korean word meaning “hawk’s wings.”
Completed in 2016, the 840-meter cable-stayed bridge features dual-tiered suspension towers. The bridge accommodates both cars and dedicated pedestrian and bike lanes (but not a part of the Geumgang Bike Path).
The design of Aramchan Bridge has made it a favorite subject for photographers. During sunrise and sunset, its silhouette is illuminated by the changing hues of the sky. During special occasions, the bridge’s lighting system illuminates the cables, towers, and river with vibrant colors.
