LOCATED IN the outskirts of Seoul, Wangsong Lake Park is accessible by Subway Line 1 and is approximately a 20-minute walk from Uiwang Station. The park is a tranquil getaway featuring a combination of recreational activities and environmental preservation. The shimmering lake, encircled by well-maintained walking trails, invites visitors to explore the abundant wildlife that thrives in this attentively preserved habitat, as the park provides a haven for diverse biodiversity including birds and fish. 

Introducing Wangsong Lake Park

   Serene foliage and people enjoying the park at their own pace are the first to be seen as the park opens. Originally intended to be utilized as an agricultural reservoir, its purpose was altered to that of a tourist attraction when the surrounding region became more populated and urbanized. Previously, it was contaminated by excessive fishing and imported wastewater from the surrounding area, but owing to the collective efforts of Uiwang City, it is now a year-round habitat for diverse aquatic ecosystems and numerous species of migrating birds. It is also a great getaway for citizens on their day off. The park also has been given another name: Lesole Park. The first “le” stands for the lake, the “sol” stands for the sun and pine, and the other “le” stands for rail — thus encompassing every aspect of the park. Since its creation, Lesole Park has caught attention as a potential tourism attraction due to its diverse premises, which include railbikes, skyrails, camping areas, and walkways that encircle the lake. There is no slope within the park, allowing the walking trails scattered among the foliage to provide a delightful stroll. Along with the picturesque panorama of the lake, various photo spots and sculptures, including a real Korean Train Express (KTX) vehicle, give a delightful view to those walking along the lake. In 2021, pieces with a "picnic" motif were built in vacant areas during the park’s refurbishment. The gardens, decorated with cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn, are also popular spots that are carefully curated by citizen gardeners trained by Uiwang City, facilitating citizen participation. In addition, an increase in the number of closed circuit televisions(CCTV) and Wi-Fi available zones were added for the convenience and safety of visitors and a nighttime illumination was added to transform the park into a place that people may visit at night. Due to these improvements, Lesole Park is now the most visited park in Gyeonggi Province, drawing 1.5 million visitors annually. It is also regarded as a very successful remodeling case among metropolitan parks[1].

The recreational aspects of the lake

   The park provides rail biking, a unique recreational experience that adds an exciting element to the natural getaway, for those looking for a more vibrant and immersive interaction with the lake. The rail bikes installed along the lake offer visitors a memorable experience of appreciating the mesmerizing scenery of the lake in comfort and tranquility. As the rail bikes travel through the steady rails, fish and birds that dwell in the glimmering lake can be spotted. There is also a train that operates on the same tracks as the rail bikes for those who are unable to ride them. The rail bike first opened in 2016 and quickly gained popularity due to its easy accessibility from the metropolitan area and particularly its scenic beauty around the lake. During the 4.3 km long ride, visitors can observe numerous migratory birds while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the lake[2].

   The "Uiwang Skyrail," which consists of three 350 m long lines that fall from a tower that is 41 m tall constructed in the ecological educational park, is another well-liked attraction to visitors. Along with the breathtaking view of Wangsong Lake and the ecological reserve park beneath their feet, visitors can experience an exhilarating speed of up to 80 km/h. Recently, a lot of youths interested in experiencing this thrilling sensation have been drawn to the attraction. Since the distance is relatively short and the slope is mild, it is a welcomed challenge for those wishing to overcome their fear of heights[2].

   Recently, camping has gained popularity as a leisure activity in South Korea, and Wangsong Lake Campground has been highlighted as a popular camping location in the metropolitan area. The primary advantage of the campground is that it allows visitors to camp conveniently close to the metropolitan center without having to travel far into the countryside. Composed of 10 luxury caravans, 15 glamping decks, and 10 regular decks, 140 people can use the Wangsong Lake Campground at the same time. The caravans' opulent interiors and state-of-the-art facilities make them aptly comfortable, and the glamping decks provide the perfect outdoor camping experience as they are equipped with warm mattresses, indoor bathrooms, air conditioning, microwaves, and refrigerators[2].

The ecological aspects of the park

   Several rare birds have been observed in the vicinity of Lesole Park recently, bringing attention to the region as an active ecological museum. Red herons that have reddish-brown and black stripes on their necks are very rare birds in South Korea, but they have frequently been spotted in the park since 2019. The park is also the 11th sighting location in Korea of black male cuckoos. The black cuckoo could often be heard making unique calls, with its long blue-black glossy body[2].

   The park also houses the Bird Ecological Science Museum, which provides information on migratory birds in Lake Wangsong. The museum, which primarily focuses on the well-being of migratory birds and the ecology of Lake Wangsong, was established in 2012 and is the first science museum situated by a lake in a metropolitan area. It provides an exhibition of birds and introduces the fauna and flora of Lake Wangsong. From the observation deck on the top floor, where you can see the view of Lake Wangsong at a glance, you can easily make out migratory birds flying across the lake through the lens of a telescope[2].

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   Amid all the urban commotion of a metropolitan city, Wangsong Lake Park fosters a sense of serenity and exhilaration. Visitors of all ages can participate in walks in natural settings, engage in bird sightings, and learn about the local ecological environment, all the while fostering an appreciation for the fine equilibrium between recreation and preservation. 

[1]: Uiwang City

[2]: Gyeonggi Sinmun