Parks and the outdoors in Gimcheon

Parks and the outdoors in Gimcheon

1. See

   Bangchojeong Pavilion

   방초정

   A historic pavilion built during the Joseon Dynasty, located near Jikjisa Temple. Surrounded by a landscaped garden with lotus ponds and stone walls, it offers a glimpse into traditional Korean architecture and a tranquil place to rest.

   09:00–18:00·Free

2. See

   Buhang Dam

   부항댐

   A large multipurpose dam completed in 2011, surrounded by scenic mountains. The area features a suspension bridge, observatory, and eco-park, making it a popular spot for walking, cycling, and enjoying views of the reservoir and nature.

   24 hours·Free

3. Do

   Buhang Dam Suspension Bridge

   부항댐 출렁다리

   A suspension footbridge crossing above the surface of Buhang Dam reservoir, offering visitors a thrilling walk with scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills. At 256 m in length, it is one of the longest suspension bridges on water in Korea.

   March–November: 09:00–22:00, December–February: 09:00–17:00

4. Eat

   Dansan Garden

   단산가든

   Dansan Garden is a countryside-style restaurant specializing in Korean dishes such as bulgogi, soybean paste stew, and freshwater snails with vegetables (ureong ssambap). Known for its spacious interior and group seating, the restaurant is a popular stop for families and hiking groups visiting Jikjisa Temple. Customers appreciate its clean setting, generous portions, and traditional side dishes prepared with locally grown ingredients.

   Daily 09:00–21:00

5. Do

   Gimcheon Plum Picking Experience

   김천 자두체험

   Experience picking fresh plums in the orchards of Gimcheon during summer. Participating farms offer guided picking, tasting, and sometimes crafts or puzzles (e.g. plum-clay activities) as part of the program. The city also organizes a plum distribution / picking event around mid-July using agricultural and theme-park venues.

   Generally during plum harvest season (June ~ July) – by reservation·Varies by farm – contact farm for details

6. Do

   Gimcheon Sky Park

   김천 스카이 파크

   An adventure and leisure complex near Buhang Dam featuring Korea’s longest glass skywalk, zipline, and paragliding experience. Offers panoramic views of surrounding mountains and the dam lake. Great spot for photography and outdoor activities.

   09:00–18:00·₩5,000 for skywalk admission

7. See

   National Center for Forest Therapy, Gimcheon

   국립 김천 치유의 숲

   The National Center for Forest Therapy in Gimcheon is located in a dense birch forest on the slopes of Sudosan Mountain in North Gyeongsang Province. It offers a variety of forest therapy programs that make use of the rich natural environment along scenic forest trails. One of the main programs is the thermal therapy course designed to promote blood circulation. It consists of a half-bath and herbal tea tasting, can accommodate up to six participants of all ages, and takes about one hour.

   09:00 – 18:00·Free

8. See

   Riverside Park

   강변공원

   A riverside park along the Gamcheon River, popular with locals for walking, jogging, and family outings. The park features landscaped trails, seasonal flowerbeds, and open spaces for relaxation. Festivals and cultural events are occasionally held here.

   24 hours·Free

9. See

   Yeonhwaji

   연화지

   Yeonhwaji Pond is an artificial pond located in Gyodong, Gimcheon. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the pond and along the walking trail, and in summer the water is covered with lotus flowers. The pond is open year-round with no admission fee, and a walking path with benches and rest areas makes it suitable for light exercise and family visits. At night, the area is illuminated, and seasonal events are sometimes held on the lakeside. One of the representative events is the Yeonhwaji Cherry Blossom Festa, held every spring. The festival features busking performances, traditional Korean music concerts, recreational programs, and interactive activities. During the event, night lights enhance the cherry blossom scenery. Traffic control is implemented during the festival period. On weekdays, vehicle access is restricted from 17:00 to midnight, and on weekends from 10:00 to midnight. Visitors are advised to use nearby parking areas such as the Gimcheon Sports Complex and the Kim Ho-joong Sound Road parking lot, from which the festival site can be accessed on foot.

   Open all day, year-round.·Free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Gimcheon (CC BY-SA 4.0).