Things To Do
in Goyang
Goyang is a dynamic city in Gyeonggi Province just northwest of Seoul, blending modern districts with green spaces and cultural venues. It’s anchored by the expansive Ilsan Lake Park, vibrant shopping and dining around Daehwa and La Festa, and the major event hub KINTEX. The city works well as a base for exploring Seoul and the surrounding countryside with easy transit links.
Expect a family-friendly atmosphere, contemporary eateries, and plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center, where you can appreciate the stunning architecture and possibly catch a morning performance. Afterward, stroll through the nearby Lake Park, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery as you walk along the paths lined with cherry blossoms. Enjoy a traditional Korean breakfast at a local café, savoring dishes like kimchi jjigae or bibimbap to fuel your exploration.
In the afternoon, head to the Korean Wave (Hallyu) Park, where you can immerse yourself in the popular culture of Korea through exhibitions and themed experiences. Afterward, make your way to the Goyang Flower Market, where the vibrant colors and fragrant scents will captivate you as you explore the vast selection of flowers and plants. Take a break at a nearby tea house, sipping on traditional herbal teas while enjoying the serene environment.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant specializing in Korean BBQ, where you can grill your own meat at the table. Post-dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Han River, where the city lights reflect off the water, creating a romantic atmosphere. Conclude your day by visiting a local noraebang (karaoke room) to sing your heart out with friends or fellow travelers.
Kickstart your day with a refreshing bike ride around Lake Park, taking in the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding greenery. Stop by the Goyang City Hall and appreciate the modern architecture before enjoying a picnic breakfast on the banks of the lake. Don't forget to visit the iconic Goyang Pavilion to snap some photos and soak in the peaceful ambiance.
After lunch at a nearby café, spend your afternoon engaging in various outdoor activities, such as paddle boating or walking the scenic trails that weave through the park. Look for the art installations scattered throughout the park, which provide a unique blend of nature and creativity. As you explore, keep an eye out for the diverse bird species that inhabit the area, making it a photographer's paradise.
As evening approaches, gather at one of the lakeside restaurants for a delightful dinner featuring fresh seafood and local specialties. After your meal, enjoy the nightly fountain show at the park, where colorful lights dance along with the water in perfect harmony. Wind down by taking a peaceful stroll along the lakeshore, where the sounds of nature will accompany you.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $40-70 |
| 🚆Monthly public transit pass | $50-60 |
| 🏨One-night stay in a mid-range hotel | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to green spaces and modern amenities
- Strong transport links to Seoul and the surrounding area
- Family-friendly attractions and a growing dining scene
- Hosting major events at KINTEX and a lively lakeside atmosphere
- Not a nightlife-heavy destination compared to central Seoul
- Some areas require transit to reach from Ilsan or Daehwa
- Summer humidity can be high and occasional rain during monsoon
- Certain attractions are seasonal or depend on event schedules
- "안녕하세요" - Hello
- "감사합니다" - Thank you
- "해당 메뉴를 추천해 주세요" - Please recommend a dish
- "얼마에요?" - How much is this?
- "ABC로 결제할게요" - I’ll pay with ABC (card/mobile)
- "메뉴 하나 더 주세요" - Please give me one more menu item
- "화장실이 어디에 있어요?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "도와주세요" - Please help
- "다시 만나요" - See you again
- "죄송합니다" - Sorry / Excuse me
Places to Visit in Goyang
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive lakeside scenery with fountains, bridges, and seasonal flora—ideal for sunrise or twilight photography.
Modern architecture and panoramic city views; great for urban skyline shots and reflective surfaces on architectural lines.
Iconic exhibition center facade and surrounding plaza, especially striking at night with lighting and crowds.
Vibrant urban photography with illuminated storefronts, street life, and contemporary design.
Food in Goyang
Goyang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A colorful mixed rice bowl with vegetables, optional meat, and gochujang paste. Widely available at family restaurants and local eateries.
Must-Try!
Spicy stir-fried chicken with vegetables and gochujang, often cooked at the table in many Korean all-you-can-eat spots.
A hearty kimchi stew with tofu, pork or seafood, served piping hot in many traditional restaurants.
Savory seafood pancake that pairs well with a cold drink, commonly found at seaside-style or casual Korean restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market area offering fresh produce, snacks, and quick bites—great for sampling local street food.
A neighborhood market with stalls selling prepared foods, fried goodies, and small eateries nearby.
Tteokbokki, hotteok, twigim (fried snacks), eomuk (fish cake skewers) and spicy skewers commonly found around market zones.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use titles and polite language, especially with elders or strangers.
In homes or certain traditional spaces, remove shoes; bow slightly when greeting as a sign of respect.
Stand in line at bus stops and trains; keep voices moderate on public transport and in public places.
Safety
Tipping in Goyang
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Korea and is generally not expected in most restaurants or services; some high-end tourist venues may add a service charge, but it is not widespread.
Credit cards are widely accepted; mobile payments (KakaoPay, Naver Pay) are common; cash is always an option. Transit uses T-money cards, easily loaded at stations and convenience stores.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms around March–April make parks and riverside walks very pleasant.
Warm to hot and humid, with occasional downpours during the monsoon. Carry water and consider early morning or evening visits to parks.
Crisp air and colorful foliage—ideal for outdoor photography and outdoor dining in pleasant weather.
Cold with occasional snowfall; many outdoor activities are enjoyed with warm clothing and indoor dining nearby.
Goyang at Night
Hiking in Goyang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular day hike with granite peaks, forested trails, and rewarding city views; accessible by public transit from central Seoul via buses and subway connections.
Forest trails with streams and scenic overlooks; less crowded than Dobongsan and reachable by public transit.
Steeper hike offering sweeping city views; closer to southern Seoul but feasible for a weekend trip from Goyang.
Airports
How to reach Goyang by plane.
Major global hub for international travel; about 60-90 minutes by express train or car from Goyang, depending on traffic and route.
Closer to the city with more domestic and some international flights; typically 30-60 minutes to reach from Ilsan via subway or car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Suburban vitality with parks, family-friendly attractions, and good schooling options nearby.
Proximity to Seoul and modern amenities attract younger residents and frequent visitors.
Easy access to Seoul universities and a growing international travel scene boosts student and tourist presence.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport across Korea with local teams and recreational leagues; games are widely accessible regionally.
Common at school fields and community parks; weekend matches and pick-up games are easy to join.
Indoor courts and public spaces host pickup games and leagues, with many facilities available in urban districts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Goyang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many traditional dishes can be adapted; look for vegetable bibimbap, tofu stews, and noodle dishes. Ask restaurants about no fish sauce or meat stock, and consider clearly labeling sauces when ordering.