Uiwang (의왕시) is a small city in southern Gyeonggi Province, forming part of the ring of satellite cities around Seoul. Wedged between Anyang and Suwon and backed by the low peaks of the Gwangju mountain range, it mixes suburban living with easy access to nature. Forested slopes like Baegunsan and Moraksan frame the city, while reservoirs such as Baegun Lake and Wangsong Lake create a landscape of lakeside roads, walking paths, and café streets that attract day-trippers from across the Seoul Capital Area.
Despite its compact size, Uiwang has a distinctly relaxed, residential feel compared to its busier neighbors. The lakeside promenades, rail bike trails, and nature learning parks around Wangsong Lake and Baegun Lake make it popular with walkers, cyclists, and couples looking for an easy nature escape without leaving the metro region. At the same time, Uiwang’s role as a rail and road hub—home to the Korean Railroad Museum and served by Seoul Subway Line 1—means the city is convenient to reach, making it a low-key but accessible base for exploring green spaces on the edge of Seoul.
Understand
[edit]Uiwang is a compact city nestled in the northern part of Gyeonggi Province, serving as a gateway to nature and regional history just south of Seoul. Its identity is defined by its landscape, which is centered around Baegunsan Mountain and several tranquil lakes, including Wangsong, Baekun, and Chopyeong.
The city is significantly quieter and less crowded than its major neighbors, offering a calm respite with easy access to walking paths, hiking trails, and excellent birdwatching spots. Visitors will find a modest but functional downtown area, traditional markets for local goods, and a growing selection of lakeside cafes and pubs. Uiwang’s appeal lies in its balance of urban convenience and natural immersion, making it an ideal day-trip or short-stay destination for those who want to escape the metropolitan bustle.
History
[edit]Uiwang was historically a small rural area located between Suwon and Gwacheon, with villages scattered around Baekun and Gwanak mountains. For much of the Joseon period, the region belonged to nearby administrative districts and served mainly as farmland and a minor transit route toward the capital.
Modern development began in the late 20th century as Seoul’s urban area expanded southward and major rail lines—most notably the Gyeongbu Line and later Seoul Subway Line 1—were constructed. Uiwang became an independent city in 1989, followed by rapid growth and the establishment of national railway facilities, including the Korea Railroad Museum. Today, it functions as a suburban city with convenient rail access, surrounded by natural attractions such as Lake Wangsong and Baegun Lake.
Climate
[edit]Uiwang has a humid continental climate typical of the Seoul Capital Area, with four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid, often reaching the high 20s to low 30s °C, and most of the annual rainfall arrives during the monsoon season in July. Winters (December–February) are cold and dry, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall.
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit, offering mild temperatures and clear skies. Cherry blossoms appear in early April around Baegun Lake and other parks, while autumn foliage peaks from late October to early November. Travelers should be prepared for high humidity in summer and very dry air during winter.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]The closest major airport is Incheon International Airport (ICN). From the airport, you can take an express bus or a train to Seoul, then transfer to a subway or bus to reach Uiwang. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
By subway
[edit]Uiwang is served mainly by Seoul Subway Line 1, which connects the city to Anyang, Suwon, and central Seoul. Travel times to the center of Uiwang (Uiwang Station) are approximately:
- From Seoul Station: 45–50 min
- From Suwon Station: 15 min
- From Anyang Station: 10 min
- From Incheon (via transfer at Suwon/Geumjeong): 70–80 min
- From Gimpo Airport (via Gongdeok transfer): about 60–70 min
1 Uiwang Station (의왕역). This is the only operating station and serves as the primary transportation hub and gateway to Uiwang City. 
By bus
[edit]2 Uiwang Gocheon Intercity Bus Stop (의왕 고천 시외버스 정류장). The Uiwang Gocheon Intercity Bus Stop serves as a vital transit point for residents of Uiwang, particularly those near the Uiwang City Hall and the Gocheon district. While it is not a full-fledged terminal like the one in Ansan, it is a designated roadside stop where intercity buses make scheduled halts, providing convenient long-distance connections.
The Uiwang Gocheon Intercity Bus Stop in Gocheon-dong is the only intercity bus facility in Uiwang. It is located along Gyeongsu-daero near Uiwang City Hall and can be reached from Uiwang Station in about 10–15 minutes by local bus. The stop handles intercity buses mainly to Cheongju, Wonju, Chungju, Sangju and Mungyeong, as well as airport buses to Gimpo Airport and Incheon International Airport. There are no express (gosok) buses, only intercity services. Several metropolitan and local buses (including 4300, 502, 64, 777, 8440, 8450, 8458) also stop here, linking Uiwang with Anyang, Suwon, Hwaseong and other nearby cities.
Typical travel times to Uiwang Gocheon Intercity Bus Stop:
- From Incheon International Airport (Terminal 1): about 75–90 min by airport bus (route stopping at Uiwang, Gocheon and East Suwon).
- From Gimpo Airport: about 70–80 min by intercity bus 4300 serving the Dong Suwon / Anyang–Uiwang (Gocheon) corridor.
- From Suwon (East Suwon area): around 30–40 min by red or intercity buses such as 4300, depending on traffic.
- From Gangnam, Seoul: about 50–65 min using subway to Beomgye/Indeogwon and transferring to bus 4300 or other metropolitan buses towards Gocheon / Uiwang City Hall.
- From Cheongju Intercity Bus Terminal: 2 hr by direct intercity bus (4 or more departures daily).
Get around
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See
[edit]- 1 Uiwang Rail Park (의왕레일파크), 221 Wangsongmotdong-ro. A scenic rail-bike track where you can pedal along lakeside and forest trails.
- 2 Wangson Lake (왕송호수), Wangsongmotdong-gil. A quiet lake area popular for walks, birdwatching and family relaxation.
- 3 Korea Railroad Museum (한국철도박물관), 142 Cheoldobangmulgwan-ro. An interactive museum showing Korea's rail history, with trains and hands-on exhibits.
- 4 Baegun Lake (백운호수), 526 Baegun-ro. An artificial lake surrounded by scenic mountains, famous for a beautiful deck trail (about 3km), cafes, restaurants, and family-friendly festivals.
Do
[edit]- Ride the Uiwang Rail Bike: Enjoy a unique experience by pedaling a rail bike along the tracks that circle Wangsong Lake. It's a relaxing and scenic activity that's perfect for families and couples.
- Hike Cheonggyesan Mountain: For those who enjoy hiking, the trails on Cheonggyesan Mountain offer a good challenge and rewarding views of the city and its surroundings.
- Visit the Wangsong Lake Ecological Park: This park, adjacent to the rail park, is a great place for bird watching and walking through wetlands.
- Seasonal Festivals and Events: In April, Uiwang holds an annual spring flower festival with cherry blossoms and azaleas in full bloom, and in autumn, a city cultural festival features traditional performances, food markets, and art fairs.
- Barasan Trail: It is a walking trail suitable for light trekking, offering a panoramic view of Anyang and downtown Uiwang from the summit. In spring, the trail is adorned with blooming azaleas, creating a beautiful landscape.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Green Flag Coffee (그린플래그커피), 404 Baegun-ro. A cafe located near Baegun Lake in Uiwang, with expansive windows and serene views of the lake and fields.
- 2 Cheong-idang Hanok Cafe (청이당 한옥카페), 167-6 Cheonggye-ro. A hanok-style cafe in Uiwang's Cheonggye area, preserving traditional Korean architecture. It offers a calm atmosphere with garden spaces and multiple rooms.
- 3 Cafe Memor (카페메모르), 243-9, Poil-dong. A bakery café near Baegun Lake in Uiwang, with a spacious indoor-outdoor layout and garden surroundings.
- 4 Artisanos Lab (아띠제노스랩), 144-7 Baegun-ro. A cafe and bakery known for its unique, avant-garde architectural design and delicious, high-quality handmade bread and pastries.
- 5 Maison de Noël, 52 Wangsongmot-seo-gil. A “365-day Christmas” themed café with hand-drip coffee and pretty tarts; cozy and photogenic for dates.
Learn
[edit]- Korea National University of Transportation (Uiwang Campus) (한국교통대학교 의왕캠퍼스) — A national university specializing in transportation and engineering. Address: 50 Cheonggye-ro, Uiwang-si.
- Kaywon University of Art and Design (계원예술대학교) — A private arts university offering programs in design, media, and fine arts. Address: 66 Kaywon University-ro, Uiwang-si.
Buy
[edit]Uiwang has several supermarkets and traditional markets. Major stores include Lotte Mart and E-Mart. The Uiwang Nonghyup also sells agricultural and daily goods. Convenience stores and small markets are found throughout the city, providing access to everyday items. Key shopping areas include Bugok Market and the commercial district in Ojeon-dong, which host various specialty shops and cafes.
- 1 Lotte Premium Outlet Uiwang / Time Villas (롯데프리미엄아울렛), 1 Barasan-ro. Large outdoor-style premium outlet with nature-inspired design, restaurants, and cultural spaces
- 2 Bugok Dokkaebi Traditional Market (부곡도깨비시장), 13 Bugokjungang-ro. Traditional local market with fresh produce, snacks, and small vendors; popular among residents
- 3 Lotte Mart Uiwang Branch (롯데마트 의왕점), 7 Gyewondaehak-ro. A major hypermarket in Uiwang providing groceries, daily necessities, and various amenities, including a kids' café and smaller retail shops.
- 4 E-Mart Uiwang Branch (이마트 의왕점), 262 Gyeongsudaero. A primary hypermarket in the Ojeon-dong area, known for its wide selection of fresh food, electronics, and household goods.
- 5 Shinbando Mart (신반도마트), 34 Galmi-ro, Naeson-dong. Large neighborhood supermarket in the Naeson residential area, convenient for self-catering visitors; stocks a wide range of Korean groceries, snacks, drinks, and basic daily necessities at local, non-touristy prices.
- 6 Cheonggye Discount Mart (청계할인마트), 28 Cheonggye 1-ro, Cheonggye-dong. Community supermarket serving the new apartment complexes in Cheonggye-dong, useful if you are staying near the Cheonggye area and need food, drinks, or simple household items without heading back to the big-box stores.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Seonil Ranch Butcher Restaurant (선일목장 정육식당), 49 Baegunan-gil. A popular Korean BBQ specializing in fresh cuts of meat. ₩25,000–35,000 per person for Korean BBQ.
- 2 Baegun Hanjeongsik (백운 한정식), 27 Neungan-gil. Upscale Korean traditional set meals with focus on fresh ingredients. ₩30,000–40,000 per person for traditional set meals.
- 3 Nature and Urban (자연 그리고 어반), 83 Barasan-ro. Known for its charcoal-grilled fish and fresh seafood dishes. ₩20,000–30,000 per person for grilled fish or seafood.
- 4 Jungseongdam (정성담), 317 Gocheon-dong. This Korean restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and quality traditional dishes. Around ₩15,000–₩25,000 per person for Korean classics.
- 5 Bongdeok Kalguksu (봉덕칼국수), 11 Jinggyegol-gil. Famous for its handmade knife-cut noodles in spicy mushroom broth and shabu-shabu beef. ₩11,000–15,000 per person.
- 6 Jogane Gabojineo (조가네갑오징어), 161 Munhwa-yesul-ro. Specialty restaurant serving thick and tender spicy stir-fried cuttlefish (Gap-ojingeo). ₩20,000–30,000 per person.
- 7 Cheonggye Nureungji Baeksuk (청계누룽지백숙), 170-82 Hakhyeon-ro. Popular for its whole chicken or duck boiled with medicinal herbs, served with scorched rice porridge. ₩20,000–30,000 per person.
Sleep
[edit]Uiwang is not a major tourist hub, so accommodation options are more limited compared to larger cities. You'll find a few hotels and motels, primarily catering to business travelers and domestic tourists. Many visitors choose to stay in nearby Seoul or Suwon and visit Uiwang as a day trip.
- 1 Hotel Cullinan Uiwang (호텔 컬리넌), 15 Galmian-ro. A mid-range hotel in the Naeson-dong area with standard rooms and basic amenities.
- 2 Hotel ON (호텔 ON), 6 Bokji-ro. A small hotel in Uiwang City with rooms suitable for short stays.
- 3 Hotel THE ART (호텔 디아트), 17 Galmian-ro. A hotel in the Naeson-dong area offering simple rooms and basic amenities.
- 4 Milos Hotel (밀로스 호텔), 16 Obongsandan 3-ro. A business hotel in the Obongsandan industrial area with standard rooms and basic facilities.
- 5 Mayotte Hotel (마요트 호텔), 14 Obongsandan 3-ro. A hotel in the Obongsandan industrial area with standard rooms and basic facilities.
- 6 25 Hotel (25 호텔), 733-3 Naeson 1(il)-dong. A small hotel in Naeson 1-dong with standard rooms and basic amenities.
Go next
[edit]Suwon: The city of Suwon, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its magnificent Hwaseong Fortress, is just a short trip away.
Seoul: The bustling capital of South Korea is easily accessible by subway and offers an endless array of attractions, from historic palaces to modern skyscrapers.
Gwangmyeong: Located nearby, Gwangmyeong is home to the unique Gwangmyeong Cave, a former mine turned into a theme park with an aquarium, wine cellar, and light shows.
Anyang: A major metropolitan hub just north of Uiwang, known for its vibrant downtown, art projects, and easy access to mountains like Gwanaksan.
Gwacheon: A compact, planned city hosting major national attractions, including the Seoul Grand Park, the National Science Museum, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA).