[Must Have Items] Four Coveted Items of Gyeonggi-do

Gyeonggi-do, which surrounds Seoul and Incheon, is a province with much to see, explore, and purchase, as its vastness suggests. Thanks to a well-connected public transportation network linking cities in the capital region, Gyeonggi-do is easily accessible and offers a variety of natural beauty, ranging from the mountainous northeast to the coastal southwest.

One of the trendiest shopping destinations in Gyeonggi-do today is Haengnidan Street in Suwon. Located near the Temporary Palace at Hwaseong Fortress, this lively street is packed with restaurants, cafés, and shops, with hidden gems at every corner. If you’re looking for a comfortable place to shop, regardless of the weather, Starfield Hanam is a great option. This mega-mall is so popular that its 6,200 parking spaces often fill up on weekends. Vaccinated pets can be brought into most stores on a leash or in a cage, making it an even more convenient destination for pet lovers. Gyeonggi-do’s treasures, whether made by nature or by hand, reflect a deep love for local culture.

Desserts made with rice from the fertile Gyeonggi Plain, Korean Folk Village goods that interpret traditional Korean taste and style in a modern way, delicately colored porcelain that continues the tradition of ceramics once offered to the Joseon royal family, and milky-white makgeolli that looks as if it was brewed with a cloud—these are some must-have items from Gyeonggi-do.

1. Gyeonggi-do rice desserts

For Koreans who derive their energy from rice, Gyeonggi-do is a source of gratitude, offering rice from various brands, such as Icheon’s “King’s Rice,” Yeoju’s “Great King’s Rice,” Paju’s “Imjingang Rice,” and Yongin’s “White Jade Rice.” The fertile plains of Gyeonggi-do are dedicated to rice farming, and the region’s glossy rice is also used to make a variety of rice-based desserts. From fluffy pound cakes to chewy rice cream buns, it’s time to indulge in a carbohydrate that’s healthier than flour.

This pound cake starts with quality ingredients because it is made with Gawaji rice, a specialty from Goyang-si and the first rice cultivated on the Korean Peninsula 5,000 years ago. With a texture that strikes the balance between glutinous rice and non-glutinous rice, it’s moderately chewy yet soft. The pound cake is available in five flavors, including plain, Earl Grey lemon, and Ganghwa mugwort.

- Address: 17-1 Ilsan-ro 427beon-gil, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do - Inquiries: +82-10-3758-9878 - Operating Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–19:00, Closed on Mondays - Website: https://instagram.com/12tol.12tol - Where to Buy: https://smartstore.naver.com/12tol - Price: Rice Plain Pound Cake: about KRW 1,000 per piece

It’s easy to find cream buns bursting with filling these days, but Heungmanso’s cream buns are remarkable. With no flour and no gluten, they are made exclusively with the Icheon’s King’s Rice, which is well known for its taste. Their signature product, the Icheon Rice Cream Bun will leave you feeling quite full thanks to the cream filled with chewy rice grains. In addition, they fill the buns with cream with rich flavors of corn, bean powder, and black sesame, capturing the vibrant essence of the countryside.

- Address: 3 Hyanggyo-ro, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do - Inquiries: +82-10-9605-9050 - Operating hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-19:00, Weekends and holidays 11:00-20:00 - Website: https://heungmanso.co.kr - Where to buy: https://smartstore.naver.com/heungmanso - Price: Icheon white rice cream bread around 3,000 won, corn, chestnut, red bean, injeolmi, and matcha rice cream bread around 4,000 won

2. Souvenir Shop at Korean Folk Village in Yongin

Korean Folk Village is a traditional Korean culture theme park located in Yongin. It’s far from the typical, boring spot you might expect from an elementary school field trip. Instead, it offers modernized performances of Joseon-era folk culture, immersive horror experiences, and intriguing mystery content. The park remains a favorite among foreign tourists interested in Korea’s traditional culture.

Enjoyed in the royal courts of the Joseon era, traditional yakgwa (honey cookie) has been recreated in the shape of a yeopjeon (brass coin). Made with apiary honey for sweetness and apple juice added for a subtle savory note, this treat boasts the chewy, glutinous texture for which yakgwa is known, making it irresistibly addictive. It also makes an excellent gift for foreign friends interested in Korean desserts.

Having the right tools is essential, both now and then. During the sweltering summer days, our ancestors relied on various items to beat the heat. They wore hemp clothing, embraced jukbuin (bamboo body pillows), and created cool breezes with fans. The fans sold at the souvenir shop at the Korean Folk Village are true to their own charm, beautifully decorated with traditional Korean motifs such as plum blossoms, bamboo, flowers, and butterflies.

- Address: 90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do - Inquiries: +82-31-288-0000 - Operating hours: Every day 10:00–19:00 - Website: http://koreanfolk.co.kr - Where to buy: Korean Folk Village Souvenir Shop - price: A box of 8 Yeopjeon Yakgwa: about KRW 10,000, traditional fans: about KRW 10,000-20,000

ⓒHan Ki Seok White Porcelain

ⓒHan Ki Seok White Porcelain

3. Gwangju White Porcelain Products

Gwangju in Gyeonggi-do was a key region for producing royal porcelain for the Joseon Dynasty’s royal court. In the late 15th century, the Saongwon (royal cuisine office)’s Gwanyo (a porcelain manufactory operated by the government during the Joseon Dynasty) was established here to produce white porcelain for the royal family and government offices. The region’s proximity to the palace made it easy to transport the porcelain, and the high quality of white clay, the material for white porcelain, laid the foundation for various kilns to flourish. Gwangju has brought this history to life by hosting the Gwangju Royal Ceramic Festival.

As the blue summer sunlight shines through the window, finely ground blue pigment forms the patterns on the porcelain. Jipyeong Ceramics is a 250-year-old family business led by Master Han Ki Seok, a fifth-generation descendant of a Gwanyo officer responsible for making royal porcelain. Here, you can see the work of the artisan who was selected as the 9th Gwangju Royal Ceramic Master. The white porcelain tableware, such as coffee cups, mugs, and plates, which can be used in everyday life, are particularly stylish. Jipyeong Ceramics also offers one-day white porcelain classes.

- Address: 31, Docheok-ro 330beon-gil, Docheok-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do - Inquiries: +82-10-9828-3386 - Operating hours: Everyday 10:00–19:00 - Website: http://jipyeong.co.kr - Where to buy: https://smartstore.naver.com/guanyao - price: White Porcelain Coffee Cup Set with Peony Design in Underglaze Cobalt Blue (2-piece): about KRW 50,000, White Porcelain Wine Glass with Peony Design in Underglaze Cobalt Blue: about KRW 70,000

Gwangju Ceramic Park is a ceramics-themed park in Gwangju, a city that produced porcelain for the royal family during the Joseon Dynasty. The park is divided into two sections: the indoor Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum and the outdoor park. There are many things to explore, including a museum displaying ceramic works and artifacts, an adventure playground for children, a forest trail lined with various sculptures, and a craft hill where craft classes are held.

- Address: 727 Gyeongchung-daero, Gonjiam-eup, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do - Inquiries: +82-31-799-1500 - Operating hours: Everyday 00:00–24:00, Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum Tuesday–Monday 10:00–18:00 (closed on Mondays, January 1, and the day of Seollal and Chuseok) - Website: www.kocef.org

ⓒPocheon Ildong Makgeolli

ⓒPocheon Ildong Makgeolli

ⓒPocheon Ildong Makgeolli

4. Pocheon Ildong Makgeolli

Brewing makgeolli (unrefined rice wine) for four generations, this prestigious brewery family has been crafting this traditional liquor for 90 years since 1932. Combining natural bedrock water sourced from 160 meters underground with the finest rice from Pocheon and a golden brewing ratio passed down through generations, their makgeolli has won numerous awards in liquor competitions and is now exported to 14 countries. Ildong Makgeolli is a representative Korean specialty, so highly regarded that the Prime Minister of Korea presented it at the Japanese king’s coronation.

Is this the taste of drinking a cloud? With its milky white color, smooth finish, and inherent sweetness, Damun Makgeolli has earned the nickname “cloud makgeolli.” Crafted with clean water from Pocheon, freshly harvested rice, and a unique carbonation control method that temporarily blocks microbial activity, it results in an exceptionally smooth makgeolli. With minimal sourness and a subtle sweetness that gently coats the palate, Damun Makgeolli is perfect for those new to makgeolli.

- Address: 1597 Unakcheonggye-ro, Ildong-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do - Inquiries: +82-31-532-3007 - Operating hours: Hours Monday–Friday 08:00–16:00 (Showroom near Anguk Station, everyday 12:00–19:00) - Website: https://dam-un.com - Where to buy: https://smartstore.naver.com/1932 - price: about KRW 10,000

Gyeonggi Shopping Districts: From Suwon’s Hot Spot to Pet-Friendly Shopping Mall

Haengnidan Street spans about 420 meters along Haenggung-ro and 1 kilometer along Sinpung-ro in the Haenggung-dong district. Historically, Haenggung-dong used to be a representative old town in Suwon, with the area around the Temporary Palace at Hwaseong Fortress designated as a development restriction zone, which led to many aging houses. However, these houses have been renovated one by one, transforming this area into a trendy neighborhood filled with atmospheric restaurants, cafés, accessory shops, and workshops. There are many Instagram-worthy spots, such as the Jung Ji Young Coffee Roasters’ Janganmun Branch, where you can see the stretching fortress walls, and Café Mong Ted, which appeared as Sol’s house in the popular tvN drama Lovely Runner.

- Address: Area of Hwaseomun-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do - Inquiries: +82-31-228-4672 (Suwon Tourist Information Center) - Operating hours: Everyday 00:00–24:00

Starfield Hanam is a shopping mall near Hanam Geomdansan Station on Subway Line 5. This mall has become a landmark in Hanam, setting several records. First, it is the largest shopping mall in Korea (as of 2022). Second, it once ranked first in sales among shopping malls in Korea (also in 2022). No matter how you spend your time here, the day will fly by. You can shop at renowned Korean and international brands, tick off items from your “food bucket list” at restaurants and dessert shops, play in the water at Aquafield, and enjoy leisure at Megabox and Youngpoong Bookstore.

- Address: 750 Misa-daero, Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do - Inquiries: +82-1833-9001 - Operating hours: Hours 10:00–20:00 (varies by store) - Website: https://starfield.co.kr/hanam/main.do

Travel Destinations Near Gyeonggi-do: From the Top Attractions of the Hantangang River to the Space-Themed Light Garden

ⓒClipartKorea

Jaeinpokpo Falls is one of the top attractions in the Hantangang UNESCO Global Geopark, which was designated in 2020. The waterfall, cascading over the 18-meter-high columnar joint cliff, presents a magnificent sight. A small stream originating from the northern Jijangbong Peak has gradually eroded the basalt, resulting in the waterfall we see today. Below the waterfall, a natural pool has formed over the years, reaching a depth of 5 meters.

- Address: 192 Bugok-ri, Yeoncheon-eup, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do - Inquiries: +82-31-839-2289, 2277, 2278 (Tourism Division of Yeoncheon-gun Office) - Operating hours: Summer season 10:00–17:30, winter season 10:00–16:00 - Website: http://hantangeopark.kr

Starlight Garden OOOZOOO is an illumination-themed park and popular night view spot located at the Deokpyeong Eco Service Area along the Incheon direction of the Yeongdong Expressway. The 46,000-square-meter site features a giant space-themed garden. Its true beauty is revealed at night when it is illuminated after dark. There are photo zones at every turn, including the Romantic Garden, which boasts a European-style palace adorned with twinkling five-color bulbs, and Tunnel Galaxy 101, a dazzling light tunnel.

- Address: 287-76 Deogi-ro 154beon-gil, Majang-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do - Inquiries: +82-31-645-0002 - Operating hours: March–October 10:00–23:00 (break time 17:00–18:00), November–February 10:00–23:00 (break time 16:00–17:00), closed in case of adverse weather conditions - Website: http://ooozooo.co.kr