Pocheon Art Valley Day Trip: A Complete Guide for Families & Couples
Located in Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Pocheon Art Valley is a cultural complex reborn from an abandoned quarry into a space where art and science blend. Ride the monorail up to see the stunning Cheonjuho Lake and its surrounding cliffs, enjoy Pocheon's nature from the sculpture-lined walking paths and observatories. The astronomical science museum also offers engaging science experiences for children. This guide covers the recommended viewing order, main facilities, admission fees, and amenities for your day trip.
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| Pocheon Art Valley |
Transportation
Address: 234 Artvalley-ro, Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (282 Giji-ri, Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do)
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| Art Valley Parking Lot |
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By Car
It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Seoul. You can use the dedicated parking lot located below the entrance. The parking space is ample and there is no separate parking fee. After parking, purchase tickets at the ticket booth and head inside via monorail or on foot.
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By Public Transportation
Take an intercity or local bus and get off at the Sinbuk-myeon Administrative Welfare Center bus stop. From there, you will need to transfer.
- Transfer to Bus 73: It's only one stop (about 2km), but the bus interval is very long: approx. 130 minutes on weekdays and 150 minutes on weekends. The bus fare is about 1,450 KRW (Approx. $1.00 USD). It is highly recommended to check the bus schedule in advance.
- By Taxi: A taxi from the Sinbuk-myeon Administrative Welfare Center takes about 5 minutes (2.2km) and costs around 5,000 KRW (Approx. $3.45 USD).
- On Foot: It is possible to walk, which takes about 30 minutes (1.7km). However, some parts of the road have narrow sidewalks, so it's not recommended if you are with children.
Admission & Hours
Pocheon Art Valley is closed every Monday. However, if Monday is a public holiday, it operates normally and closes on the following day, Tuesday.
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Operating Hours
- Summer (March-October): 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Winter (November-February): 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Last admission and monorail boarding is 1 hour before closing.
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Admission Fee
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Adult: 5,000 KRW (Approx. $3.45 USD)
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Youth/Soldier: 3,000 KRW (Approx. $2.07 USD)
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Child: 1,500 KRW (Approx. $1.04 USD)
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Free admission for seniors (65+), Pocheon citizens, and children (under 6). (※ ID and proof required)
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| Ticket Booth & Pocheon Sarang Gift Certificate |
Visitors receive a 1,000 KRW (Approx. $0.69 USD) rebate per person in the form of a 'Pocheon Sarang Gift Certificate.'This is a local voucher that can be used at the Art Valley's snack bars, cafes, or nearby restaurants.
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Monorail Fare
- Round-trip: Adult 5,300 KRW ($3.66 USD) / Youth·Soldier 4,300 KRW ($2.97 USD) / Child 3,300 KRW ($2.28 USD)
- One-way: Adult 4,300 KRW ($2.97 USD) / Youth·Soldier 3,300 KRW ($2.28 USD) / Child 2,600 KRW ($1.79 USD)
- The monorail makes it easy to ascend the steep sections, making it especially useful for families with children or the elderly.
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Ticket Booth & Entry Process
The ticket booth is located near the parking lot at the lower entrance. You can purchase both admission tickets and monorail tickets here, which are scanned via QR code. After entry, you can proceed directly to the monorail platform or walk up to the facilities.
Viewing Route & Recommended Order
The most common way to explore Pocheon Art Valley is to take the monorail to the top and then walk down while visiting the main facilities.
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| Viewing Route |
Monorail Ride → Astronomical Science Museum → Walking Path → Cheonjuho Lake → Sky Garden (Observatory) → Sculpture Park
Main Facilities
Monorail
As the main mode of transport within Pocheon Art Valley, the monorail ride takes about 5 minutes from the entrance to the summit. It's a convenient way to ascend the steep incline, especially for visitors with children or the elderly. The monorail features large glass windows, allowing you to enjoy views of the forest and cliffs during the ride. The interior is kept clean.
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| Monorail |
Astronomical Science Museum
Located near the monorail's summit station, this is one of the most popular spots for families. It features exhibits on constellations and celestial bodies, along with some interactive programs. It's a great space for children to develop an interest in space and science. The exhibit halls are dimly lit to help visitors focus on the videos and models.
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| Astronomical Science Museum |
Walking Path
The walking path connected to the science museum has a gentle slope, making it an easy stroll. There are sections that open up to views through the forest, and the atmosphere changes with the seasons, making it great for photos. Benches are placed along the path, offering spots to rest for a moment.
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| Walking Path |
Cheonjuho Lake
This artificial lake, a remnant of the quarry, features deep blue water and sheer cliffs, creating a unique landscape. The water's color changes with the seasons and sunlight, and many visitors enjoy the view or take photos from the observation deck. It's considered the main photo spot of Pocheon Art Valley.
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| Cheonjuho Lake |
Sky Garden (Observatory)
Following the hill near Cheonjuho Lake leads to the Sky Garden and observatory. From here, you can get a panoramic view of the lake, the cliffs, and the distant mountains of Pocheon. The area is planted with flowers and shrubs, offering different scenery each season. It's especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season or at sunset.
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| Sky Garden (Observatory) |
Sculpture Park
This area, which marks the end of the tour, features various outdoor sculptures. The materials and forms of the artworks are diverse, making it a pleasant walk-through. You can experience a unique atmosphere where art and nature coexist. Each piece has an information plaque, and it's also a suitable spot for photos.
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| Sculpture Park |
Tips & Notes for Visitors
- What to Wear: Some parts of the walking path are sloped, so comfortable sneakers are recommended. In summer, some areas lack shade, so it's wise to bring a hat and water.
- Using the Monorail: If you are visiting with children or the elderly, using a round-trip monorail ticket will reduce physical strain.
- Check the Weather: The atmosphere of the lake and cliffs changes dramatically with the weather. On a clear day, the water is vivid, while on a cloudy day, the lake color appears darker.
Pocheon Art Valley is a cultural complex featuring diverse facilities like the monorail, astronomical science museum, Cheonjuho Lake, Sky Garden, and Sculpture Park. It's easily explorable on a day trip and suitable for all visitors, including families, couples, and those with children.
The admission and monorail fees are reasonable, and the simple layout between major facilities makes it easy to navigate. However, it's best to check the closing days and transportation (especially bus schedules) in advance.
As a destination where you can enjoy nature, art, and science all in one short trip, Pocheon Art Valley is a worthwhile visit regardless of the season.
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