Boasting a rich history of salt harvesting, Siheung borders the Yellow Sea on the edge of buzzing Incheon. It’s renowned for its ecological parks and wildlife-filled wetlands, as well as a pond that ignites each summer with flowering lotuses.

Things to do

See a diverse range of lotuses while cycling or walking through the beautiful Siheung Lotus Theme Park, which lies adjacent to the Ggwangokji Pond. Early mornings in summer are the best times to see the lotus flowers in bloom, but it’s a peaceful spot year-round to learn about the ongoing research and cultivation of lotus species.

Don’t miss the Siheung Gaetgol Ecology Park, a unique wetland basin home to a diverse range of amphibians, fish and plants. Learn about the salt-tolerant species that flourish here and traditional salt-harvesting techniques, then catch a glimpse of winter migratory birds, such as wild geese and mallard ducks.

If you want to learn more about salt cultivation, visit the Sorae Ecology Park where salt was once produced. Its mudflat and tidal channel have been restored to their natural condition, with the Nature Learning Center showcasing the various wildlife and plant species that have since returned to the marsh.

Learn about the Neolithic shell mounds scattered along South Korea’s west coast at Oido Island’s Ecological Culture Exploration Site. Learn how the coastal environment has changed over the centuries and the exchanges that were taking place during prehistoric times between different populations across the Korean Peninsula.

Getting around

Siheung is 1.5 hours by train from the centre of Seoul and Incheon International Airport. It’s well connected to the Seoul Subway system, while buses access most corners of the city.