pyeongtaek city foreigner guide

Major Contact Numbers

▶ Emergency Calls

▶ Civil Service Consultation

▶ Support Organizations for Foreign Residents Services and Contact Numbers

▶ Information Calls and Websites

04 Guide for Foreigners Living in Pyeongtaek

Cases

Telephone issues

Fire / First-Aid / Rescue

Water Service Problems

Environmental Pollution

Lost Child / Runaway Report

Emergency Medical Service during Consecutive Holidays

Child Protective Services

Crime

Accidents / Civil Affairs

Electrical Power Service Problems

Emergency Medical Services

Privacy Infringement

Women In Crisis

TEL

100

119

121

128

182

1339

1577-1391

112

120

123

129

1336

1366

Description

The telephone is not functioning

For fire emergencies or injuries requiring emergency medical service

Civil service consultation and reporting of problems related to water service

Environmental pollution and destruction are punishable by law

A child has been lost Or has run away from home

Emergency medical service is required during consecutive holidays

Never hit a child! Child abuse is a crime.

Theft, assault, etc

Call for any complicated events or issues

For power outages or possibilities of electric shock

Emergency medical service is required

Private information has been stolen.

Hidden family and sexual violence

Emergency Calls

Inquiries

Directory Services

Weather

Foreign Tourist Bureau

Bank Service

Corruption

Telephone Area Codes

Accurate Standard Time

Law InformationInformation and Consultation related to Post Office

Traffic Conditions

Teen Harassment

Prohibited / Illegal Food Report

TEL

114

131

1330

1369

1398

Seoul 02, Gyeonggi-Do 031, Incheon 032, Gangwon-Do 033, Chungcheong-nam-Do 041, Daejeon 042, Chungcheongbuk-Do 043, Busan 051, Ulsan 052, Daegu 053, Gyeongsangbuk-Do 054, Gyeongsangnam-Do 055, Jeollanam-Do 061, Gwangju 062, Jeollabuk-Do 063, Jeju 064

116

1321588-1300

1333

1388

1399

Description

What is the phone number for OOO?

A typhoon? Never. The forecast said it would be clear all week

Information for tourists in various languages 24 hours a day all through the year

Banking services

Consultation or reporting of corruption

What time is it now in New York?

Know the law for smart prevention and counteraction

Inquiries related to the postal service

In a traffic jam? Information to avoid and get out of traffic jams

Consultations or reporting of cases of teen harassment

Consultation or reporting of prohibited or illegal food

Civil Service Consultation


05Major Contact Numbers

Pyeongtaek Municipal

Government

Organizations

Planning & Budget Dept.

Enterprise Economy Dept.

Welfare Administration Dept.

Pyeongtaek Health Center

Songtan Health Center

Women’s Hall

Pyeongtaek Police Station

Hapjeong Community Social Welfare Center

Wonpyeong-Dong Residents’ Committee

Pyeongtaek Job Center

Pyeongtaek Migrant Community Center

Suwon Immigration Office

Burak Community Social Welfare Center

Hyeondeok Elementary School

Multiculture Family Support Center

Pyeongtaek Multiculture Family Center

TEL

659-5101

659-5324

659-4739

659-4323

659-4558

610-8567659-4951

8053-0376

655-5337

659-4879

646-1260

652-8855

278-3316

611-4820

682-2628

659-4323

659-8196

ServicesGeneral administration and coordination for support of foreign residents in Pyeongtaek

Support for foreign investment companies

Free medical examinations for foreign residents

Education through home visits of Multiculture Family

Health care service for female marriage immigrants and their children

Free medical examinations for foreign residents

Teaching Korean and skills and providing assistance for adaptation for foreign residents

Ensuring safety for foreigners residing in Pyeongtaek

Teaching Korean to foreign residents

Cultural experience program

- Business related to foreign worker employment permit system

- Instruction, monitoring and guidance for workplaces employing foreign workers

- Business for foreigners residing in Korea

- Teaching Korean and skills and providing assistance for adaptation for foreign residents- Consultation regarding difficulties faced by foreigners - Providing a place for sharing information and friendship and cultural events

Foreigner registration, extension of stay, application for citizenship

Teaching Korean to female marriage immigrants and operating self-supporting groups

Teaching Korean and providing assistance for adaptation for female immigrants

Education Counseling and Culture Program for Multiculture Family

- Research and policy suggestion for supporting foreign residents- Cultivating instructors for teaching Korean to and supporting foreign residents

Support Organizations for Foreign Residents Services and Contact Numbers

Korean Language School “Make Kimchi”

Fall Sports Meeting of Immigrants Vocational Education

Guide for ForeignersLiving in Pyeongtaek

Major Contact Num

bers

Organizations

Pyeongtaek Municipal Government

Pyeongtaek Police Station

Pyeongtaek Fire Station

Pyeongtaek Post Office

National Health Insurance Corporation

Korea Telecom

Korea Railroad

Asiana Airline

Gimpo International Airport

Goodmorning Hospital

Pyeongtaek Inter-City Bus Terminal

China

Thailand

Indonesia

Sri Lanka

Japan

Pyeongtaek Council

Pyeongtaek Office of Education

Songtan Fire Station

Suwon Immigration Bureau

Pyeongtaek Job Center

Korea Electric Power Corporation

Korean Airline

Incheon International Airport

Bagae General Hospital

Pyeongtaek Dongyang Express Bus Terminal

Songtan Inter-City Bus Terminal

Philippines

Vietnam

USA

Mongolia

Uzbekistan

TEL

653-3000

657-0112

652-1119

655-2800

1577-1000

100

1544-7788

1588-8000

(02)2660-2475

652-2981

652-2618

02) 738-1038

02) 795-3098

02) 783-5675

02) 735-2966

02) 2170-5200

610-8265

650-1205

662-2119

278-3316

646-1266

123

1588-2001

(032)741-0114

652-2121

655-2453

662-5331

02) 796-7387

02) 739-2065

02) 397-4114

02) 794-1350

02) 574-6554

Homepage

http://www.pyeongtaek.go.kr

http://pt.ggpolice.go.kr/

http://www.pt119.or.kr

http://450.epost.go.kr/

www.nhic.or.kr

www.kt.co.kr

http://www.korail.com/

http://www.flyasiana.com/

http://gimpo.airport.co.kr/

http://www.goodmhospital.co.kr/ (883 Hapjeong-Dong)

185-245 Pyeongtaek-Dong

FAX 738-1077, 54 Hyoja-Dong, Jongno-Gu

FAX 798-3448, 653-7 Hannam-Dong, Yongsan-Gu

FAX 780-4280, 55 Yeoui-Dong, Yeongdeungpo-Gu

FAX 737-9577, Unit No. 2002, Gyobo Bdg., Jongno 1-Ga, Jongno-Gu

FAX 734-4528, 18-11 Junghak-Dong, Jongno-Gu

http://www.ptcouncil.net

http://www.goept.kr/

http://www.st119.or.kr

http://suwon.immigration.go.kr/

http://pyeongtaek.jobcenter.go.kr

www.kepco.co.kr

http://kr.koreanair.com/

http://www.airport.kr/

http://www.bagaehospital.com/ (41-2 Pyeongtaek-Dong)

55-5 Pyeongtaek-Dong

770-6 Jisan-Dong

FAX 796-0827, 34-44 Jinseong Bdg., Itaewon 1-Dong, Yongsan-Gu

FAX 739-2064, 58 Samcheong-Dong, Jongno-Gu

FAX 795-3606, 32 Sejong-Ro, Jongno-Gu

FAX 794-7605, 33-5 Hannam-Dong, Yongsan-Gu

FAX 578-0576, 701 Diplomatic Center, 1376-1 Seocho 2-Dong, Seocho-Gu

Information Calls and Websites



Embassy in Korea

Information on the Republic of Korea

▶ History

▶ Location / Population

▶ Weather

▶ Language

▶ National Flag (Taegeukgi)

▶ Political System

▶ Religions

▶ Etiquette

▶ Food

▶ Holidays

▶ Education

History


Dangun Wanggeom, the son of the legendary Hwanwung, was the founder of Gojoseon. It was a society of ancient culture with advanced agrarian and Bronze Age civilizations. Militarily, Gojoseon was strong enough to compete against the Yen Dynasty in China but in its bid against the Yen, lost power due to the invasion. Gojoseon then became Wiman Joseon as Wiman, escaping from the Han Dynasty, took Gojoseon.

As the power of Wiman Joseon diminished, several tribal states merged and Buyeo was founded. Jumong, the son of Haemosu who was the general of Buyeo, established Goguryeo. Onjo, the son of Jumong, founded Baekje. And the legendary Bak Hyeokgeose established Silla.

Gojoseon

With the weakening of the Unified Silla, post-Baekje and post-Goguryeo realms were established by Gyeon Hweon and Gung Ye, respectively. In post-Gogu-ryeo, Wang Geon expelled Gung Ye to establish Goryeo. At the point when King Gyeongsun of the Unified Silla surrendered to Wang Geon and post-Baekje had faded due to internal power struggles, Goryeo opened a new era by bringing and end to the post-Baekje state.

Unified Silla – Era of the Later Three Kingdoms


As the Era of Three Kingdoms--the Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla--began, each Kingdom had its heyday. The first Kingdom rising to power was Baekje, during the reign of King Geunchogo in the 4th century. The next to follow was Gogu-ryeo, during the reign of King Gwanggaeto in the 5th century. King Gwanggaeto suppressed Baekje and aided Silla when the Japanese invaded. King Gwang-gaeto extended his territory into almost all of Manchuria in China. Following its peak during the reign of King Jinheung in the 6th century, Silla brought down both Goguryeo and Baekje with help from the Tang Dynasty. Finally, the Era of the Unified Silla began.

Era of Three Kingdoms

The kings of Joseon put forth tremendous endeavor to stabilize the civic life and strengthen sovereign power after the establishment of Joseon. In the reign of King Sejong, the country achieved impressive development in all areas in-cluding literature and science. In the later Joseon Dynasty, rule of government began from King Sunjong, who instituted royal authority being retained by a specific clan. The lives of the farming community were greatly impoverished due to this rule and a number of peasant revolts occurred. The regent Heungseon Daewongun seized power and forced a policy of isolationism on the country (Soeguk Policy). The enlightenment policy of Empress Myeongseong opposed this policy and conflict between these two powers began.

Joseon

09Information on the Republic of Korea

To strengthen sovereign power after its foundation, Goryeo implemented the a Review Act and Civil Service Examination System. Goryeo built the Thousand League Wall in the north to prevent invasion of barbarians. A military reign was established by the rebellion of Jeong Jungbu in 1170 and Choi Chungheon took over the reins of government. The Mongol Invasion began in 1230 and the Royal Dynasty moved its capital to Ganghwa-Do (island) when it failed to protect the original capital from being overrun. Goryeo collaped as Yi Seonggye withdrew his army from Wihwa-Do (island) in 1392.

Goryeo

Two great powers existed at the end of Joseon Dynasty: one was a wijeonng cheokksa (the defense of orthodoxy and the rejection heterodoxy) faction that looked to China and the other a modernizing faction that looked to Japan and Western culture. The conflict between these two factions was in fact a conflict between Japan and China. As both countries kept a close eye on Joseon, an in-evitable Sino-Japanese War occurred, with Japan the eventual victor. Following this, Japan began to meddle in the internal affairs of Joseon and a movement supporting a return to the feudal regime of the past occurred. Japan interrupted this movement and increasingly suppressed Joseon, causing Joseon to turn to-ward Russia instead.

Modernization


Republic of Korea


Weather

▶ ▶ Korea has four distinctive seasons : spring, summer, autumn and winter.

▶ ▶ Spring days are pleasant because it is mostly warm and clear. Summer is hot, humid and rainy. Autumn days are mostly cool and fresh whereas winter days are cold and dry due to the influence of the Siberian air mass.

Location / Population

▶ ▶ The Republic of Korea is bordered by China and Russian to the north in Far-East Asia. Korea, located between China and Japan, is a peninsular country with the Yellow Sea to the West and the East Sea to the east. About 70% of the territory is mountainous with the southwestern region mostly plain.

▶ ▶ South Korea’s population density is extremely high in consideration of its small territory (99,538), with approximately 48.5 million Koreans as of 2007.

※ The Korean peninsula would be approximately 222,000㎢ if unified.

Hindered in its efforts, Japan momentarily retreated but soon began pressing Joseon again. With the success of the First World War and the Russo-Japanese War, Japan publicly declared Joseon to be a Japanese colony.

With Japan’s defeat in the Second World War, Joseon regained its indepen-dence. But with the trusteeship proposed by the U.S. and Russia, an internal ideological dispute took place with Korea, which expanded to tragic conflict. Thus, South and North Korea established their own governments and this is the main reason for the heartrending division of the Korean peninsula. Within two years after the establishment of independent governments, North Korea attacked the South, beginning the Korean War. The Korean War pitted the two Koreas against each other, obliterating any opportunity for cooperation.

Following Independence from Japanese Imperialism



Republic of Korea

▶ ▶ Korean is the official language of the Republic of Korea, a unique language called “Hangeul”.

▶ ▶ Created by King Sejong in 1443, Hangeul alphabet is composed of 14 consonants and 10 vowels. Hangeul is evaluated as a very significant alphabet because it is almost entirely phonetic for the Korean language.

Language

▶ ▶ Taegeukgi is the flag of the Republic of Korea. The design of the flag symbolizes the yin and yang theory of Eastern phi-losophy. The upper red part of the circle in the center represents the yang, the active force of the universe, whereas the lower blue part represents the passive force. The two forces work together to ensure continuity, balance, and harmony. The circle at the center is surrounded by four trigrams in the four corners of the flag. The trigrams symbolize heaven, earth, the sun (or fire), and the moon (or water), which are cosmic elements. The white background of the flag symbolizes peace and the Korean people’s sincerity and homogeneity.

National Flag ( Taegeukgi )

The Republic of Korea is governed by a presidential system. The separation of power among the legislative, judiciary, and executive bodies is clearly respected. Furthermore, local government systems are implement-ed to enhance democracy, efficiency, and balanced development in all regions of the country.

Political System



Religions

▶ ▶ The constitution of the Republic of Korea guarantees freedom of religion.

▶ ▶ According to a survey of the National Statistical Office in 2005, 53.1% of Koreans have a religion. Buddhism (23% of the population), Protestant Christianity (18%), and Catholic Christianity (11%) are the three major re-ligions.

Etiquette

▶ ▶ The Republic of Korea is a country that emphasizes etiquette. Filial piety to-ward parents, respect for older people, and the consideration of those around you are considered important virtues that must always be put into practice.

[ Major Etiquette Rules ]

- When meeting an older person, Koreans courteously bow their heads.

- When shaking hands with older people, Koreans use both hands. The left hand is used to support the right hand.

- When older people pour wine into their glass, Koreans use both hands to hold their glass, and turn their head to the side to drink.

- In Korea, most people do not wear shoes in their homes and foreigners should also remove their shoes off when visiting Korean homes.

- Ceding seats to the elderly, handicapped and pregnant women is expected in subways, on buses, etc.

Wedding Ceremony▶ ▶ In most cases, wedding ceremonies are held in wedding halls. Weddings are

also held in Protestant and Catholic churches.

▶ ▶ People invited to weddings give “congratulatory money” put into white en-velopes to the newlyweds. Invitees write their names on the envelopes and submit them at the reception desk located in the front of the room where the wedding is held. Formal dress is generally expected at wedding ceremonies.



Republic of Korea

▶ ▶ Korean dishes are healthy foods generally rich in nutrients and low in calorie. The main ingredients of Korean dishes are grains,

seafood, and vegetables. Korean meals consist of rice, soup, and a variety of side dishes. Korean food is characterized by the development of fermented foods including soy sauce, bean paste, and jangajji (slices of radish or cucum-ber dried and seasoned with soy).

▶ ▶ Famous Korean dishes include kimchi, bulgogi, galbi, bibimbap, naengmyeon, gimchijjigae, and doenjangjjigae.

[ Table Manners ]

- Younger people may begin to eat only after older people have begun.

- Older people take their seat before younger people.

- Younger people do not leave the table before older people have finished the meal.

- Talking low during meals is allowed but loud noise is not accepted.

- Using a spoon and chopsticks at the same time is not good manners.

- A spoon is used for rice and soup. Chopsticks are for side dishes.

- Spoons and chopsticks should not be placed on rice bowls.

Food

Funeral▶ ▶ Funerals are held in funeral halls, hospitals, churches, and Buddhist temples.

▶ ▶ When attending funerals, Koreans give “condolence money.” They write their names on white envelopes and submit it to the reception desk in the front of the funeral service area. Black formal dress is generally expected at funeral services.



Holidays

▶ ▶ National Holidays : The Anniversary of the Samil Independence Movement (March 1), National Liberation Day (August 15), National Foundation Day (October 3)

▶ ▶ Public Holidays : New Year’s Day (January 1), Buddha’s Birthday (April 8 of the lunar calendar), Children’s Day (May 5), Memorial Day (June 6), Christmas (December 25)

▶ ▶ Traditional Holidays : Seolnal (Korean New Year’s Day, January 1 of the lunar calendar and the days before and after), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day, Harvest Moon Day, August 15 of the lunar calendar and the day before and after)


Education

▶ ▶ Primary school (6 years) : from age 8 to 13

▶ ▶ Middle school (3 years) : from age 14 to 16

▶ ▶ High school (3 years) : from age 17 to 19

▶ ▶ University (4 years) : from age 19

※ Nine years for primary and middle school education is compulsory. After completing high school, students enroll in universities after taking the University Study Aptitude Test. (For those who do not attend regular schools, they are eligible to enter middle schools, high schools and colleges through a qualification examination.)

About Pyeongtaek

▶ Location

▶ General Information

▶ Nature / Environment

▶ History / Culture

▶ Symbols


Location

▶ ▶ Pyeongtaek lies in the southernmost part of Gyeonggi-Do. It is bordered by Yongin/Anseong in the east, Cheonan and Asan of Chungcheongnam-Do in the south, Asan Bay in the west, Hwaseong in the northwest and Osan in the north.

General Information

▶ ▶ Pyeongtaek is the center of Pan-Yellow Sea Region, the interface of the G2 (USA and China) leading the global economy. National key industry facilities include Pyeongtaek Port, one of 4 trading ports in Korea, Pyeongtaek Power Plant, LNG and LPG bases.

▶ ▶ Pyeongtaek is 453.31㎢, about two thirds the size of the Seoul area. As of the end of December 2008, the population was 406,721(male: 206,604 female: 200,117). The number of registered foreigners in Pyeongtaek is 10,782(male: 6,550 female: 4,232).

▶ ▶ Annual precipitation amounts to 1,300㎜. The annual average temperature is 12℃. Pyeongtaek is a plains area bounded by a 24.5㎞ coastline. The oceanic climate from the West Sea has a great impact on Pyeongtaek.

As a hub of trade/logistics based on a regional traffic network including 3 high-ways, rapid transit railways, the Gyeongbu railway and a metropolitan sub-way, Pyeongtaek is a prime location for industry and currently is home to 1,400 active plants. Pyeongtaek is an all-weather farm belt producing 16% of Gyeonggi rice and Pyeongtaek pears.

Pyeongtaek

Seoul

Gyeonggi-Do

Incheon Gangwon-Do

Chungcheongbuk-Do

Chungcheongnam-Do Gyeongsangbuk-Do

Gyeongsangnam-Do

Jeollabuk-Do

Jeollanam-Do

Jeju-Do

Busan

About Pyeongtaek

Cheongbuk-Myeon

Seotan-MyeonJinui-Myeon

Segyo-DongVijeon 1-Dong

Vijeon 2-DongTongbok-Dong

Wonpyeong-Dong Sinpyeong-Dong

Paengseong-Eup

Sinjang 1-DongJisan-Dong

Songbuk-Dong

Jungang-Dong

Seojeong-DongGodeok-Myeon Songtan-Dong

Sinjang 2-Dong

Oseong-Myeon

Hyeondeok-Myeon

Poseung-Myeon Anjung-Eup

North

West

South

17About Pyeongtaek

▶ ▶ Pyeongtaek is the lowest area in Korea with a higher elevation in the eastern region than the west. Mountains are, for the

most part, of low elevation and there are many rivers and streams. The moun-tains are found mostly in the northeastern region while the southwestern area is plains. The highest mountain in Pyeongtaek is Mt. Baekwun (192m), while the lowest one is Mt. Deokdong (just 30m MSL).

▶ ▶ The widest rivers in Pyeongtaek are Anseong-cheon (river) and Jinwi-cheon (river). Anseon-cheon was called Wungcheon-gang (river), Honggyeong-cheon (river) or Han-cheon (river) in the Goryeon or Joseon Dynasties. Jinwi-cheon had the name “Jangho-cheon” (river). Jinwi-cheon is the source of dozens of small and large streams including Osan-cheon (stream) and Hwangguji-cheon (stream).

Nature / Environment

▶ ▶ People have lived in the Pyeongtaek region since the Prehistoric Age. A relatively large number of people lived Pyeongtaek in the Neolithic Age when farming began. Artifacts proving the existence of humans include the Bangchuk-Ri artifacts found in Godeok-Myeon, the Jije-Dong arti-facts, and the Meonggeoni artifacts of Wonjeong-Ri, Poseung-Myeon. People engaged in hunting, fishing and farming on a small scale in the mountains and rivers of the Pyeongtaek area during the Neolithic Age. As the Bronze and Iron Ages passed, our ancestors came to finally settle in this region.

▶ ▶ Until the Joseon Dynasty, the centers of Pyeongtaek were Jinwi-Myeon and Paengseong-Eup. The present Pyeongtaek downtown was formed with the construction of the Gyeongbu Railway in 1905. As businesses and habitation grew up around the railway station, the station area became the center of Pyeongtaek.

History / Culture


Pyeongtaek

About Pyeongtaek

Symbols


Bird : White Heron

Flower : Pear Blossoms

Tree : Pine Tree

C.I

Super Pyeongtaek, the city brand, refers to a“Dynamic and powerful city with bound-less potential and limitless resources”

B.I

Super O’ning, the general brand for the agricultural products and specialties of Pyeong-taek, is an abbreviation of “Super the origin of the morning”. It refers to “clean, trusted food that helps us greet the fresh morning.”

C.I

B.I

Character

Guide toLiving in Pyeongtaek

▶ Transportation

▶ Waste

▶ Housing

▶ Health Insurance

▶ Medical Service

▶ Free Medical Examination for Foreigners

▶ Bank Transactions

▶ Mobile Phone / Telephone Service

▶ High-Speed Internet

▶ Postal Service

▶ Electricity / Gas / Water

▶ Shopping

▶ Taxes

▶ Keeping public order

Go to the Pyeongtaek city website “http://www.pyeongtaek.go.kr”. Click “Living/Culture ▶ Transportation Information” from the menu at the top. This will allow you to check the timetables for the International Port Passenger Terminal, Rail-ways, Subways, Express Buses, Intracity Buses, Cross-Country Buses and Shuttle Buses.

1. Transportation Information

Transportation


Guide to Living in Pyeongtaek

A transportation card can be used for public transportation including buses and subways. A transportation card also gives a bit of a discount.

You can buy a transportation card at any kiosk in a bus stop or other designated store. The price ranges from 2,000 to 7,000 Won. The card can be recharged by increments of 1,000 Won.

Transportation cards are not currently available throughout the country. Trans-portation cards available in Seoul, Gyeonggi-Do and Incheon include the T-Mon-ey Card, U-Pass Card and EB Card.

2. Transportation Card

3. Driver’s License

- Holders of an International Driver’s License can drive in Korea for one year from the date of issuance of the license.

International Driver’s License

- Foreign license, passport or foreigner registration card, 3 photos, translated and notarized copy of foreign license (except English), certificate from your embassy, processing fee of 10,000 Won.

Required Documents for Changing a Foreign License to Korean License

- A Korean driver’s license is classified into two types--Class I and Class II--depending on the vehicle type

- To acquire a license, you need to pass a written test, a course test and a road test.

Acquisition of a Korean Driver’s License

- Written test : passport, foreigner registration card, 2 photos (3cm x 4 cm), processing fee of 9,000 Won.

- Course test : passport, foreigner registration card, application form, processing fee of 13,000 Won.

- Road test : passport, foreigner registration card, processing fee of 15,000 Won.

Application Documents for the Driver’s License Test in Korea

- Class I driver’s license holders must take an aptitude test within the regular aptitude test period specified on the driver’s license. A Class II driver’s license holder must renew the license within the renewal period specified on the driver’s license.

※ For more information on driver’s licenses including test centers, contacts and tests, please visit http://www.dla.go.kr.

※ Information is available in English, Japanese and Chinese.

Aptitude Test and Renewal

21Guide to Living in Pyeongtaek


Transportation


Careful driving is needed when driving on complicated or congested roads. You must abide by the Road Traffic Act.

- Seat belts: The driver and front seat passenger must fasten their seat belts.- Always wear a helmet when driving a motor bike.

- No mobile phone usage: A fine will be imposed for those who use their mobile phone while driving.

- No drunk driving: Drunken driving will be punished per blood alcohol levels, including the suspension or invalidation of the driver’s license.

- Exclusive Bus Lanes : This system promotes the use of the bus as public transpor-tation. This system is effective during the peak traffic times (Blue Lane).

- Fines : Exclusive Bus Lane violation (40,000~50,000 Won), parking violation (40,000~50,000 Won), traffic signal violation (60,000~70,000 Won).

※ The Road Traffic Act is extremely strict.※ Any violation of the Road Traffic Act will cause the cancellation of the driver’s

license and the imposition of a fine (20,000 to 60,000 Won).※ Please call 112 or the nearest police station in the case of traffic accidents.

4. Useful Road Traffic Act

Public Transportation

Buses

The bus is the most frequently used public transportation.

Buses are divided into Intracity Buses and Cross-Country Buses. Intracity buses include general buses and seated buses. If a general bus is not running or runs infrequently, a shuttle bus typically runs in a village. Cross-country buses are used for travel to other cities; the express bus travels on the highway and cross-country buses use national roads.

The bus fare is paid with a transportation card or with cash. The transportation card gives a discount.


You can check the timetables and route maps of buses on the Pyeongtaek city website. The intracity bus announces and shows route maps and stops in Korean only. Please prepare your route in advance to avoid complications if you have difficulty using the Korean language.

Bus Passengers Transportation Card (Won) Cash (Won)

General Bus

Children under 12

Teenagers

Adults 900

720

450

1,000

800

450

Bus Passengers Transportation Card (Won) Cash (Won)

Shuttle Bus

Children under 12

Teenagers

Adults 800

640

400

900

700

400

[ Bus Fares ]

※ The intracity bus is 1,000 Won for the first 10km, with an additional 100 Won per 5㎞. The maximum fare is 1,600 Won.

※ When using a transportation card, place the card near the front card reader when board-ing the bus. When getting off, place the card near the rear card reader.

Taxi

General Taxis are of two types : a Deluxe Taxi and Call Taxi.

General Taxi : Use this taxi from a general taxi stop. A vacant taxi will have a lit indicator lamp reading “Vacant” in red in front of the assistant seat. The basic fare is 2,000 Won for the first 2㎞ with an increase per mileage and time trav-eled. A late night charge (24:00~06:00) is 20% of the fare.

Deluxe Taxis : Marked “Mobeom Taxi” in Korean, the deluxe taxi offers a higher quality of service than a general taxi. The fare is more expensive than a general taxi. No Deluxe Taxis are available in Pyeongtaek.

Call Taxi : You can request a taxi to come to the place where you are or to a house. Add 1,000 Won to the fare of a general taxi.

[ How to Use an Intracity Bus ]

Bus Stop Arrival of a Bus Transportation Card Reader



Transportation



Trains

Trains include the KTX (a rapid transit railway), Saemaeul and Mugunghwa.

KTX (rapid transit railway)

This is the quickest means of ground transportation and enables travelers to go to any place in Korea within 3 hours. It is equipped with facilities for the physi-cally challenged, phones, faxes and multimedia facilities.

※ Pyeongtaek has no KTX station. The nearest station is the Cheonan/Asan Station in Asan, Chungcheongnam-Do.

General Trains Mugunghwa-Ho and Saemaeul-Ho, with mobile public phones and dining cars.

Special Coach

Pyeongtaek Seoul 10,100 Won

-

General Coach

6,600 Won

4,500 Won

Hours

1 Hour

1 Hour

Trains

Saemaeul-Ho

Mugunghwa-Ho

※ Fares vary per day. For more information including timetables and online reservations, please visit http://www.korail.com.

Pyeongtaek Station (under construction) Ticket Office

Platform


Subway

A subway has more stations than the train. A subway with moderate fares runs from Seoul to Cheonan. Pyeongtaek Station, Jije Station, Seojeongri Station, Song-tan Station and Jinwi Station are the stations located in Pyeongtaek.

Car Ferry

A car ferry runs from the International Port Passenger Terminal of Pyeongtaek Port ( http://www.pyeongtaek.go.kr/pub/hbr/hbr.jsp ) to 4 cities including Rongcheng City, Shandong Province in China.

[ Route Map of Subway Line No. 1 ]

Longyan Port in Rongcheng City,

Shandong Province

Lianyungang Port, Lianyungang,

Shandong Province

Rizhao Sea Port, Rizhao,

Shandong Province

Qiandao Port, Qiandao, Shandong

Province

OperatorsLines Traveling Hours Number of Services Contact

Daeryong Shipping Agent Co., Ltd. 12 hours (388㎞) 3 times

( MON/TUE, THU, SAT )031-682-0992

Yeonwunhang Ferry Co., Ltd. 20 hours (740㎞) 2 times

( MON, THU/FRI )031-684-3100

C& Ferry Co., Ltd. 16 hours (684㎞) 3 times ( MON, WED, FRI/SAT )

031-682-9124

Cheongdo Pungyang Ferry Co., Ltd. 17 hours (592㎞) 3 times

( TUE, THU, SAT )031-684-1993


Transportation

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Waste


Korea has been implementing a volume-based waste charge system to maximize the reduction of waste and effectively promote recycling for the protection of the environment. Disposal by waste type is explained below.

Place waste in a standard waste bag marked specifically for your district. These are sold in corner stores and shops. Leave this bag in the designated place any evening (20:00 ~ 04:00) from Monday to Friday. The garbage will be collected at the specific time.

1. General Waste (for incineration / landfill )

Place food waste into the bags designed specifically for food waste and place these bags in a nearby food waste collection bin or the food waste container for apartments. The municipal waste service will collect the bags. Food waste is re-cycled to produce feed therefore, harmful materials such as plastic and bottle caps should not be included. Recycle organic food trash only.

※ For apartments, food waste bags are not needed because the cost for the food waste bag for each household is included in the management expenses.

※ Waste bags are sold in supermarkets or convenience stores (designated shops).

2. Food Waste

3 ℓ 5 ℓ 10 ℓ 20 ℓ 50 ℓ 100 ℓ

80 130 250 500 1,250 2,500

[ Waste bag price (Won) ]

Waste to be separated from food waste( place the items listed below in general waste bags )

FruitPeelings of : walnuts, chestnuts, acorns, pineapple and coconut, pits of peaches,

apricots and persimmons

Meats Bones and skin of beef, pork and chicken

Sediments Tea bags, medical sediment

Shells /Crustacea

Shells from clams, oysters, abalones, crab and lobsters ; insides of globefish


3. Recyclable WastesPlace recyclable wastes including plastic, cans, bottles or paper in the desig-nated containers.

Recyclable Wastes :▶ Packing materials subject to the Extended Producer Responsibility system :

cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, plastics.

▶ Wastes subject to the Extended Producer Responsibility system : batteries, tires, lubricants, electronic goods, fluorescent lamps.

▶ Other recyclable wastes : paper, scrap iron, clothes, farm waste and others.

How to Separate your Recyclables- Recyclable waste collection days are designated for each apartment and resi-

dential area.

- For residential areas, collection days are set up according to the regulations of the relevant local authorities.

- Remember to leave your recyclables in the designated area on the specific days to facilitate collection.

To throw away large items such as furniture and home appliances, buy stickers for large items in a supermarket or a convenience store (designated shop) and attach them to the item (a fee will be charged). Call the relevant government office to request the collection of the item. The government office will tehn collect it on the day specified.

4. Large Items

Food waste and general waste containers General waste (place in designated area)


Waste


Housing


1. Housing Types

2. Rent

Types of Rent

Apartment(Mansion)

Villa

Row Houses

Single-Family House

Officetel

DescriptionTypes

- Row houses with more than 5 floors- These are guarded- Have subsidiary facilities (shopping centers, public parking lots)

- Low-rise apartment building of less than 5 floors- Simpler and wider than apartment- There are guards or caretakers

- Small, low apartments- No guards or caretakers. Public parking lots.

- Single-family house built on private land

- Both offices and apartments exist in one building- There are guards or caretakers- Public parking lots

Jeonse (Deposit –based

rent)

Wolse (Monthly rent)

DescriptionTypes

- A deposit is paid according to the lease agreement (for 1 to 2 years).- The deposit is returned after the lease agreement is terminated.- 10% of the deposit is paid as earnest money when executing the lease

agreement.- 90% of the deposit is paid when moving in.- The house shall be maintained in the status at the time of move in.

- A deposit is paid for one or two years. Rent is paid every month.- This deposit is 10 to 20 times higher than monthly rent.- 10% of the deposit is paid when executing the lease agreement as earnest money.- 90% of the deposit and the first month’s rent are paid when moving in.- The deposit is returned when the lease agreement is terminated.


- It is preferable to make a lease agreement through a real estate agency or realtor rather than a direct contract between the leaseholder and tenant, to ensure safety. A commission is paid to the real estate agency or realtor after the lease agreement or purchase agreement is drawn.

- Before executing agreements, the provisions related to the agreement (de-posits, contract period, rent payment method, etc.) and the transcript of the land register (collateral security, provisional seizure, etc.) of the rented house should be carefully verified.

- The “verification date” is entered on the lease contract in a Dong office when providing move-in notification after moving into a rented house. The “verifi-cation date” protects the tenant’s rights on a preferential basis.

- Maintenance expenses do not include the utility charges on electricity, gas, water, air conditioning or heating. The tenant is responsible for these charges. In addition, it will be clearly specified between the tenant and the leaseholder regarding who will pay overhead charges (parking lot, elevators, etc.).

Cautions regarding Lease Agreements

3. Purchase of House / Real EstateTo stimulate the real estate market, the Korean government has entirely opened the real estate market to foreigners on the basis of the Foreigner’s Land Acqui-sition Act, Foreign Investment Promotion Act and Foreign Exchange Transac-tions Act (Real Estate).

For more information on the purchase of houses, real estate and apartments, consult a real estate agency specializing in transactions for foreigners

4. Move-InIn Korea, most people use a moving service which provides all move-related services from packing to delivery of belongings

When using a moving service, contact the moving service company to get an estimate. The moving service company will visit the house for this. After receiv-ing an estimated cost, you can make a contract after negotiations. Carefully check potential problems that might occur during the move when making your contract.

For any damages including loss or breakage while moving your belongings, you will need to ensure proof to verify the damage. Next, make a claim for said damages with the moving company.


Housing


Health Insurance


Health insurance is classified into workplace health insurance and regional health insurance. The health insurance system enables everyone to receive medical ser-vices according to the need of the insured using the fund formed by the premium paid by the insured.

Foreigners can become members of Korea’s national health insurance. Members pay a certain amount of premiums every month. Members pay about 20~50% of the medical examination and treatment fees and the rest is paid by the National Health Insurance Corporation.

- Spouses and children of nationals of the Republic of Korea who stay in Korea on family visitation visas (F-1 visa).

- Foreigners who have lived in Korea for more than one year on the follow-ing visa types are eligible: cultural arts (D-1), overseas study (D-2), industrial training (D-3), general training (D-4), journalism (D-5), religious affairs (D-6), business supervisor (D-7), corporate investment (D-8), trade management (D-9), professorship (E-1), foreign language instructor (E-2), research (E-3), technology transfer (E-4), professional employment (E-5), special occupation (E-7), employed trainee (E-8). Their spouses and children who are less than 20 years old (F-3) are also eligible.

- Those who reside in Korea with a residency visa (F-2)

- Overseas Koreans who reside in Korea with an overseas Koreans visa (F-4)

Eligibility

▶ When to Acquire Eligibility

- After completing the foreigner registration

- For overseas Koreans, after reporting the domestic residency or completing the foreigner registration.

▶ Application Procedure

- Submit the application form to your branch of the National Health Insurance Corporation.

- Required documents: Foreigner registration cards or certificates of domestic residency, certificate of income

Acquisition of Eligibility and Application


Medical Service

- The premium rate for the insured in the workplace is applied to foreign em-ployees whose income can be verified.

- Average premium rates for an insured household in each area are applied to foreigners without income or those whose income is difficult to verify. (30% discount for overseas students)

- Premium rates for family visitation and residency visa holders are the same as for Korean nationals on the basis of income and property.

※ For more information on health insurance, please visit the website of National Health Insurance Corporation (http://www.nhic.or.kr).

※ An English page is available now.

Premium Standards

1. Types of HospitalsGeneral HospitalsGeneral hospitals have a wide variety of medical departments, and each de-partment is staffed by medical specialists. General hospitals are equipped with extensive facilities including in-patient facilities accommodating more than 100 patients (Tertiary hospital)

HospitalsHospitals have several medical departments and have more than 30 beds. (Sec-ondary hospital)

ClinicsSmall hospitals specialized in a specific medical treatment (surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, dentistry, etc.), often in a community (Primary hospital)

Oriental Medicine ClinicHospital treating illnesses on the basis of oriental medicine including acupunc-ture and traditional herbal medicine, etc.

Public Health CenterPublic medical organization providing simple medical services at a low cost.

※ Patients will receive a basic medical examination in a primary hospital and will be referred to a secondary or a tertiary hospital depending on the sever-ity of the problem. This requirement is not applied to emergency cases.


Health Insurance / Medical Service



2. General Procedures of Medical Examination

- Since the implementation of the SDP (Separation of Dispensing and Prescription) in Korea, it is necessary to bring doctors’ prescriptions when purchasing medicine at pharmacies.

- Medicine to treat simple symptoms such as headaches or indigestion can be purchased from pharmacies without prescriptions.

3. Purchase of Medicine

Submit application

Wait near the correspond-ing medical department

Upon being called, consult

with the doctor

After treatment, pay fees and

receive prescrip-tion, if any

Submit prescription and purchase medi-cines at a pharmacy,

if needed.

▶ ▶ ▶ ▶

- BCG : vaccination within four weeks after birth

- DPT : DPT is a vaccination against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus. The DPT is administered three times, at the second, fourth and sixth months after birth. Boosters are given on the 18th month after birth and between four and six years of age.

- Polio : The polio vaccine is administered at the second, fourth and sixth months after birth. A booster is given between four and six years of age.

- MMR : The MMR is a vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella. The first MMR is administered between the 12th month and 15th month after birth. The second MMR is given between four and six years of age.

4. Vaccination for Infants and Children

- Japanese Encephalitis : The 1st vaccination is given anywhere between the 12th to the 24th month after birth. The 2nd vaccination follows one week after the 1st. A 3rd vaccination is given one year after the 2nd vaccination. Additional boosters are given to children of 6 full years of age and 12 full years of age.

※ Free vaccinations are available for infants and children at certified public health centers. Please contact the relevant public health center for more information.


Free Medical Examination for Foreigners

Free medical examinations are available for foreign workers, their children and married immigrant women before acquiring citizenship who are not covered by a health care system such as health insurance and medical benefits.

Eligibility

Full coverage for the entire period from hospitalization to discharge from hos-pital, within a limit of 5 million Won per case (for cases requiring more than 5 million Won, benefits can be extended up to 10 million Won after review)

Benefits

- In-patient treatment, one day outpatient surgery

- One prior outpatient examination related to the hospitalization or surgery, three outpatient examinations following treatment.

Available Services

Medical Facilities for Free Medical Examinations

Hospitals TEL

(031) 888-0114

(031) 940-9173

(031) 674-7520

(031) 828-5000

(031) 639-4800

(031) 539-9114

Addresses

886-9, Jeongja 2-Dong, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do

798, Geumchon-Dong, Paju, Gyeonggi-Do

455, Dangwang-Dong, Anseong, Gyeonggi-Do

Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center Suwon Hospital

Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center Paju Hospital

Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center Anseong Hospital

Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center Uijeongbu Hospital

Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center Icheon Hospital

Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center Pocheon Hospital

433, Uijeongbu 2-Dong, Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-Do

215, Gwango-Dong, Incheon, Gyeonggi-Do

243-4, Sineup-Dong, Pocheon, Gyeonggi-Do


Medical Service


Bank Transactions


The unit of Korean currency is the “Won.” Coins come in six different denomi-nations: 1 Won, 5 Won, 10 Won, 50 Won, 100 Won, and 500 Won. Bills come in three different denominations: 1,000 Won, 5,000 Won, and 10,000 Won.

Korean Currency

- To open a bank account, visit a local bank with your foreigner registration card and the passport and fill out the application form. Personal data such as name and address must be provided. Opening a bank account is completed after depositing a specified amount of money into the account.

- Using the cash card issued at the time of opening the bank account, you can withdraw money from automated teller machines which are found in many locations.

Opening a Bank Account

Most credit card companies and banks issue credit cards to foreigners. Require-ments for the issuing of credit cards and the documents required differ by bank. Visit your local bank for a consultation.

Eligibility

Some banks provide foreign currency exchange services. To exchange money, a passport or foreigner registration card is required. As almost no Korean stores accept foreign currency, it is therefore recommended to change your foreign currency into Korean Won.

Money Exchange


There are three ways to transfer money to overseas banks: wire transfer, tele-graphic transfer, and remittance check. Money can be transferred to overseas banks in any banks providing foreign currency service.

- Wire transfer : This is the fastest and safest method. The name of the bank, the name of the branch of the bank, the bank account number, address, tele-phone number, and bank code must be supplied for the transfer.

- Telegraphic transfer : This is for transfering money by postal money order. This method takes longer than other methods.

- Remittance check : A bank check is sent directly to the recipient abroad. Loss can occur.

Overseas Remittance

Mobile Phone / Telephone Service

Mobile Phone

- Subscription: Visit any agency of the 3 mobile operators in Korea (SKT, KTF, LGT). Fill out the subscription form and pay the new subscription fee and mobile phone price. Charges vary by mobile operators so check each operator’s service prod-ucts. Membership cards provide a discount to theaters, entertainment parks or restaurants.

- Required documents: foreigner registration card, passport, bank account for au-tomatic payment of monthly fees, etc.

[ Websites for the 3 mobile operators in Korea ]

▶ SKT : www.sktelecom.com (available in English and in Chinese)

▶ KTF : www.ktf.com (available in English)

▶ LGT : www.lgtelecom.com (available in English)

Take a number ticket from the ticket machine.

When your number is called, go to the teller.

Use an ATM for a bank card


Bank Transactions / M

obile Phone / Telephone Service



Payphones

- Payphones use coins, cards or credit cards

- The four kinds of payphone cards range from 2,000 Won to 10,000 Won. Pre-paid phone cards are sold in at transportation card kiosks or banks.

- Collect Call : A collect call is useful if you do not have cash or credit card read-ily available. Collect call service is available for all calls excluding international calls.

Home Phones

- Visit the nearest branch of Korea Telecom (KT) with your foreigner registration card and passport to have your phone connected.

- It is important to provide an accurate address for the connection of your phone. Paying phone bills using an automatic payment from your bank account is the most convenient way to pay.

- Installation fee : 60,000 Won / Basic rate per month : 5,200 Won

※ Cautions regarding Application▶ It is necessary to provide an accurate address and your foreigner registration

card when requesting the connection.▶ Installation fees and basic rates vary by service provider. Contact individual

service providers for more information.

[ Websites and contact numbers of wired communication service providers ]

▶ Korea Telecom : www.kt.co.kr (available in English and Chinese) ☎ 100 without area code▶ Hanaro Telecom : www.hanaro.com (available in English) ☎ 106 without area code

International Calls

- Service code of international call service provider + country code + area code + phone number

[ Major international call services (service codes) ]Korea Telecom (001), Dacom (002), Onse Telecom (008), SK Telink (00700), Onse Telecom (00365)

※ Rate plans vary by service providers. Contact individual service providers for more detail. Discounts up to 30-50% can be received for calls made in the morning/after midnight and holidays.


High-Speed Internet

Subscription : Call Internet service providers to request service. New subscription fees and monthly fees differ depending upon the service providers. The longer the contract period is, the cheaper the monthly fee is in general.

[ Websites and phone numbers of major service providers ]

▶ Megapass : www.megapass.co.kr ☎ 100 without area codes▶ Hanafos : www.hanafos.com ☎ 106 without area codes▶ LG Powercom : www.xpeed.com ☎ 1644-7000

※ All websites not available in English.

Postal Service

- Domestic mail is classified into general postal service (express and normal) and parcel service (express and normal).

- Express service generally enables overnight delivery whereas it takes about four days in the case of normal service.

- Postage differs depending upon the weight of the postal item.

Domestic Mail

- There are three types of international mail: general, parcel post and interna-tional express mail.

- Postal items up to 30kg can be mailed. Postage depends on kinds, sizes and weights.

International Mail

- Weekdays : 09:00 ~ 18:00

- Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: closed.

Business Hours


High-Speed Internet / Postal Service


Electricity / Gas / Water


The standard voltage for home appliances is 220 volts in Korea. Foreigners should check the voltage for any appliances that they bring from their home countries.

Electricity

To use city gas, contact a city gas provider in the relevant area to request gas supply. An engineer from the city gas provider will visit your home and connect the gas on the appointed date.

If LP gas is used in the residence, contact a nearby gas provider for the con-nection of LP gas.

Gas

Water is available in almost all houses. Check the water valve first if the water doesn’t run after turning on the tap.

Water

Shopping

The traditional markets of Korea have a long history and are run by a number of small-scale merchants. Drop by any traditional market in Korea and you will feel affection from the people there. You may also be able to buy goods at a cheaper price by bargaining with the vendors.

Traditional Markets

Markets TEL

665-0489

682-2665

662-3368

691-9440

Location

7-29 Tongbok-Dong, Pyeongtaek

317 Sejeong-Dong, Pyeongtaek

317 Sinjang-Dong, Pyeongtaek

Tongbok Market

Seojeong Market

Jungang Market

Anjung Market

Songbuk Market

Paengseong Market

221-10 Anjung-Ri, Pyeongtaek

745-14 Jisan-Dong, Pyeongtaek

148 Anjeong-Ri, Pyeongtaek


Department StoreA department store is a massive retail establishment that is organized through classifying shops by product and customer and by managing all affairs for the promotion of sales and improvement of service.

Discount StoreA discount store, or “wholesale market”, is a general distributor selling prod-ucts at prices lower than those asked in general markets using mass-sale sys-tem of self-service.

SupermarketA supermarket is a retailer focusing on groceries items. Small supermarkets are generally located in small communities with larger supermarkets found in cities.

Convenience StoreA convenience store is a retailer operating for 24 hours. It sells simple miscel-laneous goods.

Inside View of Sejeong-Ri Market Inside View of Tongbok Market

▶ New Core Department Store Pyeongtaek - Location : 830 Vijeon-Dong, Pyeongtaek - Business Hours : 10:30 ~ 22:00 - TEL : 031-650-6105

▶ E-mart Pyeongtaek - Location: 50 Jije-Dong, Pyeongtaek - Business Hours : 10:00 ~ 23:00 - TEL : 031-371-1234


Electricity / Gas / Water / Shopping


Taxes


Taxes in Korea consist of national taxes collected by the central government (in-come tax, corporate tax, education tax, etc.) and local taxes collected by local governments (sales tax, registration tax, property tax, etc.).

Foreigners residing in Korea must pay taxes.

[ Tax Payments ]

- Upon receiving tax notices, taxes can be paid at financial institutions including banks and post offices.

- Taxes can be paid by automatic transfer from banks or by credit card.

※ For more information on tax payment, please visit the website of the National Tax Service www.nts.go.kr.

※ Available in English.

Keeping public order

It is the obligation of all to observe the public order to keep the urban environment clean and secure an advanced system of order. Those who violate the public order shall be fined.

[ You must observe the following ]

- No smoking in non-smoking areas, no spitting on streets,

- No urinating in streets, no illegal dumping of waste,

- No throwing butts/wastes,

- line-up,

- No jaywalking,

- observing traffic signals,

- Fasten your seat belts in moving vehicles.

Tourism Pyeongtaek

▶ Tourist Attractions

▶ Festivals

▶ Cultural Assets

▶ References for Cultural Assets

Tourist Attractions


Pyeongtaek-Ho (lake)Pyeongtaek-Ho is an extensive artificial lake formed by the construction of a sea wall in Asan Bay.

Park-goers can relax on the grass, enjoy the pine forest pathway around the lake or savor some fresh seafood from the West Sea in the raw fish restaurants nearby. Pyeongtaek-Ho is a representative tourist attraction of Pyeongtaek.

The wooden boardwalk along Pyeongtaek-Ho gives an opportunity to take a peaceful walk and appreciate the lake scenery.

A fountain sprays water up to 105m high in the middle of the lake and will refresh you mentally. The rape flowers and barley along the sandbank park lining the lake enhance the scenic beauty.

Experience facilities for water sports include yachting, wind surfing and water skiing while family excursion facilities such as excursion boats, motor boats, paddle boats and tandem bikes are also available.

The boardwalk and formative overhead walkway, formative works and tour-ist attractions symbolizing Pyeongtaek, the Pyeongtaek-Ho Drive-in Theater, cafes, raw fish restaurants and roasted shellfish restaurants next to the Art Museum are also good attractions.

Tourism Pyeongtaek

43Tourism Pyeongtaek

Pyeongtaek-Ho Art MuseumThe first floor of the museum is an art gallery, the second floor is a perfor-mance hall and the third floor is a meditation hall. Visitors can view works of art all throughout the year. The distinct pyramidal exterior is eye-catching as well. There are various things to see including an outdoor fountain and the museum is one of the best-known tourist attractions of Pyeongtaek, providing a bird’s-eye view of Pyeongtaek-Ho.

Jinwi-Cheon (river) Amusement ParkThis park has sports facilities including a swimming pool, campground, nature study field, basketball court and Jokgu court. The upper area of the stream is crystal clear as a water supply source protection area. In warmer weather, it is an excellent place for spending a peaceful time with one’s family, friends or colleagues. Summer is the season for the “Catching Fresh Fish in Jinwi-Cheon” festival while a “Smelt Festival” is held in winter. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the experience yard (air walks, ice fields for sleighing, bottle gourd craftwork and a Found-Object Art gallery). Take a taste of the water at the Jinwi Water Intake Station, a nature protection area.


Tourist Attractions

Tourism Pyeongtaek


Attractions for Foreign TouristsShopping centers and entertainment facilities are heavily clustered around the K-55 air base of the US Army in Sinjang 1-Dong, Sinjang 2-Dong, Jisan-Dong, Songbuk-Dong and Sejeong-Dong. Approximately 230,000 tourists visit the area every year.

The shopping malls neatly arranged on the 565m-street in front of the US Army base, K6 (Camp Humphreys), the US Army Garrison, forms a beautiful city sight and offers more convenience for tourists to browse.

Pyeongtaek Port Promotion CenterPyeongtaek Port has been advancing as the hub port for trade with China and Southeast Asian countries. Export and import through Pyeongtaek Port reached 45.4 billion USD in 2007. Automotive vehicles, optical instruments and steel manufactures are exported through Pyeongtaek Port with major imports including gas, home appliances and farm products. Car ferries run between Pyeongtaek Port and Rongcheng City, Rizhao, Lianyungang and Qiandao in China.

Clearly highlighting the history and future vision of Pyeongtaek Port, the Pyeo-ngtaek Port Promotion Center is located in an area overlooking Pyeongtaek Port opening to the West Sea. Groups are welcome to take a look around Pyeongtaek Port in a port guide boat (reservations are required at least three days prior to the tour).


Wutdari Culture TownThis town is the experience center for culture and arts. The town was formerly a school in Geumgak-Ri, Seotan-Myeon. The Pyeongtaek Culture Center trans-formed the closed school into a creative culture and arts space, Wutdari Cul-ture Town. The town provides about 40 experience programs including ceramic arts, pressed flowers, stone flower art, wood crafts, rice-cake mallet pounding and folk games. There is also a performance stage on the grounds. Rabbits, goats and ducks live on an animal farm. Visitors can cultivate chemical-free vegetables including cabbages and sweet potatoes on the weekend farm. This town is a good place to visit for everyone from children to the elderly. Accom-modation facilities are soon to follow.

Agricultural Technology CenterThe Agricultural Technology Center is the agriculture museum of Pyeongtaek displaying the past, the present and the future of agriculture in Pyeongtaek through exhibits including artifacts from the Agricultural Age, specialties such as rice and pears, and fabrics dyed with natural dyes and pigments.

A 880㎡ greenhouse displays various plants (5,200 plants; 161 species).

These plants include diverse flowers including a tiger lily, herbs, tropical plants, 44 species of cactuses and home gardening tools.

The center holds the Pyeongtaek Spring Flower Festival between late April and early May every year. Visitors can enjoy all events and facilities for free.


Tourist Attractions

Tourism Pyeongtaek

Festivals


The Pyeongtaek Culture, Arts and Peace FestivalThis folk culture festival focuses on the farmers’ music in Pyeongtaek and is the great festival of Pyeongtaek including performances by the top 5 farmers’ musical groups in Korea, a Wutdari farmers music competition, a street perfor-mance of farmers’ bands from villages, performances and display of intangible cultural assets of Gyeonggi-Do, traditional folk game events and folk culture as well as arts performance by international friendship countries.

Sosabeol DanojeDano Day is considered to be a great festival because it was thought that the force of Yang was the most powerful of the year. To remember the meaning of Dano, the Dano Festival opens a space for harmony among residents.

Various kinds of events include washing your hair with iris, swinging, demon-strations of rice-cake mallet pounding, and the display and tasting of Dano food. A village farmers’ band competition, Korean wrestling, swinging and seesawing competitions are also held.


Pyeongtaek Port MarathonThe Pyeongtaek Port Marathon is held to improve citizen health and has turned into a dynamic, energetic race along with the development of Pyeongtaek Port as the hub port for Northeast Asia trading and logistics.

The race is classified into 5㎞, 10㎞, and half-marathons (21.0975㎞).

The Catching Fresh Fish by Hand Festival In the season melting under the sweltering heat waves, everyone can enjoy playing in the water and catching a big, fresh fish by hand in the cool river.

Have a unique experience by catching fresh fish at the Jinwi-Cheon Amuse-ment Park. A fish exhibition aids in an understanding of nature. Other various kinds of events are also a great experience. In winter, visitors can slide on the ice and there are sculptures made using recycled materials.


Festivals

The half-marathon is open to those who are over 18 years old while the 5㎞ and 10㎞ races welcome everyone. About 15,000 people take part in this race in Oct. every year.

Winners receive a variety of prizes and presents. This is a large-scale amateur marathon that excludes marathoners reg-istered with the Korea Athletics Federation from the winners list.

Tourism Pyeongtaek

Cultural Assets


Simboksa Seokjobirojanabul-jwasang Simboksa was founded in 1549 (the 5th year of Joseon King Myeongjong’s reign) and has since been renovated and repaired sev-eral times. It is said that a fisherman named Cheon Eulmun living in Munsanpo, Paju took a Buddha statue from the sea while fishing in Asan Bay with his colleagues.

Seokjobirojanabul-jwasang (Treasure No. 565) is enshrined in Daejeokgwang-jeon (Hall of Great Peace and Light). Birojanabul is characterized by a hand shape holding the thumb upright with the other fingers, as the Beopsinbul (law-body Buddha) protecting the teachings of Buddha. The statue clearly displays the style of the late Silla period and is estimated to have been created during the late Uni-fied Silla. The Yeonhwadaejwa (lotus stand) in which two lions support a lotus flower (upturned lotus) on the upper ground stone is also of note.

Mangisa Cheoljoyeorae-jwasangIt has been said that Mangisa was built by the Great Monk Namdaesain in 942 (25th year of Goryeo King Taejong’s reign). In the 19th century, the present temple was restored on a site about 1㎞ west of the original site, and the statue of Buddha was enshrined.

Cheoljoyeorae-jwasang (Treasure No. 567) in Daewungjeon (main temple) was created under the influence of the development of Zen Buddhism and the emergence of a pow-erful clan in the late Silla and early Joseon periods.

Eojeong under Myeongbujeon (Hall of the Judgment of the Dead) came about as King Sejo was deeply impressed by the taste of the water here while travel-ing the country to treat skin problems in the early Joseon Dynasty. He named it “Gamrosu”.


Pyeongtaek Farmers MusicPyeongtaek Farmers Music combines the Dure Farmers Music of Pyeongtaek with the professional dramatic entertainment music of Wutdari. The name “Pyeongtaek Farmers Music” was first used in the Korea Farmers Band Com-petition in 1958, which was held to celebrate the birthday of then-President Yi Seungman. The present Farmers Band was formed by reorganizing the Pyeo-ngtaek Farmers Music group in the 21st Korea Folk Arts Competition in 1980. It was designated as Important Intangible Cultural Asset No. 11-B in 1985. The Pyeongtaek Farmers Music Training Center is located in Pyeonggung-Ri. The Pyeongtaek Farmers Music Village is under construction next to the Pyeong-taek-Ho Art Museum.


Cultural Assets

Tourism Pyeongtaek

References for Cultural Assets


Tangible Cultural Assets

TitlesSimboksa

Seokjobirojanabul-jwasang

Wolleung-Gun Wongyun Seonmugongsingyoseo

Sambongjim Mokpan

Poseung-Myeon Wonjeong-Ri Bongsudae

Hanon Janggun Chungsin Jeongmun

Chunguigak

Wonjeong-Ri Artifacts

Mangisa Cheoljoyeorae-jwasang

Daedongbeop Sihaeng Ginyeombi

Paengseongeup Gaeksa

Jeongdojeon Sadang

Tomb and shrine of Suseonggun

Wongyun Sadang

Portrati Scroll of Shin Sukju and Gamsil Judok

Locations Periods275 Deokmok-Ri,

Hyeondeok-Myeon

480 Doil-Dong, Pyeongtaek

189 Eunsan-Ri, Jiwi-Myeon

109 Wonjeong-Ri, Poseung-Myeon

594 Geumam-Ri, Seotan-Myeon

San 37 Echong-Dong, Pyeongtaek

San109-436 Wonjeong-Ri, Poseung-Myeon

548 Dongcheon-Ri, Jiwi-Myeon

140-1 Sosa-Dong, Pyeongtaek

117 Gaeksa-Ri, Paengseong-Eup

189 Eunsan 2-Ri, Jiwi-Myeon

San 35, Dokgok-Dong, Pyeongtaek

San 84 Doil-Dong, Pyeongtaek

905 Gojan 3-Ri, Cheongbuk-Myeon

Designation No.

Treasure No. 565

Treasure No. 1133

Gyeonggi-Do Tangible Cultural Properties No 132

Folklore Remains No. 1




Late Silla

Joseon

Joseon

Joseon

Joseon

Joseon

Bronze Age

Treasure No. 567

Gyeonggi-Do Tangible Cultural Properties No. 40

Gyeonggi-Do Tangible Cultural Properties No 137





Goryeo

Joseon

Joseon

Joseon

Joseon

Joseon

Joseon

Daedongbeop Sihaeng Ginyeombi Hanon Janggun Chungsin Jeongmun

Sambongjim Mokpan

Wongyun Sadang

Paengseongeup Gaeksa


Intangible Cultural AssetsIntangible cultural assets are those assets that have great historic or artistic values without having a physical form, such as music, dance, plays, ritual rites or craftsmanship. One of most distinguished intangible cultural assets of Pyeo-ngtaek is Pyeongtaek Farmers Music. There are many intangible cultural assets in Pyeongtaek including the tug-of-war of Dongryeong village or Dongchang village and amusements of entire community in each village.

Cultural Assets MaterialsIt is also called “Folklore Materials” and includes materials related to daily life such as houses, food, clothing or accessories, tools or various kinds of events. Pyeongtaek Hyanggyo (Confucian School) and Jiwi Hyanggyo are representa-tive materials in Pyeongtaek.

TitlesPyeongtaek

Farmers Music

Locations Date of Designation

283- 1 Pyeonggung-Ri, Paengseong-Eup

Designation No. PeriodsImportant Intangible

Cultural Assets No. 11-B JoseonDec. 1, 1985

TitlesPyeongtaek Hyanggyo

Jinwi Hyanggyo Daeseongjeon

Honghaksa Bigak


185 Gaeksa-Ri, Paengseong-Eup

167 Bongnam-Ri, Jiwi-Myeon

322 Bonjeong-Ri, Paengseong-Eup

Designation No. PeriodsGyeonggi-Do Cultural Assets

Materials No. 4

Gyeonggi-Do Cultural Assets Materials No. 40

Gyeonggi-Do Cultural Assets Materials No. 5

Joseon

Joseon

Joseon

Sep. 19, 1983

Sep. 16, 1985

Sep. 16, 1985

Honghaksa Bigak

Pyeongtaek Hyanggyo

Jinwi Hyanggyo Daeseongjeon


References for Cultural Assets

Tourism Pyeongtaek

MonumentsMonuments are classified into historic or scenic sites of great artistic or aes-thetic values and natural monuments. Historic sites of great historic or aca-demic value include shell mounds, ancient tombs, fortress sites, palace sites and temple sites. Scenic sites of great artistic or aesthetic value include well-known scenic areas, flowering plants, trees, habitats of fish or insects, valleys, waterfalls, lakes, coasts, islands, and unique mountains or hills. Pyeongtaek has several monuments including Anjeong-Ri Nongseong (castle wall) and An Jaehong Saengga (Birthplace of An Jaehong).


Titles

Yidaewon Janggun Myo and Sindobi

Nongseong (castle wall)

Wongyun Janggun Myo

An Jaehong Saengga


San 83- 3 Huigok-Ri, Poseung-Myeon

San 41 Anjeong-Ri, Paengseong-Eup

San 82 Doil-Dong, Pyeo-ngtaek

646 Dureung-Ri, Godeok-Myeon

Designation No. Periods

Gyeonggi-Do Monuments No. 56


Gyeonggi-Do Monuments No.57


Joseon

Era of Three States

Joseon

JapaneseColonial

June 2, 1980

April 17, 1981

June 2, 1980

Dec. 31, 1992

Yidaewon Janggun Myo

Nongseong (castle wall)

Wongyun Janggun Myo

An Jaehong Saengga

Map of Pyeongtaek

Date of Publication : Jan. 1, 2009

Planning and Budget Division, Pyeongtaek Municipal Published by : International Cooperation Team, Government

Inquiry : 031 – 659 - 5101

Printed by : Ganaan Printing

Translation and Design : Langstech Translation Center, Kunkuk University

Photo : Pyeongtaek Culture Center


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