If I am being honest, it was probably too cold to go outside. It was the kind of freezing Korean winter day in January, where the wind cuts right through your jacket. It had snowed heavily the day before, and the world was covered in white.
But we had been stuck inside for way too long. While living in comfortable Korean apartments is incredibly convenient, as new parents to a 5-month-old daughter, we were desperate for some fresh air and a change of scenery. Plus, we had a mission: we had just bought a new winter cover for our stroller, and we needed to see if it actually worked.
So, we decided to drive about an hour from our home to Naeri Culture Park in Pyeongtaek (Naeri Munhwa Park). Taking these weekend family road trips is exactly why my wife recently put so much effort into securing her local driving license. We were looking for a nice river view and a quiet place to walk.
What we found was a peaceful, frozen winter wonderland that gave us a much-needed break from our routine. Although we froze our noses off, it made us excited to come back when the weather warms up. Here is the story of our snowy adventure and why this park should be on your list, no matter the season.
Location guide:
Address: 18-2 Naeri, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do
Use your preferred map for directions.
1. A Peaceful Escape Near the City
One of the main reasons we chose Naeri Culture Park is its location. It sits right along the Anseongcheon Stream, offering wide-open views that are hard to find in the city center.
When we arrived, the first thing that struck me was the silence. Because it was in the dead of winter, the park was very quiet. The main road into the park had been cleared of snow, but the walking paths were still covered in a crunching layer of ice and white powder.
The river itself was frozen solid. Looking out over the ice, I could see a bridge in the far distance. It was a stark, cool view—completely different from the lush green photos I had seen online.
While we were shivering, I learned that this park is known as a healing spot for families, lovers, and friends to relax. Even covered in snow, I could feel that “healing” vibe. It felt like we had the whole world to ourselves.
While Naeri Culture Park shines in winter months, families should also consider Aquaplanet Gwanggyo’s indoor shows and exhibits as a reliable all-season backup when outdoor conditions make stroller navigation difficult.
If you’re planning a winter nature escape for your family, consider pairing a visit to Naeri Culture Park with an overnight eco-healing stay at Naejangsan Eco-Exploration Center, which offers program-integrated lodging and guided nature activities just an hour away.
If you’re looking for stroller-accessible riverside parks in the Gyeonggi region, Uiwang Rail Park’s Wangsong Lake loop offers a gentler flat dirt trail, though stroller accessibility on the deck is more limited than Naeri’s riverside paths.
Easy Access and Parking
For families traveling with a baby like us, convenience is key.
- Parking: There is a spacious dedicated parking lot right at the entrance. I didn’t have any trouble finding a spot.
- EV Charging: I noticed there is an EV charging station in the parking lot, which is great for electric vehicle owners.
- Accessibility: The park is designed to be accessible, so we could easily unload the stroller and get moving immediately.
2. A Haven for Walking and Running
Despite the cold, we weren’t the only ones there. I saw a foreigner running along the riverside path pushing a stroller! It was impressive (and made me feel a little lazy for just walking).
It turns out, Naeri Culture Park is famous for being foreigner-friendly because it is located very close to Camp Humphreys, the U.S. military base. This gives the park a unique, diverse atmosphere where you often see people from different backgrounds enjoying nature together.
The Paths
The park is incredibly well-designed for exercise.
- Walking Paths: There are designated walkways for pedestrians.
- Bicycle Paths: There is a separate lane just for cyclists that stretches along the Anseongcheon Stream all the way to Pyeongtaek Lake.
Because the paths are separated, you don’t have to worry about crashing into a bike while walking with your kids. I recently started jogging around my own town, and seeing that runner inspired me. Next summer, I definitely want to come back here for a run along that beautiful river stretch.
Note for winter visitors: The slope leading down to the river felt a little steep to me. Maybe it isn’t actually that steep, but because it was slippery with ice, I had to hold onto the stroller very tight! Be careful if you visit on a snowy day.
3. Fantastic Facilities for Families (Summer vs. Winter)
Walking through the park in winter felt like walking through a sleeping giant. I could see signs of all the fun activities that happen here in warmer months.
The Gardens and Views
I saw a signboard for a flower garden. If we had come in summer, I imagine there would be fields of hydrangeas blooming in different colors. The park is beautifully landscaped with trees and grass squares, and there are plenty of gazebos and shade parasols where you can spread out a mat and have a picnic. For days like that, we usually love to stock up on imported snacks and fresh fruit at our favorite local mega mart before hitting the road.
There is also a pavilion on top of the hill. It was the perfect spot to get a panoramic view of the river and the sunset.
The Playground & Water Park
This is what made me really excited to return. I saw a large water park area that was currently empty and dry. But in my mind, I could hear the imaginary sound of children’s voices and laughter. The park has a wonderful children’s playground equipped with fun rides like slides and even a zipline. It’s a place where kids can run wild while parents rest in the shade nearby.
I promised my daughter (who was currently sleeping in the stroller) that we would bring her back here to play in the water when she is older.
4. The “Stroller Test” & Winter Reality
So, did the stroller cover work? We bundled our daughter up in thick jackets and tucked her inside the stroller with the new cover. For most of the walk, she was cozy and protected from the biting wind.
However, the moment we stopped and took her out, reality hit. Her poor little face was exposed to the freezing air, and she started crying immediately! We quickly put her back in, but at least we confirmed the cover does its job. If you are visiting Naeri Culture Park in winter with a baby:
- Bring a windproof cover. The river wind is strong.
- Keep them inside. Don’t try to take cute photos of them outside the stroller unless you want tears!
- Check the Toilets. We used the public restroom, and it was clean. Interestingly, the staff had intentionally left the faucet running slightly to prevent the pipes from freezing. It showed that the park is well-managed even in the off-season.
5. Camping and Food: The Perfect Day Trip Plan
As we walked, I noticed a camping site within the park. It turns out Naeri Culture Park has a dedicated camping area that is very popular with campers. You have to book it online in advance, but it looked like a fantastic spot to spend a night under the stars right next to the river. Here is the booking website for Naeri Camping Site
My Plan for Next Time
Our winter visit was short—just a quick “digestive walk”—but it was refreshing. It cleared our heads and gave us a break from the indoor air.
For our next visit in spring or summer, I have a perfect plan:
- Lunch: Grab a table at our favorite local spot for some authentic South African barbecue and hearty lamb chops.
- Afternoon: Drive to Naeri Culture Park to walk off the heavy meal.
- Sunset: Let our daughter play in the grass while we watch the sunset over the river.
When the weather warms up, Mulhyanggi Arboretum in Osan is the perfect next step — flat paths, stream-side picnics, and completely free entry for families.
If you are looking for a place that offers fresh air, safety for kids, and beautiful views, I highly recommend checking this place out. Whether it’s a frozen winter adventure or a sunny summer picnic, it’s worth the drive.
