▲ Park Ho-sun, CEO of Dasan Farm

30 minute drive from Jamsil, Seoul
Rural life experience programs are becoming popular among many city dwellers. This ascribes not only to people’s yearning for nature’s calling but also to the government’s 5 working day and 52 hour week policy. Located in Joan 1-ri, Joan-myeon, Namyangju City, Dasan Farm is running various rural life experience programs themed on agriculture and healing as well as natural food and local crafts. You can reach the farm within 30 minutes from Jamsil, Seoul by drive. What makes the farm more charming than its programs and the accessibility is that it runs throughout the year regardless the seasons. CEO Park of Dasan Farm was born and bred and lived in the region for 40 years. A story goes that his ancestor happened to pass by Joan-ri on the way to Hanyang (Seoul in the Joseon Dynasty era). It was good to hear birds singing and water streaming down and the sun was almost crossed over. So he decided to just settle down in the region permanently. 

Variety of entertainment within reachable distance
Dasan Farm boasts 79,200㎡ space where many of peach, pear, plum, apple and cherry trees exchange daily chats every day. In the spring, you can try digging out potatoes and in the fall picking up chestnuts or just walk the healing trail in the woods to rest you tired soul and body or see down the point called Dumulmeori where the Bukhan River and the Namhan River joins; you can better see the point at the thousand year old Sujong Temple in Ungil Mountain where you can also enjoy traditional teas at Samjunghun tea house. If you like outdoor sports, you can try water-skiing or if you are more like a cultural person, you can drop by the remains of Jeong Yak-yong aka Dasan (one of the greatest thinkers of the late Joseon period) and the Museum of Silhak (silhak means actual or practical studies pioneered by Dasan).

Grow your own crops or buy organic local products at good price
Some of the popular experience programs you can find at Dasan Farm are 1) renting a patch to grow your own crops 2) tofu making 3) plum jam making 4) fast-fermented bean past making 5) bonsai. Renting a patch will cost you 100,000 won per 16㎡ for 12 months and you can add more patches at only 20,000 won per 16㎡ thereafter. Note that the rented patches are open from April to November from 8am to 21pm and you should grow and manage the crops on your own. Tofu making is arranged for 15 people per class at 10,000 won per person but additional 6,500 won if included an organic meal. If you wish to buy locally produced products such as fast-fermented bean past, pear juice, jujube, ginkgo and much more, you can do so at good prices. How to get there: just punch the address on the navigator if you drive or get off at Paldang Station – take 167 bus across the station – take off at Joan-myeon Office – walk 20 mins or be picked up. Call on 0507-1413-8414 for more info.