Wiyangji Pond in Miryang: A Pavilion's Perfect Reflection
A single pavilion sits perfectly mirrored on the still water. For a moment when the wind drops, the pavilion above the surface and its reflection below merge into one, like a painting. This is Wiyangji Pond in Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province — the 19th stop in our series on Korea's lesser-known places.
At a glance: 273-36 Wiyang-ro, Bukbu-myeon, Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province · Open 24 hours, free admission · About 20 minutes by taxi from Miryang Station (KTX/SRT stop) · Parking available.
Wiyangji was built as an irrigation reservoir during the Joseon dynasty, with a small pavilion called Wanjaejeong perched on a tiny island at its center. It's best known for the white blossoms of the Chinese fringe trees that ring the pond in spring, but the pond in autumn shows an entirely different face. Step close to the water and the scent of dry grass mixes with damp earth; when the wind passes, the only sounds breaking the silence are leaves rustling and, now and then, a waterbird's call.
Cross the narrow bridge to the pavilion and sit on its wooden floor, and you can feel the cool touch of the timber posts as gentle ripples spread out beneath your feet. Around sunset, the whole surface turns red, showing yet another color the daytime pond never does. Driving out from the pond into downtown Miryang, you can also try the tart-sweet taste of the region's specialty — Eoreumgol apples. If you have extra time, Pyochangsa, an old Silla-era temple about a 10-minute drive away, makes a good addition to the day.
From Seoul, take the SRT or KTX to Miryang Station, then a taxi for about 20 minutes. Public buses run infrequently, so booking a round-trip taxi in advance saves time. For up-to-date bus schedules or local tips, ask travelers who've already made the trip in Korea Tourism Times' open chat room.