[WEEKEND GETAWAY] Escape the ordinary at these four unique outdoor destinations for spring fun

Discover unique spring fun in Gyeonggi and Seoul with four outdoor destinations. From horse races and family parks to a farm experience and outdoor libraries, there's something for everyone to enjoy in these unusual attractions.

People sit and read books at the Seoul Outdoor Library installed in Seoul Plaza, central Seoul. [YONHAP]

Betting on a horse race, napping in between a reading session on a bean bag in the middle of the city hall plaza, feeding livestock or smelling a foreign flower that does not grow in Korea.

These four unusual activities may sound like a strange way to spend your weekend, but are easy to access after a short trip across Gyeonggi and Seoul.

As the spring weather is in full swing and wardrobes turn colorful and ready for a crisp OOTD (outfit of the day) in the spirit of a spring day trip, you may as well entertain yourself by escaping from your typical idea of a weekend getaway and try one of these exciting attractions that will light up the rest of May.

Check out these four unusual outdoor spaces with flora and fauna in the greater Seoul area compiled by the Korea JoongAng Daily.

LetsRun Park Seoul렛츠런파크 서울

A horse walks around the track so that people can decide which horse to bet on. [KIM DONG-EUN]

At LetsRun Park Seoul in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi, visitors of all ages flock, from children playing in horse-themed playgrounds to seniors hoping for a winning bet. This park, spanning 284 acres, hosts thoroughbred horse races and major equestrian events, particularly enchanting during spring when flowers bloom. Situated next to Seoul Racecourse Park Station on subway line No. 4, LetsRun Park Seoul is easily accessible by public transport.

You can place a bet on a horse at LetsRun Park Seoul, Gwacheon, Gyeonggi. [KIM DONG-EUN]

For those interested in betting, automated ticket machines in the grandstand building facilitate the process. Betting prices start at a few hundred won and can reach a maximum of 100,000 won ($73), payable only in cash.

On the other side of LetsRun Park Seoul lies Pony Land, a large family park operating five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday. Resembling a Western village with colorful buildings, it features attractions like a rose garden and picnic zones, perfect for families and friend groups.

107 Gyeongmagongwon-daero, Gwacheon, Gyeonggi(경기도 과천시 경마공원대로 107) Operating hours: 9:30 a,m. - 6 p.m. Admission fee: Monday to Thursday, free admission Friday to Sunday, 2,000 wonPhone number: Website: https://www.kra.co.kr/globalEn/park/01/park01.jsp

Anseong Farmland안성팜랜드

A rye field with a rabbit-shaped cut in Anseong Farmland, Gyeonggi. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Anseong Farmland in Anseong, Gyeonggi, offers the ultimate farm experience just two hours away from Seoul Station by public transport. From livestock feeding to walking through the rye field, you can expect a wide range of nature-friendly activities. Anseong Farmland is a theme park that was once used for agriculture throughout the late 1960s and up to the 1980s. Now the venue is known for its vast area accommodating seasonal flowers and plants as well as animal-feeding experiences.

Rye and canola flowers are currently available as spring flora in the farmland. The rye festival has been running since late April and will continue throughout May at the Picturesque Grassland area, its closing date soon to be announced on the official website. Canola flowers are not yet in full bloom, so those hoping to witness a mass of yellow flower beds may visit after tracking the updates on the official platforms.

Feeding livestock animals is one of the highlights at Anseong Farmland. [ANSEONG FARMLAND]

Spring scenery may be charming, but the farm experience is the highlight of the visit, through which you can enjoy petting or feeding a wide range of animals. The diversity of animals depends on the opening dates but usually includes birds, sheep, rabbits and cows. You can also sign up for a horse-riding activity, which offers a choice between a short riding session or a longer experience that teaches the basics of horse riding. Animal shows are an additional perk to the entertainment, as trained dogs perform tricks in front of the crowd and showcase sheep herding.

While the theme park has plenty of attractions, it takes several hours to look around the entire venue. To prevent fatigue from the long walk, visitors can rent a four-wheeled bicycle to move around the area.

@asfarmland.official28 Daesindu-gil, Anseong, Gyeonggi(경기도 안성시 공도읍 대신두길 28)Operation hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Last admission at 5 p.m.)Admission fee: 15,000 won for entrance, 21,000 won including a horse-riding program for adults Phone number: 031-8053-7979Website: https://www.nhasfarmland.com/asfarm.php?device=

Seoul Outdoor Library서울야외도서관

Visitors of Seoul Outdoor Library in central Seoul enjoy their afternoon reading on the bean bags on Seoul Plaza. [YONHAP]

For those seeking relaxation without extensive walking, yet still want to enjoy the spring weather in open spaces, then the Seoul Metropolitan Library returns with its annual outdoor library program at the city's main plazas.

This year, the main motive of the outdoor library project is to be "Seoul's living room" and the city has designated three spots — Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square and the Cheonggye Stream — all in central Seoul, to let people borrow and read books.

At Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall, you can see colorful bean bags and small book stands laid out on the grass to satisfy those who want to be outdoors but seated, enjoying a relaxed session with a book in hand.

In operation since April 18, the outdoor library at Seoul Plaza is open from Thursday through Sunday every week until November 10. From Friday until May 12, Gwanghwamun Outdoor Library is temporarily closed due to the African Culture Festival being held at Gwanghwamun Square. Other venues stay open.

@seouloutdoorlibrary.s12 Eulji-ro, Jung District, central Seoul(서울시 중구 을지로 12 시청광장)Website: https://seouloutdoorlibrary.kr/#null

Seoul Botanic Park 서울식물원

Seoul Botanic Park in Gangseo District, western Seoul, opened in May 2019 as the first urban botanic park in Seoul. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Seoul Botanic Park in Gangseo District offers an escape from daily life with its blend of natural and urban elements.

In operation since May 2019, the park consists of the Botanic Garden, Forest Fields, Lake Garden and a wetland that covers both indoor and outdoor spaces. That means you can find shelter during your weekend getaway even when the weather takes an unexpected turn and rain starts to fall. The Botanic Garden, the first botanic garden in Seoul, introduces domestic and foreign plants through outdoor display gardens and a greenhouse.

Nearby is the Forest Field, a leisurely space with trees towering over a grass field. The lake garden showcases aquatic plants with a walkway for a stroll next to the lake. Irises streamline the waterside, attracting visitors to stop for photos. The wetland area is accessible from the Han River as a footbridge links the deck inside the park and the riverside.

From May 17 to 19, Seoul Botanic Park hosts a garden festival "Haebom Festival," whose name comes from hae and bom, which are the sun and the spring in Korean. Flower markets, cultural activities, flower-related exhibitions and trash-picking will take place. For details and the itinerary, visit the official website.

@seoulbotanicpark_official161 Magokdong-ro, Gangseo District, western Seoul(서울시 강서구 마곡동로 161)Operating hours: Botanic Garden, 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., (Last admission at 5 p.m.,Closed on Mondays)Forest Field, Lake Garden, Wetland are open all year round Admission fee: 5,000 won for adults aged 19 to 64 3,000 won for teenagers and 2,000 won for children aged 6 to 12Phone number: 02-2104-9716Website: https://botanicpark.seoul.go.kr/eng/main.do

BY KIM DONG-EUN [kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr]