Gyeonggi Province

Bongdam’s 280,000-pyeong waterside, linked to Bal-an Reservoir since 1947

Deokwoo Reservoir is a 280,000-pyeong flatland reservoir and freshwater fishing spot in Yuri, Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong. Water flowing about 3 km from Gicheon Reservoir, along with its shallow depths and aquatic vegetation, creates ideal conditions for bass, carp, and grass carp fishing.

By the KOTourLive Editorial Team Updated: Aug 6, 2026 19 min 785

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The End of the 3 km Waterway from Gicheonji, a Reservoir Built in 1947

Deogu Reservoir is a reservoir in Yuri, Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong-si, introduced in the Korea Tourism Organization’s tourism data as “Balanji,” built in 1947. It was formed as water from Gicheonji (Gicheon Reservoir), about 3 km upstream to the left, flowed into the area. Local information also retains the alternative names Balanji and Doldamgeori Reservoir.

Rather than a man-made lake designed for tourism, this is a flatland reservoir that originated as an agricultural irrigation facility. Its area is listed as 280,000 pyeong, and its depth is generally shallow at 2–3 m. The shallow water and moderate distribution of aquatic plants are key conditions behind its current use, centered on freshwater fishing.

  • Construction year: 1947
  • Upstream water source: Gicheon Reservoir, approximately 3 km
  • Area: 280,000 pyeong
  • Listed depth: 2–3 m

How to Choose a Starting Point between 709 Samcheonbyeongmaro and 333 Yuri

The road-name address registered in the tourism information is 709 Samcheonbyeongmaro, Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, while the lot-number address is 333 Yuri, Bongdam-eup. The postal code is listed as 18334. Because the reservoir shoreline is extensive, it is better to enter either Deogu Reservoir or Deogu Fishing Site into your navigation system and decide which side of the shoreline to visit before arriving.

The provided coordinates, 37.168810, 126.921925, can be used to identify the reservoir area, but the tourism data separately lists the coordinates as 37.1711519599, 126.9272145357. This difference may result from the wide water surface and multiple access points, so it is safest to ask the site manager first according to whether you plan to fish, walk, or park a vehicle.

  • Road-name address: 709 Samcheonbyeongmaro, Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do
  • Lot-number address: 333 Yuri, Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do
  • Postal code: 18334
  • Tourism data coordinates: 37.1711519599, 126.9272145357

Distinguishing the Public Information—Open at All Times, Open Year-Round, and Free—from Fishing Use

According to Korea Tourism Organization tourism data, Deogu Reservoir is registered as open at all times, open year-round, and free to use. There is no separate admission ticket for general shoreline access and scenery viewing, and free parking is also listed. Therefore, visitors simply touring the public reservoir itself do not need to plan around operating hours or regular closing days.

However, free public access to the entire reservoir does not mean the same thing as the conditions for using the fishing site, fishing platforms, or camping facilities. Online camping information contains an older notice stating that tent installation cost 10,000 won per person, and tourism materials also mention that there were around 30 floating fishing platforms. Before departing, confirm the current availability and costs of fishing, fishing platforms, tents, the shop, and restrooms with Deogu Fishing Site at 031-298-9116.

  • Public information operating hours: Open at all times
  • Public information closing days: Open year-round
  • Public information admission fee: Free
  • Public information parking: Available, free
  • Fishing site inquiries: 031-298-9116

Bass, Carp, Leather Carp, and Aquatic Plant Zones: Conditions to Check When Choosing Equipment

Tourism data lists bass, carp, and leather carp as the main target fish at Deogu Reservoir. Because the water is shallow at 2–3 m and aquatic plants are moderately distributed, anglers should consider tackle suited to fishing around aquatic plants as well as the condition of the fishing platform. Older tourism materials describe the site as suitable for summer camping and fishing and also mention catches of crucian carp, but this information does not guarantee current fishing conditions.

The fishing site’s contact number is 031-298-9116, and 031-5189-2667 is provided for tourism-related inquiries in Hwaseong-si. Before fishing, it is advisable to call and check the water level on the day, availability of fishing platforms, sections where fishing is permitted, parking locations, and waste-disposal rules. Some tourism data also states that credit cards cannot be used, strollers cannot be rented, and pets are not allowed, so check payment and accompanying conditions in advance.

  • Main target fish listed: Bass, carp, and leather carp
  • Additional mention in older materials: Crucian carp
  • Older information on floating fishing platforms: Around 30
  • Hwaseong-si tourism inquiries: 031-5189-2667
  • Credit card use: Not available

A Place Where Fishing Platforms Take Priority over Strollers and Wheelchairs

Deogu Reservoir is not a facility with a single organized route like a museum or park; it is a reservoir with access points divided along the shoreline. Tourism data states that stroller rental is unavailable, and it is difficult to find official confirmation of wheelchair-accessible decks, accessible restrooms, or foreign-language information. If you use a mobility aid or are bringing a stroller, it is safer to call ahead to check the location of flat access routes and restrooms before visiting.

Online information mentions a simple restroom and shop near the management office at 333 Yuri, but this does not mean they operate at all times. The shoreline may contain water edges, sloped areas, and fishing equipment, so avoid walking at night, approaching the edge of the water, or using fire without permission. Fishing lines and all other waste must be taken home.

  • Stroller rental: Unavailable
  • Pets: Registered as not allowed
  • Point mentioned as the management office: 333 Yuri, Bongdam-eup
  • Facilities requiring confirmation: Restrooms, shop, and accessible routes

A Half-Day Combining the 793 m Seobongsan Forest Bathing Area and Hong Seung-in Old House, 3.255 km Away

If you are not fishing exclusively, you can combine your visit with the nearby Seobongsan Forest Bathing Area. According to tourism information, the Seobongsan Forest Bathing Area is listed approximately 793 m from Deogu Reservoir, while Sangbong Kalguksu is about 718 m away. Walking time varies depending on the starting point and road conditions, so use the distance figures only as a reference and check any sections requiring roadside walking separately on a map.

If you expand the itinerary a little further, Jangsucheon Herbal Eel Natural Spring Café is approximately 2.727 km away, Hong Seung-in Old House is about 3.255 km away, and Pulnaeum Camping Site is about 3.408 km away, according to the tourism data. Rather than expecting a long walking course at Deogu Reservoir, a realistic plan is to spend about 1–2 hours observing the shoreline or fishing, then connect by car to one of the following: a meal, a forest trail, or an old house.

  • Sangbong Kalguksu: Approximately 718 m
  • Seobongsan Forest Bathing Area: Approximately 793 m
  • Jangsucheon Herbal Eel Natural Spring Café: Approximately 2.727 km
  • Hong Seung-in Old House: Approximately 3.255 km
  • Pulnaeum Camping Site: Approximately 3.408 km
2019년 덕우저수지 탐방 후기 페이지에 실린 덕우저수지 전경입니다.
This is a view of Deogu Reservoir featured on a 2019 Deogu Reservoir visit review page. — Photo source: daumcdn.net
2019년 덕우저수지 탐방 후기 페이지에 실린 덕우저수지 수변 모습입니다.
This is a shoreline view of Deogu Reservoir featured on a 2019 Deogu Reservoir visit review page. — Photo source: daumcdn.net
2019년 덕우저수지 탐방 후기 페이지에 실린 덕우저수지 주변 모습입니다.
This is a view of the area around Deogu Reservoir featured on a 2019 Deogu Reservoir visit review page. — Photo source: daumcdn.net
2019년 덕우저수지 탐방 후기 페이지에 실린 덕우저수지 전경입니다.
This is a view of Deogu Reservoir featured on a 2019 Deogu Reservoir visit review page. — Photo source: daumcdn.net

Final Checks via Tourism Data and Phone Calls Instead of an Independent Official Website

No independent official website for Deogu Reservoir itself was found. Instead, the Deogu Reservoir entry in Korea Tourism Organization tourism data lists access at all times, year-round operation, free admission, free parking, an area of 280,000 pyeong, and the inquiry number 031-298-9116. Tourism-related inquiries for Hwaseong-si are also provided separately.

This site combines the characteristics of a reservoir and a freshwater fishing venue, so on-site operating conditions may vary depending on the season, water level, and management policies. In particular, tent installation, fishing platforms, night fishing, restrooms and the shop, and payment methods cannot be confirmed solely through public tourism data. The most accurate approach is to call Deogu Fishing Site at 031-298-9116 and confirm the conditions for the day of your visit.

  • Independent official website: Not found
  • Korea Tourism Organization tourism data: Deogu Reservoir content ID 131032
  • Deogu Fishing Site inquiries: 031-298-9116
  • Hwaseong-si tourism inquiries: 031-5189-2667

Before You Go

Address
709 Samcheonbyeongmaro, Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do
Hours
Open at all times
Closed
Open year-round
Admission
Free
Phone
031-298-9116
Official site
https://data.visitkorea.or.kr/page/131032
Parking
Available (free)
Time needed
1–2 hours recommended for shoreline viewing and walking
Accessibility
Stroller rental unavailable. Accessible routes for wheelchairs and strollers and foreign-language information have not been confirmed, so inquiries before visiting are recommended.

The information above is current as of the time of writing. Check the official information again before visiting.

Deokwoo Reservoir Hwaseong Bongdam freshwater fishing Bal-an Reservoir Gicheon Reservoir waterside tourism
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Nearby Attractions 3

  • Uri Flower Botanical Garden 1
    Uri Flower Botanical Garden
    Botanical garden
  • Bongdam Lake Park 2
    Bongdam Lake Park
  • Seobongsan Forest Recreation Area 3
    Seobongsan Forest Recreation Area
    Tourist attraction

Food & Dining 1

  • Sindo Lab Hwaseong Bongdam Branch 4
    Sindo Lab Hwaseong Bongdam Branch
    Restaurant