Must-See Routes l Visit Korea Committee

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This route offers a sweeping view of the South Coast, covering Gyeongsangnam-do and Jeollanam-do. Visitors are introduced to breathtaking coastal views, huge tidal flats, the gorgeous sea, and pure nature at its best.

Public Transportation and Travelling

4 hours and 30 minutes from Seoul to Namhae Express Bus Terminal
By bus from Namhae Express Bus Terminal to Daraengi Village
Travelling among attractions: by rental car or taxi
(traveling by car is a good option since there is some distance between attractions)

Route Introduction

Daraengi Village
Haemul-
doenjang-jjigae
Hyangiram Hermitage
Suncheon Bay
South-western
-style Full Course Korean Food

Daraengi Village

Despite being near the sea, the village does not display a single boat. Near coastal cliffs, the village has developed terrace rice paddies on a stiff hill. Along the paddies are walkway decks and an observatory. Other attractions include Amsubawi (Rock), Bapmudeom (Tomb), Rainbow Bridge, and Mongdol Beach.

[Lunch] Haemul-doenjang-jjigae

At the end of Daraengi Village is Sigol Halmae Yujaip Makgeolli, a restaurant known for delicious Haemul-doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew with seafood). A fresh array of clams, crabs, and shrimp are included in a soybean paste stew that is spicy—and simply delicious. The restaurant offers a great overview of the nearby sea, and visitors can also drink Makgeolli (traditional Korean wine) made of citron leaves.

Hyangiram Hermitage

Meaning "Hermitage Looking toward the Sun," it was created by the Great Monk Wonhyo in 644 A.D. Designated as Cultural Material No. 40, it is one of the four major praying spots for Kwan-yin (the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy). The hermitage is also known for a famous spot to see the sunrise as well as sunset, attracting many tourists year-round.

Suncheon Bay

The bay preserves the coastal estuary in its original form quite well. Tidal flats there have been formed over 5,000 years. Endless unfolding reed-beds in the bay are home to habitats of rare migratory birds. The S-shaped stream was chosen as one of the ten best spots to witness the glow of the sunset by Korean photographers. Known for its beautiful landscape, the bay has appeared in many Korean dramas including the mega hit, Dae Jang Geum.

[Dinner] Southwestern-style Full Course Korean Food

Suncheon boasts an outstanding array of restaurants offering Southwestern-style full course Korean dishes. The food there is known not just for its taste, but for the abundance that fills the dinner table. Befitting the regional style, many side dishes are fermented. Some side dishes included in the full-course menu are seasoned raw crabs, fermented raw skate with red pepper paste, seasonal herbs, and grilled fish and meat. Daewon Sikdang Restaurant is one of the better known restaurants in the city.

: Starting Point

This route offers an opportunity for visitors to enjoy leisurely traveling. Visitors can appreciate outstanding nature along with traditional food, culture, and leisurely walking. The route simply gives visitors the true joy of slow, leisurely traveling.

Public Transportation and Travelling

Three hours and 45 minutes by KTX from Seoul to Damyang Express Bus Terminal
By taxi from Damyang Express Bus Terminal to Slow City Changpyeong
Travelling among attractions: by rental car or taxi
(traveling by car is a good option since there is some distance between attractions)

Slow City Changpyeong

Samjinae Village within Changpyeong, Damyang was formed during the Baekje Period with 13 tradtional houses, surrounded by picturesque stone walls stretching over 3.6km. It takes approximately 40 minutes to walk along the walls decorated with garden balsams, trumpet creepers, and pumpkin vines. The area is known for traditional Korean snacks, rice taffy, and Jukyeom (salt extracted through a burning process involving bamboos) soy bean paste.

[Lunch] Damyang Tteok-galbi

Damyang Tteok-galbi (grilled ground beef rib meat patties) is known for soft beef textures and chewiness. As one of the favorite dishes among Koreans thanks to its sweet, delicious taste, it is typically served with steamed rice or wine. Some of the better known restaurants there include Deokingwan, Sinsikdang, and Hyangto.

Jungnogwon (Bamboo Garden)

Opened in 2003, this spacious garden (160,000 m2) offers a lush, recreational bamboo forest. There are eight walkways with different themes, and pavilions across the garden let visitors rest while walking. Visitors can also taste bamboo ice cream and bamboo wine with an elegant bamboo taste.

Slow City Jeungdo Island

Surrounded by the sea, the area is the largest producer of sea salt in Korea. Salt farms (4.6 million m²) produces over 10,000 to 15,000 tons of sea salt per year. Visitors can tour the Salt Museum and, with a prior reservation, can tour salt farms as well. Among the farms is Ujeon Beach that stretches over 4km, surrounded by picturesque small and large islands.

[Dinner] Seasonal Seafood

In Jeungdo, visitors can enjoy seasonal seafood (butterfish, trout, and croakers in the spring, mudskippers in the summer, bass in the fall, and gray mullets in the winter). A famous restaurant near Jeungdo Office is Gohyang Sikdang Restaurant offering local dishes, mudskipper soup, raw croaker slices, and clam soup.

: Starting Point

Jeju Island, the most famous tourist destination in Korea, offers gorgeous Hallasan Mountain, 360 volcanic mountains, and elegant beaches. Visitors can appreciate ancient nature as well as delicious food on the island.

Public Transportation and Travelling

One hour and five minutes by flight from Seoul to Jeju International Airport
By limousine bus or taxi from Jeju International Airport to Jeju Olle Trails (Trail #7)
Travelling among attractions: by rental car or taxi
(traveling by car is a good option since there is some distance between attractions)

Route Introduction

Jeju Olle Trails
Mulhoe
Hallasan National Park
Kkwong Dish

Jeju Olle Trails

Located across Jeju Island, Olle Trails connect village alleys, mountains, and coastal roads, offering great views of gorgeous landscape on the island. So far, over 19 trails have been developed, and, among them, Trail #7 (16.4km; 4.5 hours) is most famous thanks to its picturesque landscape; there, visitors can walk along yellow rape blossoms surrounded by the sea.

[Lunch] Mulhoe

Mulhoe (ice soup with raw fish) employs a mixed combination of soy bean paste and red pepper paste. Damselfish or cuttlefish is often served in Mulhoe. Cuttlefish Mulhoe is available in the summer only; thus, Damselfish is typically served in Mulhoe. Along Olle Trail #7 is Pogu Sikdang Restaurant offering icy Mulhoe.

Hallasan National Park (Trails)

In the middle of Jeju Island is Hallasan Mountain, formed through the process of hundreds of volcanic eruptions 3 billion years ago. Forming a unique ecological system, the mountain became a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2007 along with Manjanggul Cave and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak on Jeju Island. The mountain offers many exquisite trails, but mountain access time is strictly enforced so that visitors may want to explore a short-distance trail such as Eosengsaengak Trail (1.3km; one hour roundtrip travel). The trail preserves a wonderful ecological system, and, on a sunny day, the trail offers a sweeping overlook of Chujado Island, Biyangdo Island, and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak.

[Dinner] Kkwong (Pheasant) Dish

Due to many pheasants, the island offers many dishes with pheasant as a main ingredient. Dishes include raw sliced pheasants, dried sliced pheasants, or Shabu-Shabu-style pheasant dish. Sliced pheasant meat is slightly blanched in boiling water with fresh vegetables including water parsleys, napa cabbages, and white radishes. After enjoying the dish, visitors can also taste flour noodles cooked in boiling water with pine leaf powders. Daeyu Land is a better known restaurant offering pheasant dishes.

: Starting Point