Exploring Cultural Features of Korean Cities: A Guidebook to the Region of Namhae County in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, Including Dadocho Beach and Other Tourist Attractions.
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Sulli Beach
Sulli is a quaint fishing village located just over 1km south of Songjeong Solbaram Beach in Mijo-myeon. The Sulli Beach, situated here, boasts a vast expanse of white sandy shore resembling snow. Visitors can enjoy unique experiences such as fishing with a traditional fishing net, catching clams, and exploring the life of haenyeo (female divers) at the Sulli Fishing Village Experience Center. The beach benefits from a good flow of currents, promoting the growth of seaweed and attracting a variety of marine life, making it a popular spot for fishing activities among local residents. For those seeking adventure, kayaking to the nearby Sado Island during the summer allows for snorkeling in the clear seawater to observe marine life up close. Additionally, behind Sulli Village, you can find the Sulli Skywalk, which officially opened in December 2020. The transparent floor made of reinforced glass provides a stunning view of the sea below, while the observatory offers a breathtaking panorama of the Dadohae Sea, creating a captivating experience for those embarking on a southern sea-themed journey.
• Address (location): 70 Misong-ro 303beon-gil, Mijo-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Cheonha Mongdol Beach
Cheonha Mongdol Beach is a pristine beach known for its clear waters and unique pebble-covered shoreline. Since there are no docking facilities, it remains untouched by boats, making it a pure seaside escape. The river water from Geumsan flows directly into the sea, giving the beach a crystal-clear, almost transparent quality with pebbles of all sizes scattered along the shore. Wearing aqua shoes is a must for comfortable exploration. This hidden gem of a beach may be small in size and tucked away from the main road, but its facilities are top-notch and the seawater is incredibly clean. One special feature of Cheonha Mongdol Beach is the rare phenomenon where once a year, during the period from late July to late August, sand from the deep sea washes ashore, covering one side of the beach with pebbles to create a stunning pebble beach known as Mongdol Back Beach. There is also a cozy campground with wooden decks at each tent site. The campground, although small with around 7 sites, offers convenient access to shower facilities, restrooms, and a water station nearby. It’s a tranquil spot perfect for those seeking a quiet seaside retreat.
• Address (location): 1379 Songjeong-ri, Mijo-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
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Changseon Island
In Namhae County, there are two large islands called Namhae Island and Changseon Island. Among them, Changseon Island forms a single face. On Changseon Island, you can find the Queen’s Park tree, designated as a natural monument in Namhae. There are plenty of other attractions to enjoy as well, and taking a stroll along the harbor is also highly recommended for a delightful experience.
• Address (location): 6, Changseon-ro 97beon-gil, Changseon-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Mulgeonhang
Located at the eastern tip of Namhae, Mulgeonhang Port is one of the most beautiful ports, as praised by poet Gwak Jae-gu in his work ‘Fogu’s Journey.’ Nestled along the Mongdol Beach, this charming harbor is enclosed within a crescent-shaped windbreak forest known as Bangjo-eoburim. Beyond the village lies the German Village atop a hill, offering a stunning view of Mulgeonhang and the picturesque Bangjo-eoburim. This quaint harbor allows visitors to purchase freshly caught fish directly from the fishing boats. Fishing off the Bangjo-eoburim breakwater promises a variety of catches, including sentimental sea bream, rockfish, sea bass, and horse mackerel. However, access to the breakwater is only possible by fishing boat from Mulgeonhang. Visitors can also explore the German Village and the Garden Art Village, and even participate in a one-hour cruiser yacht experience at the Namhae Yacht School, or join expert yacht education programs ranging from one to three days.
• Address (location): 42-34, Dongbudaero 1030beon-gil, Samdong-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Mijo Harbor
Namhae-gun, located at the southernmost tip of Namhae Island, is home to the beautiful sea in front of Mijo Harbor. Along the coastline from Mulgeon-ri in Samdong-myeon to Mijo Harbor, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the sea, islands, and rocky cliffs that make up the scenic beauty of Namhae Sea. The coastal road, known as Mulmi Road, is a winding path that offers a unique experience, perfect for both sightseeing and fishing. Mijo Harbor, at the end of National Highway No. 19, is a picturesque fishing base where the towering Geumsan Mountain meets the blue sea, creating a stunning scenery like a painting. Heading inland from Mijo Harbor, you’ll discover a coastal drive course that leads to Palrang Village, Seolli Village, and Songjeong Beach. Songjeong Beach is a beautiful beach that feels like a lake, famous for its ‘Ecological Parking Park’ located under camphor trees. Here, you can also admire the unique scenery of garlic fields stretching along the seashore. Namhae-gun is known for producing 6% of the country’s garlic, and during spring, the fresh green garlic leaves against the backdrop of the blue sea create a captivating sight that you won’t want to miss.
• Address (location): Mi Jo-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Seosanghang
Seosanghang is located in Namhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, alongside the village of Seosang. It is well-known for the Namparanggil course. Since being designated as a local fishing port in 1972, Seosanghang has been carefully maintained. The Seosanghang breakwater stretches 270 meters and is a popular fishing spot where you can always see anglers in action. Moreover, a seaside walking trail connects Seosanghang to Janghang Forest, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely stroll by the clear blue sea and lush forest. As you walk around Seosanghang and explore the village and forest, you’ll truly experience the charm of this coastal gem.
• Address (location): 1316-6 Seosang-ri, Seomyeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
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Woncheon Port
The designated local port, Woncheon Port, is located beneath the picturesque Geumsan Mountain in Namhae County, a representative tourist destination. Serving as the starting point of the 10th course of the Namhae Coastal Trail, the breakwater at Woncheon Port is a well-known fishing spot. With waves that sound like the chirping of parrots, the port overlooks the enchanting Mangokjin Sea, often called ‘Angang Bay.’ Nearby attractions include the scenic Gacheon Daraengi Rice Paddies and the Boriam Temple atop Geumsan Mountain. At the port, you can savor fresh sashimi and anchovy rice bowl dishes at various eateries.
• Address (location): 1138-10 Shinjeon-ri, Idong-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Jangpo Port
Jangpo Port is located in Jindong-ri, Changseon-myeon, Namhae-gun. Changseon-myeon was originally a small island called Changseon Island. Thanks to the Yeonlyuk Bridge, it is now a convenient island to access. Connected to Namhae-gun’s Jijok Village by the Changseon Bridge opened in 1980, it is also linked to the mainland to the northeast by the Samcheonpo Bridge, Neukdo Bridge, and Changseon Bridge completed in 2003. Jangpo Port is a small harbor on the eastern end of Changseon Island, with a breakwater about 300m long. Only small fishing boats come and go in the peaceful Jangpo Port. The red and white lighthouses and the rocky shore around the port are well-known fishing spots in Jangpo Port area. The rocky shore around Jangpo Port is where you can catch snapper, rockfish, and mackerel, attracting fishing boats on weekends. The port area is always clean thanks to the villagers’ care. Behind the port, there is a golf course on the hill, and walking about 2km to the side leads to Mosanggae Beach.
• Address (location): 7-25, Heungseon-ro 1505-gil, Changseon-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Pyeongsan Port
Pyeongsan Port is a charming fishing village located near the village of Pyeongsan-ri in Namhae-gun, South Korea. It is said that during the Imjin War, Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a famous naval commander, built a fortress here and named it Pyeongsan Fortress. Serving as the endpoint of Namhae Barae-gil Trail Course 11 (Darangi-getgil) and the starting point of Course 12 (Imjinseong-gil), Pyeongsan Port exudes a subtle charm rather than grandeur, offering a beautiful view of the sunset. Along the coast, there is a small art museum called Barae-gil Small Art Museum, converted from a health center, which regularly hosts art exhibitions, providing plenty to see for visitors. In addition to the small art museum, Pyeongsan also boasts many other tourist attractions worth exploring, such as Pyeongsan Breakwater, Gwanseon Island, and Ananti Namhae.
• Address (location): 40, Nammyeon-ro 1739beon-gil, Namyangun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Namhae Dachoji
In Namhae-eup, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, if you head towards the direction of Idong-myeon, you will come across the Agricultural Technology Center building, with a reservoir right in front of it. This reservoir is known as Jangpyeong Reservoir, famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. Between April and June, visitors can enjoy the subtle cherry blossoms, yellow rapeseed flowers, and colorful tulips. Photographers praise it as a great spot for capturing stunning photos. At night, the lighting and lanterns create an even more enchanting scene. There are also photo zones and walking paths for capturing memorable moments.
• Address (location): Choeum-ri, I-dong-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do