Namhae 3-Day Itinerary: Top 10 Spots from German Village to Daraengi Village
Namhae, often called "Treasure Island," is a destination filled with diverse charms, from the exotic German Village to Daraengi Village, which unfolds toward the open sea. However, Namhae is a larger island than many expect, so planning your itinerary—especially your route—is crucial. Without an efficient plan, you might end up spending too much time on the road.
For those planning a trip to Namhae, this guide summarizes the top 10 must-visit spots and recommends an efficient 3-day itinerary that covers the island from east to west.
Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Namhae
Jijok Strait Jukbangnyeom (Traditional Bamboo Fishing Weirs)
The Jijok Strait, connecting Changseondo and Namhaedo islands, is famous for its rapid currents. "Jukbangnyeom" is a traditional fishing method that utilizes these strong currents to catch anchovies. Bamboo weirs are set up in a V-shape to trap fish, creating a unique landscape found only in Namhae.
Jukbangnyeom is highly valued as a National Important Fishery Heritage and a scenic spot. While it is meaningful to see during the day, it is especially popular as a sunset spot, where the silhouette of the bamboo weirs against the red-tinted evening sky creates a breathtaking view.
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| Jukbangnyeom |
Namhae German Village
This is often the starting point of a Namhae trip and the place where you can find the most exotic scenery. It is a village settled by Korean miners and nurses who were dispatched to Germany in the 1960s and 70s to aid Korea's economic development and returned after retirement. The orange-roofed German-style houses lining the hillside against the backdrop of the Namhae sea are impressive.
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| German Village |
It is fun to explore the square in the center of the village, German restaurants, and beer shops. If you visit the German Village, it is also recommended to stop by the Padok Exhibition Hall (admission fee separate) to briefly learn about their history. Tasting German Schnitzel or handmade sausages at restaurants like Danke Schnitzel or Wurstladen is a great way to enjoy the German Village experience.
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| Danke Schnitzel & Wurstladen |
Horticultural Art Village (House N Garden)
Located right next to the German Village, this is a great place to visit together. It is a village where about 20 horticultural experts gathered to decorate houses and gardens with various national themes under the theme of "Horticulture."
You can enjoy charming scenery while strolling through gardens with different country themes. It is a great spot for photos with exotic buildings and well-maintained landscaping that offer a different charm from the German Village. If you are visiting the German Village, we recommend walking over to explore this area as well.
[Horticultural Art Village Info]
- Hours: 09:00 - 18:00 (Wed - Mon)
- Closed: Every Tuesday
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Use the parking lot at the entrance
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| Horticultural Art Village |
Mulmi Coastal Observatory
This is a fantastic viewpoint you can find while driving along the beautiful coastal road in eastern Namhae. While the cylindrical observatory, designed with the concept of a lighthouse illuminating the Namhae sea, is famous on its own, it has recently become more well-known for the café and "Cliff Walk" experience operated here.
When you go up to the observatory, you can enjoy a 360-degree view, taking in the open Namhae sea and the surrounding small islands at a glance. It is located on the way from the German Village to Sangju Silver Sand Beach in the south, making it a good place to stop your car and admire the cool ocean scenery of Namhae.
[Mulmi Coastal Observatory (Cliff Walk) Info]
- Location: 720 Dongbu-daero, Samdong-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Hours: 09:00 ~ 18:00
- Fee: General 13,000 KRW (approx. $10 USD) / Children 10,000 KRW (approx. $7.70 USD) (Preschoolers)
- Parking: Available
- Tips
- The Cliff Walk experience is only available for those 120cm or taller.
- If you want to try the experience, there is a set schedule, so please check before visiting.
- Operations may change depending on weather conditions.
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| Mulmi Coastal Observatory |
Geumsan Boriam Hermitage
Boriam Hermitage on Mt. Geumsan is a top attraction in Namhae that you absolutely must not miss. It is a thousand-year-old temple located near the summit of Mt. Geumsan in Hallyeohaesang National Park, offering an overwhelming view overlooking the blue sea and islands of Namhae. This place is also famous as one of the three major Avalokitesvara prayer spots in Korea.
To get to Boriam, you have to walk uphill for about 15 minutes from the parking lot, but the scenery you encounter at the top is worth the effort.
[Geumsan Boriam Info]
- Admission: Adults 1,000 KRW (approx. $0.77 USD) (Cultural Heritage Maintenance Fee)
- Parking: Use Bokgok Parking Lot 1 (Large) and Parking Lot 2 (Small)
- Parking Fee: 5,000 KRW (approx. $3.85 USD) (Based on Bokgok Visitor Center)
- You can take a shuttle bus (extra charge) from Parking Lot 1 to the Boriam entrance, or drive up to Parking Lot 2 for a slightly closer approach.
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| Boriam Hermitage |
Sangju Silver Sand Beach
Sangju Silver Sand Beach is the most famous and largest beach in Namhae. As the name suggests, it features a wide stretch of fine, soft silver sand. Behind the beach, Mt. Geumsan surrounds it like a folding screen, creating a beautiful landscape where mountains and the sea harmonize.
With calm waves and shallow waters, it is popular as a summer vacation spot, but it is also great for walking along the beach in other seasons to enjoy the tranquil Namhae sea. It is recommended for families as there are well-equipped amenities and auto-camping sites nearby.
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| Sangju Silver Sand Beach |
Seolli Skywalk
Located not far from Sangju Silver Sand Beach, this is a thrilling ocean viewpoint. It is a glass-bottom skywalk stretching out toward the blue sea of Namhae, giving you the feeling of walking on the ocean.
In particular, the "Skywalk Swing" installed at the end of the skywalk offers a thrilling experience against the backdrop of the open sea, attracting many travelers. It is worth a visit if you want to enjoy the cool sea scenery and a thrill at the same time.
[Seolli Skywalk Info]
- Admission: Skywalk 3,000 KRW (approx. $2.30 USD) (Fees for swing etc. are separate)
- Parking: Dedicated parking lot available
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| Seolli Skywalk |
Namhae Daraengi Village
Along with the German Village, this is another iconic place representing Namhae. Terraced rice paddies stacked in 108 layers on a steep 45-degree slope create a magnificent view in harmony with the blue sea.
This place offers a glimpse into the lives and wisdom of Namhae people who cultivated barren land. The village is large and steep, so comfortable shoes are essential. We recommend walking along the coastal trail at the bottom of the village to admire the unique landscape created by the sea and the terraced paddies.
[Daraengi Village Info]
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Use Public Parking Lot 1 or 2 at the village entrance (Free)
- After parking, you must explore the village on foot. Please note the steep slopes.
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| Namhae Daraengi Village |
American Village
Located near Namhae Daraengi Village, this is another exotic village that is good to visit in the same trip. If the German Village was for Korean compatriots returning from Germany, the American Village is a settlement for Korean-Americans returning to their homeland.
American-style houses gathered on a hill evoke the feeling of a "Little America" in Namhae. Although it is smaller in scale compared to the German Village, it is good for a quick tour as part of the western course visiting Daraengi Village.
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| American Village |
Yi Sun-sin Sun-guk Park (Martyr's Park)
Located near Namhae Bridge, Yi Sun-sin Sun-guk Park was built to commemorate the Battle of Noryang, the final battle of the Imjin War, and the martyrdom of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Korea’s legendary naval hero.
This place is not just a resting space but also a site for historical education. The park is spacious and faces the sea, making it great for a peaceful walk, and it is a good course to visit at the beginning or end of your Namhae trip.
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| Yi Sun-sin Sun-guk Park |
Namhae 3-Day Itinerary Recommendation
The 10 spots introduced above are scattered across Namhae. Since Namhae is a large island with complex terrain, traveling from the east end to the west end can take over an hour. Planning your route well will allow you to enjoy your 3-day trip more comfortably.
Based on the Namhae map, it is recommended to divide the areas into East / South / West and explore one area per day at a leisurely pace. We have planned a course starting from the East, passing through the South, and moving to the West based on Namhae Bridge or Changseon-Samcheonpo Bridge, so please refer to it and adjust it to your preferences.
Summary of Recommended 3-Day Course by Region
- Day 1 (East): Jijok Strait Jukbangnyeom → German Village & Horticultural Art Village → Mulmi Coastal Observatory
- Day 2 (South): Geumsan Boriam Hermitage → Sangju Silver Sand Beach → Seolli Skywalk
- Day 3 (West): Daraengi Village → American Village → Yi Sun-sin Sun-guk Park
Namhae is a travel destination that preserves diverse aspects, from the exotic scenery of the German Village to the breathtaking views of Geumsan Boriam and the landscape of life in Daraengi Village. The island is large, so 2 nights and 3 days might feel short, but if you plan your route well, you can fully explore Namhae's charming destinations.
We hope you plan your own enjoyable trip to Namhae by referring to the 10 spots and the 3-day itinerary moving from East to West organized in this article.
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