What is Sancheong famous for?

Sancheong is famous for being a wellness destination with clean energy from Mt. Jirisan. It is known as the home of traditional Korean medicine (Donguibogam Village) and offers stunning natural scenery like Hwangmaesan Mountain.

Is hiking to Cheonwangbong Peak difficult?

Yes, the Jungsan-ri course is the shortest but steepest route to the summit (1,915m). It requires proper hiking gear and takes about 9 hours round trip.

What can I do at Donguibogam Village?

You can visit the Museum of Oriental Medicine, experience thermal therapy, walk across the suspension bridge, and touch the 'Gi Rock' to receive good energy.

When is the Sancheong Market open?

Sancheong Market operates as a traditional 5-day market. The market days are on the 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, and 26th of every month.

Are there good cafes in Sancheong?

Yes, 'Cafe Sancheongyo' offers traditional desserts in a pottery workshop setting, and 'Bangmokri Cafe' is famous for its panoramic mountain views.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Sancheong: Essential Travel Guide & Best Cafes

Sancheong, Gyeongsangnam-do, embracing the clear energy of Mt. Jirisan, is a travel destination perfect for healing in nature. From Heo Jun, the renowned doctor of the Joseon Dynasty, to the famous brothers Chosam and Chogaek who gained fame even in China, Sancheong is well-known as the home of traditional Korean medicine that has produced outstanding oriental doctors.

In this article, for those planning a trip to Sancheong, we will summarize the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sancheong you must visit, along with cafes with great atmosphere.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Sancheong (Essential Travel Course)

Donguibogam Village

It is the most visited representative place in Sancheong travel. It is a huge oriental medicine theme park with the theme of healing and health, where the 2013 Sancheong World Traditional Medicine Expo was held. Major attractions include the 'Gi (Energy) Rock', known for giving the good energy of Donguibogam Village, the 'Museum of Oriental Medicine' where you can see the history of Korean medicine, and the 'Mureung Bridge' suspension bridge with beautiful scenery.

Tips for Visitors

The village park itself is open year-round, making it great for a walk at any time.
The Theme Pavilion and the Museum of Oriental Medicine have a separate admission fee (Adults: 2,000 KRW / approx. $1.50 USD), and operating hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. (Closed every Monday, January 1st, Seollal/Chuseok holidays)
You can also enjoy health-related experience programs such as oriental thermal therapy (paid service).
Since the entire site is very large, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.

Donguibogam Village

Hwangmaesan County Park

Hwangmaesan Mountain is a representative natural attraction in Sancheong that shows beautiful scenery in all four seasons. In particular, Royal Azaleas cover the mountain in spring, and Silver Grass creates a spectacular view in autumn. You can drive up near the summit, making it easy for even beginner hikers to enjoy the open panoramic view.

Admission is free and it is always open, but roads or trails may be controlled depending on weather conditions, so it is recommended to check before visiting.

Parking Fee: Separate fees may apply depending on the season or event (approx. 5,000 KRW / $3.70 USD for compact cars).

Deck path and grassland on Hwangmaesan ridge

Hwangmaesan Mountain

Geobwesa (Seongcheol Monk Birthplace)

Geobwesa is a temple built on the birthplace site of Ven. Seongcheol. It means 'a temple that transcends time and space', and unlike ordinary temples, it has a neat and modern feel. There is a statue of the monk, a memorial hall, and his birthplace, making it a good place to walk quietly and reflect on the teachings of Monk Seongcheol.

Operating Hours: 9:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM (Open year-round)
Admission: Free
Parking: Free parking available

Geobwesa Temple

Namsa Yedam Village

Designated as 'Korea's Most Beautiful Village No. 1', this place is especially famous for its quiet stone wall paths. It is great for a slow walk through the village full of old Hanok (traditional houses) and atmosphere. In particular, the 'Couple Scholar Tree (Pagoda Tree)', which is said to bring a lifelong happy marriage, is a symbolic spot here.

Namsa Yedam Village

Guhyeongwangneung (King Guhyeong's Tomb)

It has a unique appearance completely different from ordinary royal tombs. It is said to be the tomb of King Guhyeong, the last king of Gaya Kingdom, and is a pyramid-shaped stone tomb (Seokchong) rather than an earthen mound. It is a rare type of tomb in Korea, and is worth visiting if you are interested in history.

Guhyeongwangneung

Sancheong Market

Located in the town of Sancheong, this is a traditional market where you can meet the warm scenery of a rural marketplace. Although it operates as a permanent market, we recommend visiting on a 5-day market day if your travel schedule fits. On market days, the market is filled with a more vibrant atmosphere.

Here, it is fun to look at local specialties such as fresh wild vegetables grown at the foot of Mt. Jirisan, precious medicinal herbs, and mushrooms. In particular, it is a space full of warmth as you can see many pollution-free crops collected or grown in vegetable gardens by local grandmothers.

5-day Market Dates: 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, 26th of every month

Sancheong Market

Saengcho International Sculpture Park

Saengcho International Sculpture Park is a unique cultural art space where art and history harmonize. Here, ancient tombs from the Gaya period and works by domestic and international modern sculptors mingle together, allowing you to feel both ancient and modern times simultaneously.

The park is located in a scenic spot overlooking the clear Gyeonghogang River, making it great for a walk. The best time to visit is around April and May every year. During this period, the 'Saengcho International Sculpture Park Moss Phlox Festival' is held, where the entire park is filled with vivid pink Moss Phlox (flower turf), creating a wonderful landscape with the sculptures.

Saengcho International Sculpture Park

Jirisan Cheonwangbong Peak (Jungsan-ri Course)

Cheonwangbong Peak of Mt. Jirisan is the highest peak of the mountain at 1,915m above sea level. The hiking trail starting from the Sancheong Jungsan-ri Information Center is known as the shortest course to climb Cheonwangbong. The course usually starts from the Jungsan-ri parking lot, passes Kalbawi Rock, Jangteomok Shelter or Rotary Shelter, and reaches the summit.

However, being the shortest course does not mean it is an easy path. The slope is very steep and it belongs to a high-difficulty course. Depending on individual stamina, it can take more than 9 hours round trip including breaks, so you must challenge yourself with a thorough hiking plan, proper clothing, and equipment.

Steep rocky ridge on Jirisan Jungsan-ri Course

Jirisan Cheonwangbong Peak (Jungsan-ri Course)

Daewonsa Valley

If you are looking for a healing trekking course in Jirisan, Daewonsa Valley is recommended. This is the entrance to the Jirisan hiking trail and embraces Daewonsa Temple, a representative Bhikkhuni (Buddhist nun) meditation center in Korea. The path walking along the valley offers healing throughout the walk with the harmony of the sound of exceptionally clear water and the wind in the dense Geumgang pine forest.

The most popular course is the 3.5km section starting from the Daewonsa parking lot, passing Daewonsa Temple, and reaching Yupyeong Village. This path is well maintained with relatively gentle deck paths, so anyone can walk comfortably, and it takes about 3 hours round trip. It is especially famous for its beautiful autumn foliage harmonizing with the surrounding scenery.

Daewonsa Valley

Jeongchwiam Hermitage

Jeongchwiam is a hermitage nestled against the rocky cliffs of Daeseongsan Mountain. It has been called 'Little Geumgang (referencing the scenic beauty of Mt. Geumgang)' since ancient times because its auspicious energy and scenery are comparable to Mt. Geumgang. It is said to have been founded by Great Monk Uisang in the 6th year of King Sinmun of Silla.

The scenery of Sancheong town and mountains and rivers overlooking from the hermitage is outstanding, and it is also known as a beautiful place for sunrise and sunset. Although it is located on a cliff, it may seem difficult to visit, but you can access the entrance of the hermitage by car, so you can face the magnificent view relatively comfortably.

Jeongchwiam Hermitage

Cafes with Good Atmosphere in Sancheong

We introduce two atmospheric cafes that are good for taking a break during your trip to Sancheong. If your travel route and schedule fit, it is good to stop by for a while and spend a relaxing time drinking tea.

Cafe Sancheongyo

Cafe Sancheongyo is a quiet cafe operated together with a pottery workshop. As a space run directly by a ceramic artist, ceramic works are displayed throughout the cafe, making it fun to look around.

It is good to relax while looking at the garden in a quiet atmosphere, and in addition to general coffee menus, you can enjoy Korean desserts such as Red Bean Shaved Ice (Patbingsu) or Grilled Rice Cake (Garaetteok) unique to this place.

Operating Hours: 11:00 AM ~ 7:00 PM
Closed: Every Monday (Open if it is a public holiday)

Cafe Sancheongyo

Bangmokri Cafe

Bangmokri Cafe is a large cafe in Sancheong famous for its open 'Mountain View'. Hanok and modern buildings are in harmony, and the 'Sky Stairway' photo zone, where you can take pictures with the mountain in the background, is especially popular with visitors.

Since it is located on the middle of the mountain, the road up to the cafe is somewhat steep, so it is recommended to visit by car. It is a great place to enjoy coffee leisurely while looking at the wonderful mountain view.

Operating Hours: 10:00 AM ~ 9:00 PM (Open year-round, however, closing time or last order time may vary by day.)

Bangmokri Cafe

So far, we have summarized the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sancheong where you can feel the clear energy of Mt. Jirisan, and 2 Cafes with Good Atmosphere that will be a resting point for your trip.

Sancheong is a place with diverse charms, from the healthy healing of 'Donguibogam Village' to the beautiful nature of 'Hwangmaesan Mountain' and 'Daewonsa Valley', and the quiet history of 'Namsa Yedam Village'. We hope that the essential Sancheong courses introduced in this article will be helpful in planning a pleasant Sancheong trip.