Top 10 Things to Do in Gangjin: Explore Nature and History in Jeollanam-do
Gangjin in Jeollanam-do is a southern destination where nature, history, and culture breathe together. Known as the home of Goryeo Celadon, it is also the place of exile for Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, a renowned scholar of the Joseon Dynasty, and home to central temples of southern Buddhism. With its harmonious blend of sea, mountains, old villages, and traditional culture, many seek this place for a quiet and healing journey.
In this article, we will summarize the Top 10 Things to Do in Gangjin, highlighting must-visit spots, representative local food, and recommended travel courses at a glance.
Top 10 Things to Do in Gangjin
Muwisa Temple
Muwisa Temple is a thousand-year-old temple founded during the Silla Dynasty, housing the Geungnakjeon Hall, which is designated as National Treasure No. 13. The temple grounds preserve ancient halls, a three-story stone pagoda, and treasure-level cultural assets. The cozy mountain surroundings give off a unique serenity characteristic of Korean temples.
The view of the forest and valley from the temple's front yard is impressive, and it is especially great for a walk in early summer when the greenery deepens. Although it is a religious site, general visitors can comfortably explore it, making it highly recommended for travelers interested in Buddhist culture and traditional architecture.
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| Muwisa Temple |
Dasan Chodang
Dasan Chodang is the place where Jeong Yak-yong, a scholar of the late Joseon Dynasty, stayed during his exile. It is a significant historical site where his profound philosophy and books were born. The cottage is located on a mountainside overlooking Gangjin Bay, and walking paths connect it to nearby historical sites.
Inside the cottage, the space used by Jeong Yak-yong has been recreated, and you can view materials related to his life and exile period at the nearby 'Dasan Museum'. The forest path around the cottage is secluded and gentle, making it perfect for a light stroll.
When you visit in person, the simple building and the surrounding scenery blend well, allowing you to feel the harmony between the scholar's spirit and nature.
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| Dasan Chodang |
Goryeo Celadon Museum & Kiln Sites
Gangjin is the birthplace of Goryeo Celadon, and kiln sites and relics from the Goryeo Dynasty still remain today. At the Goryeo Celadon Museum, you can see actual excavated celadon, models of kiln structures, and restored ceramic works.
The exhibition halls are systematically organized from the historical background of celadon to the production process. In some exhibitions, you can even experience carving patterns onto celadon yourself.
Around the museum, there is the 'Gangjin Goryeo Celadon Kiln Site', where you can explore about 180 ancient kiln sites.
If you are interested in cultural heritage, this is a highly recommended place for your Gangjin travel itinerary.
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| Goryeo Celadon Museum |
Gaudo Suspension Bridge
Gaudo is a small island floating in the middle of Gangjin Bay and is a trekking hotspot where you can walk around the entire island. It is connected by bridges, making it easily accessible without a vehicle.
At the entrance to the island lies the 'Gaudo Suspension Bridge', offering an experience akin to walking on the sea. With a zip track, walking trails, and an observatory, it is considered the most active course of a day trip.
From the observatory, Gangjin Bay and the South Sea unfold before your eyes, and on clear days, you can even see as far as Wando. It is popular among families and couples, and is a famous photography spot during sunset hours.
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| Gaudo Suspension Bridge |
Maryang Port
Maryang Port is Gangjin's representative harbor facing the South Sea. Sashimi restaurants, cafes, and photo zones line the harbor, and you can observe fishing boats coming and going up close. The coastal walking path is well-maintained, and it is a beautiful place where the sunset spreads red over the sea at dusk.
From the Maryang Port Observatory nearby, you can enjoy the southern coastal scenery where the sea and islands connect. If you use a cruise ship departing from nearby, you can also view Gaudo from the sea.
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| Maryang Port |
Gangjin Jeolla Byeongyeongseong Fortress
Jeolla Byeongyeongseong was where the Jeolla Army Commander was stationed during the Joseon Dynasty, serving as a strategic military point and a historical site. Restored fortress walls and government office buildings remain, allowing you to see the structure of the barracks at that time.
The path along the fortress wall is gentle and great for walking, and in spring and autumn, the silver grass and maple paths around the walls are beautiful. Inside the fortress, there is an exhibition hall introducing military life in the Joseon Dynasty, and traditional martial arts demonstrations or experience programs are operated during certain periods.
Baegundong Garden (Byeolseo Garden)
Baegundong Garden is a traditional Byeolseo garden (a retreat villa) where Joseon scholars enjoyed academics and leisure amidst nature. Mountains, valleys, ponds, and pavilions are harmoniously arranged, offering a quiet atmosphere.
Inside the garden, there is a pavilion called 'Aereryeonjeong', and walking along the surrounding forest paths reveals beautiful natural scenery that changes with every season. Baegundong Garden has been selected as one of the '100 Beautiful Gardens of Korea' and is popular as a photography spot. It is a great place to visit any time of the year, with fresh greenery in spring, the sound of valley water in summer, and autumn foliage in fall.
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| Baegundong Garden |
Yeongrang Birthplace
Yeongrang Birthplace is the house where poet Kim Yun-sik (Pen name: Yeongrang), a native of Gangjin, was born and raised. A restored Hanok (traditional Korean house), a literature monument, and a memorial hall are located together. In the yard of the birthplace, you can see a stone monument engraved with verses from his representative poem 'Until Peonies Bloom', and the Anchae (inner quarters) and Sarangchae (men's quarters) recreate the lifestyle of that time.
Nearby, the World Peony Park is established, where peonies bloom fully every spring. It is a space where literature and nature blend, making it a good course for a quiet walk and relaxation.
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| Yeongrang Birthplace |
Baengnyeonsa Temple
Baengnyeonsa Temple is a symbolic temple of Gangjin and a place where Jeong Yak-yong stayed and frequently visited from Dasan Chodang. Founded in the 9th century during the Unified Silla period, it is an ancient temple surrounded by mountains, offering beautiful scenery all year round.
The temple grounds feature old wooden buildings, a pond, and a bamboo forest path, making it great for walks. Lotuses and plum blossoms bloom in spring, and autumn foliage creates spectacular views in fall. The view of the Dadohae (archipelago) from Baengnyeonsa is one of the top scenic points in Gangjin travel.
A gentle uphill path leads from the entrance to the main hall, and walking slowly will get you there in a short time. It is a good place to enjoy meditation and rest in a quiet atmosphere.
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| Baengnyeonsa Temple |
Gangjin Bay Ecological Park
Gangjin Bay Ecological Park is a natural eco-tourism site preserving the wetlands and reed fields of the Gangjin Bay area. Walking along the long promenade, you can encounter migratory bird observation decks, observatories, and wooden bridges passing through the reed forests.
In autumn, the reeds turn golden, making it well-known as a photography spot. The park is mostly flat, making it easy for families to visit, and at sunset, you can see the beautiful scenery of the glow and reed fields.
It is a great finishing course to stop by when you want to spend leisurely time in nature.
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| Gangjin Bay Ecological Park |
Gangjin's Representative Food
As a home of Namdo (Southern province) cuisine, Gangjin is characterized by dishes made with seafood, wild vegetables, and sauces. With the sea and mountains nearby, the freshness of ingredients is high, and the seasoning is moderate so anyone can enjoy it without burden. In particular, Gangjin's Baekban (Traditional Korean Set Meal) is served at the level of a full-course meal with various side dishes and seasonal ingredients, allowing you to feel the essence of the southern table. One of the points of Gangjin travel is tasting various Namdo foods.
Recommended Menu in Gangjin
- Baekban (Set Meal): Served with various side dishes such as Braised Mackerel, Seasoned Cockles, Abalone Porridge, and Soybean Paste Stew.
- Local Food: Towards the inland areas, there are many warm dishes like Cheonggukjang (Fast-fermented Bean Paste), Pork Bulgogi, and Tofu Hot Pot.
- Seafood Dishes: Near Maryang Port and Gaudo, you can easily find seafood dishes such as Sashimi, Webfoot Octopus, and Cuttlefish.
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| Gangjin Food |
Recommended Gangjin Travel Courses
Although the distance to Gangjin is far, major tourist attractions within Gangjin are close to each other, making movement convenient. You can efficiently tour by combining courses according to your schedule to enjoy nature, history, and the sea altogether.
One-Day Course
- Maryang Port → Goryeo Celadon Museum → Gaudo Suspension Bridge → Baengnyeonsa Temple → Dasan Chodang → Seokmun Park
This is a good course to look around Gangjin's representative spots on a short schedule.
2 Days 1 Night Course
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Day 1: Dasan Chodang → Baengnyeonsa Temple → Yeongrang Birthplace
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Day 2: Celadon Museum → Byeongyeongseong Fortress → Gaudo → Sunset at Maryang Port
It is good to organize the first day around cultural heritage and the second day around the sea and harbor scenery.
3 Days 2 Nights Course
- Day 1: Celadon Museum → Dasan Chodang → Baengnyeonsa Temple
- Day 2: Baegundong Garden → Yeongrang Birthplace
- Day 3: Gaudo → Gangjin Bay Ecological Park → Maryang Port Cafe Street
If you have time, be sure to include Gangjin Bay Ecological Park and Baegundong Garden. It is a great course for a healing trip.
Gangjin, Jeollanam-do, is a quiet but rich travel destination. You can fully feel the sentiment of the southern province, from the history of Celadon culture and the footsteps of Dasan Jeong Yak-yong to the beautiful scenery. The Top 10 Things to Do in Gangjin introduced in this article are attractions you can sufficiently explore even on a short schedule. If you want to stay quietly and feel the slow time of the south, how about leaving for Gangjin this weekend?
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