Beyond Seoul: Unveiling the Magic of Korea’s Small Towns

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The Soul of South Korea Outside of Seoul

South Korea is much more than its big cities—much more than Seoul. Think Seoul is the heart of South Korea? Think again. The real heartbeat of the country thrives in Korea’s small towns, where life slows down, and traditions come alive. While the big cities may boast power, infrastructure, and industry, the soul of South Korea resides in the mountainous terrain of its villages and towns. Here’s a great travel tip for South Korea: if you want to truly experience the essence of this country, you’ll find it in the farmlands, traditional hanoks, local customs, and festivals scattered throughout Korea’s small towns, far outside of Seoul.

Table of Contents

• The Soul of South Korea Outside of Seoul
• There’s Way More than Seoul
• Jinhae
• Boseong
• Mungyeong
• Cheongdo
• Gyeongju
• Jeju Island
• Andong
• Pohang
• Damyang

There’s Way More than Seoul

Small Towns in South Korea You Should Visit

If you want to experience the heart and soul of South Korea, look no further than its small cities and towns. From traditional architecture to local customs and festivals, these small towns are the perfect place to immerse yourself in South Korea’s unique way of life. In this article, I’ll be sharing five of my favorite small cities and towns around South Korea that are sure to give you an unforgettable and authentic experience.

Jinhae

Jinhae-gu is an area located in the city of Changwon, South Korea. In Korea’s small towns like Jinhae, the cherry blossom festivals offer a breathtaking experience each spring. The Jinhae Gunhangje (cherry blossom) Festival celebrates the city’s abundant cherry blossoms. For two weeks, from the end of March to the second week of April, this small town in South Korea plays host to millions of visitors. The trees bloom throughout the city and the surrounding mountains, with Gyeonghwa Station being the best spot to see the blossoms. There is a mile-long stretch of trees that saturate the air with the fragrant, yet short-lived blooms. The festival also features parades, food stalls, and cultural celebrations. In addition to the festival, Jinhae Bay is home to 26 small islands that are waiting to be explored.

The festival takes place in multiple locations in the Jinhae District and around the Jinhae Jungwon Rotary, located at 9 Tongsin-dong, Changwon, South Korea.

Boseong

Traditional Tea Plantations

Boseong is a small, but pretty county and the green tea farming capital of South Korea. Forty percent of all the tea produced in South Korea comes from Boseong. Visitors here can see life in of the small towns of South Korea. Traditional terraced farmlands are dotted with local women handpicking the tea leaves. The green tea that is farmed in Boseong is known for its high quality, which has been developed over a 1600-year history. And if you’re looking for something to do around Christmas time check out the Boseong Annual Light Festival which lights up local tea terraces. The tea plantations in Boseong exemplify the charm of Korea’s small towns, with lush landscapes and rich traditions.

Boseong Green Tea Field Daehan Dawon: Bongsan-ri, Boseong-eup, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea +82 61-852-4540

Tea Museum of Korea: 775 Nokcha-ro, Boseong-eup, Boseong, Jeollanam-do, South Korea +82 61-852-5806

Mungyeong

For fans of South Korean dramas, the small town of Mungyeong might feel familiar. It serves as a filming location for many historical KBS dramas. Visitors can explore the actual sets of some popular dramas, immersing themselves in the world of their favorite shows. Imagine yourself in the midst of one of these extravagant productions. The website can be found here. The Mungyeongsaejae Open Set: 932 Saejae-ro, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, +82545710709

Mungyeong has provided the backdrop for several iconic dramas, including “The King’s Face,” “The Slave Hunters (Chuno),” “The Return of Iljimae,” “Jumong,” “Hwang Jin Yi,” and “Emperor of the Sea.” Each of these dramas brought the rich history of Korea to life, and Mungyeong’s well-preserved traditional architecture and scenic landscapes made them all the more authentic.

Besides being a drama hotspot, Mungyeong is where my friends and I once challenged ourselves by pedaling a rail car along the scenic routes. There are a couple of things in Mungyeong for those looking for a little adventure. Mungyeong Rail Bike is a specially-designed bike that is semi motorized and runs along abandoned railroad tracks.

Mungyeong Rail Bicycle: 155 Jinnam 1-gil, Maseong-myeon, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea +82545538300

The town is also home to a popular zip line park, offering thrilling aerial views of the area. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance, as it’s a sought-after activity. Mungyeong Zipline operates 487m above sea level in the Booljeong Recreational Forest and operates 9 biplane courses to take advantage of the variable landscapes and greenery. 

Zipline Korea Mungyeong:: 174 Buljeong-gil, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea +8215885219

Cheongdo

Traditional Bull Fighting & Persimmon Wine

The Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival celebrates the traditional art of bullfighting in the Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Drawing over half a million visitors annually since its inception in 1999, the festival is the largest bullfighting championship in the country. In addition to the bullfighting championship, the festival offers a number of exciting events including performances, hands-on experience programs, and exhibitions of the history of bullfighting, local agriculture, cows, etc.

Unlike Spain, France, and Mexico, there are no matadors, blood or gore. Hundreds of bulls are released into the 10,000 capacity stadium where they butt heads until one asserts his dominance over the others. But they all live to moo another day. The festival last four days in March or April. Traditional festivals in Korea’s small towns, such as Cheongdo, highlight the unique cultural experiences beyond the cities.

Cheongdo Bullfighting Stadium: 348 Namseonghyeon-ro, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, +82543708000

Other Things to Do in Cheongdo

Cheongdo is a fantastic destination offering a diverse range of activities. Visitors can explore the Wine Tunnel, an abandoned train tunnel transformed into a winery where you can taste persimmon wine. The town also features several museums, including the Cheongdo History Museum is a stunning place for history buffs. Afterward, you can unwind in cozy cafes—some of my favorites in South Korea—offering delicious food with stunning mountain, river, and lake views. Nature lovers can also enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Cheongdo Arboretum. For those seeking adventure, the Gunpark Luge offers a thrilling ride down scenic tracks, adding a dash of excitement to your visit.

Cheongdo Wine Tunnel: 100 Songgeum-gil, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Gyeongju

Gyeongju showcases Korea’s small towns at their best, with ancient history and beautifully preserved architecture. Located on South Korea’s eastern coast, Gyeongju is one of the country’s best small towns to experience traditional architecture and the rich history of the Silla Dynasty. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and top attractions include the Bulguksa Temple, the Royal Tombs, and the Gyeongju National Museum, which houses over 16,000 artifacts. Gyeongju is also one of my favorite towns for people-watching along the bustling Hwangnidan-gil Street, a popular area filled with charming traditional hanok cafes and restaurants that capture the essence of Korean culture.

Jeju Island

Traditional Island Life

Jeju is a semi-tropical island just off the southernmost point of South Korea’s mainland, and my visit there was unforgettable. Jeju Island, though often seen as a major destination, also has the feel of Korea’s small towns with its serene natural beauty. I spent a week exploring the island with one of my Korean friends and a professional photographer, capturing its stunning beauty. The two main cities, Jeju City in the north and Seogwipo City in the south, each offered something unique. Jeju City, the island’s largest and main gateway, was bustling with activity and served as our base for exploring the rest of the island. Seogwipo City, on the other hand, captivated me with its natural beauty, including breathtaking waterfalls, cliffs, and scenic spots like Sunrise Peak and the World Cup Stadium.

Island Life

Jeju, being South Korea’s largest island, boasts some of the most stunning natural landscapes I’ve ever seen. The hikes I did there, especially up Hallasan, the country’s tallest mountain, were great accomplishments that really pushed me. Reaching the summit and seeing the crater of the extinct volcano was awe-inspiring. The island’s unique lava tubes, formed by ancient eruptions, added another layer of fascination to my experience.

One of the highlights on one of my trips was hiking to Seongsan Ilchulbong, or Sunrise Peak with Steven, to catch the sunrise. The early morning trek was tough, but the reward of watching the sun rise over the island was worth every step. Jeju’s microclimate also amazed me, supporting a wide variety of beautiful flowers like cherry blossoms, barley, cosmos, and roses. The Cheonjiyeon Waterfall was another natural wonder I couldn’t miss, and the island’s beautiful beaches provided the perfect spot to relax after all the adventure.

Getting to Jeju was easy too—I booked a cheap flight out of Daegu on Asiana, making this incredible getaway both accessible and unforgettable.

Andong

Traditional Folk Village

Andong is famous for its annual Mask Festival, where performers from all over the world compete in vibrant and captivating displays. The Mask Museum is a must-visit, showcasing fascinating masks from across the globe. To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, you can stay in a traditional Hanok home, allowing you to experience the serene landscape firsthand.

No visit to Andong is complete without exploring the Andong Hahoe Folk Village. This historic village offers a peaceful setting to stroll around and enjoy a blend of modern and traditional Korean life. If you happen to miss the Mask Festival, don’t worry—the village provides a shortened mask dance performance for visitors. Be sure to take a few minutes to explore the Mask Museum, and if you wish, you can even arrange to stay overnight in one of the traditional Hanoks offered by the village.

Pohang

The Hand of Harmony in Pohang is challenging to find, especially at night. I went to bed later than planned. So I set my alarm and decided to see how I felt in the morning. At 4:30 AM, I woke up feeling energetic and ready to go. I packed my camera gear and snacks, then headed out.

However, it didn’t take long to realize the trip, originally planned for 90 minutes, was closer to two hours. I needed to reach Homigot Sunrise Plaza by 7:13 AM for sunrise. This left very little room for error, which often happens when driving in South Korea.

Despite the rush, the effort was worth it. Pohang offers the Hand of Harmony, a swimmable beach, a lighthouse, and more. During New Year, the locals gather to watch the first sunrise, creating a festive atmosphere. It’s traditional to eat tteokguk (rice cake soup) on this day, marking a fresh start. This adds to the cultural experience. The Hand of Harmony in Pohang illustrates how Korea’s small towns blend natural beauty with cultural significance. For more information, you can contact the Pohang tourism office at +82-54-270-5855.

Pohang has some of the most stunning cafes on the peninsula, some of them perched on the edge of the ocean. Check out some of my favorite cafes in Pohang here.

Damyang

The Damyang Bamboo Forest, spanning over 2.4 kilometers, is a breathtaking expanse of towering bamboo trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. Located near Korea’s southern tip, Damyang is a small county that encompasses several quaint towns and villages. This region is a haven for bamboo enthusiasts, attracting visitors with its abundance of bamboo-related attractions, including a dedicated bamboo theme park and a fascinating bamboo museum.

As you explore Damyang, you’ll find shops offering a variety of bamboo kitchen supplies and other practical gifts, perfect for bringing a piece of this unique place home. Don’t miss the chance to sample some of the region’s more unusual offerings, like bamboo wine or bamboo-flavored ice cream—both local specialties that capture the essence of Damyang.

For more information, visit the official Korea Tourism website here.

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