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There are great many things to do in South Korea, and so are in Changwon.
Changwon, the gleaming gem of Gyeongsang Province, offers a plethora of dazzling activities and sights to behold.
With a treasure trove of culture, art, and natural beauty at your fingertips, there’s never a dull moment in this enchanting city.
Ready to dive into Changwon’s spellbinding array of experiences?
Let’s explore.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Changwon:
1. Masan Fish Market
Masan Fish Market is a bustling seafood market located in Changwon, South Korea. It is one of the largest fish markets in the region.
What to see or do: Visitors can witness the lively atmosphere of fishermen and vendors selling a diverse range of live and freshly caught seafood, including squid, octopus, crabs, fish, and shrimp.
It is interesting to see how the seafood is cleaned, gutted, and sold to customers.
Don’t miss: Try the famous hongeo (fermented skate) dish which is a specialty of the region.
You can enjoy this unique and pungent-smelling dish at one of the many small restaurants located in and around the market.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is early in the morning when the market is at its busiest.
2. Changwon Central Park
Changwon Central Park is a popular park located in the heart of Changwon city in South Korea. Spanning over 290,000 square meters, it is the largest urban park in South Korea.
What to see or do: The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, ranging from sports facilities to walking trails and gardens. The park has a beautiful lake with paddle boats to rent, where visitors can enjoy a peaceful time.
Kids can enjoy the impressive playgrounds, while sports enthusiasts can head to the soccer field, the basketball and tennis courts.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss visiting the beautiful Rose Garden in the park, which has over 220 different types of roses on display. There’s also an outdoor stage where concerts and cultural performances are often held.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the park during sunset for a romantic stroll and get a glimpse of the stunning skyline of the city.
3. Yongji Lake Scenic Area
Yongji Lake Scenic Area is a beautiful natural park located in Changwon, South Korea. It boasts an enormous lake that stretches over 100 hectares in size.
What to see or do: The park offers a wide array of activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and cycling. Visitors can rent a bike to explore the park’s scenic trails that include a boardwalk and a suspension bridge.
There’s also an amusement park for thrill-seekers, an observatory tower, and a historical museum.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the Crystal Boat that takes you across the lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The boat is made of transparent glass and offers a unique experience that is hard to find elsewhere.
Insider travel tips: If you plan to hike, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. During the summer months, it can get quite hot, so it’s advisable to schedule your visit accordingly.
Additionally, there are many restaurants and food vendors around the park that offer delicious Korean cuisine. Be sure to try the local seafood, which is particularly fresh and flavorful.
4. Jinhae Naval Port Festival
Jinhae Naval Port Festival is an annual festival held in April in Changwon, South Korea to celebrate the cherry blossom season.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom along with a parade, traditional performances, exhibitions, and more.
The naval port also opens its gates to visitors during the festival, giving them a peek into the Korean navy’s everyday life.
Don’t miss: The Yeojwacheon Stream, surrounded by cherry blossom trees, is a popular attraction during the festival. Another highlight is the night illumination where the cherry blossom trees are lit up at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: The festival can get crowded, so it’s best to visit on weekdays rather than weekends. Try local street food, tteokbokki (rice cakes) or fried chicken in the festival area.
Check out the festival program ahead of time and plan your visit accordingly.
5. Seongju Temple
A historic Buddhist temple located in Changwon, South Korea.
What to see or do: Explore the beautiful temple grounds, which include a main hall, bell pavilion, and various smaller buildings. Admire the intricate architecture and ancient Korean artwork throughout the complex.
Take a stroll along the peaceful walking trails surrounded by nature.
Don’t miss: The Seokseojeon Shrine, where the temple’s founder is enshrined, and the stunning Sakyamuni Buddha statue inside the main hall.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to check the temple’s schedule before planning your visit, as there are occasional ceremonies held that may limit access.
Take note that the temple is located on a steep hill, so comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Additionally, visiting during the autumn months offers stunning views of the fall foliage.
6. Gimhae Lotte Water Park
Gimhae Lotte Water Park is a popular water park in Changwon, South Korea.
What to see or do: The water park has a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages. There are multiple water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a children’s pool.
Visitors can also enjoy lounging in the sun on the poolside chairs or renting a cabana for additional shade.
Don’t miss: If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, don’t miss the Tornado slide which will take you on a thrilling ride while spinning around in a giant funnel.
Another popular attraction is the Monster Blaster slide that takes riders on a high-speed water rollercoaster.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive early to avoid crowds and long lines.
7. Gagopa Fashion Town
Gagopa Fashion Town is a shopping complex in the city of Changwon, South Korea, known for its trendy fashion and affordable prices.
What to see or do: Explore the numerous shops and boutiques that offer a variety of clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women. Keep an eye out for the latest Korean fashion trends and stylish outfits.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to bargain and haggle with shopkeepers to get the best deals. Gagopa Fashion Town also offers a food court with a variety of Korean and international cuisine options.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid the crowds and find even better deals. Some shops may not accept credit cards, so remember to bring cash.
Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts or freebies, as some shops may offer special promotions for foreigners.
8. Masan Gagopa Chacha Town
Masan Gagopa Chacha Town is a trendy neighborhood located in the Masan district of Changwon.
What to see or do: Stroll along the charming streets filled with vibrant street art and murals.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to try the famous chacha (crunchy deep-fried chicken) at one of the restaurants in the area- it’s a local specialty.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit during the week to avoid the crowds on weekends.
9. Changwon Exhibition Convention Center
The Changwon Exhibition Convention Center (CECO) is a state-of-the-art venue for fairs, exhibitions, and conventions located in Changwon, South Korea.
What to see or do: CECO offers a variety of exhibitions, conventions, and events throughout the year.
The venue boasts three exhibition halls, four convention halls, a conference room, and a grand ballroom, all equipped with advanced audio-visual equipment and modern facilities.
Don’t miss: The annual Changwon K-pop World Festival, which is hosted at CECO, draws K-pop fans from all over the world.
There are also many other popular events that are held in the center, including the Changwon Specialty Products Exhibition and the Changwon International Robot Contest.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting CECO for an event, be sure to book your accommodations in advance, as hotels in the area can fill up quickly.
Additionally, plan to arrive early to avoid traffic and give yourself plenty of time to navigate the grounds.
10. Seonggok Art Museum
Seonggok Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located in the city of Changwon, South Korea.
What to see or do: Visitors can view a diverse range of artworks by both established and emerging artists from Korea and around the world. The Museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, and installations that are sure to captivate art lovers of all tastes.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the outdoor sculpture park, featuring an array of large-scale sculptures set amidst a tranquil garden environment.
Visitors can also enjoy a cup of tea and light snacks at the onsite cafe while taking in the scenery.
Insider travel tips: -Due to the museum’s location on a hilltop, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.
11. Changwon National Industrial Complex Memorial Hall
Changwon National Industrial Complex Memorial Hall is a museum that celebrates the history of the Changwon National Industrial Complex, the largest industrial complex in Korea during the 1970s and 1980s.
What to see or do: The museum showcases the early days of the complex’s development and how it played a critical role in Korea’s economic growth.
Visitors can see old machines, company uniforms, and photographs of workers. There are also interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience some of the work processes like assembling car parts.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a look at the scale model of the industrial complex, which shows the sheer size and scope of the complex and how it impacted the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: The museum is located in Changwon city and can be reached by public transportation. It’s an excellent stop for those interested in Korea’s economic development and industrial history, and it’s free to visit.
12. Seongho Memorial Hall
Seongho Memorial Hall is a museum dedicated to the life and achievements of Korea’s greatest naval hero, Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibitions, which include models of Admiral Yi’s famous turtle ships and artifacts from his battles. The museum also features a display of artwork inspired by Admiral Yi’s heroism.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the outdoor garden, where you can see a full-scale replica of one of Admiral Yi’s turtle ships.
You can climb aboard and get a sense of what it must have been like to be part of his legendary naval battles.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in learning more about Korean history and culture, this museum is definitely worth a visit.
Try to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds, and consider hiring a guide to help you navigate the exhibits and get the most out of your visit.
13. Samjin Amook Factory
Samjin Amook Factory is a popular tourist attraction in Changwon, South Korea, that gives visitors an insight into traditional Korean fish cake making.
What to see or do: The factory offers guided tours that showcase the step-by-step process of making fish cakes, starting from the preparation of the fish batter, all the way to the final product.
Visitors get to see the machines and tools used in the production process and learn about the history of fish cake in Korea.
Don’t miss: Be sure to try the freshly made fish cakes at the factory’s store, which offers a variety of flavors and textures.
Some of the popular flavors include shrimp, crab, octopus, and cheese.
Insider travel tips: – It is best to visit the factory early in the morning to avoid the crowds and lines for the tour.
14. Seongjeong Park
Seongjeong Park is a spacious green space in Changwon City, South Korea.
What to see or do: The park offers a range of activities for visitors including walking paths, cycling paths, picnic areas, and a wide variety of flora.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the small lake in the park where you can feed ducks and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the park during the autumn season to witness the beautiful colours of the leaves.
15. Cheolwon Coastal Mudflat Ecological Park
Cheolwon Coastal Mudflat Ecological Park is a protected natural area located in Changwon City, South Korea.
What to see or do: Visitors can experience the unique ecosystem of the mudflats, which are home to a variety of plants, animals and birds.
Guided tours are available and visitors can also engage in various activities such as mudflat hiking, mudflat clamming and mudflat fishing.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of the tidal flats at sunset and sunrise are not to be missed. The park also has various observation decks and a walking trail that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to wear waterproof shoes and clothes as the mudflats can be quite muddy and wet. Visitors should also bring insect repellent and sunblock as the area can get quite hot in summer.
Additionally, it is important to follow the park’s guidelines to ensure the protection of the delicate ecosystem.