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There are great many things to do in South Korea, and so are in Gwangyang.
A peninsula town nestled in the arms of lush green hills and the serene blue sea, Gwangyang is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural delights, waiting to be explored and savored.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Gwangyang:
1. Seomjin Village
A traditional Korean village in Gwangyang, South Korea.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the picturesque village and admire the traditional Korean houses with charming thatched roofs. Visit the Seomjingang Train Village and learn about the history of trains in Korea.
Check out the Seomjingang River Observatory for stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape.
Don’t miss: The Seomjin Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the river and village. The Seomjin Village Festival, held every October, is a must-see with traditional cultural performances and food.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to try the local cuisine, including Seomjingang River eel and smoked duck. Take a river rafting tour for a unique perspective of the village.
For a peaceful evening, take a walk along the riverside path and enjoy the stunning scenery.
2. Gwangyang Maehwa Village
A small village in Gwangyang, South Korea, famous for its beautiful plum blossom trees.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the village during the plum blossom season (late February to early March) and admire the beautiful views of the pink and white blossoms against the backdrop of the mountains.
You can also visit the Plum Blossom Festival, where locals celebrate the arrival of spring with food, music, and traditional performances.
Don’t miss: The Plum Blossom Road, a scenic path that passes through the heart of the village and offers stunning views of the blossoms.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit during the week if possible, as weekends tend to be crowded with tourists.
You can also sample some of the local cuisine, such as the Maehwajeon (plum blossom pancake) and Maehwaju (plum blossom liquor), which are only available during the festival season.
Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the blossoms, but be respectful of the flowers and refrain from picking them.
3. Odongdo Island
A small island just off the coast of Gwangyang in South Korea, known for its scenic beauty and ecological diversity.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque walking trails that wind through the island’s lush forests, rocky cliffs, and stunning beaches.
Enjoy the panoramic ocean views and spot a wide array of flora and fauna that call this island home.
Don’t miss: The iconic Odongdo Lighthouse, which stands atop a rocky outcrop and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding sea.
Also, make sure to visit the island’s famous Camellia Forest, which boasts more than 100,000 camellia trees that bloom in a riot of colors during the winter months.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the island’s peaceful atmosphere. Bring comfortable shoes (and a camera!
), as there are many scenic spots to explore and capture on camera.
4. Boseong Green Tea Fields
Boseong Green Tea Fields is a scenic area located in Gwangyang, South Korea where rows of green tea bushes are neatly arranged across the hills.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the walking trails to enjoy the serene beauty of the tea fields, take plenty of pictures, and learn about Korean tea culture at the Tea Cultural Center.
There is also a tea-tasting experience available.
Don’t miss: The photo-worthy view of the undulating hills covered in green tea bushes is a must-see. The stunning scenery is particularly picturesque during the tea harvest season in May.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven and hilly.
5. Chuwolsan Recreational Forest
Chuwolsan Recreational Forest is a breathtaking natural park located in Gwangyang, South Korea.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and picnicking. The forest’s trails are well-maintained and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Don’t miss: Be sure to hike the forest’s main trail, which takes visitors to the top of Chuwolsan Mountain, and rewards them with a panoramic view of Gwangyang City and the sea beyond.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit the forest is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most beautiful.
6. Yeosu Maritime Cable Car
Yeosu Maritime Cable Car is a cable car system that connects Dolsan Island and the mainland.
What to see or do: Enjoy stunning views of the sea, surrounding islands, and Yeosu cityscape from the cable car.
Don’t miss: The night view of Yeosu is said to be the best in Korea, so take the cable car at night to enjoy a spectacular view of the city illuminated by colorful lights.
Insider travel tips: – Try to visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
7. Dolsan Park
Dolsan Park is a scenic park located in Gwangyang, South Korea.
What to see or do: The park offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding islands. Take a stroll on the hiking trail to enjoy fresh sea breeze and breathtaking landscapes.
You can also rent a bike or a scooter to explore the park or take a boat tour to nearby islands.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the iconic Dolsan Bridge, which connects the mainland to the Dolsan Island. The bridge lights up at night, creating a magical view of the city skyline.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the park during the spring cherry blossom season for a stunning view of the pink petals against the blue sea.
8. Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve
The Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve is a vast, protected area of tidal flats, reed beds, and salt marshes located in Gwangyang, South Korea.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various walking paths and trails that wind through the reserve, offering unparalleled views of the lush vegetation and diverse bird species.
There’s also a scope observatory, where you can take a closer look at the unique ecosystem.
Don’t miss: The view of the sunset over Suncheon Bay is truly breathtaking, so make sure to stay until evening.
Insider travel tips: – Wear appropriate footwear for walking on muddy terrain.
9. Damyang Bamboo Forest
Damyang Bamboo Forest is a lush and tranquil forest filled with towering green bamboo stalks that sway in the wind, located in Gwangyang, South Korea.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll on the forest’s well-maintained paths while relishing the calming sounds of nature. It’s also a perfect spot for taking Instagram-worthy photos, particularly against the bamboo wall.
Don’t miss: Stopover at Juknokwon, a nearby bamboo park that holds a wide range of bamboo-themed festivals throughout the year, including traditional music performances, bamboo crafting art exhibitions, and bamboo harvesting events.
Insider travel tips: Visit during weekdays or early in the morning before the crowd gets overwhelming. Pack your own food and drinks since refreshment stands are sparse.
Wear comfortable shoes since the trail floor can be slippery.
10. Yeosu Aquarium
Yeosu Aquarium is a popular aquarium located in Gwangyang city of South Korea.
What to see or do: The aquarium houses more than 300 species of marine animals, including rare and endangered species like beluga whales, sea lions, penguins, sea turtles, and otters, etc.
The aquarium also has a special zone dedicated to the ocean in the polar region, which exhibits the unique ecosystem of the Arctic and Antarctic oceans.
You can have a close-up look at these animals and even interact with some of them.
Don’t miss: Make sure to attend the feeding shows where you can watch the trainers feeding and interacting with the marine animals.
The underwater tunnel is also an amazing attraction, where you can experience the feeling of walking under the sea while observing sharks, rays, and other fascinating creatures swimming over your head.
Insider travel tips: – If you’re visiting during peak season, try to arrive early to avoid crowds.
11. Yeosu Expo Ocean Park
Yeosu Expo Ocean Park is a marine-themed park located in Gwangyang, South Korea.
What to see or do: There are various attractions to see and explore in the park, including aquariums, rides, shows, and exhibits. Visitors can see a diverse range of marine life such as penguins, dolphins, beluga whales, and sea turtles.
The park also features a gigantic water show, a jellyfish exhibition, and a shark tunnel.
Don’t miss: The park’s main attraction, the Big-O or “The Ocean Arena” is a stunning circular water fountain that projects water and light shows with music which will leave you mesmerized.
Insider travel tips: – It’s advised to take the cable car ride, as the stunning views of the surrounding ocean and mountains are breathtaking.
12. Cheongsando Island
Cheongsando Island is a scenic island located in the southwest of Korea, known for its natural beauty and quiet countryside.
What to see or do: Explore the island’s scenic walking trails, picturesque beaches, and unique art installations. Visit the island’s traditional villages and enjoy local seafood dishes.
Take a boat tour around the island and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding ocean.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the island’s famous Camellia Festival in the spring, where visitors can see thousands of camellia trees in full bloom.
Also, make sure to visit the island’s iconic Twin Udo rock formation, which boasts breathtaking views of the ocean.
Insider travel tips: – Visit in the spring or fall for the best weather and avoid the summer crowds.
13. Yeongam Pottery Village
Yeongam Pottery Village is a charming village in Gwangyang, South Korea known for its rich history of pottery making.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll through the village and watch local artisans at work, creating beautiful pottery pieces. There are also many shops selling handmade pottery items, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
Make sure to stop by the Yeongam Pottery Museum to learn more about the history and techniques of pottery making in the region.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to try your own hand at creating pottery! Many workshops are available for visitors to make their own pottery creations under the guidance of experienced local artisans.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to spend at least a half-day in the village to fully appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the pottery pieces.
14. Songgwangsa Temple
Songgwangsa Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in Gwangyang, South Korea. It is considered as one of the Three Jewel Temples along with Tongdosa Temple and Haeinsa Temple.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various halls and buildings within the temple complex such as the Daeungjeon, Geumseoru, and Myeongbujeon. The temple also has a serene meditation hall where visitors can sit and meditate in silence.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the daily life of the monks at Songgwangsa. Visitors can observe the monks practicing their daily rituals, including chanting and meditation.
Insider travel tips: – Plan your visit during the spring or autumn season when the weather is mild and the leaves change color.