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There are great many things to do in South Korea, and so are in Suncheon.
Nestled amid South Korea’s verdant countryside, Suncheon is a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural delights waiting to be explored.
From wandering through bamboo forests to visiting ancient temples, there are a plethora of things to do in Suncheon that will leave you spellbound.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Suncheon:
1. Suncheon Bay National Garden
Suncheon Bay National Garden is a beautiful public garden located in Suncheon City, South Korea.
What to see or do: The garden boasts an area of over 1.
11 million square meters and is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna, including wildflowers, trees, wetlands, and wildlife such as migratory birds.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the garden is the Suncheon Bay Reed Field, an area spanning over 350 hectares hosting a thriving ecosystem.
It’s also home to thousands of migratory birds and the endangered Black-Faced Spoonbill, so make sure you don’t miss this unique sight.
Insider travel tips: – The garden is at its liveliest from spring to late autumn, so plan your visit accordingly.
2. Naganeupseong Folk Village
A historical village located in Suncheon, South Korea, that showcases traditional Korean architecture and culture.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various traditional houses and buildings, take part in cultural activities, such as traditional performances and craft-making workshops, and try local traditional cuisine.
Don’t miss: The Namwon-jeon Hall, which is considered a masterpiece of traditional Korean architecture, and the Cheongpung Cultural Properties Museum, which exhibits various cultural artifacts.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit during the annual Naganeupseong Fortress Autumn Festival held in October to enjoy traditional performances, food, and cultural activities.
It’s also recommended to wear comfortable shoes as the village has narrow streets and uneven terrain.
3. Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve
Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve is a protected tidal wetland located in the city of Suncheon in South Korea.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the extensive boardwalks, observation towers and hiking trails within the wetland reserve in order to witness the diverse collection of flora and fauna.
There is also a visitor center, an ecological experience center, and an outdoor performance area for cultural events.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of the sun setting over the wetlands. The boardwalks offer a unique perspective on the diverse landscapes and wildlife that inhabit the area.
The “Wetland Ecology Tour” also gives guests an opportunity to use binoculars to see a wide variety of birds and creatures that call the wetlands home.
Insider travel tips: -Plan your visit in the fall when the reeds turn to a golden yellow, creating a beautiful contrast against the blue sky and water.
4. Suncheonman Bay Eco-Museum
Suncheonman Bay Eco-Museum is a one-of-a-kind ecological museum located in Suncheon City, South Korea.
What to see or do: The museum houses a variety of exhibits related to the ecology and biodiversity of the local region. Visitors can explore the wetlands and observe various species of birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.
Additionally, there are interactive exhibits, educational programs, and cultural performances that showcase the history and culture of the area.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a stroll along the scenic boardwalk that winds its way through the wetlands. The view of the sunset over the bay is particularly breathtaking.
Also, don’t miss the opportunity to taste the local cuisine – Suncheon is famous for its freshwater fish dishes.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit Suncheonman Bay Eco-Museum is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.
Arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the guided tours and bird-watching programs. Finally, bring comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable.
5. Suncheon Open Film Set
A permanent outdoor filming location in South Korea with over 200 realistic building facades representing old Korean architecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the set and admire the intricately detailed structures. On certain days, there are also live performances and traditional Korean wedding ceremonies.
Don’t miss: The replica of a Korean Joseon dynasty palace, which serves as an iconic symbol of traditional Korean architecture.
Also, keep an eye out for the numerous props scattered throughout the set that have been used in popular Korean dramas and films.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit during the weekday as it is less crowded than on weekends. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
Also, consider visiting during the autumn season when the foliage surrounding the set is at its peak.
6. Songgwangsa Temple
Songgwangsa Temple is one of the three jewels of Korean Buddhism, located in the outskirts of Suncheon City.
What to see or do: The temple has a serene and tranquil atmosphere for visitors to immerse in the peaceful nature. It is also home to numerous cultural treasures.
Visitors can see the five-story stone pagoda, the main hall, and the Daeungjeon (Great Enlightenment Hall).
Don’t miss: Visitors should not miss the opportunity to witness the morning chanting ritual of the monks. It is a fascinating experience and the chanting can create a very meditative environment.
Insider travel tips: Avoid weekends and holidays, as it can get crowded.
7. Seonamsa Temple
Seonamsa Temple is a tranquil Buddhist temple nestled in the mountains of Suncheon, South Korea. It’s considered one of the three jewels of the Jogye Order, the largest Buddhist sect in Korea.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the temple’s serene grounds and admire the picturesque architecture of the various buildings. Don’t miss the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountainside and the stunning Seungseon-gyo Bridge.
Take a meditative walk along the temple’s peaceful trails and immerse yourself in the calming atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The temple’s two-story Daeung-jeon Hall, which houses a statue of Seokgamoni-bul, the historical Buddha. Be sure to also check out the intricate carvings and paintings on the walls and ceilings.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the autumn months (October-November) to see the beautiful fall foliage surrounding the temple grounds.
8. Suncheon Drama Film Set
A large-scale outdoor film set located in Suncheon, South Korea, that depicts a traditional Korean village from the 1950s-1970s.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the set and snap photos in front of colorful buildings, small shops, and traditional Korean homes. Additionally, there are a number of film-related attractions, such as a movie theater and a museum dedicated to Korean cinema.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to dress up in traditional Korean clothing and take some photos with the backdrop of the film set.
Insider travel tips: Plan to spend a few hours exploring the set, and be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. The set can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so arrive early if possible.
Consider taking a guided tour if you want to learn more about the history and significance of the film set.
9. Suncheonman Bay Reed Marsh
Suncheonman Bay Reed Marsh is a vast wetland in Suncheon City, South Korea, famous for its breathtaking landscapes.
What to see or do: You can take a boardwalk path that winds through the park and allows for up-close views of the reed marsh, wildlife, and stunning scenery.
Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching, kayaking, boat tours, and other outdoor activities.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the panoramic view of the wetlands from the observatory, located in the center of the park. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the vast marshlands and the surrounding hills.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its best.
10. Suncheon Bay International Wetlands Center
The Suncheon Bay International Wetlands Center is a nature reserve and education center located in Suncheon, South Korea.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various wetlands and observe the diverse bird species, flora, and fauna. The center also offers educational programs to promote awareness of environmental conservation.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the center is the observatory, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the wetlands. The on-site botanical garden and walking trails are also worth checking out.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the birds during their feeding times.
11. Suncheonman Bay Eco-Hotel
Suncheonman Bay Eco-Hotel is an eco-friendly hotel located in Suncheon, South Korea.
What to see or do: The hotel is situated near Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve, which is a renowned site for bird watching and ecological tours.
The hotel itself offers various natural attractions, such as the Suncheon Bay Reed Field Ecology Park and the Suncheon Bay Stone Ecology Park.
Don’t miss: The hotel offers a unique experience of staying in a floating room, overlooking the breathtaking views of the wetland reserve. Don’t miss a chance to take a relaxing stroll on the wooden footbridge, surrounded by the picturesque scenery of nature.
Insider travel tips: Book in advance to secure a spot in the floating rooms, as they are in high demand. Take a guided ecological tour of the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve to make the most of your visit.
Don’t forget to try the organic food options at the hotel’s restaurant, made from locally sourced ingredients.
12. Suncheon Municipal Aquarium
Suncheon Municipal Aquarium is a public aquarium located in Suncheon City, South Korea.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore a variety of marine life exhibits, including a touch tank where they can interact with starfish, crabs, and sea cucumbers.
The aquarium also features a 3D virtual reality experience where visitors can feel like they’re diving with sharks and other ocean predators.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the penguin exhibit, where visitors can watch these adorable creatures waddle, swim, and play.
The aquarium also has a fascinating jellyfish exhibit with different species of jellyfish illuminating the area with their unique glowing colors.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit the aquarium in the morning or late afternoon. Visitors can take advantage of a discount on admission fees by purchasing their tickets in advance online.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, especially if you’re planning to explore the outdoor exhibits, where you’ll encounter sea lions, seals, and other marine mammals.
13. Suncheonman Bay Reed Festival
The Suncheonman Bay Reed Festival is a popular annual festival held in Suncheon, South Korea, celebrating the beauty and ecological importance of the reeds in Suncheonman Bay.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a variety of events and activities during the festival, including boat tours to see the reed fields, traditional Korean performances and cultural exhibits, and eco-friendly experiences such as reed harvesting and bike tours.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the festival is the “Fire on the Reed” event, where the reed fields are set on fire to remove the dry reeds and promote healthy growth for the following year.
This dramatic spectacle is a must-see for visitors.
Insider travel tips: – The festival can be quite crowded, so arrive early to avoid long queues.
14. Jogyesan Provincial Park
Jogyesan Provincial Park is a beautiful park located in Suncheon, South Korea. It covers a vast area of 71.
61 square kilometers.
What to see or do: This park has breathtaking scenery that includes majestic mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear streams.
The park offers several well-marked hiking trails that cater to hikers of all skill levels, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park is also famous for its impressive temples, such as Seonamsa Temple and Songgwangsa Temple.
Don’t miss: The park’s biggest attraction is its stunning natural beauty, so be sure to explore its verdant forests and hidden tunnels. The temple tours are also incredible, giving visitors a unique glimpse into Korean cultural and religious heritage.
Insider travel tips: You should make sure to bring insect repellent and sunscreen as the climate can get hot and humid, and there are various insects that can be irritating during the hike.
Additionally, it’s best to take plenty of water and snacks with you, as there are not many rest stops on the trails.
Finally, always check the weather forecast before heading out to ensure that you stay dry and comfortable.
15. Heungryunsa Temple
Heungryunsa Temple is a peaceful Buddhist temple located in the hills of Suncheon, South Korea.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk around the temple grounds and admire the stunning architecture, including the main hall and prayer rooms. The temple is also surrounded by beautiful nature, including hiking trails and a tranquil pond.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the small museum showcasing traditional Korean artwork and artifacts. Additionally, the temple offers a unique temple stay program for those looking for a more immersive experience.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit Heungryunsa Temple is during the fall when the leaves change color, creating a breathtaking view. The temple can get busy on weekends, so try to visit during the weekdays for a more peaceful experience.
Also, remember to dress appropriately as it is a place of worship.