If you ever find yourself wanting to visit or experience a slice of countryside life in Korea, but aren’t sure where to go, let me tell you about Namhae.
It’s located 2 hours away from Busan, offering travellers a peek into the slow life. Unlike major cities, Namhae is quiet, yet it has just enough to ensure a smooth and fuss-free travel experience.
How To Go To Namhae
Unfortunately, there is no KTX station in Namhae, and the only way to get there is by car or bus. From Busan or Seoul, you can hop to the intercity bus terminal and grab a bus to Namhae.
For Busan, the bus runs from the Seobu Terminal to Namhae Terminal, with the earliest bus departing at 6:20 a.m. and the last one at 7:20 p.m. The price for a ticket is 14,300 won, with the premium option costing 18,600 won.
The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
Within Namhae, you can either make use of the public buses or taxis to get around. You can also opt for a private taxi tour, easily bookable via Klook.
What To Do in Namhae
If you’re planning what to do in Namhae, here are some attractions and spots to consider.
Gacheon Daraengi Village
One, if not, the most popular attraction in Namhae is Gacheon Daraengi Village. This spot is renowned for its terraced rice paddies, situated on a hillside that slopes at a 45-degree angle. Apart from that, the village is also situated on the sea, offering stunning views of the ocean.
Please note that cars are not permitted in the village, so if you’re driving, ensure you park elsewhere and explore the village on foot.
Entering the village is relatively easy since it’s downhill, but the climb back might be slightly exhausting for some, especially the elderly. But there’s no rush. Take your time, explore the different alleys Daraengi Village has to offer and slowly make your way up.
If you visit during spring, you might even spot fields of canola flowers alongside the rice paddies, making it quite a sight.
Located within the village are also numerous restaurants serving home-style food, so you can definitely find a spot for lunch here. Maybe even some makgeolli!
German Village
The German Village in Namhae was one of the most interesting spots I’ve been to. It really feels like Germany!
This area was built by the Namhae Government to help workers who were dispatched to Germany settle back in Korea. The houses were built by former expatriates who were dispatched to Germany, meaning the architectural style are German in style and all the materials used were from Germany, when possible.
Apart from houses, the village is also filled with German-style cafes and restaurants, offering items such as draft beer, sausages, and more.
Seolli Skywalk
Opened back in 2021, Seolli Skywalk is the first asymmetrical cantilever bridge in Korea. It stands at 36m above ground, with portions of the bridge having clear glass floors, offering a different view perspective.
For those who want a little bit more action, there’s a swing at the end of the bridge, offering unobstructed views of the ocean. If you’re afraid of heights, no worries, there’s a cafe for you to rest while your party explores the skywalk.
There’s an entrance fee of 2,000 won for adults and 1,000 won for children.
Dumo Village
This is the spot in Namhae to live out your countryside dreams in Korea. Dumo Village is a lovely neighbourhood in Namhae, renowned especially for its canola flower fields during the Spring.
When I visited during early Summer, the village was peaceful, free from crowds. There’s not an exact spot you need to visit here, so just take the time to explore the village at your own pace.
During the peak of summer, Dumo Village does offer a 2-hour package filled with activities like Banana Boat, Kayaking and Snorkeling, priced at 40,000won for 1pax. Reservations can be made via Naver Maps. They also have activities like Clam Digging depending on the season!
Geumsan Boriam Temple
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Boriam Temple is one of the top 3 most prestigious Buddhist temples in Korea. It’s ranked alongside Naksansa Temple in Yangyang, and Bomunsa Temple in Ganghwa.
Built by the founding father of the Joseon Dynasty, Geumsan Boriam Temple offers one of the best views of Namhae, due to its location near the peak of Geumsan Mountain.
Getting here isn’t the easiest, as you have to hike quite a bit depending on your starting point. For me, I started at Bokgok Parking Lot 1, took a shuttle bus to Bokgok Parking Lot 2 and it’s a 20-30mins hike (approx. 1km) to Boriam Temple.
Alternatively, you can start from the Geumsan Information Centre, but the hike to the temple is roughly 2km.
However, it is worth the effort. The views from Boriam are one of the best I’ve experienced in a temple. If you’ve been to the temple by the sea in Busan, this one’s a complete opposite – offering mountainous and forest scenes.
What To Eat in Namhae
While food is generally good down South, Namhae is known for anchovies and yuja, also known as citron or yuzu.
Must Try: Myeolchi Ssambap (Anchovy Ssambap)
Anchovy Ssambap is not something you’d easily find in cities like Seoul, so if you’re ever in Namhae, make sure to take time to try out one of their specialities.
The restaurant I visited is called Mijo Restaurant, it is one of the many restaurants serving this dish. While I wouldn’t say the taste of anchovy ssambap is mindblowing, it’s still worth a try. The anchovies used aren’t the ones you see in your nasi lemak. They’re way bigger in size, and the taste of the stew kind of reminds me of canned sardines.
The deep-fried anchovies were really tasty, so make sure to order those if you ever come across the dish.
Must Try: Baeknyeon Yuja
You can easily find yuja in various foods in Namhae, such as bread, ice cream & more. Baeknyeon Yuja, is a cafe that focuses on Yuja drinks, selling even the concentrate for you to bring home.
What I especially enjoyed was the free tasting, where I got to enjoy Yuja Juice, Yuja Ade and even Yuja Highball.
This particular outlet is their 2nd one, so make sure you don’t get confused.
Travelling in Namhae
If you’re looking for something new in Korea, having already visited multiple cities like Seoul, Busan, or Jeju, Namhae is an excellent spot to visit if you’re seeking a change of pace.
While it might not be the easiest spot to get to, especially if you’re a beginner traveller, the sights and sounds of Namhae make it all worthwhile.
For more Korea recommendations, visit https://middleclass.sg/korea
This post was done in partnership with Korea Tourism Organization (Singapore).
