Things to do & places to visit in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea

Gyeongsangnam-do #8 destination in South Korea 2023. The average rating score is 4.21 based on 4.142 traveler reviews, of 395 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Seoul, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 4:50.

Gyeongsangnam-do Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

75°F - 52°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze

Feels like

21%

Chance of rain

134.0 millimeters

Amount

11.0 mph

Wind speed

64%

Humidity

14.0

Daylight length

5:23 AM

Sunrise

7:23 PM

Sunset

50%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (31)

Top destinations in Gyeongsangnam-do 18

See more 6 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Jirisan National Park (43 reviews)
- Largest, Most Wild National Park in Korea
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

Jirisan National Park stretches into 3 provinces, and is by far the largest national park in Korea that doesn't include ocean. Jirisan is famous within Korea for its long history as a sacred mountain and its role during the colonial period as a hub of resistance. While most national parks in Korea can be experienced in a day-hike, I feel this is not sufficient here. Jirisan is far more remote and expansive than you might expect. My experience in Jirisan was largely focused around Hwaeomsa Temple. While the hiking here is far from the most famous natural feautures of the park, the setting is serene and the the temple is full of national treasures. I desperately want to return to explore the entire park. See more..
5.0 Maemuldo (33 reviews)
- You definitely have to visit Somaemul island once while in Korea
Islands

Somaemul island is one of the 3 islands collectively called Maemul islands. It is connected to the lighthouse island by a waterway that only opens twice a way for people to walk through when the tide is low. We took a boat from Geoje island Jeogu port and it took us about 50minutes to reach Somaemul island. Hiked to the Mangtaebong, highest point of the island and down toward the lighthouse. Took us slightly more than 2 hours in total but we were in a hurry to catch the sunset and get back before it got too dark. You should do the hike more leisurely and take lots of pictures and give yourself about 3 hours in total. The island has a couple of pensions if you are interested in staying for a night like we did. The pensions are fully equipped with everything that is needed for a one day stay and we even had a BBQ party outside the pension. The view of the sea is really really beautiful especially at the lighthouse island. See more..
4.5 Haeinsa Temple (196 reviews)
- Haeinsa templestay
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Religious Sites

The depository of Tripitaka Koreana, the famous collection of Buddhist texts on woodblocks. See more..
4.5 Jinjuseong (139 reviews)
- Great cultural experience in Jinju!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Castles

The Jinju fortress is a magestic arquitectural space which I think anyone passing through Jinju has to visit. It's perfect for a long walk by yourself or with friends and it's a really nice spot for architectural photography if you're into that sort of thing. There is a very pretty river close by and I totally recommend everyone to go down there and sit at its edge basking the sun for a while. See more..
4.5 Oedo Botania (132 reviews)
- Nice island but come prepared....
Gardens

A short ferry ride across this island takes you to this beautiful island. Alot of walking (some steep uphills as well) is expected. Come well prepared - wear light clothes, sunglasses, cap & comfortable shoes esp when weather is still very hot. It still gets unbearably hot & sweaty walking under the sun for long periods, despite all these preps. Need a couple of hours here including the ferry ride & wait. Lots of photo taking sceneries. Not recommended for physically weak or disadvantaged people. Or young kids. See more..
4.5 Yeojwacheon Stream (121 reviews)
- Jinhae Yeojwacheon
Bodies of Water • Historic Walking Areas

I put Jinhae in my Busan trip’s itinerary as I saw the beautiful picture on travel websites and found this breathtaking stream called Yeojwacheon. The Yeojwacheon Stream’s Wooden Walkway offers a unique view of the cherry blossom on top and canola flowers at the bottom along the stream. Taking photos in the middle of the footbridge across the stream, the far end is just perfect as a vanishing point of the photo ... http://wp.me/p5Lw9a-3H See more..
4.5 Mireuksan Mountain (105 reviews)
- One must do attraction in Tongyeong
Spent 2-3 hours Mountains • Hiking Trails

This is a very nice place to travel in tongyeong. They starting sale tickets at 9:30 .And cable car start at 10:00. It better to go early like 9:20to waiting in line to get the early group cable car tickets. First group is 30people. Each car can take 6 people. And around 10 minutes or so will arrived the top . You have to walking another maybe 15mins to get to the peak. It’s really worth the time. See more..
4.5 Tongdosa Temple (87 reviews)
- Stunning scenery surrounding 1000yo temple complex
Spent 2-3 hours Religious Sites

What a beautiful surprise. We visited in November during Autumn & nature did not disappoint. The spectacular colours surrounding this wonderful temple complex is worth the visit. Monks wander around. The temples are all beautiful to look at. Some are old raw wood, some with colourful paint & artwork. It was lovely to walk around this whole area and soak up the tranquility, surrounding coloured forests & streams, different bridges along the way, you can hear chanting & prayers from one of the temples. We have visited a lot of temples & I initially felt like we were just visiting another one. This was the highlight of our day in Busan. Just spectacularly beautiful. See more..
4.5 Yi Sun-shin Park (83 reviews)
- Nice seaside park
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

Yi Sun-shin Park is located at the southernmost point of mainland Tongyeong. The seaside cliff location is also historically significant as some important battles took place during the 16th century Japanese Invasions of Korea. A statue of admiral Yi Sun-shin overlooks the park which has great views of the south coast. It’s a good half hour hike around the boardwalk pathways. See more..
4.5 Gyeonghwa Station Cherry Blossom Road (80 reviews)
- Wonderful place
Points of Interest & Landmarks

From here you can see the blossom falls while the train coming so i advise that you know the train schedule and wait outside to see the most wonderful scene you will see...don't ride the train just stop in the station See more..
4.5 Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (77 reviews)
- memorable spring at Jinhae
Cultural Events

During the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival in early April, South Korea's naval history is freshened up by the early April cherry blossom bloom. For ten days, Jinhae's usually off-limits naval base is flooded with 2.6 million tourists enjoying the fresh and fragrant air, taking pictures as they stroll along petal-littered paths. The tree-lined city streets create breathtaking flower tunnels and charming photo-ops loom around every corner. The coinciding Military Band and Honour Guard Festival provides music and performances for guests while the area's Jehwangsan Mountain Park offers unlimited views of the remarkable spring scenery. See more..
4.5 Boriam Temple (75 reviews)
- Amazing temple with a view
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This temple is located in the south part of Namhae island. It offers an amazing view on the sea! Really worth it! See more..
4.5 Skyline Luge Tongyeong (69 reviews)
- Fun & enjoyable attractions...
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

One of the world’s most thrilling adventure activities has arrived in Tongyeong! The Skyline Luge is a unique wheeled-gravity ride that provides riders full control over their descent on a purpose built 1.5km Luge track. The only attraction of its kind in South Korea, Skyline Luge offers a fun-filled outdoor experience that is suitable for riders of all ages and experience levels. See more..
4.5 Hallyeo National Marine Park View Ropeway (65 reviews)
- Fantastic View and Great Hiking
Trams

Get ready with your camera! This ropeway is what we would call a cable lift such as are used in US and other countries for ski resorts. The view is beautiful while riding to the top of the lift. When you reach the lift exit point, there is a little shop for refreshments and then on for a hike up the remainder of the mountain. This climb is an easy one with steps most of the way. Highly recommended! See more..
4.5 Sinseondae (52 reviews)
- Best visit during sunset
Historic Walking Areas

The observatory is closed during our visit in Oct 2019, which did not offer a good view of the coast. There is a path leading down to the beach about 2 mins drive away. Enter from a deserted museum to get to the beach and onto the rocks. The view is amazing from the rocks on the beach, especially during sunset See more..
4.5 Gimhae National Museum (41 reviews)
- Great for history lovers
Monday: History Museums

The Gimhae National Museum boasts a sizeable collection of artifacts that is well maintained. I visited this museum after making a “pilgrimage” to the museums of Baekje and Silla history (in Buyeo and Gyeongju respectively), and while the Gaya confederacies (which this museum is about) are not as well known as the aforementioned kingdoms, the contents of the museum are still pretty interesting. I would recommend a visit if you are visiting Busan. It’s not too far from the airport/Busan, easily accessible via the metro and light rail and just a 5-10 minute walk from the station. See more..
4.5 Yongji Munhwa Park (41 reviews)
- Beautiful Yongji
Parks

Beautiful, nice walk with park benches. Cafe only has few snacks but nice drinks. Lovely to watch the water fountain and boats at night See more..
4.5 Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (40 reviews)
- Highlight of our holiday
Cultural Events

We accidentally ended up in Jinju for the lantern festival when making our way back to Busan after hiking through Jirisan National Park. The stop-over was not really needed, but gave us one of the highlights of our trip. Absolutely worth going to if you are anywhere in the region at the right time of year. It was magical. We were completely unprepared for the scale of the event and the lanterns themselves - there must have been tens of thousands. It was one of those travel 'moments'... completely beyond expectations. See more..
4.5 Birthplace of President Roh Moo-hyun (37 reviews)
- The Place where felt Roh Moo-hyun's life..
Historic Sites

C1 ( 2013.06.01 ) There was a place of birth and death of Roh Moo-hyun. Just five years ago, I vowed to visit, but the visit was only now. He was a President of humanity, so a lot of people still visited, meet Roh Moo-hyun and felt Roh's spirit. In a quiet place, birthplace, grave, memorial was located. South Korea's democracy as a representative figure is worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Upo Wetland (35 reviews)
- Worthy natural beauty
Nature & Wildlife Areas

I really enjoyed visiting Upo Wetland. I had no idea they existed before my visit. It is extremely child, family and couple-friendly. The most exciting activity here is the bike rental. Upo Wetlands spans over 200 hectares so you can really get your cardio in! The views are pretty, especially in autumn when I went. There is also a beautiful museum near the entrance. On one of the trails, there is an observation deck where you can see the wetlands from high up as well as have a look at the different endangered species the wetlands comprise of. Definitely a must-see. See more..
4.5 Ssanggyesa Temple (33 reviews)
- Ssanggyesa Temple
Religious Sites

Ssanggyesa Temple Ssanggyesa Temple in Hadong is located on the southern part of Jirisan National Park. It is said that the best time to visit here is spring since you can make a walk starting from Hwagae market place to Ssanggyesa Temple~ The pathway is filled with #Cherryblossom trees. Come and make a visit before the petals of the beautiful trees all fall~^^ See more..
4.5 Yeongnamnu Pavilion (26 reviews)
- One of Korea's three great pavilions
Historic Sites

Yeongnamnu Pavilion is the most recognizable sight in the city and considered one of the three great pavilions in Korea. Its location along the Miryang River makes it one of the most scenic ones especially the night views. It’s also one of the few that has been standing since the 19th century (the original was built during the Silla period). Unfortunately because of the pandemic, access to inside of the pavilion wasn’t allowed so I couldn’t get a close look. Along with the pavilion itself, Cheonjingung Shrine (honoring Korea’s legendary founder Dangun) is also in the grounds. Modern music composer Park Si-Chun’s former residence is also located just next to the shrine. See more..
4.5 Jangsado Sea Park (26 reviews)
- Jangsado Sea Park Sth Korea
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

A beautiful peaceful place with stunning views.easy to reach by ferry and although many steps, easy to traverse. See more..
4.5 Choe Champandaek House (23 reviews)
- Filming location
Points of Interest & Landmarks

I absolutely love the hanok village architecture, it takes me back on time wishing I lived in one of those house. So many dramas including “Mr Sunshine” have been filmed here. I recommend to wear comfortable clothes so you can enjoy the walk around this beautiful place and it’s surroundings. Don’t forget to enjoy some Korean snacks too. See more..
4.0 Dongpirang Village (193 reviews)
- Mural village with cute cafes!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

This little mural village is featured with many wall paintings and definitely an instagrammable place for all the photo lovers out there. There also lots of pretty cafes here, a perfect stop-over for some rest and coffee. (Tips: The route to the village might be a little steep, so comfy shoes are much recommended!) See more..
4.0 Windy Hill (140 reviews)
- Dreamy land in Tongyeong
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas

I always why is this so famous until I visited this place. Windy Hill in Tongyeong is definitely a must if you are a photo lover. The sky, the wind mill, the greeny field, the beautiful seaview is definitelty something you could never ask for more. It's so pretty that we stayed here for almost 2 hours just for photo shooting! (PS: really, remember to space up your phone memory for this place!) See more..
4.0 Historic Park of Geoje POW Camp (113 reviews)
- Worthwhile—very interesting and informative
Spent < 1 hour Military Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks

My husband and I visited this former POW Camp and really enjoyed it. Most of the exhibits were also written in English and were so riveting. We think that teens would also enjoy this place, largely because of the insane zipline which snakes its way through the camp. :). There is also an area that caters to kids. We live in Korea and are history buffs, so we thought it was an excellent way to spend a few hours. See more..
4.0 Daraengi Village (91 reviews)
- Terrace rice fields
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This place reminds me of Bali rice field. It s a peacefull place to enjoy a stroll and a coffee in one of the many coffee shops. See more..
4.0 Tomb of King Suro (51 reviews)
- Nice place to relax
Monday: Historic Sites

It's very quiet and there are some benches around so it's a really nice place to bring a book and just relax. See more..
4.0 Hakdong Mongdol Beach (45 reviews)
- Healing seaview
Spent 1-2 hours Beaches

A very very lovely place, where I would definitely visit again if I ever re-visit Gojae again. This beach is not as much known to the public so it's not crowded and one can really get some real good, quite rest here by the seaside. Lots of local food stores, welcomed by friendly owners too so do grab yourself some good food and coffee by the beach if you are ever here. (Ps: Pensions are available around this area too for a overnight stop!) See more..