Travel
Discover cool and refreshing escapes in Gimhae, Korea this summer
haps Magazine Korea
August 12, 2024
( Gimhae City)
As the summer heat intensifies, the desire for a cool and refreshing escape grows stronger.
Instead of traveling long distances, consider the many nearby water sports destinations in Gimhae, host of three major events this year, including the National Sports Festival and the National Sports Festival for the Disabled.
(Gimhae City)
One standout destination is Gimhae Gaya Theme Park, recently selected as one of Korea’s top 100 tourist attractions and a key site for the 2024 Visit Gimhae Year.
This summer, the park offers ‘Water Adventure,’ a water playground within the Gaya Musa Adventure area, the largest eco-friendly playground in Korea.
This expanded and enhanced attraction features a mushroom waterfall, a large water basket, a water tunnel, and slides, providing endless fun for children and a relaxing space for parents.
With rigorous water quality inspections and safety assistants on hand, families can enjoy a safe and fun-filled summer outing. Water Adventure is open until August 31st, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Mondays.
The park also boasts the barefoot Hwangtogil Trail, where visitors can stroll along a 100m path in the forest, enjoy a wet footbath, and take advantage of photo opportunities. Other attractions include the ‘Painters Gaya Kingdom’ performance in a cool theater and the ‘Mega Extreme’ bicycle ride 22m above the ground. As a special promotion for Visit Gimhae Year, from August 1st to October 31st, visitors can enjoy a 20-30% discount on four tourist facilities, including Gaya Theme Park.
Another beloved local destination is Daecheong Valley. The upper reaches of the valley feature clear waters cascading over large rocks and forming waterfalls. Although there is limited space for water play, the lower reaches offer wide pebble-covered areas ideal for vacationing.
(Gimhae City)
Daecheong Valley is not only popular for its pristine waters but also for its well-maintained trails and amenities. Visitors can enjoy trekking along the valley, listening to the soothing sounds of flowing water, and encountering various facilities like an octagonal pavilion, exercise equipment, a water fountain, and restrooms. A recent addition of a large artificial waterfall and nighttime landscape lighting enhances the valley’s appeal, creating a stunning nighttime vista.
Jangcheok Valley in Sangdong-myeon, near Gimhae, offers another natural retreat. Located at the foot of Mt. Sin-eo (630m), this valley features lush forests and large rocks. The area around the cloud bridge crossing the valley is particularly picturesque.
Well-equipped with parking facilities, benches, and public restrooms, and with no admission fee, Jangcheok Valley is an accessible and inviting spot.
Walking along the valley trail, visitors can explore a natural recreation forest, relax on benches, and even enjoy a small library at the valley’s entrance. Nearby restaurants and cafes provide additional conveniences for a perfect day out.
These destinations in Gimhae offer refreshing and accessible escapes from the summer heat, making them ideal for short getaways filled with fun and relaxation.