Travel
Discover Gimhae, Korea’s Gaya Heritage on a two-day getaway
haps Magazine Korea
July 16, 2026
Gimhae City (Photo by Gimhae City/courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)
Travelers looking to explore the history, culture, and food of Gimhae can experience the city’s highlights through a two-day itinerary showcasing the former capital of the Gaya Kingdom.
Easily accessible from the Seoul metropolitan area by train or plane in just one to two hours, or less than an hour from Busan, Gimhae offers an ideal destination for a weekend escape.
The first day begins at the Daeseong-dong Ancient Tombs Museum, where visitors can explore artifacts excavated from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daeseong-dong Tombs, the burial site of Geumgwan Gaya’s ruling class.
The route continues to King Suro’s Royal Tomb, the burial site of the legendary founder of Geumgwan Gaya, followed by the Bonghwang-dong Archaeological Site, one of Korea’s most significant Gaya-era settlements.
For lunch, visitors can stroll through Bonghwangdae-gil, also known as Bongnidan-gil, a neighborhood filled with renovated cafés, restaurants, and artisan shops. The afternoon includes a visit to the Gimhae Museum of Art, featuring works by sculptor Kim Young-won, before heading to Gaya Theme Park, a cultural complex with exhibitions, performances, camping facilities, and seasonal attractions.
The day concludes with panoramic views from the Gimhae Astronomical Observatory, dinner at the city’s famous Dwitgogi Street, known for its grilled pork specialty, and an overnight stay at the Gimhae Hanok Experience Center.
On the second day, visitors can ride the rail bike at the Nakdong River Rail Park, explore the wine cave and railway Jeonmang facilities, and continue to Jinyeong History Park, built around the restored 1905 Jinyeong Station. Lunch features the local specialty Jinyeong Galbi, served along National Route 14.
The itinerary concludes at Bongha Village, the hometown of former President Roh Moo-hyun. Visitors can tour his birthplace, former residence, and memorial grounds, offering a chance to reflect on both the area’s rural heritage and modern Korean history.
Combining ancient history, local cuisine, cultural attractions, and scenic landscapes, the itinerary offers a well-rounded introduction to one of South Gyeongsang Province’s most historic destinations.