Travel
Korea Destinations: 18 summer destinations for cooling off and nature-based getaways in Gyeongnam
Haps Magazine Korea
June 22, 2025
(Image: Gyeongnam province)
Gyeongnam province has announced 18 travel spots across the province designed to help residents and tourists escape the summer heat.
The destinations range from beaches and valleys to forest retreats and campgrounds, offering a range of experiences for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Coastal and Valley Destinations (9 locations):
Visitors can enjoy swimming, streamside relaxation, and coastal views in places like:
Sacheon’s Namil-dae Elephant Rock: Known for its elephant-shaped rock and white sand beach, with nearby attractions like the Sacheon Sea Cable Car and Aramaru Aquarium.
Namhae’s Sangju Eunmosae Beach: Offers shallow, clear waters and access to Namhae Geumsan and Boriam Temple.
Gimhae’s Jangyu Daecheong Valley: A 6km-long valley with a well-maintained hiking path to Jangyu Temple.
Miryang’s Ice Valley: Notable for its cool air even in midsummer, with access to a cable car and hiking routes.
Yangsan’s Naewonsa Valley: Known for its scenic forested valley and Naewonsa Temple.
Changnyeong’s Okcheon Valley: Fed by Mt. Hwawang, with shaded paths and views from Yongseondae.
Hadong’s Daedo Paradise: An island resort offering tidal flat activities and a setting featured in the film Noryang.
Sancheong’s Songjeong Forest Valley: A shady, sand-based camping spot with natural surroundings.
Geochang’s Susungdae: Combines streams, rock formations, and forest, with nearby campsites and a 3.6km walking trail.
(Image: Gyeongnam province)
Healing and Restful Destinations (5 locations):
For quieter escapes and natural healing:
Changwon’s Seongjusa Temple Stay: Offers temple stay experiences like tea ceremonies and forest meditation.
Jinju’s Wolasan Forest: Features forest education programs and seasonal blooms like hydrangeas.
Geoje’s Healing Forest: Opened in May 2025, includes forest baths, foot spas, and healing rooms.
Hamyang’s Yongchu Valley: Famous for its waterfalls and old-growth forest, with a nearby natural recreation forest.
Haman’s Lotus Theme Park: Showcases rare lotus varieties on a historical embankment site.
(Image: Gyeongnam province)
Camping Destinations (4 locations):
Well-equipped campgrounds blending nature and convenience:
Tongyeong’s Tongjeyeong Auto Camping Site: Located on Hansando Island, near historical sites of Yi Sun-sin.
Uiryeong’s Byeokgye Campground: Features water play zones and cultural experience sites like Byeokgye Seowon.
Goseong’s Namsan Park Healing Camping Site: Offers quiet views and direct access to Namsan Park.
Hapcheon’s Jeongyang Sports Park Auto Camping Site: Situated by the Hwanggang River with nearby marshland for ecological exploration.
Summer Festivals:
Gyeongnam is also hosting seasonal festivals, including the Gangju Sunflower Festival (June 18–July 2) and the Seomjingang Cultural Heritage Festival (June 20–22).
Tourism policy head Kim Yong-man encouraged travelers to take advantage of Gyeongnam’s natural offerings this summer.
For more information, visitors can check tour.gyeongnam.go.kr and festa.gyeongnam.go.kr.