Not enough information exists on the magic that is Namhae-gun. Hopefully, this blog puts Namhae-gun South Korea on your travel list this year. About Namhae-gun Namhae is a county in South Gyeongsang Province with a mostly aging community. The county is a great place to visit if you’re trying to “get off the grid” and/or learn more about Korean history and culture. The area offers a relaxed and gorgeous place to collect your thoughts and get inspired. If you’re planning a family trip, then this is a perfect opportunity to inspire or cultivate a love for the outdoors. You may not find many indoor children’s activities, but Namhae has many beaches and nature hikes. You’ll quickly realize, as we did, that one weekend is not enough time to truly enjoy Namhae. While I did try to organize this blog by the West and East side of Namhae, you can easily get from one side to the other within around 30 minutes. One really quick note before we continue. Namhae has many winding roads around the coast and mountains. If you experience motion sickness easily, as I do, then pack your ginger, Dramamine, and any other remedies. I avoided the motion sickness by driving for the entire time. Things to do on the Westside The perfect place to begin Namhae-gun, South Korea travel plan. * Sachon Beach – While you’ll find many coves with beaches as you drive along the Namhae coast, Sachon has fine sand, shallow and calm waters, and fewer people. * Daraengi Village – Designated National Scenic Spot No.15 because of its beautifully, tiered rice paddies, this village has lovely walks, educational experiences (such as crafts or archery workshops), pensions, Korean barbecue restaurants, seafood restaurants, and cafes with magnificent views of the 108-stories of rice paddies, steep cliffs overlooking the sea, and the mountains surrounding the village. Just the scenic drive here alone is worth the trip, but I would encourage at least taking a walk through the village. * Daeguksan Fortress – After 1.5 kilometers uphill drive, you’ll reach a trail that you probably should drive only with a 4-wheel drive and lots of top clearance. Walk or drive another 400 meters until the pavement stops. Then 200 meters straight uphill after the pavement ends to reach the fortress walls. Based on excavations, this Fortress was believed to have been built in the 6th or 7th century. It overlooks the bay and was used to defend against Japanese pirates. The view at the top of the hike is incredible. Things to do on the East side of Namhae If you have time, make sure to add the east coast to your Namhae-gun, South Korea travel * Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park – Easily a one or two-day adventure with so much to do, including hikes, ecological tours, Boriam Temple, and Sangju Beach, a very popular, beautiful, and sandy beach. * German Village – Much like Daerangi Village in the West, this Village has a rich history as well as pensions, cafes, German inspired restaurants, and photo opportunities. My husband and I spent 5 hours here just walking around and pub hopping. The architecture will leave you feeling as though you were in another country, but the view of the marina from the village is breathtaking. * Seolli Skywalk with a glass-bottom, a sky swing, and an observatory with another amazing view that Namhae is known for. * Dolchango Museum and Cafe – Church that was converted into an art space by two artists. Surrounded by fascinating art sculptures. Namhae Restaurants to Try If you do not want to try the local cuisine, you will find pizza, chicken, and burger places in Namhae. They have also been added to the South of Seoul app. However, if you would like to try some of the flavors of this area, here are a few recommendations, including fusion options. * Allo Hawai’i – Hawai’i-themed restaurant for shrimp lovers and pineapple lovers. * Sigol Halmae Makgeolli Restaurant – One of the many Korean restaurants at Daerangi Village. Try the fresh anchovies! * Damoim at Ananti Namhae Resort – Daily breakfast buffet that starts at 0600. Dinner Buffet on Saturday. They specialize in Korean, Thai, and Chinese food. * Keuran Cheureo Cafe and Kunst Lounge have the two most magnificent views in the German Village. Whether you decide to just have a beer or enjoy some German-inspired food, the view is a “must-see”. * Haesarang Abalone Maeul – For those who love marine snails and dining with an ocean view. For 100,000 you can get everything on the menu and easily share with 2 to 4 people. If you do not like raw abalone, they will grill it for you, which I recommend because it’s so tender, even a toddler could eat it. Cafes Across Namae-gun * Cafe Grown – Opens at 1000 * Cafe Here and Now (Ocean view from the top of Daerangi Village) – Opens at 1000 * Eternal Jeoni (at Ananti Namhae Resort) – Opens at 0900 * Cafe 15 Gram (with a view of the marina) Opens at 1100 Places to stay on the East * German Village – I’ve added a few pensions on South of Seoul, in German Village, with family-style rooms. Such as the Goethe, Heidelberg, Gutenberg, and Mainjeu Pensions. The advantage to staying here is that you have many food options right outside of your doorstep. * Elim Marina and Resort – Resort-like pension overlooking the marina * Art in Byeolbit Bada Pension – Located on the Southeast coast of Namhae, near beautiful sandy beaches * Namhae Sea Hyanggi Pension – Resort-like pension with pool villas. Great for that romantic getaway or solo trip Places to Stay on the West * Pine Tree Pension – Great pension for couples since there is only one western-style bed in the room. But there’s a cafe, which is more like a self serve convenience store, swimming pool, spas, private barbecue area, and breakfast service. Though, if you do stay here, make sure you at least drive West along the coast. It is listed as one of the beautiful coastal drives in Korea. * USA Pension – For those who may be missing some of the comforts of home, more spacious rooms, two western-style beds, American-style grill. A couple of minutes from the beach. * Namhae Lounge 32 Resort Pension – Modern pension with a rooftop infinity pool, cafe with a great view, a private beach, and 7-11 convenience store makes this an easy getaway location. Rooms for up to 6 people with 2 western-style beds. If you want access to the private beach but don’t like their rates, the Melody Pension and Jaemideul Pensions next door can accommodate families at a lower rate. * Marinapia Resort Ocean Pension – Pension offers amenities that will save you from trying to plan every meal. With their year-round swimming pool, FREE spa service in rooms, cafe, GS convenience store, and outdoor terrace with a free barbecue. Oyster porridge breakfast service. Resources for Helping You Navigate Namhae These next posts may be the most important information you read regarding planning a trip to Namhae and making sure you can find every place you want to visit. Digging deeper into the struggles of Korean travel will help you make the best of your Namhae-gun, South Korea travel plan. Use Hangul Addresses Instead of Romanized Addresses Don’t get caught with the wrong type of address. Choosing a Navigation App Choosing the right Navigation app will also help with your time in South Korea. Read this article next to know which navigation apps work best and why! Using Phone Numbers Instead of Address We talked about this in the above post, learn more about how to use phone numbers instead of addresses in our post about the navigation app hack. Using Naver Maps for Navigation Want to know how to use Naver Maps, get started with Navigating Korea: Using Naver Maps post. Creating Custom Travel Plans with Naver Maps Want to take your Naver Maps skills to the next level? Check out our post on how to create a custom travel itinerary in Korea. Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most of whom live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventures across the country. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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