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
055-863-2135
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Beach in Namhae
Hangul Address
경상남도 남해군 남면 남면로1229번길 36
* 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
010-2720-3427
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Natural Scenic Spot No. 15, this village offers educational, cultural opportunities in the middle of a beautifully terraced rice field. Many crafts and farming experiences. Also bed and breakfast, restaurants, and cafes in the village. Excellent medium hike with many inclines but little shade. There are a number of trails that wind around the farm and houses. Some trails lead down towards gazebos on the cliff. https://darangyi.modoo.at/
* 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
You will drive up a huge mountain fortress. There can be loose rocks so be sure to wear solid hiking shoes. This is a circular path follow the fortress wall, so plan on going the full length round.
Hangul Address
경상남도 남해군 고현면 남치리 산34-1
* 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 Park
055-860-5800
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hallyeohaesang National Park was designated as a national park in 1968 as the second and first marine park in Korea. It is a treasure trove of marine ecosystems. Hallyeosudo, famous as the most beautiful sea road, seems to have 71 uninhabited and 29 inhabited islands scattered with jewels. The entrance to the Geumsan Nature Observation Road is built 100m above the Geumsan Entrance (Geumsan Exploration Support Center), and it takes approximately 1 hour to go around the 1.2km section. https://www.knps.or.kr/front/portal/visit/visitCourseMain.do?parkId=120300&menuNo=7020103
* 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.
Namhae German Village
Established in 2001 to provide a place for Koreans residing in Germany who were dispatched to Germany as an industrial force in the 1960s and contributed to the economic development of Korea to settle in Korea, and to develop it as a tourist destination where they can experience Germany’s foreign culture. The upper half of the area is the German Village. The lower half is the tourist town of pubs, restaurants, and shops that are German inspired. Keep in mind that the food is inspired by German food. Many pensions and restaurants, great place to visit. The view of the marina from this part of the mountain is breathtaking.
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 삼동면
* 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 and Observatory
070-4231-1117
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Talk a walk in the sky with a see-through floor and go for a swing. Either way, enjoy the beautiful views of Namhae. Prices 1,000 to 6,000 won, depending on whether you want to walk or swing.
* Seolli Skywalk with a glass-bottom, a sky swing, and an observatory with another amazing view that Namhae is known for.
Dolchango Museum
055-867-1965
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Founded by two artists, the Dolchango Project’s mission is to provide an exhibition space for young artists who may otherwise struggle to find opportunities in the cities. Their stone warehouse in Simun Village is one of the realizations of this vision. The original structure was built in 1967 and was once used to store grain and fertilizer. It was abandoned until the Dolchango Project converted it into an art museum, café and artist residence. They currently have two locations and are looking to use the stone warehouses around Namhae to build more. Entrance fee 3,800 to 6,000 won http://dolchanggo.com/
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 삼동면 봉화로 538-1
* 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 Hawaii
055-862-0767
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경상남도 남해군 남면 선구리 474
* Allo Hawai’i – Hawai’i-themed restaurant for shrimp lovers and pineapple lovers.
Sigol Halmae Makgeolli Restaurant
0507-1324-8381
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Great for lunch! Try fresh Jukbang anchovies
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 남면 남면로679번길 17-37
* Sigol Halmae Makgeolli Restaurant – One of the many Korean restaurants at Daerangi Village. Try the fresh anchovies!
Damoim
055-860-0403
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Restaurant that has Breakfast md dinner Buffet of Korean, Thai, and Chinese food. Breakfast Buffet Children (49 months - 13 years old) 26,000 won from Sunday to Friday, 38,500 won Saturday Saturday dinner buffet 40,000 won Free for 48 months and under *Breakfast (buffet) 06:00~10:30 (Break Time 10:30~12:00) *Lunch & Dinner (single item) 12:00~21:00 (Last order 20:30) * Break time 15:00~17:00 - Every Saturday dinner is buffet only *Delivery available time 11:00~21:00 (only available for delivery menu)
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 남면 덕월리 306-15
* 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
0507-1323-8382
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Cafe and German pub with an amazing view, photo zones, rooftop, and kids library. The also sell German sausage and ketchup.
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 삼동면 독일로 46
* 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
010-3358-3910
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 미조면 미송로 193
* 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
010-7400-9495
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Cute cafe in Namhae with a small pool, cats, and view of the hillside in the back. Small assortment of bakery items. Standard coffee drinks, teas, smoothies, and soft serve ice cream.
* Cafe Grown – Opens at 1000
Cafe Here Now
0507-1465-2922
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Cafe just above Daerangi Village with a gorgeous view Visit the rooftop
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 남면 남면로 680 지금, 여기
* Cafe Here and Now (Ocean view from the top of Daerangi Village) – Opens at 1000
Eternal Jeoni Cafe
055-860-0688
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Cafe at the Ananti Namhae Resort with an ocean view Last order at 2100
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 남면 남서대로1179번길 40-109
* Eternal Jeoni (at Ananti Namhae Resort) – Opens at 0900
Cafe 15 Gram
0507-1354-7762
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Cafe on southeast coast of Namhae with a lovely view of the marina.
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 미조면 미조로 9 2층
* Cafe 15 Gram (with a view of the marina) Opens at 1100
Places to stay on the East
Namhae German Village
Established in 2001 to provide a place for Koreans residing in Germany who were dispatched to Germany as an industrial force in the 1960s and contributed to the economic development of Korea to settle in Korea, and to develop it as a tourist destination where they can experience Germany’s foreign culture. The upper half of the area is the German Village. The lower half is the tourist town of pubs, restaurants, and shops that are German inspired. Keep in mind that the food is inspired by German food. Many pensions and restaurants, great place to visit. The view of the marina from this part of the mountain is breathtaking.
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 삼동면
* 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
055-867-6767
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Luxury resort on Namhae coast http://www.elimmnr.co.kr/
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 삼동면 동부대로1122번길 74-19
* Elim Marina and Resort – Resort-like pension overlooking the marina
Art In Byeolbit Bada Pension
010-4760-7293
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Coastal pension in Namhae Rates 80,000 to 130,000 won http://www.starbada.kr/
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 상주면 양아로 441
* Art in Byeolbit Bada Pension – Located on the Southeast coast of Namhae, near beautiful sandy beaches
Namhae Sea Hyanggi Pension
0507-1347-6674
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Resort-like pension in Namhae - Pool Villa - Event hosting - breakfast service - cafe - Beach access - private barbecue terrace Rates 100,000 to 340,000 http://www.xn--ok0bv0cb9b12p825aqia.com/html/index.html
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 삼동면 동부대로942번길 8-6
* 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 (Namhae)
055-863-5900
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Modern pension on Namhae Island with a gorgeous view. - Outdoor pool open from 1000 to 2100. - Outdoor, covered swimming spa open 1500 to 2000 (towels in spa room) - In-room spa service, which you must reserve. - Cafe open from 0900 to 2100. Cafe is mostly serve yourself. Theres coffee, wine, canned drinks, ice, bottled water, instant rice, cup noodles. Most items, except the wine, is just 1,000 won. You must contact owner after purchase. - Breakfast service, in cafe, from 0900 to 1000 with coffee, toast, eggs, and cup of noodles. Rooms include whirlpool spas, private outdoor barbecue (rooftop for 2nd level rooms and ground level for 1st floor rooms) Bathroom includes all amenities, including Toothbrushes and towels.. You may want to bring a squeegee for the bathroom floor as the water gets pretty much everywhere. The sink and toilet are in the same room as the shower. Kitchenette includes stove top, sink, microwave, kitchen Utensils, refrigerator, electric kettle, rice cooker. One Western-style bed and two futons with blankets tucked away in the room for extra people. No pets. http://www.pinetreepension.kr/theme/basic/reserve1.php#
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 남면 무지개로 31
* 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
010-8600-4041
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
American Village pension. Spacious and includes 2 western-style beds. American style grills. English and American culture and language consultation. 2-3 minutes from the beach Rates 120,000 to 230,000 For 4 to 6 people.
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 이동면 미국마을길 8
* 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
010-6539-3532
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Resort-like pension with rooftop infinity pool, foot spa, cafe with canned craft beer from Namhae, 7-11 Convenience store, barbecue service, private beach access and beach walk, observatory, ocean view, event rooms, Some rooms have 2 western-style beds. Rates 150,000 to 300,000 won If this pension is too pricy, the Melody and Jaemideul Pensions are right next door. Easy walk to cafe and 7-11 and share the private beach and beach walk. http://32lounge.co.kr/
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 남면 남서대로 539
* 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
0507-1319-0436
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Namhae coastal pension with year round swimming pool, outdoor terrace, free in room spa service, free private barbecue area (fee for charcoal), Oyster porridge breakfast service, cafe, GS Convenience store Rates 159,000 to 329,000 won May book on Naver and website http://oceanmarinepia.co.kr/
Hangul Address
경남 남해군 남면 남면로 946-3
* 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 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.
