The Best Of Suncheon On A Budget

Fancy a little getaway in a city still little known to tourists? Look no further and put Suncheon on your bucket list right now. Here are the best things you can do on a budget in this wonderful city!

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Suncheon in a few words

Natural wonders, a haven of peace and pleasant gastronomy make Suncheon, Jeollanam-do’s largest city, the ideal place to enjoy scenic landscapes and peace away from the big cities.

Particularly famous for its Bay, the city has much more to offer travelers looking for more than the usual attractions.

So, follow me to discover Suncheon’s lesser-known gems!

Top Sights in Suncheon

1. Walk the Namparang Trail (남파랑길) and take in the views

Address: Waon Tourism and Culture Center, 133 Waon-gil, Haeryong-myeon
How to get there: from Suncheon bus terminal, take bus 98 for 35mn and get off at Waon beach

You can choose to explore the bay by entering the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve (8,000 KRW=$6), explore the magical fields and end your day by climbing to the Yongsan Observatory, or you can do what I did and go by yourself to avoid the crowds and costs.

If you follow the Namparang trail (route 61), you’ll have the same beautiful views but at your own pace and all to yourself.
Admire the wetlands with their bright pink fields, meet pretty crabs as well as mudskippers and observe the traditional way of fishing of the locals who use a wooden board to help them move around the mudflats while collecting shellfish.

You can also stroll through the nearby villages or rest under one of the gazebos before reaching the end of the trail at Hwapo beach.

Pro tip: want a free view of the bay? Take a hike up Janggaesan Mountain and marvel at the panorama!

2. Appreciate the calm and tranquility of Seonamsa Temple (선암사)

Address: 450 Seonamsa-gil, Seungju-eup
How to get there: from Suncheon bus terminal, take bus 1 for 1h and get off at Seonamsa Temple. You’ll then have to walk around 40mn to attain the temple.

Walk through the forest, stop for a minute, listen to the sounds of nature and forget, at least for a moment, all your worries. The environment surrounding the temple and the tranquility of the surroundings will make your day unforgettable.

Pro tip: come in spring or autumn to admire the magnificent autumn foliage..

3. Take a refreshing walk through Jorye Lake Park (조례호수공원)

Address: 1867, Yeongdo-dong
How to get there: from Suncheon bus terminal, take bus 59 or 59-1 for 20 minutes and get off at Jorye Court of Law

I love parks in Korea, whether big or small, because there’s always something to do and you never get bored even if you spend half the day there. This charming place is another quiet, local spot where you can enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the softness of the shade on a sunny day.

And if you’ve had enough of strolling around the park, or have already finished your book, you can head to a nearby restaurant or café and enjoy a good meal, alone or with friends.

Pro tip: stick around to watch the water show dancing along the music!

4. Indulge in some local food at Araetjang market

Address: 60, Jangpyeong-ro
How to get there: it is only an 8mn walk from Suncheon bus terminal

It’s impossible to visit a city without sampling its local specialties, isn’t it? So here’s the perfect place to satisfy your taste buds and your stomach at the same time.

And if you’re wondering what dishes you should try, I recommend mudskipper soup, which may not look very appetizing, but it’ll surprise you. Plus, it has many health benefits, so why not give it a try and let me know what you think?

5. Visit Naganeupseong Folk Village (낙안읍성민속마을)

Address: 6-4, Pyeongchon-ri, Nakan-myeon
How to get there: from Suncheon bus terminal, take bus 61 for 1 hour and get off at Naganeupseong
Entrance fee: 4,000 KRW ($3)

Want to see what life was like under the Joseon dynasty? Take a step back in time in this well-preserved and charming folk village, located just an hour from Suncheon. Discover one of Korea’s cultural heritages, walk around the fortress walls and contemplate the ingenious architecture of the period.

Enter the museum to learn more about this historic place and discover the ancient customs that made Korea what it is today.

Oh, and just so you know, Naganeupseong is still inhabited by ~200 people who live a traditional lifestyle, so remember to be respectful when you visit!

Where to sleep in Suncheon

There aren’t hundreds of accommodations in Suncheon, so I’ll give you my top pick if you’re a solo traveler on a budget:

• 24 Guesthouse Suncheon
  
  Simple but comfortable rooms, right in the center of town, close to the train station and nicely decorated, that’s what awaits you in this place. The staff are friendly, too, and you get a huge advantage: FREE laundry, which is a lifesaver when you’re backpacking around the country, isn’t it?Great value for money!

How to get to Suncheon

Depending on your departure city, here are the different means of transport you can use:

From Seoul

• By KTX (or high-speed train): from Seoul station to Suncheon, a ticket will cost you 44,300 KRW ($33) and take just under 3 hours. 
  
• By bus: from East Seoul to Suncheon, the journey will cost you 34,700 KRW ($25) and take 4 hours.

From Gwangju

• By bus: from Gwangju bus terminal, a ticket to Suncheon will cost you 11,000 KRW ($8) for a 1.5-hour journey.

From Busan

• By bus: from Busan Dongbu bus terminal to Suncheon, it takes just over 2 hours and costs 19,400 KRW ($14).

If you’d like to check timetables and prices, here are the KTX and bus websites.

Bonus

Are you familiar with the MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) and its personality type indicator that Koreans are so fond of? The great city of Suncheon has specially designed travel recommendations tailored to your MBTI. Isn’t that great? If you’re curious, you can check it out directly on the city’s website here!

In a nutshell

If you’re looking to travel somewhere steeped in history and natural beauty while getting away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, then Suncheon is most likely the place for you. Pack your bag, your camera and get a taste of authentic Korea as you enjoy eco-tourism in this stunning city!