Cecelia ChangLonging for a South Korean adventure that goes beyond Seoul’s bustling energy? Let me introduce you to two lesser-known gems that deserve a spot on your bucket list: Gyeongsangnam-do (Gyeongnam) and Jeju Island! Thanks to Korea Tourism Organization Singapore, I recently had the opportunity to explore both regions and was blown away by how captivating they are!
I came back with a full heart, a full camera roll, and unforgettable memories. Here are the things I loved most, and why they might just make you fall in love, too.
TripZilla tip: Starting 15 August 2025, T’Way Air will offer direct flights from Singapore to Jeju (and vice versa), providing even more convenient options for your South Korean getaway!
Also read: Beyond Busan: Must-Visit Day Trips in Southeast Korea You’ve Never Heard Of
Why you’ll love Gyeongnam and Jeju Island
1. The breathtaking scenery
Jeju Stone Park
Our journey through South Korea began on Jeju Island, where we spent several days discovering various locations. Of all the places we visited, a select few truly stole my heart with their beauty. One of them is none other than Jeju Stone Park, a massive cultural park themed around Jeju’s myth of Seolmundae Halmang and the Five Hundred Generals.
Seolmundae Halmang is a grandmother goddess who, according to Jeju Island mythology, is said to have created the island. The park boasts several attractions, including an indoor museum and a vast outdoor exhibition area that showcases the rich stone culture, such as the Dol Hareubang.
I was also surprised to find the sight of a large daisy field at the park, which makes a perfect photo-taking spot. This place is truly where nature meets culture!
Songaksan Mountain
If you like hiking, head to Songaksan Mountain. The trail is beginner-friendly, and you get to enjoy breathtaking coastal landscapes, including views of Hyeongjeseom Island, Gapado Island, and Marado Island. Although I didn’t hike all the way to the top, the scenery along the way was more than enough to leave a lasting impression.
P.S. The coastal area at the foot of the mountain is a popular fishing spot and was the filming location for the legendary Korean drama, Dae Jang Geum!
Wehaul Buckwheat Village
This place is truly one of Jeju Island’s best-kept secrets. Jeju is painted with vibrant flowers like canolas and cherry blossoms almost everywhere in spring, but have you ever come across buckwheat flowers? These gorgeous white flowers are in bloom every spring and autumn, but it’s only in May that Wahul Buckwheat Village comes alive with the Buckwheat Culture Festival, complete with food stalls and local delights.
We were lucky enough to catch the festival at the end of May, and the sight of the lush green and white buckwheat fields was absolutely enchanting. And best of all? It comes with a backdrop of the iconic Hallasan!
The festival also featured a variety of buckwheat-based products, from noodles and flour to even pillows! We also had the chance to try Jeju-exclusive buckwheat rice cakes: a unique treat you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Gacheon Daraengi Village
Nestled on the steep slopes of Seolheulsan Mountain, Namhae‘s Daraengi Village is a captivating year-round marvel, celebrated for its breathtaking 108-step terraced rice paddies. A stroll through the village feels like you’ve stepped back in time — not only are you welcomed by rice paddies and greenery, you’ll also stumble upon traditional Korean houses and local eateries.
The edge of the village will lead you to a charming vista of the boundless sea, an amazing chance to take pretty pictures for your Instagram feed!
Geumsan Boriam Hermitage
This Buddhist hermitage is perched atop Geumsan Mountain, and is one of South Korea’s top prayer sites. At the top of the mountain, you’ll find a standing stone statue of Gwanseeumbosal, which many locals visit and pray to. But what actually left me in awe was definitely the surrounding views of this place, from the majestic rocky cliffs to the small islands on the sea, and the entire view of Namhae city.
Oedo-Botania
Oedo-Botania is easily one of my favourite spots in Gyeongnam. This marine botanical garden is located in Geoje, and you’ll have to take a short ferry ride with the Haegeumgang Cruise to arrive. The highlight of Oedo-Botania is probably its European-style gardens and sculptures, colourful spring blooms, as well as the panoramic sea views.
I personally really liked strolling around the gardens with different picture-perfect spots. The stunning mosaic beach benches also caught my eye instantly with their dazzling design!
2. The peace and freedom to slow down
Sanyang Keuneonggot
Unlike the bustling metropolises like Seoul, both Gyeongnam and Jeju offer a profound sense of peace and a slower pace, allowing you to reconnect with yourself. In Jeju, Sanyang Keuneonggot is a must-visit if you’re looking for a place to slow down or simply immerse yourself in nature’s embrace. It’s a beautiful forest with a well-constructed walkway that’s easy to navigate.
Along the way, you’ll find adorable photo spots around every corner, such as train railways, hut houses, or even popular movie characters like Totoro and Hobbit homes.
The sound of leaves rustling softly in the breeze and birds chirping here made me forget all my troubles in life for a brief moment.
Dongpirang Village
Have you been to Busan? If so, you’ve probably also visited the well-known Gamcheon Village. But what if I told you, there’s a village similar to that, but a lot quieter? Situated in Tongyeong, Dongpirang Village, or “east hill” in the local tongue, has always had that peaceful, quiet charm. Yet, it truly came alive in 2007, when a wave of artists painted the most adorable murals along Dongpirang-gil Street.
To me, Dongpirang Village is smaller and feels less commercialised compared to Gamcheon Village. And did I mention the nice view from the top that stretches out over the vast, open sea?
Seolli Skywalk
Looking back at the pictures of the trip, I remember how much I enjoyed my time at Seolli Skywalk in Namhae, even though we were only there for a short while. As South Korea’s first asymmetrical cantilever bridge, the skywalk stands 36 meters high and extends 79 meters, with a remarkable 43 meters suspended, the longest of its kind in the country!
What I loved most was the view from the top: sweeping ocean vistas dotted with tiny islands, absolutely breathtaking. Gone are the car lights and traffic noise, replaced by the gentle whisper of the wind and the serene, unmoving view of the ocean. While the scenery was stunning, I admit, walking on the glass bridge part gave me a real thrill (and a slight wobble!). There’s even a fun Bali-themed swing and a cafe for you to sit back and relax.
Maemiseong Fortress
Perhaps because this was the last attraction of the trip, I didn’t want to leave Maemiseong Fortress in Geoje so soon. This fortress was built by a local resident called Baek Soon-sam after he lost his farmland to Typhoon Maemi in 2003. Using square stones and cement, he single-handedly constructed a medieval-style fortress to shield future crops from natural disasters. It’s impressive not just for its purpose, but for its scale and detail — all created without a single blueprint.
What I loved most, though, was the overall atmosphere. The sea breeze, the sound of birds (likely seagulls?) gliding overhead, and the stone walls of the fortress made it such a photogenic spot. There are also charming cafes perched along the fortress, great for sitting back with a drink while enjoying the sweeping ocean view. Oh, and since it’s not too crowded, you can take as many pictures as you want!
3. The one-of-a-kind adventures
Horseback-riding at Jeju Horse Park
I never expected my first-ever proper horse-riding experience to be in Jeju Island. Well, technically, I have tried it before, but it was just a quick five-minute ride in a small area back in Malaysia. This time, though, it was completely different. Jeju Horse Riding Park (also known as Jeju Equestrian Park) offers a much more immersive experience, with a trekking course that stretches up to 100 kilometres! They also provide proper equestrian gear like helmets and boots, so you’re fully equipped. And since it’s nestled in the mid-mountain meadows of Yusuam-ri, Aewol-eup, you get a leisure horseback riding experience all amidst the island’s natural beauty!
Speed-racing at 9.81 Park
I’m not usually the adventurous type, but the speed-racing experience at Jeju’s 9.81 Park left me wanting to go again! As South Korea’s first non-motorised racing theme park, it offers a unique and eco-friendly twist: the karts rely on gravity to race downhill, making it both thrilling and sustainable.
What’s more, the park features a variety of indoor and outdoor activities like laser tag, bumper cars, and more, so there’s something for everyone. And as you zoom down the track, don’t forget to take in the scenic view of Hallasan Mountain in the distance — it adds a breathtaking touch to the excitement!
Making tangerine jam at Murung Farm
One of the most unforgettable moments I had in Jeju was making my very own jam using the renowned Jeju tangerines! The serene Murung Farm offers so much: visitors can join a tangerine-making workshop, stay in traditional farmhouses, immerse themselves in local farming, and even adopt a tangerine tree. The tangerine jam-making process was rather easy, and the taste of our final products? Divine!
Colour-hunting at Tutti Colori
Ever heard of colour-hunting? It’s an immersive activity at Tutti Colori where we, as participants, explore natural environments to identify and connect with colours that hold personal significance. Here, we created aroma sachets using various native Jeju flowers and plants, such as rose, rosemary, and hydrangea. We also painted using naturally crafted pigments, creating meaningful art pieces that captured our memories of Jeju.
Making mother-of-pearl lacquerware in Tongyeong, Gyeongnam
Making my own lacquerware hand mirror wasn’t on my 2025 bingo card — but here we are! At the Najeonchilgi Experience Center, we got hands-on crafting our very own hand mirrors using traditional lacquerware techniques and mother-of-pearl inlays. The process was fun and surprisingly therapeutic, and the outcome? A classic yet gorgeous hand mirror that I now carry with me everywhere.
Going on a yacht tour in Tongyeong, Gyeongnam
On our first day in Tongyeong, we set sail with Ocean Breeze Yacht for a tour of the city’s sparkling coastline. Beyond the breathtaking ocean views, we were treated to a beautiful sunset, and enjoyed champagne while listening to pop songs. If you’re looking for a relaxing yet luxurious activity in Gyeongnam, this is it!
4. The unique local flavours
Seafood
Both Gyeongnam and Jeju Island are absolute havens for seafood lovers. I honestly lost track of how many seafood feasts we had throughout the trip! But if I had to narrow it down, here are a few spots that truly stood out.
In Jeju Island, Jeju Eomyeong Tonggalchi was my favourite. This popular spot is known for its tonggalchigui (grilled whole cutlassfish), and the best part? The friendly staff will expertly debone the fish for you before you dig in. Other than this savoury grilled whole cutlassfish that pairs extremely well with rice and seaweed soup, I also loved the fresh, raw cutlassfish slices! It’s something you don’t get to have every day.
If you love oysters, then Hanmaeum Restaurant in Tongyeong is a must-visit. Their most popular dish is the gulsotbap (oyster pot rice set), which comes with fragrant rice cooked with oysters and ginkgo berries. On top of that, you’ll get to enjoy oysters prepared in a variety of ways: steamed, boiled, and even fried!
Another must-try in Tongyeong is Ganggu Restaurant! If you follow mukbang creators, you likely have seen raw marinated crabs, also known as gejang. I was hesitant to try at first since it’s raw, but was instantly hooked after the first bite. The texture is a little jelly-like yet soft, and bursting with flavour. Eat it together with some rice and gim (dried seaweed), trust me, you’ll love it!
Grilled meat
Have you truly been to Jeju if you haven’t tried its famous black pork? Native to the island, Jeju black pork is a beloved dish across South Korea, known for its richer flavour and juicier texture compared to regular pork. We had charcoal-grilled black pork at Neulbom Heukdwaeji on our last night in Jeju, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. It was one of the most memorable meals I’ve had!
TripZilla tip: Not sure if this is close to the locals’ way of eating, but I like wrapping grilled pork, rice, kimchi, and raw garlic in fresh lettuce, then eating it all in one bite. Try it out and let me know what you think!
If you think only of grilled pork or beef when it comes to meat, you’re missing out on grilled chicken. Palgakdo in Geoje has one of the best charcoal-grilled chicken, aka sutbuldakgalbi, that I have ever had! The wonderfully grilled chicken meat, paired with leek and dried seaweed, is to die for.
Other than meat, it also serves chicken cartilages, which taste surprisingly addictive. Top it off with the restaurant’s signature spicy noodles and kimchi fried rice, and you’ll have an awesome meal!
Other recommendations
For travellers seeking vegan, vegetarian, or Muslim-friendly meals, I wholeheartedly recommend The Wind (제주시) or Baram Eschiunda in Jeju. This charming restaurant serves Jeju-style bibimbap made entirely with vegetables. And despite being meat-free, the variety of ingredients is impressive. You’ll also be greeted with a stunning nature view right from your table, isn’t that amazing?
5. The shopping scene
While Gyeongnam and Jeju aren’t best known for their shopping scenes like Seoul, both regions are still pretty great for shopaholics. Particularly in Jeju, souvenir shops featuring iconic Jeju products are almost everywhere. You can even find popular shops like Olens and Olive Young. Similarly, cities in Gyeongnam, from Tongyeong to Geoje, are also home to stores like Lotte Mart and Daiso!
And since these places aren’t as crowded as Seoul, I had fun shopping and browsing at my own pace. I think Gyeongnam and Jeju offer a nice balance of nature and retail therapy, which can really appeal to travellers who like a bit of everything.
6. The warmth of the locals
The locals in Gyeongnam and Jeju are so welcoming and jovial, they warm my heart. I remember casually “chatting” with the lady fishmongers at the Tongyeong Jungang Market, and even though we don’t speak each other’s language, we tried our best to communicate. I also remember a local smiling and greeting me with her puppy when I was just casually passing by the local residences by the port in Namhae.
No high-rise buildings, no heavy traffic, only the biggest smiles and purest warmth of the locals. These are the things I didn’t see and experience when I was in Seoul and Busan.
Also read: Reasons Busan Stole My Heart (And Should Be on Your Korea Bucket List!)
There are so many things I love about Gyeongnam and Jeju Island, and it’s pretty hard to squeeze them all into one article. Whether you’ve never been to South Korea or you’ve already explored the bigger cities and are craving a different kind of adventure, I highly recommend visiting Gyeongnam or Jeju. I am sure you’ll create precious memories and enjoy the experience as much as I did!
Thank you, Korea Tourism Organization Singapore, for the wonderful trip.
All images credited to Cecelia Chang
