Heungryunsa Temple is located in Jukdobong Park, in the heart of Suncheon. At the same time, wetlands, temple sites and historic places shape the area of Suncheon-si. This gives you several themes to choose from when planning your trip: urban cultural heritage, coastal scenery, temple architecture or a visit to the market.
Wetlands, Reeds and Garden Landscapes
Suncheonman Bay extends along a three-kilometer waterway; extensive tidal flats and reed beds define the coastal area. The bay is one of the world's five most important coastal wetlands. The reeds provide a wintering and breeding habitat for various bird species, including Hooded Cranes. From the viewpoint at the bay, you can watch the sunset over the S-shaped waterway. Access conditions may vary.
The Suncheonman National Garden is also located in Suncheon-si: covering 1.12 million square meters, it is in Dosa-dong and is South Korea's first national garden. Tulips and royal azaleas bloom there in spring. Together with Suncheonman Wetland, the garden is home to 790,000 trees of 505 species; the two areas also contain 3.15 million flowers of 113 species. These figures give an impression of the diversity that makes the garden and wetland distinct landscape experiences.
An unmanned Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system, 4.64 kilometers long, runs between the Suncheonman National Garden and the area by the Suncheon Literary Museum. Check whether it is operating before your trip.
Temples and Historic Sites in Suncheon-si
Heungryunsa Temple is in downtown Suncheon and is a branch temple of Hwaeomsa Temple. Hwaeomsa is the 19th local temple of the Jogye Order. Another temple landscape can be found on Jogyesan, where the Buddhist temples Seonamsa and Songgwangsa are located.
At Seonamsa, the path begins at the entrance; it is about one kilometer to the temple grounds. The grounds are set in a lush forest with various trees that are several hundred years old. Two three-story stone pagodas stand in front of the main hall, Daeungjeon. In front of the temple is also the arched Seungseongyo Bridge, which rests on natural rock. The surrounding area is also home to Ilweolseok Boulder and the peaks of Wolchulbong, Janggunbong and Gitdaebong.
Songgwangsa combines temple history with collections and programs: the Buddhist Museum displays the temple's cultural artifacts, and templestay programs are offered. The temple has four National Treasures and 26 Treasures. Before making plans, check the respective access arrangements for visiting or taking part.
Naganeupseong was once an administrative town and covered Dongnae-ri, Namnae-ri and Seonae-ri in Nagan-myeon. The historic walled town covers more than 59,504 square meters. Its traditional village landscape includes a fortress, government buildings and private homes; the traditional way of life has continued since the Joseon period (1392–1910). The wall is 1,410 meters long in total, four meters high and three to four meters wide. It is made of square-cut stones.
Film History, Markets and Tea
Suncheon Filming Location was an outdoor filming site for the 2006 television series “Love and Ambition.” Houses from the 1960s and 1980s have been recreated there. Possible activities include walking through the alleys and taking photos; offerings also include listening to nostalgic music, an exhibition on film production, and experiences in a vintage classroom and in school uniforms. Individual offerings may change, so check current access conditions before your visit.
Suncheon Aretjang Market brings together two different market experiences. As a five-day market, it takes place on every day of the month that ends in 2 or 7: the 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd and 27th. The market offers fresh agricultural and fishery products from Suncheon and the surrounding area. It is less than one kilometer from Suncheon KTX Station. A night market with snacks, pancakes, fried chicken and other foods is also held there on Fridays and Saturdays. As the market program may change, it is advisable to check before your trip.
Another cultural option is the Suncheon Traditional Wild Tea House in Seungju-eup. Offerings include Darye, traditional tea etiquette, tea preparation, tea cookie tastings and information about tea ceremonies. Program details may change, so check them before your visit. Depending on your interests, you can explore Suncheon through its coastal wetland, temple history, market life or tea culture.
Discover more destinations: Muan, Yeongam-Gun, Wando-gun, Yeosu, Hwasun-Gun, Gwangyang-si, Damyang-gun, Boseong-Gun.
For the regional travel overview: Jeollanam-Do.
