A Serene Escape to Hamyang: South Korea’s Hidden Gem

Nestled in the heart of South Korea, Hamyang is a picturesque town known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Join me as I recount my unforgettable journey to this serene destination, where history and nature come together in perfect harmony.

During my three-day adventure in Hamyang, I explored historic temples, hiked through lush forests, and savored local delicacies. Here’s a detailed account of my journey.

At 9 AM, I met the participants at the Seoul Express Bus Terminal and we traveled to Hamyang. We had participants coming from far places like Incheon and Ansan, so the trip started quietly due to fatigue. However, as we engaged in activities, I could see everyone laughing more and becoming closer. The group consisted of 7 people. Despite having different nationalities, they were mostly students in Korea around the same age, each with unique and charming personalities.

Upon arriving at Seoha Village, we started with a buffet-style lunch at the local restaurant, Hwawon, where everyone could choose their preferred food. After lunch, we toured the village and started experiencing Hamyang first-hand. We gathered at Studio H+1 for an overall trip orientation, made name tags, and had an introduction session to get to know each other. Later, a local Korean painting instructor taught us how to make beautiful silk fans. Using a common sketch, each participant added their unique colors and designs, showing great focus and enthusiasm. One of the participants from Tanzania experienced painting for the first time, and everyone felt proud and happy with their final products. We ended the first day by making our own jeon (Korean pancakes) and enjoying traditional Korean rice wine, makgeolli, at our accommodation.

Starting with breakfast between 8-9 AM, we then headed to Geoyeonjeong for the Seonbi Road trekking. We shared our warm-up exercises and combined trekking with plogging (picking up litter). More trash was collected towards the end of the trek, and we created junk art at the destination. We highlighted the dangers of ocean waste by creating a whale with our collected materials.

We had lunch at the local restaurant Hyangsu Kimbap, trying kimbap, tteokbokki, and kongguksu. Some found kongguksu challenging, but overall, everyone enjoyed the meal.

We toured the nearby village and a small temple, then returned to our accommodation to create flower beds. Working with soil was a novel and fun experience for everyone. The activity was conducted in three random groups, allowing participants to bond more.

We ended the day with a vegan BBQ dinner, followed by a cozy night around the fire, stargazing and sharing stories.

After an 8 AM breakfast, we visited the Ginkgo Tree Village. Sitting around an 800-year-old ginkgo tree, we reflected on our trip. The participants expressed high satisfaction and curiosity about other activities offered by Planet Zoom-In. We spent an hour of free time at Sangnim Park, a top travel spot in Hamyang. Everyone explored different parts of the park and then visited a local market to buy interesting and unique foods. Our final meal in Hamyang was a delicious Korean lunch at a restaurant near the local market. Except for one participant, who resides in Hamyang, we all took the bus back to Seoul together.

Though the activities weren’t extensively interactive with local residents, they offered a taste of what Hamyang has to offer and provided meaningful first-time experiences for many participants. The calm and harmonious atmosphere of the group made the trip even more enjoyable.

I hope my journey inspires you to explore this hidden gem with Planet Zoom-In and create your own unforgettable memories. Have you ever been to Hamyang or are you planning a trip soon? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow Planet Zoom-In for more travel-related content and adventures.