I visited in the summer, so if you're planning a similar trip, be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, sunglasses, and light, summery clothing. If you’re planning to explore nature, I also suggest bringing long pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect against ticks.

BUS, CAR, WALK

If you’re looking for a getaway that blends scenic beauty, rich history, and unique local experiences, Namhae is a destination you shouldn’t miss. I recently spent 3 days and 2 nights discovering this treasure island in June during a promotion tour (because of this I unfortunately don't know the cost of everything, I'm sorry!), and it quickly became one of my favorite spots in Korea. From stunning coastal views and serene temples to charming local festivals and hidden gems, Namhae offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the big fast-paced cities. Getting around Namhae can be a bit tricky without a car or taxi, but it’s still worth the visit in my opinion. Here’s a detailed snapshot of my trip: Day 1: - Namhaegak: My first sight of Namhae was the impressive Namhae Bridge. Just across the bridge, I discovered a modern café with charming souvenirs crafted by local artists and seating that offers a lovely view of the bridge. - Hoeryong Village Guesthouse: Stayed in a cozy guesthouse, formerly a school, with comfortable rooms and a camping area by the beach. Highlights included harvesting mini sweet pumpkins and a fun cooking workshop, which were offered at the time. (잎새바람 남해회룡농촌체험마을) - Garlic & Beef Festival: A festival celebrating Namhae’s specialties. Delicious food options (including black garlic ice cream O_O), a market, and performances made it a great stop for foodies. I'd recommend visiting during the day instead of at night, a lot of stalls were already sold out by the time I visited. I really wanted to try that ice cream! Day 2: - Boriam Temple: A short hike after a bus ride up the mountain led to this temple with unbelievable stunning views. So far, this has been my favorite temple to visit in Korea! (Entrance up the mountain is 2000won). - Jeongmangdae Restaurant: When visiting Namhae, you should try some seafood dishes! I tried the spicy cold noodle raw fish specialty and although I'm usually not a big fan of raw fish, this dish was incredibly refreshing after a hot day of hiking to the Boriam Temple. - Sea Fishing: This was probably one of my favorite activities besides visiting the Boriam Temple. The veteran fishermen were incredibly kind and patient. They taught us how to fish, and although I didn't catch anything, it was still fun to have this experience. Also, Namhae's sea color is mesmerizing. I often found myself daydreaming while watching it glistering in the sun. - Gaengbeonmaru Guesthouse: Another school turned into a guesthouse stay, this time with traditional ondol rooms. At first, I was scared ondol-type beds would be uncomfortable as I'm not used to sleeping on the ground, but the thick bedding made for a surprisingly comfortable stay. (갱번마루) - Daeguksanseong: Explored this historic fortress, which dates back to the late Goryeo period and was used to protect Namhae from invasions. Perched on a mountain, Daeguksanseong offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and the neighboring city of Yeosu. It was a beautiful place to visit for sunset, but I reckon sunrise would be stunning too! If you explore the place a bit more, you can also find a swing to take some Instagram-worthy pictures. Day 3: - Seolri Skywalk: The wooden and glass bridge offered an amazing view of Namhae’s southern sea. It was also a filming location for the K-drama "The Legend of the Blue Sea." I admit I was too scared to walk on the glass part, but it was still a fun place to visit. For daredevils, this skywalk has a swing on the edge, which you can use after buying a ticket. - German Village: A charming spot reminiscent of Europe, built for Korean workers who had spent more than 20 years working in Germany during the 1960s. It was strange to visit a European-inspired village in Korea, however, the history is very interesting and they sell some authentic non-sweet bread (if you're from northern Europe like me, you might understand what a treat this was haha). - Namhaeda Cafe (in the German Village): Ended my trip with a delicious sandwich and sausages. If you visit this cafe, you should try the Yuzu ade as well! Namhae is well known for Yuzu, so definitely try some Yuzu drinks/snacks while you visit! I even discovered Namhae Yuzu Pepero, which has recently appeared in Seoul too (I've seen them in CU convenience stores)! If you’re exploring Korea, I highly recommend venturing beyond the big cities to experience beautiful hidden gems like Namhae.