Gunwi County Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gem of South Korea with our comprehensive Gunwi County travel guide. Explore the county's natural beauty, rich culture, delicious food, and much more. Plan your trip today!


Gunwi County is a hidden gem located in North Gyeongsang, South Korea, and is a destination that embodies the true essence of this ancient culture-rich country. It is the perfect place for those who seek a break from the well-trodden tourist trails.

In this comprehensive Gunwi County travel guide, we will explore the county’s natural beauty, rich culture, delicious food, the best time to visit, and much more. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a longer stay, this guide covers everything you need to know about Gunwi County.

Introduction to Gunwi County

Gunwi County is situated in the heart of South Korea, approximately 250 kilometers from Seoul, the capital city. The county is surrounded by picturesque mountains, dense forests, and beautiful countryside.

The county has a rich history dating back to the Silla Dynasty, which ruled Korea from 57 BC to 935 AD. Over the years, the county has evolved into a modernized area, but you can still see the remains of the ancient past in its various landmarks.

List of Places to Visit in Gunwi County

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Gunwi County Silla Tomb Museum: A museum that immortalizes the Silla Dynasty and its tombs. It is one of the county’s most popular attractions and is a perfect place to learn about the history of the county.
  2. Hamchang Daegaya Historical Museum: It features artifacts and documents from the famous early ancient Korean kingdom of Gaya. You’ll learn and see the remains of the Daegaya kingdom and its historic legacy.
  3. Seoknamsa Temple: Built in the late Silla period, Seoknamsa Temple is a traditional Korean Buddhist temple that gives visitors a chance to learn and appreciate the traditional Korean way of life, along with its religious and cultural beliefs.
  4. Gunwi County Government Office: Lying Rock: This natural site is in the mountains above the county government office. The stone shape looks like a person lying on the mountain, and it’s been an object of admiration since ancient times.

Natural Attractions of Gunwi County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Gunwi Five-day Market: Famous for its delicious food and souvenirs, the Gunwi Five-day market (Jojikji Market) is held every five days, according to the Lunar month calendar.
  2. Gunwi Hyanggyo Confucian School: This school’s historic remains reflect the importance of Confucianism in ancient Korean society between the 14th and 20th centuries. The beautiful architecture and scenic views make it a beautiful place to visit.
  3. Gunwi County Forest: This is a famous place with magnificent mountains, beautiful cherry, and maple blossoms in the spring, and autumn leaves in October. It’s the perfect place for hiking, picnics or simply admiring the natural scenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gunwi County

  1. Jujeongol Valley Trail: A trail that goes through various terrains, including a mountain stream, waterfalls, and rock cliffs. It’s perfect for hiking lovers and nature enthusiasts.
  2. Gyerong Mountain Trail: A trail that offers visitors a beautiful view of the Gunwi County countryside. It’s a popular place for hiking and bike riding.
  3. Ondal Mineral Spring Trail: A 20-kilometer trail with breathtaking views of the Gunwi County mountains and countryside. It’s also an area that produces mineral water.

Best Things to Do in Gunwi County: Activities and Tours

  1. Boseong Cave Adventure: Amazing cave with an underground stream that is set up for visitors to enjoy. It’s a fun activity for families and adventure lovers.
  2. Samba Fishing Village: A small, fishing village near Gunwi County. Here you get a chance to see how traditional Korean villages live and work, and you can experience fishing with a real fisherman.
  3. Gunwi Marathon: This annual marathon attracts thousands of participants from around the world. You can either participate or watch the event and experience the energy and excitement of the marathon.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gunwi County

Day 1: Visit Gunwi County Forest and Gunwi Hyanggyo Confucian School.

Day 2: Hike or Bike the Jujeongol valley and try the local specialty dish at a nearby restaurant.

Day 3: Gunwi Five-Day Market and visit the Hamchang Daegaya Museum.

Day 4: Explore Gunwi County Silla Tomb Museum and Seoknamsa Temple.

Day 5: Gunwi Marathon (if it coincides with your trip) and visit another natural site of your liking in the afternoon.

Day 6: Visit the Ondal Mineral Spring Trail and Drink the mineral water.

Day 7: Visit the Gunwi Administrative Office Lying Rocks and Samba Fishing Village.

Food and Drink Scene of Gunwi County

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Pheasant Noodle Soup: Gunwi County’s famous dish. It is especially popular during the winter season, but it’s available all year round in some specialty restaurants.
  2. Gunwi Pheasant: Pheasants believe it or not are a local delicacy in Gunwi. You can try pheasant in many ways, such as grilled, fried, and barbecued.
  3. Pancakes (Jeon): These are like traditional Korean pancakes but with added Gunwi flavors such as pheasant, mushrooms, and ferns.
  4. Gamgyul: These are giant Korean pears, and Gunwi is famous for producing the best gamgyul in the whole country. You can buy them as a souvenir, or try at a local market or restaurant.

Local Beverages

  1. Soju: Soju is the most popular alcoholic drink in South Korea, and it’s no different in Gunwi County.
  2. Makgeolli: Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine that is enjoyed all over the country, including Gunwi. You can find it in most Korean restaurants and bars.

Where to Stay in Gunwi County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Win Hotel Gumi: A 3-star hotel with comfortable fittings and a great location.
  2. Kensington Resort Gyeongju: A relaxed property located near Gunwi County, offering a unique on-site spa and golf course.
  3. My Place Guesthouse: A guest house offering comfortable accommodation with a Korean traditional feel.
  4. Chung Ang Hotel: A 4-star hotel with luxurious amenities in Gunwi city center.

What to Buy in Gunwi County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Gamgyul: Giant Korean pears are famous for being the best quality, and you won’t regret taking a few home with you.
  2. Mushrooms: Gunwi County is renowned for its mushrooms, and there are plenty of different types you can buy. They make the perfect gift for your loved ones.
  3. Pheasants: If you enjoyed the taste of local pheasants, why not buy some to share with friends, family, or to enjoy later at home?

Local Culture and Customs of Gunwi County

Gunwi County’s culture and customs are deeply rooted in the county’s history and tradition. Korean Confucianism is still prevalent here, and you will often find people practicing the traditional Korean ways of life, such as tea ceremonies, traditional dances, and martial arts.

Best Time to Visit Gunwi County

The best time to visit Gunwi County is during the spring and autumn seasons, which run from March to May and September to November. During this time, the weather is mild, and the scenery is spectacular as you can witness the beautiful blossoms in the spring and the colorful leaves in the fall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gunwi County

Do:

  1. Take part in the local festivities and traditions.
  2. Respect the local customs and traditions.
  3. Try Gunwi County’s famous dishes and local beverages.

Don’t:

  1. Raise your voice in public places.
  2. Touch the head of someone older than you (it is seen as disrespectful).
  3. Use red ink while writing someone’s name as it is considered an omen of death.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gunwi County

Gunwi County is generally a safe destination, and you can comfortably walk around even at night. However, still it’s advisable to be cautious about pickpocketing while on streets.

Health in Gunwi County

When traveling in Asia, it’s always good to take the necessary health precautions. This includes ensuring that your vaccinations are up to date, staying hydrated, and avoiding food and water that may not be safe.

Getting to Gunwi County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gunwi County

The nearest airport to Gunwi County is Daegu International Airport, which is approximately 80 kilometers away from the city center. Another option further out is the Gimhae International Airport which is around 100 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Gunwi County

You can take a bus from Seoul Central City Bus Terminal to Gunwi County. The journey takes around three hours.

Other Options

Another option to reach the county is by joining a guided tour that includes transportation to and from Gunwi County. Trips to the nearby city of Gyeongju can also combine a visit to Gunwi County as a day trip.

How to Get Around in Gunwi County

Getting around Gunwi County is most comfortable by taxi, rented car or motorbike. Public transportation such as buses and trains also connects the county to key destinations.

Where to Go Next from Gunwi County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Gyeongju: Gyeongju is a historic gem located just 30 kilometers outside of Gunwi County. It was once the capital of the Silla Dynasty and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  2. Daegu: Daegu is a vibrant city, and it’s the fourth-largest city in South Korea, with plenty of markets, shopping, and dining opportunities. Whether you’re looking for traditional or trendy, historical or modern-day experiences, Daegu has it all.
  3. Ulsan: Ulsan is a port city famous for its industrial development, and it’s where the Hyundai car company started. Here, you can witness how modern technology and ancient culture are intertwined.

Conclusion

Gunwi County is an excellent destination to experience traditional Korean culture, history, delicious food, and natural beauty. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has given you enough information to help you plan your visit and experience everything that Gunwi County has to offer. Plan your trip today, and you will not be disappointed!