Haman County Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, things to do, hiking and biking routes, food, accommodations, local customs, safety and transportation options in Haman County, South Korea.


Introduction to Haman County

Located in the southern part of South Gyeongsang Province, Haman County is a hidden gem of South Korea with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The county has a population of around 60,000 and is surrounded by mountains and sea, offering breathtaking scenery and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. With this travel guide, we aim to help you discover the top attractions, things to do, hiking and biking routes, food, accommodations, local customs, safety and transportation options in Haman County, South Korea.

List of Places to Visit in Haman County

Here’s a list of top attractions to include in your itinerary when visiting Haman County:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Haman Suyanggae Prehistoric Relics Exhibition Hall: This museum showcases the prehistoric relics discovered in Haman county, including pottery, stone artifacts, and burial tombs.
  2. Baekje Cultural Park: This park preserves the remnants of the ancient Baekje Kingdom that ruled the Korean peninsula from 18 BCE to 660 CE.
  3. Haman Cheonggukjeon: This 19th-century building is a historic site where local officials used to carry out their duties during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897).

Natural Attractions of Haman County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Haman Pyeongdae Park: This park has a beautiful garden and a 300-meter-long suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the town and mountains.
  2. Jjokbae Waterfall: This is a hidden gem of Haman County, where the Seomjingang River cascades down over several rocky tiers surrounded by lush greenery.
  3. Daebyeon Haebyeon Beach: This beach has a long stretch of golden sand and shallow waters making it a perfect destination for families with children.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Haman County

Haman County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are plenty of hiking and biking trails that offer breathtaking views of the countryside.

  1. Haman Daegaya Theme Park Trail: This trail leads to Mount Daegaya, where visitors can see ancient tombs and view the surrounding mountains and sea.
  2. Haman Bappo-gil: This is a 10-kilometer-long trail that meanders through the county’s scenic countryside, with views of rice paddies, streams and traditional houses.
  3. Sangju Silver Grass Trail: This trail is about 3 kilometers long and takes visitors through a stunning meadow filled with silver grass in autumn.

Best Things to Do in Haman County: Activities and Tours

  1. Experience the Korean Tea Culture: Haman County is known for its tea plantations, and visitors can take a guided tour to learn about Korean tea culture and enjoy a cup of hot tea.
  2. Visit the Traditional Market: The county’s traditional market is a great place to experience local culture, try traditional snacks, and shop for souvenirs.
  3. Join the Dancing Festival: Every year in September, the county celebrates the “Haman Yasikgol Festival,” a traditional Korean dancing festival where visitors can watch performances, take part in the dance, and enjoy delicious food.

Week-Long Itinerary for Haman County

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for visitors to Haman County:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival, Check-in to Hotel
Day 2 Explore Baekje Cultural Park and Haman Pyeongdae Park
Day 3 Hike to Mount Daegaya and visit Haman Daegaya Theme Park
Day 4 Leisure day for Relaxing at Daebyeon Haebyeon Beach
Day 5 Take a Guided Tour of Korean Tea Plantation and Taste Local Tea
Day 6 Visit Jjokbae Waterfall and Join the Dancing Festival in the Evening
Day 7 Departure and Checkout from the Hotel

Food and Drink Scene of Haman County

Korean cuisine is famous worldwide for its spicy, savory, and sour flavors. Haman County offers its own authentic culinary delights. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in Haman County:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Haman-style Spicy Raw Crab: This dish is a delicacy made with fresh raw crabs marinated in a spicy sauce.
  2. Haman-style Abalone Porridge: This porridge is made with abalone, rice, and vegetable broth, offering a healthy and flavorsome breakfast.

Local Beverages

  1. Haman Omija Juice: This juice is made with dried magnolia fruit and is famous for its unique taste and nutritional benefits.
  2. Haman Green Tea: Haman County is known for its tea plantations, and visitors can taste the fresh and aromatic green tea.

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

Haman County offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and traditional guesthouses. Here are some recommendations for comfortable and convenient stays:

  1. Haman Seomjingang Marina Hotel: This hotel offers guests stunning views of the Seomjingang River and easy access to nearby tourist attractions.
  2. Haman Traditional House Stay: This guesthouse offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Korean culture and traditional architecture firsthand.
  3. Haman Youth Hostel: This hostel is perfect for budget travelers and backpackers looking for affordable and clean accommodation.

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

Haman County produces a variety of unique local products that make perfect souvenirs and gifts for friends and family. Here are some popular items worth buying:

  1. Haman-style Dried Fish: Haman County is known for its premium quality dried fish. Visitors can purchase dried squid, anchovies, and octopus in various flavors.
  2. Haman Traditional Handicrafts: Visitors can buy traditional Korean handicrafts like pottery, lacquerware, and textiles made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Haman County

Korean culture is deeply rooted in Confucianism, which places great importance on respecting elders, family values, and hierarchical relationships. Visitors are expected to follow some basic customs:

  1. Remove Shoes Inside: It’s customary in Korea to remove shoes when entering a residence, a traditional guesthouse, or other indoor spaces.
  2. Bowing and Greetings: Bowing is a form of greeting, and the level of bowing depends on the relative status of the individuals involved.

Best Time to Visit Haman County

The best time to visit Haman County is between April and October, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the countryside is lush green. The spring months from April to May and the autumn months from September to October offer excellent hiking and biking weather, while the summer months from June to August are ideal for beach activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Haman County

Here are some basic do’s and don’ts to follow while visiting Haman County:

Do:

  1. Try the Local Food and Drinks
  2. Respect Local Customs and Traditions
  3. Learn Basic Korean Phrases for Communication

Don’t:

  1. Use Loud Voices in Public Spaces
  2. Disrespect Elders or Authority Figures
  3. Wear Revealing Clothes in Traditional Settings

Safety and Health

Safety in Haman County

Haman County is a safe and peaceful region with low crime rates. Visitors need to take the usual safety precautions like keeping valuables secure and not wandering alone at night.

Health in Haman County

Haman County has excellent healthcare facilities, and visitors can get medical assistance if needed. However, visitors should carry their health insurance documents and prescription medicine.

Getting to Haman County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Haman County is well-connected to the rest of South Korea, with accessible transportation options for visitors.

Airports Near Haman County

The nearest international airport is Busan’s Gimhae International Airport, which is approximately 1.5 hours away from Haman County by bus or car.

Bus Stations Near Haman County

Haman Intercity Bus Terminal operates buses from most major cities in South Korea, including Seoul, Busan, and Daegu.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train or drive to Haman County. The KTX high-speed train runs from Seoul to Masan Station, which is 30 minutes away from Haman by bus or car.

How to Get Around in Haman County

Haman County is well-connected by local buses and taxis, and visitors can easily access most tourist attractions and hiking trails by public transportation. Biking and hiking are other popular ways of getting around and exploring the beautiful countryside.

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

Visitors can explore some of the nearby destinations from Haman County, including:

  1. Gyeongju: This is the ancient capital of Silla Dynasty, with beautiful temples, pagodas, and historical sites.
  2. Tongyeong: This beautiful port city is famous for its seafood, islands, and cable cars that offer panoramic views of the coastline.

Conclusion

Haman County is a hidden gem of South Korea that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities. This comprehensive guide has covered everything you need to know to plan and enjoy a memorable trip to Haman County, including attractions, accommodations, food, transportation, and local customs. We hope this guide inspires and helps you to explore the best of Haman County.