Miryang Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful city of Miryang in South Korea with this informative travel guide. From cultural attractions to natural wonders, hiking and biking routes to local foods, and transportation options to nearby destinations – we've got you covered.


Introduction to Miryang

Miryang is a charming city located in the South Gyeongsang province of South Korea, known for its natural beauty, ancient temples, and cultural heritage. Steeped in history, Miryang offers a unique blend of old and new, medieval traditions, and modern architecture. The city is surrounded by picturesque mountains and greenery, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

List of Places to Visit in Miryang

Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast or adventure seeker, Miryang has plenty to offer. Here are some of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Jeongseon Arirang Museum: Learn about the traditional Korean folk song, Arirang, and its different variations.
  • Naesosa Temple: A 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple with stunning architecture and scenic trails.
  • Hwawangsa Temple: Another ancient temple built during the Unified Silla period, with an impressive bronze bell and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Miryang City Museum: A great place to learn about the local history and culture of Miryang.

Natural Attractions of Miryang: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Juknokwon Bamboo Forest: A beautiful forest featuring a unique bamboo garden and a watermill.
  • Yongchusan Mountain: A hiking trail that offers breathtaking views, particularly during the cherry blossom and autumn seasons.
  • Saryangdo Island: A small island located off the southern coast with picturesque landscapes and stunning coastal views.
  • Gaji Mountain: A challenging yet rewarding hike with numerous Buddhist shrines and temples along the way.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Miryang

Miryang has plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, including:

  • Geomdansan Mountain: A 3-hour hike to the top of the mountain with incredible views of Miryang and beyond.
  • Miryang Dawon Bike Park: A mountain bike park with well-marked trails for different skill levels.
  • Gohanbyeongsan Mountain: This 600-meter-high mountain is a great option for a quick hike with stunning views of the surrounding area.

Best Things to Do in Miryang: Activities and Tours

  • Korean Traditional Archery: Experience traditional Korean archery at the Eoulim Archery Range.
  • Calligraphy Experience: Learn the art of calligraphy at the Miryang Calligraphy Experience Center.
  • Traditional Korean Cooking Class: Learn to make traditional Korean dishes like bibimbap, kimchi, and bulgogi at the Miryang Traditional Korean Cooking School.
  • Fruit Picking: Visit the Miryang Fruit Village and enjoy picking a variety of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and grapes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Miryang

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Miryang:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival, check-in, and city tour
Day 2 Visit to Naesosa Temple and Juknokwon Bamboo Forest
Day 3 Hiking trip to Yongchusan Mountain
Day 4 Visit to Saryangdo Island
Day 5 Visit the Miryang Calligraphy Experience Center and a traditional Korean cooking class
Day 6 Fruit picking at the Miryang Fruit Village
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Miryang

Miryang is known for its tasty local cuisine, with several must-try dishes on offer.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Miryang Bulgogi: A variation of the famous Korean dish made with beef or pork marinated in a spicy and sweet sauce.
  • Jijimbap: A popular Miryang dish made with rice, vegetables, and meat, served with a special sauce.
  • Buchu Jeon: A savory pancake made with garlic chives and other vegetables, served with a soy sauce-based dip.

Local Beverages

  • Sokrisan Soju: A famous local liquor made with sweet potatoes, famous across Korea
  • Miryang Sikhye: A sweet and refreshing traditional Korean beverage made from malted barley.

Where to Stay in Miryang: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Miryang has several options for accommodation, ranging from luxury hotels to budget hostels and guesthouses. Some excellent options include:

  • Hotel Hyundai Miryang: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city.
  • Miryang Guesthouse: A budget-friendly option with clean and comfortable rooms.
  • Residence Hill: A mid-range hotel with spacious and modern rooms.

What to Buy in Miryang: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Miryang has a few unique souvenirs and products that make for great souvenirs, including:

  • Bamboo Crafts: Various bamboo crafts such as utensils, ornaments, and furniture.
  • Miryang Chestnuts: Renowned for their size and taste, they make a great gift or snack.
  • Traditional Hanji: This handmade Korean paper is perfect for crafts, gift wrapping, or artwork.

Local Culture and Customs of Miryang

Miryang takes pride in preserving its ancient cultural heritage, a blend of Korean and Buddhist traditions. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Remove Your Shoes: In many traditional Korean establishments, including homes, restaurants, and temples, shoes have to be removed upon entering, hence it’s important to wear easy-to-remove footwear.
  • Bow: It is customary in Miryang to bow when greeting someone you meet or leave, out of respect and courtesy.
  • Address People Correctly: It is essential to address people using the correct titles depending on their age and position.

Best Time to Visit Miryang

The ideal time to visit Miryang is during the spring (March - May) and autumn (September - November) season when the weather is mild, nature is at its best, and attractions are less crowded. The cherry blossom and foliage season also offers a beautiful sight.

Do’s and Don’ts of Miryang

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try out the local food and drink scene.
  • Observe cleanliness and proper waste disposal practices.

Don’t:

  • Use excessive force when greeting people, as itis considered impolite.
  • Refuse or ignore the local delicacies.
  • Disrespect local customs or religious practices.

Safety and Health

Safety in Miryang

Miryang is generally a safe city, with a low crime rate. However, tourists should still be cautious and keep an eye on their belongings in crowded areas, especially on public transport or when visiting tourist spots.

Health in Miryang

Miryang has well-equipped hospitals and clinics, with several English-speaking doctors. South Korea requires visitors to have valid medical insurance coverage to enter the country, so be sure to have one before your trip.

Getting to Miryang: Transportation Options and Logistics

Miryang is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, including:

Airports Near Miryang

  • Daegu International Airport (DGE) - 78 km from Miryang
  • Gimhae International Airport (PUS) - 72 km from Miryang

From the airports, you can take a taxi or bus to Miryang.

Bus Stations Near Miryang

  • Miryang Bus Terminal: Located in the city center, it connects to various cities across South Korea.
  • Miryang-Goeje Bus Terminal: Located in the north of the city, it provides bus services to the local area.

Other Options

If you are coming from Seoul, take the KTX high-speed train to Miryang Station. It takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes from Seoul Station to reach Miryang Station.

How to Get Around in Miryang

The cost-effective way of getting around Miryang is via its local bus service routes. Taxis and rental cars are also available for visitors.

Where to Go Next from Miryang: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Miryang is a great starting point for visiting other nearby destinations, including:

  • Busan: A bustling port city located 61 km southeast of Miryang – famous for its beaches, markets, and gourmet seafood.
  • Gyeongju: A historical city, once the capital of Silla dynasty, located 68 km north of Miryang, famous for its temples and ancient burial sites.
  • Ulsan: A coastal industrial city, located 87 km southeast of Miryang, known for its shipbuilding and petrochemicals industries, and popular beaches.

Conclusion

Miryang is a fantastic destination filled with culture, nature, history, and adventure. From ancient temples to challenging hikes, delicious food to cultural experiences, and comfortable accommodation to hassle-free transportation, Miryang is the perfect destination for your next adventure in South Korea.

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