Suncheon Travel Guide: A Hidden Gem in South Korea

-

 

Suncheon Travel Guide: A Hidden Gem in South Korea

Why You Should Visit Suncheon

If you're looking for a peaceful escape into nature, Suncheon is a must-visit destination in South Korea. Located in Jeollanam-do, this city is famous for its stunning wetlands, beautiful gardens, and delicious local food. Unlike Seoul or Busan, Suncheon offers a more relaxed atmosphere with breathtaking natural scenery and rich Korean culture.

In this guide, I’ll introduce the best places to visit in Suncheon, including:
✅ Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve – A stunning coastal wetland with golden reed fields
✅ Waon Beach – A quiet beach known for its breathtaking sunsets
✅ Suncheon Bay National Garden – A massive eco-park where you can even go camping!

Plus, I’ll cover how to get to Suncheon from both Seoul and Busan and introduce some must-try local foods!
















🌿 1. Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve (순천만 μŠ΅μ§€)

One of Korea’s most beautiful coastal wetlands, home to migratory birds and endless reed fields.

πŸ“ Why Visit?

  • A UNESCO-protected ecosystem with incredible biodiversity
  • Stunning golden reed fields that change color with the seasons
  • Yongsan Observatory offers panoramic views of the entire bay

🚢 Things to Do:

  • Walk along the wooden trails surrounded by tall reeds
  • Spot rare birds, including the black-faced spoonbill
  • Hike up to Yongsan Observatory for an amazing sunset view

πŸŒ… Best Time to Visit

  • Autumn (September–November): The reeds turn golden and create a magical landscape
  • Spring (March–May): Perfect for birdwatching and pleasant weather

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: Visit during sunset to see the most breathtaking scenery!




πŸ– 2. Waon Beach (μ™€μ˜¨ ν•΄λ³€)

A peaceful and lesser-known beach with incredible sunset views.

πŸ“ Why Visit?

  • Less crowded than other beaches, perfect for a quiet getaway
  • Famous for its stunning sunset reflecting on the calm waters
  • Surrounded by traditional fishing villages, giving you a glimpse into local life

🚢 Things to Do:

  • Take a leisurely walk along the shore
  • Capture the iconic sunset view
  • Try fresh seafood from local restaurants nearby

πŸŒ… Best Time to Visit

  • Evening: The best time to see the breathtaking sunset
  • Spring & Summer: Ideal for enjoying the coastal breeze

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal while watching the sunset!

See the mavelous scene of the Waon Beach



🌸 3. Suncheon Bay National Garden (순천만 ꡭ가정원) – You Can Go Camping Here!

A massive eco-park featuring themed gardens, cultural exhibitions, and camping facilities!

πŸ“ Why Visit?

  • One of Korea’s largest botanical gardens, showcasing themed gardens from around the world
  • Offers a unique camping experience inside the garden!
  • Home to Suncheon Bay Sky Cube, a monorail that takes you to the wetland reserve

🚢 Things to Do:

  • Explore international gardens representing France, China, and the Netherlands
  • Take a ride on the Sky Cube monorail for a scenic view of the park
  • Stay overnight at the Suncheon Bay National Garden Campsite!

πŸ• How to Go Camping in the Garden

  • Camping is available inside Suncheon Bay National Garden
  • Facilities include tent sites, showers, and picnic areas
  • Bookings can be made in advance through the official Suncheon travel website

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: If you want a unique experience, try glamping (luxury camping) inside the park!

See the other pictures of National Gardens




πŸš† How to Get to Suncheon?

From Seoul:

πŸš… KTX (Fastest Option)

  • Travel Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Fare: ₩47,000–₩55,000 (Economy Class)
  • Route: Yongsan Station → Suncheon Station
  • Booking: Korail Website or KorailTalk App

Pros: Fastest and most comfortable option
Cons: More expensive than buses

🚌 Express Bus (Best for Budget Travelers)

  • Travel Time: About 3.5–4 hours
  • Fare: ₩36,000 (Luxury Bus) / ₩45,000 (Premium Bus)
  • Route: Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam) → Suncheon Bus Terminal
  • Booking: Bustago or TmoneyGO App

Pros: Cheaper than KTX, comfortable seats in premium options
Cons: Travel time may vary due to traffic

From Busan:

πŸš† Mugunghwa Train (Best Budget Option)

  • Travel Time: About 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Fare: ₩14,000 (Economy Class)
  • Route: Busan Station → Suncheon Station
  • Booking: Korail Website or KorailTalk App

Pros: Affordable and comfortable
Cons: No KTX service, only slower trains available

🚌 Express Bus (Most Convenient)

  • Travel Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Fare: ₩18,000 (Standard) / ₩26,000 (Luxury) / ₩30,000 (Premium)
  • Route: Busan Seobu Bus Terminal (Sasang) → Suncheon Bus Terminal
  • Booking: Bustago or TmoneyGO App

Pros: Fast and easy to book
Cons: Can be delayed by traffic

 

πŸš€ Best Way to Travel?
✔ Fastest? → KTX
✔ Best Value? → Luxury Express Bus
✔ Cheapest? → Mugunghwa Train

🍜 Must-Try Foods in Suncheon

πŸ₯’ Jeolla-style Baekban (전라도 백반) – The Ultimate Korean Meal

🍲 Jjangttungeo-tang (μ§±λš±μ–΄νƒ•) – A Unique and Hearty Fish Soup

  • Made from ground mudskipper fish, giving it a thick and rich texture

πŸ₯˜ Jeolla-style Gukbap (κ΅­λ°₯) – Different from Busan’s Version!

  • Unlike Busan-style pork gukbap, Suncheon’s Jeolla-style gukbap has a stronger broth and more side dishes











Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Authentic Thai Food in Yeosu – Coconut Rain Review | Best Tom Yum Kung & Leng Saeb!

-
Image
Authentic Thai Food in Yeosu – Coconut Rain Review If you are looking for authentic Thai food in Yeosu, look no further than Coconut Rain ! This restaurant brings the true flavors of Thailand to the coastal city of Yeosu, offering a delightful dining experience with its street food-inspired interior and delicious Thai dishes. I previously visited this restaurant and loved the food, so I decided to return and try more of their menu. Here’s my detailed review! πŸ“ Location & Nearby Attractions Coconut Rain is conveniently located near several must-visit spots in Yeosu, making it an ideal place to stop for a meal during your trip. Some nearby attractions include: ✔ Hamel Lighthouse – A historic site commemorating Dutch sailor Hendrick Hamel, with a stunning ocean view ✔ Yeosu Romantic Pocha Street – A famous street lined with food stalls serving delicious seafood and local Korean dishes ✔ Yeosu Cruise Terminal – Take a boat ride to enjoy Yeosu’s beautiful coastline and islands ✔ Geo...
Read more

Holiday Inn Gwangju IHG Hotel Review – My Honest Stay Experience

-
Image
  Holiday Inn Gwangju IHG Hotel Review – My Honest Stay Experience During my recent 2-day trip to Gwangju , I stayed at the Holiday Inn Gwangju IHG Hotel . After comparing several options, I found that booking through Naver provided a more affordable price, and it even included a coffee voucher, making it a great deal. Many travelers tend to book directly through the hotel’s official website, but sometimes platforms like Naver offer better deals . If you don’t need IHG membership perks, checking third-party reservations is a good idea. Location 🏨 Room & Facilities The Holiday Inn Gwangju offers spacious rooms , though the hotel itself has a slightly aged feel. However, it is well-maintained and clean. The hotel’s exterior design is unique, making it easy to recognize. Located near the Kim Dae-Jung Convention Center and Gwangju Songjeong Station , the hotel is very convenient for travelers . Additionally, free parking is available, making it a good choice for those drivi...
Read more

VOCO Hotel Myeongdong Review | The Best Budget-Friendly Stay in Seoul

-
Image
  VOCO Hotel Myeongdong Review | The Best Budget-Friendly Stay in Seoul VOCO Hotel Myeongdong Review | The Best Budget-Friendly Stay in Seoul Introduction: Why I Chose VOCO Hotel Myeongdong When traveling, I always prioritize location, comfort, and value for money when choosing a hotel. During my recent stay in Seoul, I decided to book VOCO Hotel Myeongdong , a modern yet affordable hotel nestled right next to Namdaemun Market and Hoehyeon Station . I booked two rooms for a weekend stay, including breakfast , and surprisingly, it only cost around ₩200,000($140) per night per room. For the location and quality of service, it was an absolute steal! This review covers everything you need to know about VOCO Hotel Myeongdong, including: ✔ Location & Accessibility ✔ Room Condition & Amenities (including free minibar & welcome treats) ✔ Breakfast & Dining Options ✔ Check-in & Service Experience ✔ Overall Pros & Cons πŸ“ Location: Un...
Read more