Gochang County is a beautiful tourist destination in North Jeolla that combines tradition and nature, and you can enjoy various activities and beautiful scenery when you visit. It is in the southwest end of Jeollabuk-do. The population is about 55,000 as of 2020.
Understand
[edit]Gochang County is a mostly rural area. The county seat of Gochang County (Gochang-gun) is Gochang Town (Gochang-eup), which had 21,000 residents in 2022.
Get in
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Map of Gochang
By plane
[edit]The nearest airport to Gochang is Gunsan Airport (KUV IATA). From Gunsan Airport, you can reach Gochang by taxi or public transportation.
By train
[edit]Gochang has a train station, and it is connected to the nationwide KTX (Korea Train eXpress) and regular train routes. You can take a train from Seoul to Gochang. After arriving at Gochang Station, you can use local buses or taxis to reach your accommodation.
By bus
[edit]Gochang has a bus terminal with long-distance bus routes connecting to major cities, including Seoul. Upon arriving at the bus terminal, you can take local buses or taxis to your destination or accommodation.
Get around
[edit]By taxi
[edit]Taxis in Gochang are most easily found around Gochang-eup, while availability can be limited in rural villages. The base fare for a standard taxi is ₩5,000 for the first 2 km. After the base distance, the distance-based fare is ₩163 per 134 m. As Gochang is largely rural, longer inter town trips can be relatively expensive compared to travel within the county seat.
Ride hailing services such as Kakao T, Uber operate in most parts of the county.
By rental car
[edit]- Dream Rental Car (드림렌터카), ☏ +82 63-561-2009.
- Ottogi Rental Car (오뚜기 렌트카), ☏ +82 507-1494-2210.
- Hanil Rental Car (한일렌트카), ☏ +82 63-562-4466.
See
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- 1 Gochang-eupseong Fortress (고창읍성). A natural stone fortress that some say was built in the first year of King Danjong of Joseon (1453) to prevent Japanese invasions, and others say it was completed during the reign of King Sukjong. With a circumference of 1,684 m, and a height of 4-6 m, it is equipped with strategic facilities such as the east, west, and north gates, three ongseongs, six fortresses, and a moat outside the fortress. In the fortress, there were 22 government buildings, including Dongheon and guesthouses. Most of the damaged buildings have been restored since 1976. So far, 14 of the 22 buildings (Dongheon, Gaeksa, Punghwaru, Gongbukru, Jinseoru, Deungyangru, Seonghwangsa Temple, Gwancheong, Jakcheong, Naea, Hyangcheong, Seocheong, Jangcheong, and Ok) have been restored.
- Gochang Hanok Village(고창 한옥 마을) : This village consists of traditional hanok buildings, where you can experience traditional Korean houses and culture.
- Gochang National Park: The park offers beautiful natural scenery, hiking trails, and allows you to enjoy walks and outdoor activities.
- Gochang Sunrise Square: You can see the morning sun here, and it is one of the popular spots to watch the beautiful sunrise.
- 2 Gochang Mireuksaji Temple (미륵사), 98 Sangwol 1-gil, ☏ +82 63-562-3503. This temple is a historically important place where you can see beautiful temple buildings and historical relics.
- Gochang Folk Village: This is a place where you can experience traditional Korean folk culture and traditional crafting, where you can enjoy traditional crafts and performances.
- Gochang Hong Island: Hongdo is an island where you can enjoy beautiful coastline and sea views, and you can enjoy various water sports activities.
- 3 Seonunsa (선운사, pronounced “Seo-noon-sa”), 250 Seonunsa-ro Asan-myeon. A head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It stands on the slopes of Dosolsan in Asan-myeon, Gochang County, near the Yellow Sea coast in western Jeollabuk-do province. Seonunsa Temple was established by Seon Master Geomdan in 577 CE.
- 4 Gochang World Heritage Dolmen Museum (고인돌 유적지), 74, Goindolgongwon-gil, ☏ +82 63-560-8666. 09:00-17:00. Gochang World Heritage Dolmen Museum is a museum dedicated to the dolmen sites of Gochang, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Gochang Dolmen Site. The museum provides exhibitions introducing the history, structure, and archaeological significance of dolmens, along with indoor displays and outdoor areas connected to the surrounding dolmen park.
- 5 Ungok Ramsar Wetland (운곡람사르습지), 362, Ungokseowon-gil, ☏ +82 63-564-7076. Ungok Ramsar Wetland is divided into three main visitor zone. The Obaegol Natural Restoration Wetland is the core zone of the site and can only be explored on foot via wooden boardwalks. Ungok Wetland Ecological Park, located between Obaegol and the reservoir, is an artificial park area accessible by walking or by a small exploration train. Ungok Reservoir, an artificial wetland, can also be visited on foot or by the exploration train. Parking is available at the eco-friendly parking lot near Ungok Reservoir and the ecological park, from where visitors continue on foot or by train. For visits to the Obaegol Natural Restoration Wetland, parking is available at the Gochang World Heritage Dolmen Museum, followed by an approximately 20-minute walk.
- 6 Dongho Beach (동호 해수욕장), 712, Dongho-ri. The beach stretches for about 4 km with fine sand and a gentle slope, making it suitable for swimming during the summer season. The beach officially opens to the public during the summer months. Free.
- 7 Dongnim Reservoir (동림저수지), Sinseong-ri, Seongnae-myeon. Dongnim Reservoir is a freshwater reservoir in Gochang that is known as an important stopover site for migratory birds. Free.
- 8 Neoldeul Hakwon Farm (넓은들 학원농장), 150, Hakwon Farm-gil, ☏ +82 63-564-9897. 09:00-18:00. The farm is known for its seasonal landscapes, with green barley fields in spring and white buckwheat flower fields in autumn.
- 9 Mujanghyeon Government Office (무장현 관아), 45, Mujang-eupseong-gil, ☏ +82 63-560-2465. Mujanghyeon Government Office is a restored historical complex that served as the administrative center of Mujang-hyeon during the Joseon Dynasty. Free.
- 10 Sangha Farm (상하농원), San 1-2, Jaryong-ri, ☏ +82 1522-3698. 09:30-21:00. Sangha Farm is a large rural experience complex. It operates workshops, hands-on classes, and factory tours focused on food and agriculture.
- 11 Yundojang (윤도장), 70-9, Eunnak-gil, ☏ +82 63-562-3167. 11:00-17:00. Yundojang is a traditional workshop associated with the making of yundo, a Korean geomantic compass.
- 12 Gochang Cheongnongwon (고창 청농원), 41-27, Cheongcheon-gil, ☏ +82 63-561-6907. 09:00-18:00. Gochang Cheongnongwon is a farm attraction known for its open fields and seasonal rural scenery.
Do
[edit]- 1 Seokjeong Hot Springs (석정온천), 173, Seokjeong 2-ro, ☏ +82 63-560-7500. 06:00-21:00. Seokjeong Hot Springs is a hot spring complex that uses naturally sourced germanium rich thermal water. The facility includes indoor and outdoor bathing areas, spa pools, and separate zones for adults and children.
- 2 Gochang Tidal Flats (고창갯벌), Dueori, Simwon-myeon. Gochang Tidal Flats are an extensive tidal flat area along Korea’s west coast, offering wide open coastal scenery shaped by large tidal changes. Visitors can explore the shoreline during low tide, observe coastal wildlife, and experience the natural landscape of Gomso Bay. The area is designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
- 3 Pansori Museum (판소리 박물관), 100, Dongni-ro, ☏ +82 63-560-8061. 09:00-18:00. Pansori Museum is a specialized museum dedicated to pansori, Korea’s traditional narrative music. The museum features permanent and special exhibitions displaying artifacts, recordings, and documents related to pansori and notable performers from the Gochang area. Visitors can explore multiple exhibition rooms, watch related audiovisual materials, and participate in basic hands on experiences such as learning rhythmic accompaniment. The site also includes spaces for temporary exhibitions and small performances. Free.
- 4 Seonunsan Provincial Park (선운산 도립공원), 242-86, Seonunsa-ro, ☏ +82 63-560-8681. Seonunsan Provincial Park is also known as Dosolsan, reflecting its long association with Buddhist practice. The park features forested valleys, distinctive rock formations, and Seonunsa Temple, a historic Buddhist temple complex with several hermitages and cultural properties. Visitors can follow well-marked trails to explore temples, rock carvings, viewpoints, and seasonal landscapes, making it suitable for hiking, walking, and cultural sightseeing. Free.
- 5 Munsusa Temple (문수사), 135, Chilseong-gil, ☏ +82 63-562-0502. Munsusa Temple is a Buddhist temple located on the mid slope of Mt. Munsusan, near the boundary between Gochang and Jangseong. Surrounded by forested valleys, the temple complex includes several designated cultural properties such as the main hall, shrine halls, stupas, and wooden Buddhist statues. Free.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Emart24 Gochang Park City Branch (이마트24 고창파크시티점), 153, Seokjeong 2-ro, ☏ +82 63-564-0305. Emart24 Gochang Park City Branch is a convenience store. The store provides basic groceries, snacks, drinks, and everyday necessities.
- 2 Hanaro Mart Gochang Nonghyup (하나로마트 고창농협), 677, Eupnae-ri, ☏ +82 63-560-5700. 09:00-22:00. Hanaro Mart Gochang Nonghyup is a large local supermarket operated by the agricultural cooperative in Gochang-eup. The store sells groceries, fresh produce, local agricultural products, and daily necessities.
- 3 Sinsun Food Materials Mart (신선식자재마트 심원점), 183-1, Wolsan-ri, ☏ +82 507-1303-5620. 07:00-22:00. Sinsun Food Materials Mart is a local grocery and food supply store. The store sells fresh ingredients, packaged foods, and daily necessities.
- 4 CU Gochang Seonunsa Branch (CU 고창선운사점), 392-18, Samin-ri, 1F, ☏ +82 63-561-1779. CU Gochang Seonunsa Branch is a convenience store. The store provides snacks, drinks, ready-to-eat meals, and basic daily necessities.
- 5 Daeseong Discount Mart (대성할인마트), 65, Dongni-ro, ☏ +82 63-564-3115. Daeseong Discount Mart is a large local supermarket. Compared to smaller neighborhood stores, it offers a wider range of groceries, household goods, and daily necessities.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Uri Pungcheon Eel (우리풍천장어), 104-14, Wolamsuwol-gil, ☏ +82 63-563-8882. 11:00-21:00. Uri Pungcheon Eel is specializing in freshwater eel dishes. The menu includes grilled eel prepared with salt, eel soup served as a set or side dish, and simple accompaniments such as rice and scorched rice. The restaurant provides group seating and on site parking.
- 2 Arirang Premium Chueotang (아리랑명품추어탕고창), 135, Boritgol-ro, 1F, ☏ +82 63-563-1400. 10:30-20:00. Arirang Premium Chueotang is a Korean restaurant specializing in chueotang. The menu includes chueotang served with either stone pot rice or regular rice, as well as side dishes such as fried loach, soybean paste stew with river snails, dumplings, and other accompanying items.
- 3 Seongsong Hoegwan (성송회관), Seongsong Hoegwan, ☏ +82 63-562-8575. 10:00-21:00. Seongsong Hoegwan is a Korean restaurant offering a menu centered on dishes made with young barley along with meat and soup options. The menu includes barley based bibimbap with raw beef, bossam set meals, grilled pork, loach soup, seasonal cold noodles, and shared dishes such as boiled flatfish soup.
- 4 Mokkoji Clam Cuisine (모꼬지 바지락요리전문점), 171, Seokjeong 2-ro, Wellpark Mall 1F, ☏ +82 507-1441-4569. 08:00-20:00. Mokkoji is a restaurant specializing in dishes made with clams(bajirak). The menu focuses on clam-based soups, stews, and shared dishes commonly served as Korean-style meals. Located within a commercial complex.
- 5 Gunsan Agujjim (군산아구찜), 41, Seongsan 2-gil, ☏ +82 63-564-8900. 11:00-21:00. Gunsan Agujjim is a restaurant specializing in agujjim (braised monkfish). The menu focuses on monkfish dishes prepared in a shared-dining style, commonly ordered for group meals.
- 6 Hyodo Jjinppang (효도찐빵), 14, Sijang-gil, ☏ +82 63-564-2605. 08:00-18:00. Hyodo Jjinppang is a small local shop in traditional market area specializing in jjinppang (steamed buns). The shop focuses on freshly prepared steamed buns.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Yeondawon Cafe (연다원), 184-81, Bokbunja-ro, ☏ +82 507-1364-4443. 11:00-18:00. Yeondawon is a cafe located in a rural area of Gochang, surrounded by natural scenery. It focuses on drinks made with green tea and matcha.
- 2 Thanks Duck Berber’s House (땡스덕 베르베르의집), 554-6, Segok-ri, Sinlim-myeon, ☏ +82 507-1327-1829, toll-free: 35.3927Phone with wrong formatCountry code missing. 10:00-19:00. Thanks Duck – Berber’s House is a cafe featuring an Africa-inspired interior. The menu includes coffee, desserts, and bread sets served with kaymak (clotted cream).
- 3 Old Downtown Joyangwan Cafe (옛도심 조양관 카페), 86, Cheonbyeonnam-ro, ☏ +82 10-2198-9421. 10:30-21:00. Old Downtown Joyangwan Cafe set within a restored building in the old downtown area. The menu includes coffee, tea, and non coffee drinks, with bokbunja latte and bokbunja based beverages.
- 4 Deulkkot Cafe Arboretum (들꽃카페수목원), 575, Taebong-ro, ☏ +82 507-1397-5336. 09:30-18:00. Deulkkot Cafe Arboretum is a cafe located within the Goindol Wildflower Learning Garden. Visitors can enjoy drinks while walking through landscaped gardens featuring wildflowers and plants.
- 5 Ylang Ylang Cafe (일랑일랑카페), 615-53, Dongho-ri, ☏ +82 10-5846-5110. 10:00-21:00. Ylang Ylang Cafe is located near the beach. The menu includes light meals such as baked egg dishes and French toast, along with desserts like cheesecake, brulee, and tarts. Drinks include coffee, grain-based lattes, and fruit based beverages, including bokbunja (Korean black raspberry) yogurt smoothies and lattes.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Dongho Beach Hotel (동호비치호텔), 649-1, Dongho-ri, ☏ +82 63-562-1300. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. The hotel is situated near Dongho Beach, providing convenient access to the shoreline and nearby coastal walking areas. The property offers on-site parking and includes facilities such as a restaurant and cafe, a swimming pool, an infinity pool on the upper floor, and a karaoke lounge in the basement.
- 2 Gochang Wellpark Hotel (고창 웰파크 호텔), 733-1, Seokjeong-ri, ☏ +82 63-560-3333. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Gochang Wellpark Hotel is a hotel located in the Seokjeong area within a leisure and spa complex. The hotel provides on-site parking.
- 3 Stay Seonun (스테이선운), San 27-1, Yonggye-ri, ☏ +82 63-560-2000. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. The property operates as a quiet lodging option surrounded by natural scenery.
- 4 Sangha Farm Farmers Village (상하농원 파머스빌리지), 1399-1, Yongjeong-ri, ☏ +82 507-1349-6611. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. The village includes accommodation, dining facilities, and farm-based experience spaces.
- 5 Hotel Seokjeong Hill (호텔석정힐), 26-2, Seokjeong-ri, ☏ +82 63-563-7711. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. The property offers on site parking. The hotel is often used by visitors planning golf rounds at nearby courses
Go next
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