Haman County Voyage Tips and guide

Haman County (Haman-gun) is in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. In the early Common Era, Haman was the seat of Ara Gaya, a leading state of the Gaya confederacy. Many relics from this period are still preserved in the county. After the fall of Gaya, Haman was absorbed into Silla as Asirang-gun; in 757 its name was changed to Haman-gun, which it bears today.

Haman County is located in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, and has a rich historical heritage dating back to the Gaya Confederacy. Archaeological evidence shows that the area was the center of Ara Gaya, one of the most prominent states of the confederacy, which thrived during the early Common Era. After the fall of Gaya, Haman was absorbed into the Silla Kingdom, eventually becoming known as Haman-gun. Throughout Korean history, Haman has maintained its agricultural significance. Today, it is renowned for its watermelon production and various other crops such as persimmons, melons, peaches, and grapes. Modern Haman balances its historical legacy with contemporary development. The county has improved infrastructure and community facilities, supporting both local residents and visitors.

Cultural events and local festivals celebrate Haman’s heritage, such as the Aragaya Cultural Festival, which showcases traditional performances, archaeological sites, and historical reenactments. As a region that bridges Korea's ancient past and modern lifestyle, Haman County offers a unique glimpse into the nation’s history while maintaining a vibrant, living community today.

Haman lies in the southern part of South Korea and has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters tend to be cold and dry, while summers are hot and humid. There are an average of 5–7 days of snow during winter. Monsoon conditions occur from June to July, with the highest rainfall in July. Summer temperatures generally average around 30.6°C (87°F) during the day and 22°C (72°F) at night, while winter temperatures average around 1°C (34°F) during the day and -8°C (18°F) at night.

Daylight in the summer runs from approximately 05:15 to 19:45, and in the winter from about 07:45 to 17:15.

Summer is characterized by hot, humid conditions and frequent rainfall, while winter is cold, dry, and relatively clear. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, with moderate temperatures and lower humidity.

As in the rest of Korea, having a basic grasp of Korean will be helpful when traveling in Haman. If you plan to stay for more than a short visit, consider learning to read the Korean alphabet, hangul. The basics can be learned quickly and will make navigating signs, menus, and buses much easier.

While younger Koreans study English in school, English proficiency in rural areas like Haman is generally limited, and you should not expect shopkeepers or restaurant staff to speak English. Most residents may know only a few simple words or phrases. That said, people are usually friendly and willing to help. If you are lost or need assistance, writing down your question in simple English or showing your destination on a map can be effective.

Because Haman is a small county with fewer foreign visitors compared to major cities, learning a few basic Korean expressions—such as “hello” (annyeonghaseyo), “thank you” (gamsahamnida), and “where is…?” (…eodi iss-eoyo?)—will make your trip smoother and will be appreciated by locals.

Welcome to Haman website

Haman (함안군) or the town center of Gaya-eup (가야읍) can be best reached by bus from Masan's Intercity Bus Terminal in Hapseong-dong. Buses depart every 30-40 minutes and arrive at Haman Intercity Bus Terminal. There are also a number of buses from Masan Nambu Bus Terminal near Gyeongnam University that go to Haman every hour and a half or so. In addition, there are a number of local buses that service Haman-gun: 252-2 (Nambu Terminal departure) and 114-1(Hapseong-dong departure) which go to Gaya-eup and Sanin-myeon (산인면). 113-1 (Hapseong-dong) and 250-1 (Gyeongnam University, 경남대) go to Chirwon-myeon (칠윈면) and Chirseo-myeon (칠서면) in the eastern portion of the county. One of these buses is available once an hour.

Trains also frequent Haman about ten times days a day coming in the direction of Suncheon (5 times) and Busan (5 times). It is possible to take a train from Haman to Daegu or Seoul once a day. There are two train stations in Haman, Haman (함안역) and Gunbuk (군북역).

The nearest airport is Gimhae International Airport outside of Busan.

35°16′21″N 128°24′23″E

Haman

Buses that travel to different destinations in Haman are not very frequent but it is possible to get around. There are ten buses a day from Haman Terminal to Chirwon-myeon and Chirseo-myeon. There are a number of buses a day that go through Haman-myeon and Yeohang-myeon (Yeohang-san Provincial Park) on their way to Jindong-myeon in Masan, Naegok-ri and Judong-ri. Buses can also be taken from Haman Bus Terminal to Gunbuk-myeon heading in the direction of Uiryeong-gun, Beopsu-myeon and Daesan-myeon also have a number of buses per day.

The local Masan buses 252-2 and 114-1 terminate in Gunbuk-myeon and make a number of stops through Gaya-eup on the way to Jung-ri in Masan. There is one per hour that stop behind Trial Supermarket/Haman Bus Terminal on the main road in Gaya-eup.

• Taxi fare. Haman-gun taxi fare starts at ₩5,500. The distance rate is ₩150 per 130 m, and the time rate is ₩150 per 31 seconds. The late-night surcharge time is in effect from 22:00 to 04:00. (updated Sep 2025)

• 35.255417128.4228061 Haman Mujinjung, 25 Goesan 4-gil, Haman-myeon, ☏ +82 55-580-2551. 24 hours. Mujinjeong Pavilion is a historic pavilion built in 1567 during the Joseon Dynasty. It was named after scholar Mujin, who served as a government official in various regions. The pavilion has a simple wooden structure with three rooms in the front and two on the side, showing the style of early Joseon pavilions. It was reconstructed in 1929. Every spring, the local festival Haman Nakhwa Nori is held here. Lanterns with charcoal powder are lit and floated on the water, creating a unique fireworks display. Free. (updated Sep 2025)
• 35.269368128.4026872 Haman Museum, 153-31, Gobun-gil, Gaya-eup (go straight about 200 m from Gaya-eup intersection to Gunbuk, turn left at KEPCO intersection and go straight about 500 m), ☏ +82 55-580-3908. March to October: Tu-Su 09:00-18:00, November to February: Tu-Su 09:00-17:00; M, New Year's Day and Chuseok, closed. As of Sep 2025, access is controlled due to remodeling work and exhibition reorganization. It has relics from different eras, such as Anra history, the Paleolithic Age, and the Neolithic Age. Haman Museum is largely divided into Exhibition Hall 1, Exhibition Hall 2, Malisan Ancient Tombs Exhibition Hall. 1st Floor Children's Experience Room, Book Cafe, 2nd Floor Exhibition Hall 1 - Prehistoric Room, Aragaya Room, Three Kingdoms and Unified Silla Room. Free. (updated Sep 2025)
• 35.280566128.3949663 Haman Lotus Theme Park, 38-20, Wanggung 1-gil, Gaya-eup, ☏ +82 55-580-4591. 24 hours. Haman Lotus Theme Park is a nature-friendly theme park created by utilizing natural swamps of the old Gaya district. It was opened in 2013 to create an eco-friendly theme park that can attract tourists throughout the four seasons and improve the quality of life of the county by providing a unique resting place for Haman-gun residents and tourists visiting Haman. There is a story that goes back more than 700 years in the background of the park's birth. In May 2009, lotus seeds were excavated at Seongsanseong Fortress (Historic Site No. 67) in Haman, which was found to be from the Goryeo Dynasty more than 700 years ago. The following year, the seeds sown at the Haman Museum in 2010 surprised the world again, revealing the amazing flower of flowers. Haman-gun named the lotus flower "Ara Hong-ryeon" after the history of Haman called Aragaya. And to commemorate the revival of Ara Hong-ryeon, it is the Haman Lotus Theme Park that created a lotus theme park. As a lotus theme park, you can enjoy a variety of lotus flowers, including Hongryeon, Baekryeon, Water Lily, and thorn lotus. In particular, there is Ara Hongryeon, which can only be found in Haman. The flowering period of the lotus is from July to August, and there is a stepping stone between the lotus flowers, so you can enjoy the flowers up close. In addition, there are photo zones and pavilion shelters everywhere, so you can enjoy them leisurely. free. (updated Oct 2025)
• 35.338692128.3389094 Daepyeong Neup (대평늪), 883-1, Daesong-ri, Beopsu-myeon. A well-preserved natural freshwater wetland in Beopsu-myeon, known for its wide lotus fields, diverse aquatic plants, and tranquil scenery. The area is designated as Natural Monument No. 346 and serves as a habitat for migratory birds. A 1.9-km boardwalk trail allows visitors to explore the wetland up close without disturbing the ecosystem. (updated Nov 2025)

The bulk of the activities in Haman are nature-related with the hiking in Yeohangsan and Bangeosan. Yeohang-san, the major peak (770 m), is part of the Naknam Ridge which extends from Gimhae to Jirisan. The best way to reach Yeohang-san is to take a bus heading to Naegok-ri, Jindong or Judong-ri. Stop in Yeohang-myeon (여항면) in front of Oeam Elementary School (외암초등학교). Once you get off the bus you will see the sign for Yeohang-san Park. Take a right on Provincial Road 1021 (you are walking at this point) and follow it for 2km and you will reach Joachon Village. There are three hiking courses to the top from there. You definitely need survival Korean to make the trek.

There's also Bangeosan in Gunbuk-myeon. The best way to get there is to take a bus from Haman Bus Terminal to Gunbuk. Get off the bus and hail a taxi lined along the streets of Gunbuk as there are no buses that go to the beginning of the hiking path. The path starts at Maaesa Temple (마애사) Another mountain to hike is Cheonjusan (648 m) in Ungok-ri, Chirwon-myeon.

However, if hiking is not your thing, there are a myriad of country roads to ride a bike on. Some of the best places to bike are south of Gaya-eup in Haman-myeon and Yeohang-myeon. There are also some really good roads near Gunbuk-myeon for biking. In Gaya-eup and Haman-myeon there are some bike paths, but they are rather poor and broken in a number of places.

• 35.2726128.40661 Aragaya Cultural Festival, Haman Museum & Marisan Ancient Tombs, ☏ +82 55-585-9400. late September to early October: 09:00-18:00. The Haman Aragaya Cultural Festival showcases diverse historical and cultural content, re-examines the history and culture of Aragaya, and offers a rich festival experience with various themed performances and celebratory events. There is a history experience course where visitors can experience Aragaya firsthand, as well as horse-riding experiences, procession experiences, and various programs including marathon competitions at the Malisan Ancient Tombs. One of the theme performances is called "Waking Up Fireworks and Aragaya." Some events, such as nighttime performances, may be held from 09:00 to 21:00. The festival generally takes place from late September to early October and usually lasts two to three days at the Haman Museum and Malisan Gobun-gun. free. (updated Sep 2025)
• 35.320828128.3322082 Gangju Sunflower Festival, 16, Gangju 4-gil, Beopsu-myeon, ☏ +82 10-4452-3452. June: 11:00 ~ 18:00 (until sunset). Free admission: Persons with disabilities, preschool children, seniors aged 70 and above, and residents of Beopsu-myeon. The festival features local agricultural product promotions, hands-on experience programs, and a variety of food stalls. A vast sunflower field of approximately 37,000 ㎡, created and maintained through the collective efforts of the residents of Gangju Village in Beopsu-myeon, forms a stunning landscape. Now in its 13th year, the festival aims to revive local traditions and culture, bringing together the talents and spirits of the community to create a vibrant celebration. ₩3,000. (updated Nov 2025)
• 35.280457128.3976253 Haman Persimmon Festival, 619-4, Haman-daero, Gaya-eup, ☏ +82 55-580-4554. 11:00 ~ 17:00. Haman gotgam (dried persimmons) are rooted in the history of Ara Gaya and are widely known for their rich flavor and aroma. Throughout the Joseon Dynasty, they were presented as tribute to the royal court due to their exceptional quality. Held annually in mid-January. Among local varieties, Haman Susigam is relatively small in size compared to other persimmons, but when fully ripened its sweetness and aroma become particularly strong. When dried, it develops a distinctive taste, fragrance, and texture, which has led to its reputation as one of the finest dried persimmons in Korea. The flavor is known for its deep, lingering sweetness and savory finish. Dried persimmon sales and promotional events, guest singer performances, hands-on activity booths, etc. free. (updated Nov 2025)
• 35.201987128.4240584 Yeohangsan, 72-4, Juseo 2-gil, Yeohang-myeon, ☏ +82 55-580-4551. 24 hours. Yeohangsan (770 m) is the main mountain of Haman. The name was given during the Joseon Dynasty by scholar Jeong Gu, who interpreted the mountain’s location in relation to the town from a geomantic perspective. The mountain has around seven major hiking routes, and it is visited throughout the year by both local and regional hikers.From the summit, there are wide views over Haman and, on clear days, distant views toward Jirisan and the South Sea. Along the trails are several notable rock formations, including Sseoribong and Pibawi, which are common viewpoints and rest spots. Parts of the mountain were also sites of conflict during the Korean War. Main Trailhead: Joachon Village (조아촌) in Yeohang-myeon. There are several hiking routes to the summit, most of them starting from Joachon Village. Typical hiking times range from 2.5 to 7 hours depending on the course. Representative Routes: Joachon → Summit → Joachon: ~4.8 km, approx. 2.5 hours. Joachon → Summit → Seobuksan → Byeolcheon: ~9.1 km, approx. 5 hours. Joachon → Summit → Bonghwasan → Cheongam: ~12.6 km, approx. 7 hours. Additional routes connect to Misan Pass, Hansan Ridge, and nearby peaks, offering longer ridge hikes for experienced hikers. free. (updated Nov 2025)

Every five days there's a market day in Gaya-eup. That's the best time to buy anything local from Haman. Trial Supermarket at the Haman Bus Terminal is the major area for grocery shopping in Gaya. There's also a couple of 하나로 marts, Jin Mart on the road behind the Trail Supermarket and near the train station and Green DC Mart. Trial is the best place to get bread and some western food as they have peanut butter, spaghetti sauce and whole wheat bread.

Also, if you are teaching and Haman and want to buy a bike, the best place to go is the Corex Bike Shop. The owner is very helpful and has repaired my bike countless times. It's on the main road in Gaya on the left hand side past the intersection with Green DC Mart.

• 35.277068128.4293041 Haman Bulppang Martin Bakery, 1828-1, Hamma-daero, Sanin-myeon, ☏ +82-507-1376-0017, [email protected]. 09:00 ~ 19:00. Martin Bakery is known for producing Haman Bul-bbang, which won the Grand Prize at the Gyeongnam Tourism Souvenir Competition. The bakery also offers a "Hongsi Ade Making" experience, where visitors can try making a refreshing drink using ripe persimmons. It serves coffee and freshly baked bread, along with handmade juices and bakery items using local Haman specialties. Their signature item, Haman Bul-bbang, is made with Haman dried persimmons and homemade persimmon syrup. (updated Nov 2025)
• 35.277261128.4064642 Gaya Market, 8-5, Gaya 8-gil, Gaya-eup, ☏ +82 55-583-2179. 08:30 ~ 19:30. Haman’s largest traditional market. It operates as a permanent market, with regular market days on the 5th, 10th, 15th, 25th, and 30th of every month (and the 31st when applicable). The market first opened in 1974 and offers a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, seafood, processed foods, local snacks, clothing, and daily necessities.
  Public parking is available nearby. (updated Nov 2025)

Lots of good places to eat in Gaya-eup. The best area in Gaya for restaurants is past the railroad tracks on the first road on the left past the Nong-hyup.

• Urihanmadang (오리한마당) (go down the main street in Haman, past the railroad tracks and take a left on a street past the Nong Hyup Bank but before the Post Office; once on that street, go down 250 m and it's on your right on the second floor). A really good duck restaurant that is popular with the locals. Really friendly owner too. 

• OK Kukibwepe (OK 고기뷔페). This is a meat buffet kind of restaurant. Pick out the meat you want and grill it up. It's on the first floor below the duck restaurant. 
• Konguinseongsik (공윈정식) (follow the directions to the other two restaurants above but it's on the right before you reach them.). This restaurant serves good side dishes with kimchi jjigae and dwenjang jjigae. They also have a nice fish soup. Bit nice if you don't want too much meat for a change. 
• Daenamudong Samkeopsal (대나무통 삼겹살) (the easiest way to get there is to cross over to one of the side streets across from the library and turn left and it will be on your left across from another meat restaurant). This is one of the best pork restaurants in town. They serve galbi tang (갈비탕) and yook gye jang (육게장) which is a spicy pork soup. Of course, their samgyeopsal is very good too. 
• Daejang Bulgogi (태양 불고기) (on one of the large streets in Haman where Paris Baguette and FamilyMart is located; take a right on that street and go down past the Asia DC Mart and it's next to Yonex on the right). Very popular restaurant in Gaya. Really good meat restaurant and has a nice Dwengajang jjigae. 
• Daegugukbap (대구국밥) (in Haman-myeon (about 5 km south of Gaya) next to the post office.). This is the best gukbap restaurant in Haman. 
• BBQ Chicken (go towards downtown past the intersection where the Green DC Mart is; it's on your left side past the Corex Bike Shop). Best fried chicken joint in town. 

Nightlife in Haman is similar to the nightlife in other small towns, meaning Hofs and Noraebangs. The best area for bars is near the market in Gaya-eup at the busiest intersection in Gaya-eup (Paris Baguette, GS 25 and FamilyMart). There are also number of bars on the main road going south towards Haman-myeon past the railroad. The noraebangs are also in that area and in the area near the Gaya Market.

Some hot spots are:

• Modungi (모퉁이) (directly above the Paris Baguette). The only place in Gaya that actually serves coffee and espresso. It is also a hof with pretty good side dishes. 
• Tudari (투다리) (across from the Hanaro Mart past the railroad tracks (Gyeongnam Bank)). 
• Sulkkun (술꾼) (in a wooden structure on the main road past the railroad tracks). They serve a fried egg with the drinks. 
• She's. This is a bar near the Paris Baguette in the direction of the railroad tracks. It's next to a bakery. 
• Tokyo Story. This is a decent hof. Make sure to not order the Guinness pitcher there as it is actually Stout, a dark Korean beer of middling quality. 

The noraebangs are scattered throughout the town but there are some near those bars.

The sleeping establishments (여관) are near the bars listed above. However, a fairly safe bet is the Arirang Motel above the FamilyMart in downtown Gaya. There's also a hotel diagonally across from it but I couldn't find the name of it.

There is also a hotel near Yeohang-san in Naegok-ri (내고리) on highway 79 for those riding their bikes through the area.

• 35.210259128.4526081 Oea-ri Majung(외암리 마중), 175 Oeam-ri, Yeohang-myeon, Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52073, Republic of Korea, ☏ +82 507-1400-1381. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. This is a fully remodeled 19-year-old countryside house. The exterior features a three-tiered roof that harmonizes beautifully, while the interior offers a blend of traditional Korean hanok style and modern design. In spring, the flowers and trees are full of life, and in summer, a small swimming pool provides a refreshing escape from the heat. From mid-September to early November, the pink muhly grass creates a spectacular view—an experience that only guests of Oeamri Majung can enjoy. (The pink muhly displays various shades of pink depending on the position of the sun in the morning and afternoon.)mOeamri Majung is a private residence, allowing you to create happy memories safely without any contact with the outside world. (updated Nov 2025)
• 35.378842128.4788532 Stay Naenae (스테이 내내), 12 Gyenae 1-gil, 2nd Dong, Chilseo-myeon, ☏ +82 507-1330-1349. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Booking available via Instagram DM. Breakfast included.Outdoor barbecue available for an extra charge. Indoor spa included. Double room (up to 4 guests) with an extra charge of ₩30,000 per additional person. Weekdays ₩250,000, weekends ₩300,000. (updated Dec 2025)
• 35.175433128.4368223 Byulcheonji Stay & BBQ (별천지스테이&바베큐), 546-2 Judong-ri, Yeohyhang-myeon, ☏ +82 0507-1470-0743. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A newly built detached pension located in the mountain village area of Yeohang-san and the Byulcheonji valley. The property is popular with couples and families looking for a quiet rural stay with a modern interior. Barbecue facilities are available, offering a camping-style atmosphere. Reservation is available through Naver Map/Booking or via the official Instagram account @byul_cheonji_stay. (updated Dec 2025)
• 35.23738128.4389854 Frog Town (프로그타운), 88-1 Baegaman-gil, Haman-myeon (Located in a rural village setting near Haman-myeon, offering easy access while still quiet and secluded.), ☏ +82 10-5410-4519. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A detached guesthouse/pension suitable for families, friends or small groups (up to 8–10 people). Offers a cozy forest-pension vibe, spacious living/dining area, barbecue facilities (weather or fire-ban dependent), and ample parking. Provides a simple welcome kit (coffee, bread, jam, snacks) for light breakfast. Ideal for travelers looking for a quiet countryside stay close to Haman’s attractions. (updated Dec 2025)
• 35.248924128.3933715 Seungma Healing House (승마힐링하우스), 478 Bongsu-ro, Gaya-eup (Located near the Haman Equestrian Park in rural Gaya-eup village; reachable by car from major access roads in Haman County.), ☏ +82 55-585-1999. A versatile guesthouse and multi-experience lodging near the Haman Equestrian Park. Offers small rooms (2-person), mid-size rooms (4–6 people), and dorm-style rooms (up to ~13 people), each with private bathroom, TV, mini-fridge, and heating. Suitable for families, groups, or travelers looking for affordable, group-friendly accommodation with access to horseback riding and countryside activities. Rates and availability vary per season — confirm at time of booking. (updated Dec 2025)

Internet access in Haman is generally reliable, with free Wi-Fi available in most cafés, restaurants, and public facilities. While PC bangs (PC rooms) are not as common as in major cities, each town center—including Haman-eup and Chilwon—typically has at least one PC bang, usually costing around ₩1,000–2,000/hr. Computers run Korean Windows and support both Hangul and English typing.

Mobile data coverage is strong throughout the county, including most rural areas, though speed may drop slightly around mountains or farmland. Major carriers such as SKT, KT, and LG U+ have stable reception.

Post offices can be found in Haman-eup, Chilwon, and other towns. They provide mailing services, package boxes, and basic shipping supplies. Staff in smaller branches may have limited English proficiency, but simple transactions are usually easy to complete.

• Haman Post Office (함안우체국) — M–F 09:00–18:00
• Chilwon Post Office (칠원우체국) — M–F 09:00–18:00
• Other rural branches may have shorter hours, typically closing by 16:30.

• Police: ☏ 112
• Fire & Ambulance: ☏ 119
• Local Government Information (경남 콜센터): ☏ 120
• Medical emergency guidance: ☏ 1339

Haman is a small and generally peaceful rural county, and most areas are safe for travelers.

However, because the town centers can be quiet—especially in the evenings—it’s a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings.

During local festivals, such as the Haman Watermelon Festival, foot traffic increases around the venue, and temporary stalls can cause narrow walkways.

Keep an eye on your belongings to avoid losing items.

Some village roads and agricultural areas have limited lighting at night.

If you're walking after sunset, use well-lit main roads whenever possible.

Haman has several reservoirs, parks, and riverside paths.

When visiting these areas, be cautious around steep edges or wet surfaces, especially after rain.

Summers can be extremely hot and humid, and rural areas often have strong sunlight.

Make sure to stay hydrated and take rests when outdoors.

Traffic in the town center is usually light, but tractors, farm trucks, and motorcycles may appear suddenly on narrow roads.

Use caution when crossing streets.

If you encounter wildlife in rural or forested areas—such as snakes during summer—keep a safe distance and avoid provoking them.

In emergencies, call 112 (police) or 119 (fire/ambulance).

Medical facilities exist in the county, but for specialized care you may need to travel to Changwon or Masan.

Haman Bus Terminal is the easiest way to reach other cities from there you can take a bus to adjacent Masan (Nam Masan Terminal in Shin Masan and Masan Intercity Bus Terminal) and there are a number of buses to Uiryeong-gun to the west. There are also buses that go to Busan starting at 07:30 and ending at 20:00. They leave every hour and a half. If you want to travel to Jinju and other surrounding counties, you can take the train going in the direction of Suncheon, Jeollnam-do and Busan. However, it's probably much easier to just go to Masan and take a bus onward from there.

• Masan (Masan Intercity Bus Terminal) - ₩1600 (every 30-40 minutes)
• Masan (Shin Masan - Nambu Terminal) - ₩3000 (every hour and a half) This bus also stops at Jindong (₩2200) where it's possible to connect to destinations such as Tongyeong and Jinju.
• Busan - ₩5000 (every hour and a half), first departure at 07:30, last at 20:00.
• Uiryeong