Hapcheon is a county in northwestern South Gyeongsang, South Korea. It is best known for Haeinsa, a UNESCO World Heritage temple, and Gayasan National Park, which surrounds it. Hapcheon also features scenic mountains, rivers, and rural landscapes, making it ideal for hiking, temple stays, and experiencing traditional Korean culture.
Understand
[edit]Get in
[edit]By bus
[edit]- From Seoul: Intercity buses depart from Nambu Bus Terminal, approximately 3.5 hours.
- From Daegu: Around 1 hours.
- From Busan: Roughly 2 hours.
By train
[edit]- There is no train station in Hapcheon.
- The nearest KTX stops are Daegu and Jinju, with bus connections to Hapcheon.
By air
[edit]- Closest airports: Daegu International Airport (~1 hr drive) and Gimhae International Airport (~2 hr drive).
- From airports, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach Hapcheon.
Get around
[edit]
Map of Hapcheon
- Local buses connect villages but are infrequent.
- Taxis are available in Hapcheon town.
- Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach Haeinsa, Gayasan, Hwangmaesan, and other attractions.
See
[edit]- 1 Haeinsa (해인사), (50200) Haeinsa-gil 122, Gaya-myeon, ☏ +82 055-934-3000. A UNESCO World Heritage temple housing the Tripitaka Koreana, located in Gayasan National Park. free admission.
- 2 Gayasan National Park (가야산국립공원), Gilsangam 1645-8 Gayasan-ro, Gaya-myeon. Offers scenic hiking trails and stunning views, especially in autumn and spring.
- 3 Hapcheon Video Theme Park (합천영상테마파크), 256-5 Gahori, Yongju-myeon, ☏ +82 055-930-8633. 9:00-18:00. An outdoor film set recreating Korea from the 1920s to 1980s; popular for photography and filming locations. Admission Fees ₩5,000(Adult), ₩3,000(Student).
- 4 Hwangmaesan (황매산), Mountain 219, Dunnae-ri, Gahoe-myeon, ☏ +82 055-930-4769. Famous for azalea fields in spring and hiking/camping opportunities.
Do
[edit]- Hiking and trekking in Gayasan National Park.
- Temple stay at Haeinsa to experience Buddhist culture.
- Visit during the Hwangmaesan Azalea Festival (May) or Hapcheon Summer Festival.
Eat
[edit]- Jaecheopguk — Small clam soup, a local specialty.
- Maeuntang — Spicy catfish stew.
- Sanchae Bibimbap — Mixed rice with mountain vegetables.
- Dwaeji-gukbap — Pork soup, popular in the region.
Drink
[edit]- Cafés and bars are mainly in Hapcheon town; traditional tea houses can be found near temples.
Sleep
[edit]- Budget motels and guesthouses in Hapcheon town.
- Temple stay and traditional guesthouses near Haeinsa.
- Camping sites and pensions near Gayasan National Park and Hwangmaesan.
Go next
[edit]- Daegu — Major city, 1 hour away.
- Jinju — Historic city with Jinju Fortress and the Namgang Lantern Festival.
- Geochang — Known for apples and the Geochang International Theater Festival.
- Hapcheonho Lake — Scenic drive and leisure activities.