Jangheung Voyage Tips and guide

Jangheung town is a rural district in the southern part of South Jeolla Province, South Korea. Situated on the eastern side of the Jangheung Peninsula, it overlooks Deukryang Bay.

The county is widely marketed under the brand name "Jeongnamjin" (meaning "Ferry of the True South"). This name signifies its geographical position as the point located directly south of Gwanghwamun, the symbolic center of Seoul. It serves as the southern counterpart to Jeongdongjin (the famous sunrise destination in the east) and Junggangjin (the northernmost point of the Korean Peninsula), establishing Jangheung as a key symbolic landmark in the country’s cardinal alignment.

Map of Jangheung

Jangheung is at the southern end of the mountainous area in central South Jeolla. In the southern region, the flatland was increased through land reclamation, and the north is a flatland formed around the Tamjin River and is lined with mountains about 500 m above sea level. Jangheung Dam was built to the north of the Tamjin River, and many areas of Yuchi were submerged. Jangpyeong and Jangdong, unlike other areas of Jangheung, correspond to the Boseong River basin, and similarly, a flatland is formed around the Boseong River.

Jangheung has a long history starting from the Mahan confederacy (1st century BCE – 5th century CE), when it was the site of a tribal state called Mongno-guk. While little remains from this era, the region's early importance is marked by numerous prehistoric dolmens found throughout the county.

During the Three Kingdoms period (4th – 7th century) and the subsequent Unified Silla era (668–935), Jangheung became a key cultural center. The most significant site from this time is Borimsa Temple (founded in 859), which houses several National Treasures, including a rare 9th-century iron Buddha.

In the Goryeo (918–1392) and Joseon (1392–1910) dynasties, Jangheung served as a major administrative and military hub. Due to frequent raids by Japanese pirates, the town center was moved inland to its current location in 1413. Visitors can explore this later history at the Seokdaedeul Battlefield, the site of the final major battle of the Donghak Peasant Revolution in 1894.

After Korea's liberation in 1945, Jangheung was one of South Jeolla's most prosperous towns. Today, it has transitioned into a peaceful eco-tourism destination, famously branded as Jeongnamjin for its location directly south of Seoul.

Jangheung experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures typically ranging from -7°C (19°F) in the peak of winter to 28°C (82°F) during the height of summer.

The most pleasant times to visit are during the late spring (late May to early July) and early autumn (August to late September), when the mild weather is ideal for hiking and outdoor sightseeing. In contrast, the summer months bring high humidity and frequent rainfall, often resulting in heavy showers and partly cloudy skies. Winters can be quite harsh and snowy, with temperatures occasionally dipping as low as -14°C (7°F); however, this season also offers many crisp, clear, and sunny days that are perfect for enjoying the region's winter landscapes.

The nearest airports are Gwangju Airport (KWJ) and Muan International Airport (MWX).

• Gwangju Airport KWJ ^IATA is the most convenient for domestic travelers. From the airport, take a local bus or taxi to the Gwangju U-Square Terminal to catch an intercity bus to Jangheung.
• Muan International Airport MWX ^IATA primarily serves international flights and some domestic routes. Airport limousines or buses connect to Gwangju, where you can transfer to a bus for Jangheung.

Jangheung is served by the Gyeongjeon Line, which connects the county to Mokpo and Boseong.

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  34.669135126.9106861 Jeonnam Jangheung Station (전남장흥역), 74, Pyeonghwa Umbrella.  (updated Dec 2025): The main station is located near the town center (Jangheung). It is a convenient stop for travelers moving along the southern coast of South Jeolla. From the station, you can easily reach the main town area via a short taxi ride or local bus.
• From Seoul or Gwangju: There is no direct high-speed train (KTX/SRT) to Jangheung. To reach the county from Seoul, you should take a KTX to Mokpo Station, Naju Station, or Gwangju Songjeong Station. From these stations, you can transfer to a local bus or a Gyeongjeon Line regional train to complete your journey to Jangheung.

Buses are the most common way to reach Jangheung, with the Jangheung Intercity Bus Terminal serving as the primary hub.

• From Seoul: Buses depart from Seoul Central City Terminal (Honam Line) 6 times a day. The journey takes approximately 5 hours, and a one-way ticket costs around ₩25,300 (for an Excellent/Premium bus).
• From Gwangju: Frequent buses depart from Gwangju U-Square. Direct express routes take about 70 minutes.
• Regional Connections: Buses from Mokpo, Suncheon, and Yeosu also stop here. If you are coming from neighboring Gangjin, buses run frequently between the two counties (taking about 20-30 minutes).
• Other Terminals: Smaller terminals in Gwansan, Daedeok, and Hoejin are useful for reaching the southern coastal areas directly.

Jangheung is well-connected by highways and national routes.

• From Seoul/Gwangju: Most drivers take the Honam Expressway through Gwangju, then follow National Routes 15 and 29 via Hwasun to reach Jangheung (approx. 5 hours 10 mins from Seoul). Alternatively, you can take the Namhae Expressway (Route 10) and exit at the Jangheung IC.
• From Western areas (Mokpo/Gangjin): Follow the Namhae Expressway from the West Yeongam IC towards Gangjin and Jangheung.

While the high-speed ferry service from Noryeok Port (Hoejin) to Jeju Island has been suspended, the area still serves as a gateway to nearby islands.

• Local Ferries: You can take local ferries to smaller islands such as Geumdang island. These smaller vessels often depart from local village docks rather than the main (now quiet) passenger terminal, so it is best to check the departure point in advance.

You can easily find a taxi at the taxi stand located right in front of the Jangheung Intercity Bus Terminal. This is the most convenient place to catch a cab immediately upon arrival.

• Jeongnamjin Call Taxi: ☏ +8261-863-4616

• Jangheung Rideum Call Taxi: ☏ +8261-863-4460

• Jangheung Call Taxi: ☏ +8261-863-5444
• Daedeok Call Taxi: ☏ +82 61-905-5557 (Useful for the Daedeok and southern coastal areas)

Local buses (called Gunnae-bus) are an affordable way to reach the rural areas of Jangheung. Most routes originate from the Jangheung Intercity Bus Terminal. Fares and Payment: A flat fare of ₩1,000 for adults applies to all routes within the county. You can pay with cash or use a standard Korean rechargeable transportation card (like T-money or Cashbee).

• To Cheongwansan Provincial Park (Gwansan): Buses toward Gwansan run frequently (every 20–30 minutes). Get off at the Gwansan Terminal or the park entrance.
• To Borimsa Temple (Yuchi): Take a bus bound for Yuchi. Note that these are less frequent, so check the return schedule at the temple or terminal.
• To Jeongnamjin Observatory (Hoejin): Take a bus bound for Hoejin. This route takes you toward the southern coast where the observatory and Hoejin-myeon are located.

Jangheung is a fantastic destination for hiking enthusiasts, home to some of the most scenic mountains in South Jeolla.

• 34.723566126.9806891 Jeam Mountain (제암산), Hasan-ri, Jang. Known for its royal azalea blossoms in May. It offers well-maintained trails and panoramic views of the South Sea from the summit.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 34.672345126.948952 Eokbul mountain (억불산), Gisan-ri, Anyang. Located right behind the Cypress Forest Woodland. It features a "Mallegil" (boardwalk path) that is gentle enough for casual walkers and offers a great view of Jangheung.  (updated Dec 2025)

As of 2025, there are no public bike-sharing services available in Jangheung. However, the paths along the Tamjin River are well-paved and offer an excellent route for a peaceful ride if you have your own bicycle. The riverside scenery is especially beautiful during the sunset and is a popular spot for local residents to exercise.

• 34.686038126.9001081 Jeongnam Jinmul Science Museum (정남진물과학관), 20, Haengwongangbyeon, ☏ +82 61-863-0051. It is a water-themed science museum. The building consists of four floors in total. There are an aquarium and a touch pool on the first floor, an aquarium on the second floor, a 4D video theater, and a hydrothermal promotion hall on the second floor, a subclass room on the third floor, and a dessert cafe on the fourth floor where you can relax. Inside, visitors can first meet various fish and green turtles at the aquarium, and learn good information about the water in the Jangheung area and stories about representative water festivals. It also runs an experience program where visitors can experience the principles of hydrothermal energy by making mini mood lamps, studying coloring, making eco-bags, and more.  (updated Sep 2025)

• 34.669602126.9336952 Jung Namjin Cypress Forest Woodland (정남진 편백숲 우드랜드), 180, Udeuraendeu, ☏ +82 61-864-0063. One of its attractions is the Jeongnamjin Cypress Forest Woodland, created with cypress trees planted in the 40th year of reforestation projects. The woodland is located at the foot of Eokbulsan Mountain, overlooking Jangheung-eup. Facilities include a wood culture experience center, a pension complex, ecological architecture such as traditional hanok, the Jeonnam Woodcraft Center, a healing forest, and cypress salt houses used for steaming.  (updated Sep 2025)

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  34.683402126.9040223 Tamjin River (탐진강), Yongsan-myeon, ☏ +82 61-860-0225. The Tamjin River, one of the three major rivers in South Jeolla Province (Yeongsan River, Seomjingang River, and Tamjin River), which is a 56-kilometer river stem that starts in Yuchi-myeon and Jangdong-myeon, Jangheung-gun, and flows across the center of Jangheung-eup through Busan-myeon, was originally called the Yewang River, and Tamna-do was also called the Tamjin River because it was the first time that a person came up with a boat on the land.  (updated Sep 2025)

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  34.807235126.8970544 Borimsa Temple (보림사), 224, Borimsa-ro, ☏ +82 61-864-2055. Borimsa Temple is located in Bongdeok. Borimsa Temple is the birthplace of Silla's Seonmun, and is the center of the Gajisan School, which later opened the Seonmun Gate. Since 澄 Chejing (804-880), a subsidiary prehistoric man, moved here in the 4th year of King Heonan (860), Borimsa Temple has become the centerpiece of the Gajisan Gate, which uses Chejing, a subsidiary state, as its third generation, following 廉巨 Doi (初祖: ?-844) and Yeom Geohwasang (?-844). The first temple to be built here was by Daedeok, a master of the Huayan School, who was about 100 years older than Chejing, a subsidiary state monk. He went to India through the Tang Dynasty, made a pilgrimage to various Buddhist holy places, returned to Silla, and built Gajisan Temple in the 18th year of King Gyeongdeok's reign. Gajisan Temple, which was started as a temple for the Huayan School by Wonpyo Daedeok, came to the subsidiary temple and turned into a temple for Zen Buddhism.  (updated Sep 2025)
• 34.511672126.9747075 Jeongnamjin Observatory (정남진 전망대), 242-58 Jeongnamjin Coastal, ☏ +82 61-867-0399. Tu-Su 09:00-20:00. When you climb the stairs of the observatory, the Korean Peninsula-shaped floor fountain at Unification Square greets you with a cool stream of water. After passing the fountain at Unification Square, you will see the statue of Ahn Jung-geun facing the sea. In front of the observatory, a cute 12-gan sculpture welcomes visitors. The observatory tower is 45.9 meters high, with the upper layer depicting the rising sun, the middle layer depicting the Hwangpo anchor rod, and the lower layer depicting the waves.
  The round sculpture called Yullyeo, which symbolizes the axis of the direction toward Jeongnam, is said to have expressed the round sea of Jeongnamjin, meaning that the sea water is filled on the ground shaped like a round basin. The observation deck, which consists of 10 floors, has an observation deck and a cafe on the 9th and 10th floors, and each floor consists of a book cafe (8th floor), a literary movie theater (7th floor), a memory travel hall (6th floor), a festival hall (5th floor), a story hall (4th floor), a food promotion hall (3rd floor), a trick art photo zone (2nd floor), and a travel information center (1st floor). Adult ₩2,000, youth or soldier ₩1,500, child ₩1,000.  (updated Oct 2025)
• 34.676338126.9028576 Chung Nam-jin, Mayor of Saturday (정남진 토요시장), 158-1 Yeyang, ☏ +82 61-864-7002. Every Saturday, a Saturday market is held at the marketplace in Jangheung-eup and various performance events are held.
  Performances with a traditional atmosphere continue, so you can enjoy fun, eat deliciously, and enjoy a substantial market trip to buy good things.
  The Saturday market is not just a market that was selected as one of the top 100 Korean tourism destinations in 2017-2018, but a must-see attraction.  (updated Oct 2025)

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  34.523269126.956637 Samsan-ri Machilus Thunbergii (장흥 삼산리 후박나무), 324-8, Samsan. This tree is a designated Natural Monument of South Korea. It is about 400 years old and is known for its beautiful, broad canopy that forms a perfect dome shape. Historically, local villagers have used the area under its shade as a community gathering spot and for traditional rituals. It is a peaceful stop located in Samsan-ri, offering a glimpse into the region's natural heritage.  (updated Dec 2025)

There are several regular festivals in Jangheung.

• 34.678404126.9049713 Jeongnamjin Jangheung Water Festival (정남진 장흥 물축제), 805, Gunsan, ☏ +82 61-860-0224. The Jeongnamjin Jangheung Water Festival is held every summer in Jangheung. The festival makes use of local water resources such as the Tamjin River, Jangheung Dam, and Deukryang Bay.
  It is a regional festival where visitors can join various water-related programs and activities. The event was selected as a designated cultural tourism festival by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2025.  (updated Sep 2025)
• 34.634652126.9037754 Sky Light Arboretum Tulip Festival (하늘빛 수목원 튤립축제), 2746, Jangheung, ☏ +82 61-862-2000. Hamjibong Peak in Jangheung, Jeongnamjin has a garden of about 100 m². The site contains around 300 types of trees and about 1,000 kinds of plants, including wildflowers and herbaceous flowers. A Sky Light Arboretum Tulip Festival is held every April. During the festival, tulips are planted along the cypress forest trail and other areas.The garden includes facilities for wedding conventions. Visitors can also join activities such as tree planting or visiting a small animal farm. There are programs for children, mainly focused on learning experiences.  (updated Sep 2025)
• 34.484929126.9398085 Yi Sun-shin Festival in Hoeryongpo, Jangheung (장흥 회령포 이순신 축제), 431 Hoejin. It is a historical experience festival held at Hoeryongpo, a historical place where Admiral Yi Sun-shin prepared for the miracle of the Battle of Myeongnyang by repairing 12 ships. The highlight of the festival is a maritime parade involving 12 Panok ships and a reenactment of the ceremony of the appointment of naval commanders. Visitors can participate in various hands-on activities such as archery and artillery firing, experiencing weapons of the Joseon Navy, or making their own models of Panokseon.  (updated Sep 2025)
• 34.631431127.0316586 Jeongnamjin Jangheung Shell Festival (정남진 장흥 키조개 축제), 58 Suyeong 1. A local food festival using pen shells is held in Jangheung. Visitors can try dishes made with pen shells from the local clean waters.The festival program usually includes cultural performances such as guest singer stages, pungmul (traditional percussion) shows, sports dancing, and a singing contest for participants. A section for selling local products is also operated during the event. The festival is held together with the Jeamsan Royal Azalea Festival. The area around Jeilgangsan Mountain, where the event takes place, is designated as a tidal flat conservation zone and a fishery resource conservation zone.  (updated Oct 2025)
• 34.699045126.9581717 Jeamsan Mountain Azalea Festival (제암산 철쭉제), 131 Geumsan Singi. Held in May every year, the Jeamsan Royal Azalea Festival is a representative festival held in Jeamsan Mountain. It is held from May 1 to 15 every year, and various events and programs are held in time for the azaleas to be in full bloom. The Jeamsan Royal Azalea Festival is a popular festival among domestic and foreign tourists, and many people come to see the beautiful azaleas.  (updated Oct 2025)

• 34.548383126.9278188 Cheungwan Mountain Provincial Park (천관산도립공원), 89-1 Okdang. This mountain park is known for its jagged rock formations and views of the South Sea islands. Its primary attraction is the vast silver grass fields near the 723m summit, which peak every October. The park grounds also house the historic Cheongwansa Temple, a natural recreation forest with camping and cabin facilities, and a literature park featuring stone monuments dedicated to local authors.  (updated Dec 2025)

• Shiitake Mushrooms: Jangheung is famous for its pine-forest-grown shiitake mushrooms, prized for their firm texture and deep aroma. You can find dried mushrooms, tea, and newly released shiitake-based drinks at local markets.
• Octopus: The waters off Hoejin are a major production hub for octopus, especially from autumn to winter. As Jangheung accounts for a significant portion of Korea's domestic supply, you can purchase fresh or chilled octopus at local seafood markets like the Jeongnamjin Saturday Market.

• 34.677642126.9076491 Tamjin galbi (탐진갈비), 5 Mullet Mill, ☏ +82 61-864-7788. 11:00-20:30 (14:30-16:30 break time). A spacious, family-oriented restaurant specializing in charcoal-grilled pork ribs (galbi). It is well-regarded for its clean interior and convenient facilities, including a large parking lot and a children's playroom. A notable feature is the use of table warmers to keep the meat hot throughout the meal. The restaurant offers a wide variety of side dishes and is known for its friendly service.  (updated Oct 2025)
• 34.664014126.9131212 Moon Soo-heon Jangheung Headquarters (문수헌 장흥 본점), 152 Oepyeong, ☏ +82 507-1437-8487. 11:00-21:00 (15:00-17:00 break time). Munsuheon Jangheung Main Store is a Korean restaurant that serves Jangheung Samhap Hot Pot and a variety of tteokgalbi menus. Juicy menus such as grilled Korean beef galbi patties, grilled pork galbi patties, and assorted tteokgalbi and deep-flavored samhap hot pot are popular. It is suitable for family gatherings and group visits due to its neat table setting and reasonable price, and it is accessible because it is complete with a large parking lot.  (updated Oct 2025)
• 34.651684126.9757263 Yeongcheon Fisheries Corporation (영천수산), 151, Anyang, ☏ +82 61-862-9906. 11:00-20:30 (15:00-16:30 break time). Yeongcheon Fisheries is a freshwater eel restaurant where you can put pre-manipulated eels on the scale and taste them after payment. It features a large parking lot and a clean interior, and is convenient with self-baked eel, generous side dishes, and self-rice and soup.  (updated Oct 2025)

• 34.680042126.9060741 One and six (원앤식스), 5, Donggyo 3, ☏ +82 507-1487-1060. 09:00 - 22:00. One and six cafe that sells cherry bingsu and various drinks and desserts.  (updated Oct 2025)
• 34.675843126.9061942 Ochai County (오차현), 2, Donggyo 1, ☏ +82 10-5002-8449. 11:00 - 22:00. Ochai County is an atmospheric cafe located in Jangheung, offering a variety of drinks and desserts. Its popular menu, 'Finang Si' is popular with visitors, and its coffee menu, such as Creamy Flat, is also soft and delicious. The interior of the store is decorated with a different atmosphere from the exterior, and there is a large parking lot, making it convenient to visit by car.  (updated Oct 2025)
• 34.682984126.9060233 FOURROOM (포룸), 666-9 Gonsan, ☏ +82 507-1367-6511. 10:00 - 22:00 (A regular Sunday off). It is a cafe in Jangheung where you can taste handmade cakes. It does not contain any preservatives, so you can feel the original taste. It is a cafe where handmade desserts and drinks are delicious.  (updated Oct 2025)

• 34.669222126.9217011 Jangheung Hwangtobang Pension (장흥황토방펜션), 212-11 Pyeonghwa Umbrella, ☏ +82 10-5320-5465. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. It is a pension made of loess and logs. It is located two minutes away from Woodland (vehicle) where phytoncide and anion provide comfortable rest and five minutes away from the Saturday market where you can enjoy a variety of food. It also offers a variety of attractions as it is close to several tourist attractions such as Boseong Green Tea Field, Suu Kyi Beach, Jeongnamjin Observatory, and Cheongwan Mountain.  (updated Oct 2025)
• 34.839658126.9134462 Jangheung Wild Flower Fragrance Pension (장흥 들꽃향기 펜션), 137, Ungok, ☏ +82 61-864-6189. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. It is a healthy vacation village full of cypress scent, 'Jeongnamjin Jangheung Wild Flower Scent Pension'. It is a business agreement pension with Cypress Forest Woodland, which provides a 50% discount coupon for Woodland admission.  (updated Oct 2025)
• 34.837026126.861853 Haneul Park Hanok Homestay (하늘공원 한옥민박), 474-221, Bongdeok Sindeok, ☏ +82 61-863-7815. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. This is the Haneul Park Hanok Folk Park in Sindeok Happiness Village in Jangheung, consisting of traditional hanok. In the morning, you can view the mountain peaks and valleys from the terrace, and you can take a morning walk in the fog.  (updated Oct 2025)

Jangheung is a safe rural area with a relatively low crime rate. However, there are many deserted places at night, so you should always follow basic safety rules.

Emergency report: Crime report 112, fire and emergency rescue 119 (same across Korea)

• 34.677138126.9113681 Jangheung General Hospital (장흥종합병원), 74 Heungseong, ☏ +82 61-862-8300. Two surgeons, one internal medicine specialist, and six specialists convenience / Emergency room operation  (updated Nov 2025)
• 34.678905126.8977932 Jeonnam Jangheung Police Station (전남 장흥 경찰서), 123 Eupseong.  (updated Nov 2025)

• Boseong - Located north of Jangheung, it is Korea's representative green tea production area. The journey from Jangheung to Boseong is very close and easy.
• Goheung - Located in the southeastern part of Jangheung, it has a unique theme of the sea and space.
• Suncheon - Suncheon is called the ecological capital of Korea, and it has world-class wetlands and beautiful traditional villages.