KOREAN NET

By Aisylu Akhmetzianova

Photos = Korea Tourism Organization

Two-day 'slow' and 'deep' trip to Damyang-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province

Serene bamboo garden Juknokwon in Damyang-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province

Damyang Changpyeong Samjinae Village in the township of Changpyeong-myeon in Damyang-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province, is the first slow city in Asia. Time-honored tranquility flows through a place where traditional houses and stoned walls harmoniously coexist.

National heritage sites such as the homes of Go Jae-hwan and Go Jae-seon, descendants of Go Gyeong-myeong, a military leader during the Imjin Waeran, or the Japanese invasion of the Korean Peninsula from 1592-98, and Hanok (traditional building) cafes blend seamlessly to attract travelers to a time-honored landscape.

Visitors can stay at century-old homes or cozy guesthouses and make sulbbang, or bread made from makgeolli (milky rice wine). They can also stroll along the nearby bamboo garden Juknokwon and Gwanbangjerim Forest to experience the fragrances of the four seasons.

Strolling along Mukho Port in Donghae, Gangwon-do Province

A mural on Nongol Stone Wall depicts the old scenery of Mukho Port in Donghae, Gangwon-do Province.

Mukho Port in Donghae, Gangwon-do Province, is great for exploring on foot, as all the main attractions are within a 30-minute walk. Even a leisurely stroll is a fulfilling trip here.

Participants in the program "Ttubeok, Want to Visit Mukho Port for Ramyeon (Instant Noodles)?" run by the city's Destination Management Organization can go on individual photo or guided tours to discover the port's hidden gems.

The trail leads to Pencil Museum, the first of its kind in the country, Balhansamgeori Street and Nongoldam-gil Street, which is famous for murals on its walls. Mukho Lighthouse, also known as Sambon Apartment, is where the movie "One Fine Spring Day" (2001) was filmed and the setting for the iconic quote "Want to stay for ramyeon?"

The last destination is Culture Factory Deokjang, where ramyeon packed with seafood is served. The taste of Mukho's waters will last long in one's mouth.

Slow City Daeheung-myeon: winding road where time slows

This is an aerial view of the township of Daeheung-myeon in Yesan-gun County, Chungcheongnam-do Province, a venue registered as a slow city.

The scenery of the township of Daeheung-myeon in Yesan-gun County, Chungcheongnam-do Province, is as warm and slow as autumn sunshine, akin to the season's vitamin. The best way to explore this central region's first slow city is to visit Good Brothers Village and walk along the winding, slow paths where history, tradition and nature blend.

The principle of this slow city is simple: preserve nature and tradition and empower residents. A palm garden cultivated by people there symbolizes this spirit. A tip is to enter the yard upon seeing a snail sculpture to find the leisurely pace of slowness.

Maternal Grandparents' House in Namhae-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province:

Namhae Oegatjip (Maternal Grandparents' House) in Namhae-gun County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, offers programs like drawing.

True to its name, Namhae Oegatjip (Maternal Grandparents' House) in Namhae-gun County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, is full of warmth and affection. Run by the Namhae Tourism and Culture Foundation, the place offers a "day of relaxation" to visitors.

Locals run programs including drawing workshops, one-day pottery classes and eco-friendly blackberry picking that reflect life in Namhae-gun. Daraengi Village, which is connected to about 700 terraced rice fields, further deepens understanding of the county's landscape.

Goheung Stay: where travel and life reside

A visitor relaxes at the main hall of the historical government office site Jonsimdang in Goheung-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province.

"Goheung Stay" in Goheung-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province, breaks the boundary between travel and longer stays. Participants in the program "Ae Goheung, Ae Goheung Stay," a two-region weekend excursion, can stay for up to three months to experience daily life there. Goheung Traditional Market, just 10 minutes away on foot, boasts 110 years of history.

Highlights that will have visitors come again and again include the Namgye-ri zelkova tree that is 840 years old, Okhari Honggyo Bridge built in 1871, and Jonsimdang History and Culture Park. This place is great for longer rather than short stays.

aisylu@korea.kr