Changwon travel blog — The fullest Changwon travel guide, what & top things to do in changwon, Korea for first-timers

August 26, 2023

Located in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, South Korea, Changwon is a promising city with a wonderful combination of diverse history and modern progress. Known for its long cultural heritage and year-round mild climate, Changwon has become a must-see destination for lovers of Korean identity. Follow us to discover Changwon – the land of cherry blossoms right here!

Aerial view of Changwon city | changwon travel guide

Before, the city of Changwon was originally a village surrounded by mountains. Since 1974, it was planned to become a heavy chemical and mechanical industry city. | changwon travel guide

So, is Changwon Korea worth visiting, what to do in Changwon and how to plan a budget trip to Changwon for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Changwon travel blog (Changwon blog) with the fullest Changwon travel guide (Changwon guide) from how to get to Changwon, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Changwon to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Changwon art street | changwon travel guide

Overview of Changwon (# changwon travel guide)

Changwon location on South Korea provincial map | changwon travel guide

Changwon is a developed city located in Gyeongsangnam-do province, in the southeast region of Korea. It is about 400km from the center of Seoul. Its area is 748 km2 and the population is more than 1 million people. Changwon is currently the 8th largest city in Korea and is home to factories of famous corporations of the land of kimchi such as: Samsung, Daewoo, LG, Hyundai…

Not only is the capital of large corporations, Changwon is also considered as an art city with many very special architectural works. | changwon travel guide

It is reasonable to call Changwon the capital of world leading famous electronic brands, when a series of factories of Samsung, Daewoo, LG Electronics, Hyundai, etc. were built here. Like the famous brands mentioned above, Changwon is known worldwide as the leading city of Kimchi in terms of manufacturing, electronics and textile industries.

With a population of over 1 million, it is the third largest city in the Southeast region of Korea. Changwon is also the political, economic and cultural center of Gyeongsangnam-do Province. The city has a favorable geographical position, located near important industrial zones such as Masan, Jinhae and Changwon. Therefore, it became one of the important production and export centers of Korean goods.

In addition to being one of the typical industrial cities in Korea, Changwon is also home to colorful neighborhoods and unique architecture. If you want to find a quieter and more quiet place to feel the breath of art, nowhere can be more perfect than this place.

Changwon coastline | changwon travel guide

Along with strong economic development, Changwon is also known for many value tourist attractions. One of them is the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place every year in spring. This is one of the largest and most famous cherry blossom festivals in Korea, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world.

When to visit?

Changwon has a very mild and pleasant weather and climate all year round. The average temperature is about 28 degrees Celsius. August is the hottest month.

The best time to visit Changwon should depend on the climate and events in the area. Here are the two main seasons you can consider:

Spring (March – May): Spring is a good time to visit Changwon because the weather is warm and cool and the natural landscape begins to brilliant with cherry blossoms in full bloom. This is also the time when the parks and gardens in the city come to life, creating a relaxing and refreshing space.

Changwon cherry blossoms | changwon travel guide

Autumn (September – November): Autumn is also a suitable time to visit Changwon. Temperatures start to cool down after summer, creating good conditions for sightseeing and exploration. The autumn landscape in Changwon is beautiful with brilliant golden fields and bold autumn-colored spaces.

Changwon in autumn | things to do in changwon

Also, if you are interested in local events or festivals, consider the schedule of interesting events in the Changwon area. Some important festivals can influence your decision when to travel.

Getting to changwon (# changwon guide)

By air (# changwon travel guide)

Busan Gimhae International Airport 2 — Busan Gimhae International Airport | things to do in changwon

Changwon is a developed city but unfortunately, this city does not currently have an airport. If you want to get here by air, you will have to fly to Gimhae Airport in the nearby city of Busan. There are many airlines for you to choose from such as: Asia Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Korean Air, etc.

By train

ktx gyeongbu line-Korail Pass-Korea train express-way to move in korea20 — Train line from Seoul to other regions | things to do in changwon

In addition to the plane, you can also go to Changwon by KTX express train from Seoul without going through any transit points.

KTX (Korea Train Express) at Seoul station | things to do in changwon

The seats were reasonably spacious, but less well equipped than those on the KTX. No tray tables or centre armrests here. — The seats were spacious, but less well equipped than those on the KTX. No tray tables or centre armrests here. | things to do in changwon

What to do in Changwon and where to go in Changwon? (# changwon travel blog)

In Changwon, there are many interesting activities and places to visit that you can join to experience and explore. Here are some activities and tourist attractions you can refer to.

Sangsang-gil Road

Sangsang-gil Road is also known as “the imaginary road”. Reportedly, Sangsang-gil is the only place in the world that is dedicated to the names of ordinary visitors.

Sang Sang Gil is a very famous street and attracts a lot of tourists in Changwon city. People also call this place with another name “imaginary road”.

After a campaign initiated by the Korea Tourism Organization, millions of people have applied to have their names on this road. However, only about 23,000 lucky people were selected to carve their names on the stones here. And the formation of Sang Sang Gil road is expected to become a major tourist attraction for Changwon tourism.

Changdong Art Village (# changwon travel blog)

Located near the famous Masan fish market, Changdong Art Village (also known as Changdong Artist Village) is a lively, vibrant space. The works of art are created under the talented hands of the artist. Many artists have gathered here to find inspiration and produce paintings with all their heart and passion. Coming here, you will feel like you are lost in a fairy scene with a beautiful picture of nature of Korea.

Changdong Art Village was restored from taking advantage of vacant stalls from the old Changdong street to revive the previously declining business. The shacks were replaced by coffee shops and art galleries, turning the gloomy neighborhood soon into a unique art center with a unique atmosphere.

Interesting art space | things to do in changwon

Previously, this village was just old streets that no one noticed. But after being renovated by the city government, Changdong art village has become a popular tourist destination. The entire village suddenly turned into a unique art center.

It is known that Changwon city was formerly the center of culture and art in the 1950s-1960s and to evoke memories of a golden age, Changdong Art Village has recreated 3 main alleys with 3 own themes such as: Moonshin Art Alley, Masan Mountain Trail Art Alley, and Ecole de Chang-dong Alley. Foreign tourists when coming to Changdong can admire the murals hidden behind these small alleys.

source: theholidaze.com | things to do in changwon

In addition, at Changdong Art Village, many works by international artists are displayed and provide visitors with useful information. The center is usually open from 11am to 6pm, closed on Mondays and Chuseok days.

Made up of murals, installations and lots of potted plants, Changdong Art Village has a bohemian feel. The clever layout from cafes to tailor shops and galleries on narrow streets is eye-catching.

The old houses are simple, warm, hidden in a poetic space. Changdong Artist Village is the artistic highlight of Changwon City, a dynamic area. When coming to Changdong Art Village, visitors will almost forget all the fatigue and worries of life and your soul will become more relaxed.

Gagopa Kkoburang-gil Mural Village (# changwon blog)

Another very famous mural village in Changwon city that you should not miss is Gagopa Kkoburang. The village is small but extremely beautiful with unique paintings painted on the wall. The works show many different scenes such as the sea, or animals that will surely impress every visitor. In addition, inside Gagopa Kkoburang, there are ancient ruins dating back hundreds of years.

There is a very easy way you can walk to this hillside neighborhood. You’ll only need a little adventure through the bustling alleyways north of the Moon Shin Art Museum. What a great place for the perfect Changwon trip, isn’t it? The Gagopa Kkoburang-gil mural village has about 30 houses decorated with murals. They are inspired by Changwon seascapes, old city scenes, as well as Pop Art by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

Gagopa Kkoburang-gil mural village is a small residential area, so you can enjoy the peace of this place to your fullest. In particular, there is a paved trail on the shore, about 1.2 km long, with a beautiful view of the distant mountains from the south bank. This path is decorated with cherry trees. The flowers will all become more beautiful in April because of the green vegetation.

Some outstanding places that you should visit in Gagopa village are: 100-year-old well, nursing center with catchy murals or relaxing panoramic view of Masan Bay.

Burim Market (# things to do in changwon)

Burim Market has been traded daily since 1926. In addition, Burim Market was separated from Masan Fish Market by the opening of Happo-ro Road in the 1970s. Burim market is a dedicated market for customers looking for items that are used every day. From fruits and vegetables to food, dry food, clothes and other items and necessities in daily life. And when it comes to street food, Burim’s tteok-bokki (spicy rice cake) is probably the best.

It is known that Burim market is also famous as a place to go if you are planning a wedding. There are many shops selling hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) so you can rent or buy them at an affordable price.

Garosu-gil Road

The quiet suburb of Yongji-dong is a novelty in the city of Changwon with its shady streets lined with gingko trees suitable for thousands of daily strolls.

Similar to the famous Sinsadong Garosu-gil road in Seoul, Changwon’s Garosu-gil – a tree-lined road known as the “green paradise” should come when traveling to Changwon. A picturesque road with lush greenery adjacent to Yongji Park.

A few years ago, an Italian restaurant initiated the movement to renew the road. Here, a series of trendy cafes, designer shops to specialty food shops are open at the same time. Not stopping there, flower shops and art galleries sprang up like mushrooms, attracting more and more young people coming here.

Garosu-gil is most known to tourists when traveling to Changwon by Café Street. On spring days, you can enjoy cups of coffee on the terrace or right on the sidewalk. The scenery will be very beautiful when the mountains east of Changwon peek between the trees at Garosu-gil.

Changwon City Museum

Address: 105 Munsin-gil, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
Hours: 9 AM–6 PM/Monday: Closed

If you want to learn about the history, culture, and art of the city, then visit the Changwon Museum. It is currently storing and displaying many famous works of art by artist Moon Shin, who is known as the author of 25m high steel art works located in Seoul’s Olympic Park.

Changwon City Museum is also a place used to honor the artworks of artist Moon Shin (1923-1995), who was once famous for his 25 m high steel art work at Olympic Park, Seoul.

The museum is built on a hill overlooking Masan Bay, completed after 14 years under the direction and main design of the artist. The museum consists of 3 galleries with more than 290 artifacts, including sculptures and oil paintings. In addition to visiting the works, visitors can also enjoy the peaceful scenery on Masan Bay.

Changwon City Museum is divided into 3 different areas. Not only that, this place also has a location overlooking Masan Bay with a beautiful view.

Masan Fish Market

Address: 7 Bogyori-ro, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
Hours: 6 AM–10 PM

Masan Fish Market is one of the pride of Changwon, it is the largest fish market in Korea. At Mansan Fish Market, there are more than 1,200 large and small shops along the alleys, located right by the bay. It sells a variety of fish and seafood caught off the coast of Geoje, Masan and Tongyeong.

The Mansan Fish Market located in Changwon Province is divided into specialized areas, selling a variety of marine products ranging from fresh seafood to dried or salted fish. The dishes made from raw fish here are always a favorite of many gourmets. If you have a chance to travel to Changwon, try these special dishes! Visitors can also continue their shopping trip at the huge Lotte Department Store, a few blocks from the waterfront.

Changwon Marine Park

Address: 62 Myeongdong-ro, Ungcheon-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
Hours: 9 AM–8 PM

To the south of Jinhae, Changwon Marine Park is a must-visit when traveling to Changwon. The park is located on an island connected to the mainland by the 250m-long Eumji Bridge.

You will be overwhelmed by the magnificence of the 120m high Changwon Solar Tower. Visitors can completely go up to the top of the tower for the best panorama with mountains and spectacular coastline.

You can end your day trip by watching the sun set behind Jinhaeman Bay.

Going to Changwon Marine Park, you will have the opportunity to experience interesting events such as: Explore the Sea Life Theme, chart of marine ecosystems. In particular, the Naval Battle History Hall here has recorded the imprints of the once glorious Korean navy.

Moonshin Art Museum

Address: 147 Moonshin-gil, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
Hours: 9 AM–6 PM/Monday: Closed

Did you know, the most beloved sculptor, painter – Moon Shin (1923-1995) spent part of his childhood in Masan, which was once his father’s hometown to dedicate. After making a career between the lavish Paris and bustling Seoul, he returned to Masan in 1980. There he began work on the construction of this Moonshin art museum. The construction and completion of the museum took up to 14 years.

Moonshin Museum was officially opened to the public in 1994, he died not long after. He has donated about 3,900 works to the museum, which looks back on his own life and special periods in his career.

Moon Shin’s art is inspired by symmetry in nature. Among those works, there are sculptures made of plaster, bronze, ebony and pine. These materials are very creatively used by him in art. When traveling to Changwon, remember to visit the Moonshin Art Museum!

The House of Changwon

Is a place that any tourist wants to come to try to experience Korean traditional culture. The Changwon hanok traditional house complex, built 200 years ago, consists of 14 buildings, which include a guest house, a main house and an octagonal hall called palgakjeong. In particular, the display space inside the building includes agricultural tools of Korean farmers, the scene from the Joseon period gives visitors the opportunity to time travel back to visit an ancient Korea.

In addition above attractions, you can also visit some other places below:

Changwon Grand Garden: This is a large park with lakes, green fields and flower gardens. You can relax, walk, do outdoor activities and enjoy the beautiful natural space.
Flower garden at Changwon Grand Garden.@suutam
Changwon Exhibition and Convention Center: If you love art and culture, this exhibition often hosts international art events, providing an opportunity to be exposed to diverse and creative works.
Sports and Events at Changwon Stadium: If you are a sports lover, you can watch sports events at Changwon Stadium and cheer on teams and athletes.

What to eat?

Coming to Changwon, you will have the opportunity to enjoy many delicious and typical Korean dishes. Here are some local dishes and popular dishes that you should try in Changwon:

Bibimbap: This is a traditional Korean dish consisting of steamed rice, raw vegetables, meat, eggs and spices, often mixed well before serving. This dish has a balanced taste between ingredients and colorful colors.

Gimbap: Gimbap is similar to Japanese sushi, is a dish consisting of steamed rice, meat, raw vegetables and other ingredients wrapped in dried seaweed.

Korean street food mayak gimbap — Gimbap

Samgyeopsal: Barbecue is an integral part of Korean cuisine. Samgyeopsal is fresh pork belly fat, often eaten with raw vegetables and spices.

Samgyeopsal (Grilled pork belly BBQ) (1) — You will easily find a barbeque eateries at everywhere in Korea.

Jjajangmyeon: Noodles in blackbean sauce is a popular dish, originating from China. This is fresh soft noodles combined with black soy sauce noodles and meat, creating a unique flavor.

Hotteok: This is a Korean pastry with a filling, usually a mixture of sugar and sunflower seeds.

Where to stay in Changwon?

Hotel The May: With a convenient location and modern facilities, Hotel The May is a choice worth considering. Hotel The May has a system of spacious rooms with modern furniture and full amenities. Rooms also have free wifi, helping guests stay in touch and work when needed. This is a reasonable choice if you are looking for a Korean hotel in Changwon suitable for your travel. Room rate reference: $45/room/night.

7 Motels: 7 Motel scores points with spa facilities, swimming pools and luxurious rooms. 7 Motel will definitely give you an ideal space to rest and restore energy to explore Changwon. Room rate reference: $41/room/night

Airtel Busan: Airtel Busan is located close to Changwon’s famous shopping areas, restaurants and attractions. With professional service, modern facilities and convenient location, Airtel Busan is a good choice for travelers looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay while visiting Changwon city. Room rate reference: $47/room/night. Address: 36, Nakdong-daero 1048beon-gil, Sasang-gu, Gimhae, Gyeongnam, South Korea, 46990

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Changwon Olympic Hotel (Agoda, Booking)
Best Louis Hamilton Hotel Changwon (Agoda, Booking)
Sky View Hotel (Agoda, Booking)
CNN Hotel (Agoda, Booking)
Crown Hotel Changwon (Agoda, Booking)
Hotel International Changwon (Agoda, Booking)

Check out more top & best hotels in Chanwon on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Above is a summary of Changwon travel guide that we want to share with you. Hope this guide will help you get more useful information for your travel.

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