Enjoy a traditional cultural experience in Namwon the smart way

Enjoy a Traditional Cultural Experience in Namwon the Smart Way

Gwanghalluwon Garden Tour with a Virtual map

Gwanghalluwon Garden is renowned as the setting where Sung Chun-hyang and Lee Mong-ryong first met and fell in love, as depicted in the Pansori (traditional Korean opera) love song Chunhyangga. Namwon's smart tourism platform offers AR maps to enhance your visit. Key attractions within Gwanghalluwon Garden—including Gwanghallu Pavilion, Ojakgyo Bridge, Wanwoljeong Pavilion, Chunhyang Shrine, Wolmae House, and the swing—are marked and come with detailed descriptions.

How to Enjoy Gwanghalluwon Garden Even More

By completing five missions in and around Gwanghalluwon Garden through Namwon's smart tourism platform, you'll naturally learn more about the area. When you scan the ground at the mission locations with the AR camera, a cute Chunhyang character will appear.

At Chunhyang Shrine, built to honor Chunhyang's virtue, you can jot down a wish and place it in the wish box. At Wanwoljeong Pavilion, complete a mission by taking an AR photo of Sung Chun-hyang and Lee Mong-ryong against the scenic backdrop of the pavilion. At the swing, where Chunhyang and Lee Mong-ryong's love story began, you can push Chunhyang's swing.

To reach Seungwol Falls, cross Seungwolgyo Bridge in front of Gwanghalluwon Garden. This is the final stop on the mission trail. By assisting the fairy sitting on the bench near the waterfall, you can complete all five missions and earn a 'Mission Accomplished' certificate.

Take a stroll around Gwanghalluwon Garden in a Hanbok You Can Choose Virtually

Visiting a traditional Korean cultural space is even more enjoyable when you wear a hanbok. Like the historical palaces in Seoul or the Hanok Village in Jeonju, Namwon offers a perfect setting for this experience. At Hwaindang, located just outside the east gate of Gwanghalluwon Garden, you can try on hanbok clothing virtually using an AR camera.

    

While you can try on a hanbok in person, the virtual fitting allows you to preview how they will look and even download photos to keep. After choosing your hanbok at the kiosk, you can change into it and get your hair styled there as well. Once ready, enjoy a leisurely two-hour stroll around the garden.

If you have heavy luggage, you can store it in a smart locker for free. The lockers are easy to use, and you can check their availability directly on your smartphone. Before heading to Gwanghalluwon Garden, stop by the photo spot at Hwaindang for a quick picture. As a bonus, if you rent a hanbok, you can use Namwon Four-cut Photo Studio at Hwaindang for free.

Take Your Best Photos and Experience the Metaverse in Namwon

While it's easy to snap a photo with your smartphone, why not make your memories in Namwon even more special? You can enjoy the Namwon Four-cut Photo Studio at Hwaindang, the Namwon Modern and Contemporary Archive, the Children's Science Experience Center, and the Baekdudaegan Ecology Education Center.

   

To use Namwon Four-cut Photo Studio, you’ll need to earn coins first. Each photo studio has its own method for earning coins, so it’s worth choosing one that fits your plans.

If you're traveling with children, be sure to stop by the Namwon Astronomical Science Center. In 2025, the Namwon Aircraft & Space Observatory and the Children's Science Experience Center were integrated and newly reopened as the Namwon Astronomical Science Center. Visitors can enjoy science craft activities and explore the Metaverse & VR Experience Hall. The center also introduces 15 tourist attractions around Gwanghallu Pavilion, recreated in a virtual metaverse space.

Written and photographed by Oh Won-ho (Travel writer)