Namwon is not a hot tourist destination but, in my opinion, it should be. This small town is situated on the South of the peninsula and is surrounded by Jirisan Mountain complex. Jirisan Mountain is most famous for its national park that serves as home to the Asiatic Black bear also known as half-moon bear in Korea.

However, one of the most famous Korean folk love stories took place there in the second half of the 17th century – the story of Lee Mong-ryong and Chunhyang. Long story short, two lovers (Lee Mong-ryong, son of the Namwon city magistrate, and Chunhyang, daughter of courtesan) were divided by the new city magistrate who was assigned after Mong-ryong’s father. He was an evil man: he was corrupted, cruel to citizens and jailed Chunhyang. He was punished after the king’s secret inspector found out about his bad deeds. The couple reunited and lived happily ever since. This story is known in Korea as a symbol of purity, fidelity, and chastity.

Namwon Aircraft & Space Observatory is a great place for observing Korea's sky

The main exhibition hall shows the timeline of space aviation, some aviation artifacts and a 10-meter-wide dome displaying pictures of the night sky. The 2nd observatory is equipped with astronomical telescopes ranging in focal length from 150 mm to 600 mm for observing Korea’s night skies. Also, a couple of retired combat planes from the Korean Air Force, including the Phantom fighter planes from the ‘70s, are displayed outside.

I was stunned by moving roof that opened when tour guide turned on the telescope. I was so excited watching at telescopes and seeing that outmost celestial bodies.

The observatory is equipped with a 600mm telescope and other astronomical telescopes ranging in focal length from 150mm to 300mm for observing celestial bodies

So, if you like distant beautiful stars this must see spot. The best time for visiting observatory is evening (but be aware the last admission begins 1 hour before closing).

Lee Mong-ryong and Chunhyang

In front of the hotel where I was staying, there were a statue of this lovely couple and the Gwanghalluwon Garden the place where these lovers first met. The Gwanghalluwon Garden was constructed in 1419 during King Sejong reigh.

Gwanghalluwon Garden is famous as the location where Lee Mong-ryong and Chunhyang (two lovers from a famous Korean folk story) first met

Ojakgyo Bridge, ancient stone bridge.

The garden complex has a nice pond with an ancient stone, Ojakgyo Bridge and beautiful pagodas in traditional Korean style. When I was there, the big procession of traditional Korean female musicians in a guard uniform were marching and playing traditional music. It is really easy to visit because it is close to Namwon Bus Terminal.

Namwon Aircraft & Space
Observatory

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Gwanghalluwon Garden

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Jirisan Herb Valley is a theme park located in Jirisan Mountain specializing in local herbs and plants

The other interesting place to visit is Jirisan Herb Valley. It is a theme park located 30 min away from Namwon. Like many places in the countryside of Korea, it is hard to get around by public bus. So, you should prepare yourself for the trip by studding a map, writing down Korean names of the places with an address written in Korean, and getting public bus schedules form the tourist help center. Maybe it is better to rent a car or go to Namwon by car.

The herb valley has green house with palms, banana tries and cactuses. Outside of the greenhouse there are about 1300 various herbs: lavender, rosemary, clever and many more.

Jirisan Herb Valley has 1,300 different herb species

It is a really peaceful and calm experience walking through the aromatic field. What makes it very special and unique is the majestic view of the Jirisan Mountain and the fresh mountain air.

On the way back to Namwon, I came across a typical Korean village named Yongsan Village. It was only a five- minute walk down the hill from the Jirisan Herb Valley so it can be considered a single tourist spot.

Yongsan Village is real Korean countryside village where people live
in traditional hanok houses and do agriculture.

Real authentic Korean farmer house

The village was cozy and small. People of the village are mainly rice and fruit farmers. Early fall is a busy season for the farmers as it is a harvest season. It was the first time I saw a rice field before the gathering. I even had a chance to watch the rice harvesting process. Nowadays it is done with a small high-technology combine that makes farm labor much easier.

Fields of gold: The end of September is a harvest season in Korea when rice fields look outstanding

This village with its slow life had a large contrast with the speedy Seoul life where everything is palli-palli (hurry, hurry). Buses are rare there. That is why when I asked one lady about the bus schedule she was not sure when it will come and walked to the next village by foot.

But Namwon is not all about traditions; it has a glimpse of science. I was intrigued when I learned that there is a Space Observatory in Namwon. I had never been to an operating space observatory before; that is why I decided to go there. It was not far (20 minutes by foot) from the bus terminal and my hotel.

Hotel is not just one building. It is a complex of traditional Korean style houses, Hanoks.

There is a nice inner yard.

I’ve stayed at hanok houses few times before but they are no close to NAMWON YECHON by Kensington. First of all, it is complex of hanok houses with big inner yard. It has a fountain and relaxation pavilion where you can enjoy nature sitting in traditional style.

That is why when I stayed there I had a feeling of leaving in real traditional village not in hotel.

The complex itself is a sightseen

All buildings have a traditional firewood heating system with an outdoor fireplace. The smell of firewood smoke reminded me of a camping experience that made my stay there even more authentic. However, the hotel has all the convenience of modern age: a shower, TV, Wi-Fi, fridge and an air conditioner. It even has some extra points such as wine glasses, a coffee machine in the room and free traditional Korean snacks in the mini bar. I am a big fan of hanok stays but my previous experience was not as good as this one. Sometimes it was not comfortable (no shower in the room for example) and usually located far away from the public transportation net.

But this time it was just great. NAMWON YECHON by Kensington is located within 15 minutes from the bus terminal and has many tourist spots around it like Gwanghalluwon Garden for example. The hotel itself is a very interesting place. It has photo spots and traditional experiences (traditional Korean costume experience, crafts, traditional dances and music instrument experiences). The staff was very helpful and provided tourist information, maps and tips.

Also there is a pond infront of the main building

Room has a traditional floor bedding

The hotel is just incredible. It is very calm and clean. The traditional Korean hanok village atmosphere is magnificent while the comfort is comparable with great modern hotels.