Has it ever crossed your mind to randomly choose a place for a trip? I believe that unexplored paths lead to undiscovered treasures.

A bench with Lee Mong-ryong and Chun-hyang

I had never heard about Namwon City before. As a person who likes to explore each corner of Korea, I was curious about this city. I only knew that Namwon is located in Jeollabuk-do, and that it would take me around 3 hours from Seoul Central City Bus Terminal to reach there. In fact, many of my Korean friends even didn’t know much about it.

Korean traditional house next to Ojakgyo Bridge

I wanted to know more about this city, so I started doing some research and found out that Namwon is called as the city of love based on the Story of Chunhyang, a Korean literary classic which is supposedly inspired by a true story which occurred during the reign of King Sukjong (r.1674-1720).

Namwon is the hometown of Chunhyang. The Namwon Chunhyang Festival held every year on May 5th in springtime in memory of their love story.

Lee Mong-ryong and Chun-hyang are statues

I booked my bus ticket on www.kobus.co.kr, which is a convenient and time-saving website to get a bus ticket. Then I started to pack my things for the next day. I would say that I took this trip lightly without much planning. I wanted to be surprised. I didn’t know what to expect. But I was ready to go explore “Namwon,” the city of love.

In front of the stone, Mong-ryong and Chun-hyang

Upon arriving at Namwon Bus Terminal, I took a taxi to the hotel. The city is small, which is convenient for public transportation.

The next day, I headed to Gwanghallu Pavilion (adults 3,000 won, teenagers 2,000 won). This place is supposedly where the lovers first meet. It was initially built in 1419 by the prime minister Hui-jeong Hwang.

As I entered Gwanghallu Pavilion, in front of me I could see the Gwanghalluwon Garden. You can see this garden in some famous drama scenes, including The Slave Hunters (2010, KBS) and The Rooftop Prince (2012, SBS).

Gwanghallu Pavilion

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Gwanghalluwon garden

In the center, there is the Ojakgyo Bridge, which represents the love of Seong Chunhyang and the nobleman Yi Mongnyong. There is a saying that if couples walk on the bridge, their relationship will improve and their children will have a good future.

The ojakgyo bridge

As I walked on the bridge, I saw a hanbok rental store where you can wear traditional clothes and take beautiful pictures while feeling like a royal. The garden offers a beautiful background for your perfect shot. The beauty of this place not only relies on its scenery but also on the story which lies behind it. I felt like I was walking in a fairytale.

The eaves of a hanok

Hanbok rental place

As I headed out of Gwanghallu Pavilion, there was a river pathway. The atmosphere was calm and fresh.

A small Boat standing in the gwanghalluwon garden

Many couples come here to walk or ride a bicycle. I was happy to end my trip walking along the river and seeing the local people walking their dogs. I felt accomplished to enjoy the calmness of this city and learn about the story behind it.

Gwanghalluwon Garden

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I am not usually picky when I choose accommodations. However, there are various things I do consider before making a decision.

A room bed

I like to choose my accommodation based on the location first. Once I decide the places I would like to visit, I search for a hotel that is located nearby. This will help me save my time and energy. Therefore, before going to Namwon, I searched this hotel’s location. I felt relieved that the hotel was located near the bus terminal. Namwon is small compared to a big city such as Seoul. The hotel was also located nearby restaurants and convenience stores.

Table area

Once I reached the hotel, I got my keys from reception and went to my room. The room was clean and well equipped with things that you would usually find in other hotels.

The bathroom

They offered a hair straighter, hair dryer, and some facial sheet masks. The fridge also had some free juice. Outside the room, there was a microwave and water dispenser.

Second, I like to check the hygiene of the room before I choose. However, I can only assess hygiene when I reach the hotel. I was overall satisfied with the hygiene of the room.

Inside the room

Everything was clean and well tidied up. The hotel also offers comfort. The atmosphere was calm and relaxing, and that made me sleep like a princess.

I was impressed with the level of comfort and calm in the center of the city. The next day, I was ready to start my trip after taking a good restful night.