If you’re looking for a chill weekend trip in Korea that blends nature, unique local spots, and a bit of nostalgia, Suncheon is a great option. My girlfriend and I spent a couple of days here in early May, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing (and unexpectedly fun) escapes we’ve had.
TL;DR – Suncheon Weekend Highlights
Thinking of a quick escape to the quieter side of Korea? Here’s a quick rundown of what we did in Suncheon:
- 🐟 Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve – Chill boardwalk trails with amazing views, quirky walking fish, and tons of tiny crabs.
- 🌸 Suncheon Bay National Garden – Massive, beautifully landscaped garden perfect for slow walks, people-watching, and photos.
- 🏯 Naganeupseong Folk Village – Historic Joseon-era village where you can dress up in old Korean school uniforms (totally worth it).
- ☕🍺 Brew Works + Suncheon Brewery – Industrial-style café meets local craft brewery; try the cocoa latte and grab a beer and burger from the brewery.
- 🍽️ Food Highlights:
- Namnyeokdeul Bapsang – Traditional full-course Korean meals (hanjeongsik) with local specialties like cockles, octopus, and grilled fish.
- Geumbin Hoegwan Hanjeongsik – Our favorite: tteok-galbi (grilled meat patties) set menus with premium Korean beef or pork.
- 💤 Where We Stayed – Cozy motel near the city center, convenient for walking or short taxi rides.
Perfect for a 2-day getaway filled with nature, nostalgia, and good vibes — without the big-city crowds.
Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve
Our first stop was the famous Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve. It’s a peaceful stretch of nature with wooden walkways that wind through tall reeds and muddy wetlands full of wildlife. Surprisingly, the stars of the show were the walking fish and tiny crabs you can see skittering around — we ended up watching them for way longer than we expected. It’s a small detail, but it added a lot of charm.
For the best views (and lighting), aim for a late afternoon visit. If you’re up for it, hike to the Yongsan Observatory for a full panoramic view of the bay. Just bring water — the trail is longer and sunnier than it seems, but the view is 100% worth it.
📍 Location: 513-25 Daedae-dong, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do (search “순천만습지” on Naver or Kakao Maps)
💰 Admission: ₩8,000 (adult)
🕒 Tip: Sunset is prime time — and wear comfy shoes for the trails.
Suncheon Bay National Garden
The Suncheon Bay National Garden is huge — more like a park mixed with a botanical museum. There are different sections themed around flowers, world gardens, art installations, and even a little train that takes you around if you want to save your legs.
We saw families picnicking, kids running around, and people just lounging in the shade. It’s a great spot to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
📍 Location: 47 Gukgajeongwon1ho-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do (search “순천만국가정원” on Naver or Kakao Maps)
💰 Admission: ₩8,000 (adult), combo tickets available for Wetland Reserve + Garden
🕒 Tip: Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours — it’s bigger than you think.
Naganeupseong Folk Village: A Step Back in Time
One of the highlights of the trip was Naganeupseong Folk Village — a well-preserved historical village that dates back to the Joseon dynasty. What makes it especially fun is the option to rent old Korean school uniforms and walk around the village in full vintage student gear.
It’s a bit goofy (in the best way) and makes for some fun photos. You’ll find photo zones, retro props, and traditional architecture all around. Even if you skip the dress-up, the village itself is worth a stroll.
📍 Location: 30 Chungmin-gil, Nagan-myeon, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do (search “낙안읍성 민속마을” on Naver or Kakao Maps)
💰 Admission: ₩4,000 (adults), uniform rental around ₩10,000
🕒 Tip: Go early or late to avoid school trip crowds — and don’t skip the snack stalls outside the gates!
Café & Craft Beer Break: Brew Works + Suncheon Brewery
If you’re near Suncheon Station and in the mood for something a little different, this back-to-back combo of Brew Works and Suncheon Brewery is a perfect detour.
Brew Works is a café housed in a converted industrial warehouse — high ceilings, exposed beams, vintage decor (including a full classic green car inside), and big fans overhead give it an edgy, artsy vibe. Their cocoa latte, made with premium Ecuadorian cacao, is a must if you’re a fan of rich, chocolatey drinks. They’ve also got a solid lineup of coffees, teas, and desserts, plus cozy seating both inside and out.
What makes it even better is what’s right next door: Suncheon Brewery. This small local craft brewery serves up a rotating selection of beers like crisp wheat ales and bold pale ales, brewed fresh on-site. There’s even a vending machine inside Brew Works where you can grab a cold can and sip it in either space — they share a relaxed, welcoming terrace that’s ideal for sunny afternoons.
Whether you’re starting your day with coffee or ending it with a craft beer, this little corner of Suncheon delivers both quality and atmosphere in one stop.
📍 Location: 8-7, Palma 2-gil, Suncheon-si (search “브루웍스 순천” or “순천 브루어리” on Naver/Kakao Maps)
💰 Price Range: Drinks from ₩4,000, beers from ₩7,000
🕒 Tip: Great in the afternoon — grab a coffee, then switch to beer as the sun goes down.
Traditional Korean Feast at Namnyeokdeul Bapsang
If you want to try authentic Suncheon-style hanjeongsik (a full-course Korean meal), this place is a must. Namnyeokdeul Bapsang is a well-known spot among both locals and visitors for its generous set menus built around fresh, regional ingredients.
This place is also certified by Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture as a safe and clean restaurant, and based on the crowd and reviews (over 2,000!), it definitely lives up to the hype.
🍴 Recommended Dishes:
- Cockle Set Menu (꼬막정식) – ₩23,000 per person (min. 2)
A Suncheon specialty using local cockles, served with rice and a full spread of side dishes. - Grilled Pork Bulgogi Set (석쇠불고기정식) – ₩18,000 per person (min. 2)
Marinated pork grilled over charcoal, rich and smoky. - Nakji (Spicy Octopus) Set (낙지볶음정식) – ₩20,000 per person
Stir-fried baby octopus with spicy sauce. Bold flavors! - Braised Pollack Set (코다리찜정식) – ₩20,000 per person
Tender, soy-braised half-dried pollack with just the right amount of spice. - Barley-dried Yellow Corvina (보리굴비정식) – ₩24,000
Traditional dried fish, steamed and served with barley rice. - Combo Sets available (Cockles + Grilled Fish, Octopus + Grilled Fish, etc.) for 2+ people, ranging from ₩58,000 to ₩68,000.
The full table spread is colorful and filling — perfect after a long day exploring the wetlands or gardens. You’ll leave full, satisfied, and maybe even planning a return trip.
📍 Location: Near downtown Suncheon (look up “남녘들밥상” in Naver or Kakao Maps)
💳 Price Range: ₩18,000 – ₩68,000 depending on the set
🕒 Tip: Go for lunch or early dinner — it can get very busy!
Our Favorite Meal: Geumbin Hoegwan Hanjeongsik
If we had to pick one meal from the entire Suncheon trip, Geumbin Hoegwan wins, hands down. This place specializes in tteok-galbi hanjeongsik, a classic Korean set meal centered around grilled meat patties — and they do it really well.
The restaurant is clean, welcoming, and also certified as a safe restaurant by the Ministry of Agriculture. It’s popular but not touristy, and you can tell the ingredients and prep are top quality.
⭐ Menu Highlights:
- Korean Beef Tteok-galbi Set (한우소떡갈비한정식) – ₩35,000
Premium beef patties, grilled and glazed, served with a full hanjeongsik spread of banchan, soup, and rice. The patties are juicy, slightly sweet, and perfectly charred — worth the splurge. - Pork Tteok-galbi Set (돼지떡갈비한정식) – ₩20,000
A more affordable but still delicious option — the pork version is seasoned beautifully with a little more kick. - Drinks:
- Bokbunja (복분자, Korean black raspberry wine) – ₩15,000
- Maesil (매취, plum wine) – ₩12,000
- Beer/Soju – ₩5,000
- Soft Drinks – ₩2,000
The side dishes are plentiful and well-balanced — nothing too salty or oily — and the vibe is low-key but polished. If you’re only picking one place for a traditional meal in Suncheon, this is a strong contender.
📍 Location: Central Suncheon – search “금빈회관한정식” on Naver or Kakao Maps
💰 Price Range: ₩20,000–₩35,000
🕒 Tip: Go hungry — this is a full feast.
Where We Stayed: 단꿈STAY 모텔 (Dankkum STAY Motel)
We stayed at Dankkum STAY, a modest, budget-friendly motel just a short walk from Suncheon Station. It turned out to be super convenient — right around the corner from Brew Works and Suncheon Brewery, which made late-night snacks or evening drinks effortless.
The motel itself is simple and not luxurious, but it was clean, quiet, and had everything we needed for a short stay. Most reviews online mention the same pros:
- ✅ Clean, hotel-level bedding
- ✅ Friendly and genuinely helpful owners
- ✅ No cigarette smell (a rare win for older motels)
- ✅ Quiet rooms, even though the area has nightlife
- ✅ Easy access to public transit and nearby attractions
📍 Location: Near Suncheon Station – search “단꿈STAY모텔” on Naver or Kakao Maps
💰 Price Range: ₩40,000–₩60,000 per night (varies by season)
🕒 Tip: Perfect base if you’re planning to visit Brew Works, Suncheon Brewery, or catch an early train.
Tips for Visiting Suncheon
- Best Season: Spring and fall for ideal weather and views.
- Getting Around: Buses and taxis work fine, but some places like Naganeupseong are easier with a rental car.
- Must-Do: Don’t skip the school uniform experience — it was our highlight.
- Photo Ideas:
- Walking fish and crabs in the wetlands
- Sunset from the observatory trail
- Flower fields in the national garden
- Retro shots in the folk village
Suncheon may not be on every Korean travel itinerary, but it really should be. Whether you’re into nature, slow travel, or quirky photo ops, it’s a destination that offers a little bit of everything, without the crowds