After spending the day in Yeosu we caught the train (only about 20 minutes) to Suncheon. Once we arrived we headed to get some dinner and drinks, then headed back to the hotel before our big tour the next day. One of the main reasons I was looking forward to coming to Suncheon 순천 was Seonamsa Temple 선암사. You will see why in the photos below as it is just a fantastic place to visit (great picturesque temple that is very quiet and perfect for a morning stroll). We booked a city tour for Suncheon as we didn’t have a car and it worked out very well to be honest. Very comfortable seats, friendly staff and a well organised itinerary, all we had to do was show up at Suncheon Station 순천역 at around 10am and enjoy the ride.
If you plan on traveling by KTX in Korea, you may want to check out the Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) to save money.
I hope your enjoy my photos below 🙂
After leaving Yesou, we arrived 20 minutes later in Suncheon.
After a big day in Yesou we basically slept, woke up the next morning, took a taxi to Suncheon Station and ate some very delicious burgers 🙂
순천시티투어 Suncheon City Tour
Citytour Passcard for the day.
Seonamsa Temple 선암사
The name Seonam (‘Heavenly Rock’ or ‘Immortal’s Rock’) is derived from the legend that a heavenly being once played the game of Go here. With 19 National Cultural Properties in its halls and museum, there are few Korean Buddhist temples with more treasures than Seonamsa.
If you plan to come here by local transport, from Suncehon Jonghap Bus Terminal (순천종합버스터미널), take Bus 1 or 16 to Seonamsa Temple (선암사) bus stop. From the entrance of the mountain, follow the trail for 1km to arrive at the temple.
After a 30 minute ride on the tour bus we arrived at Seonamsa Temple 순암사. If you haven’t noticed by now, it was what I was looking forward to the most.
Quick snap of the ‘gang’. The road all the way up until the temple is shaded which makes the walk so nice.
Plenty of signs to be had so you can’t get lost (Of course the tour guide also told us what were the best places to see while we were here).
Tripod always comes in handy for group photos. Lovely and green this time of the year.
There was a nice wind on this day so it couldn’t have been any better in terms of the weather.
Got the camera in hand (prefer that than having it around my neck all day).
There are quite a few places to visit at this temple if you have lots of time.
Endless amounts of trails and streams.
We make a pretty good photography team (haha amateurs at best).
These monuments were built in 1707 to commemorate the restoration of Seonamsa that was led by Monk Yakhyu.
Some freaking looking statue on the way up to the temple….
Me trying my best not to fall forward into the stream while I take a photo haha
An unusual way to have a sign.
Seungseon Bridge 승선교 from afar.
A look at Gangseon Pavilion through the arc of Seungseon Bridge 승선교 (Seungseon means ‘the ascending immortals’). Monk Hoan built this Joseon Era bridge over a period of six years beginning in 1713. Seungseongyo is considered to be amongst the most beautiful of the old stone bridges in Korea.
My better half sitting nicely on top of Seungseon Bridge 승선교. The protruding sculpture of a dragon’s head below the midsection of the bridge, facing upstream, is intended to ward off evil spirits.
A jumping photo for good measure.
Gangseon Pavilion.
It wasn’t that busy so it made the walk up very peaceful (Gangseon Pavilion)
A quick look back at the bridge before Seungseon Bridge.
Seungseon Bridge.
Seonamsa Iljumun (first gate).
Looking through the Seonamsa Iljumun (first gate).
Main building as you pass through the first gate.
Blue skies and it wasn’t too hot which was nice.
Although it was hot enough that we needed some cold water 🙂
Main Hall.
At look through into the main hall.
A photo from the side door. Amazing how something so old can still be standing really…
One of Seonamsa’s 3 Story Stone Pagodas. Seonamsa’s pagodas are typical of the stone pagodas of the Silla era.
A nice look down the side of one of the temples.
The buildings here were very well kept.
We bought a few of these snacks. It’s like a lotus leaf cookie essentially.
Lots of colours from the flowers as well.
Not sure what this place would be like in winter however in summer it looked amazing (very green).
Taking a stroll around the main hall area.
Some nice flowers in front of one of the temples.
Some bees going about there business.
I thought this place was good for a quick snap.
Again, not a lot of people here even though we were on a tour of about 30 people. Quite large temple grounds so it really does make it feel that there’s only a couple of people there.
More flowers 🙂
You will notice this small store on your way up and down to the temple.
We bought a packet of snacks to eat on the bus while we were travelling.
A walk through Gangseon Pavilion.
One last shot for good measure.
Very peaceful, wish I could of stayed a bit longer and just relaxed here.
We had just enough time to get something to eat and drink which was lucky.
Although it wasn’t raining, we ate Seafood Pancake (해물파전) and drunk Makgeolli (막걸리).
Some side dishes as usual.
Can’t miss the restaurant as it is located right at the entrance.
Back on the bus for the next place.
Naganeupseong Folk Village 낙안읍성
If you plan to come by bus, simply take #63 from Suncheon Bus Terminal ( link here: http://naver.me/FeQQM47j ).
After arriving I didn’t know what to expect from a folk village as such.
We followed our tour guide around which is basically walking down the main road until you reach the outside wall, then simply walk up the wall to your left.
Some traditional clothing being sold (한복).
Plenty of signs in English so should be fairly easy to navigate around.
I didn’t realize how mountainous some places are in Korea.
A nice building on the main stretch.
A very picturesque gate.
Take your time to look around as it is very interesting to look at how the houses were built ‘back in the day’.
Lots of wild flowers about.
That’s the wall/road you need to follow round to the left.
Shortly you will arrive and find a wonderful view of the whole village.
A view of the entire village which helps you understand how big it is.
A view of the traditional houses.
You can actually stay at some of these houses if you are wanting to get the full traditional experience.
Keep following the wall until you arrive at a garrison with multiple flags.
This is the end of this section (those stairs lead you back to the start).
A nice old looking street.
A small peek into someones backyard.
A traditional dance was taking place just before we were about to leave.
Some nice colourful costumes.
It was really windy here.
Very interesting head dress.
Was getting kind of hot so we bought some frozen fruits from the small store there.
Suncheon Bay National Garden 순천만국가정원
If coming by local transport, simply catch bus 63, 66 or 101 from Suncheon Bus Terminal (link here: http://naver.me/IFPPYDa2 ). If you would rather get a tour bus here, you can book a day trip through Klook.
The Suncheon Bay Garden was established in order to turn 1.12 square kilometers of natural habitat into a conservation area, where it houses over 505 species of trees and 113 species of flowers.
Look to see if your country’s flag is there.
Some foreign dances being carried out upon arriving.
Some very nice colours.
There are a lot of different areas so if you want to visit them all you will need a couple of hours.
We had about a hour to look around so we did the main areas,
The grounds were very well kept and it really was a nice stroll.
It helped that the weather was almost perfect as it wasn’t too hot.
A spiraling mound which you can walk to the top of.
A look back at the entrance area.
There is a European style building in the distance which seemed quite popular.
A closer look.
Some colourful decorations.
A view from the west-side of the park.
Some giant bird with grass and flowers on it.
A quick peace sign.
Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve 순천만습지
If you plan to come by bus, simply take bus 67 from Suncheon bus Terminal (link here: http://naver.me/FIIImvhO )
I wasn’t sure what to expect coming here as I hadn’t read much about it however it was actually a nice surprise being the last stop on our tour.
Once you enter through the main gates, simply keep walking on the main path.
Some info if you want to know more about the places etc.
A nice look out over the wetlands.
Quite a few people out here walking and enjoying the view.
I didn’t expect it too be this large so was surprised when i first saw how large the wetlands were.
The mountains make a very good backdrop.
A view looking back at the main bridge leading over to the wetlands.
Feels like you are in the middle of nowhere ahah
Seems like some kind of painting.
A series of boardwalks allow you to walk over the wetlands.
There is a lookout which was about 40 minutes walk away however being the last stop on our tour we decided to skip that part.
A hat and some sunglasses would be advised if it is sunny.
Lots of crabs and mudskippers can be seen where ever there is mud.
The grass comes right up alongside the boardwalk.
Some more views 🙂
A few last snaps coming back over the bridge.
It seems there was a boat cruise, which would of been nice (not sure where they take you though).
Really glad the tour came to these wetlands as I’m not sure I would of came otherwise.
One last snap before heading back to the bus.
After the wetlands the bus took us back to Suncheon Station. From there we caught a taxi to the Suncheon Bus Terminal for our trip back to Busan 🙁
Although the trip was coming to an end, we had such a good time in Suncheon. I was really happy that we made the decision to come and check out this small city as the places we visited were fantastic. Seonamsa Temple 선암사 is probably my favourite temple out of the ones I have visited in Korea. It really was such a nice place to visit.
As usual, if you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment 🙂
4 thoughts on “Suncheon – Seonamsa Temple, Naganeupseong Folk Village, Wetlands & National Garden (순천)”
Hello! May I know how long did the tour took? And how can I make a bookinh for the tour? Thanks! (:
Hi, great infos.
I clicked all the three link above and the error message came out. Maybe it’s an old links? Do you have the current one? Definitely want too take the same tour. Thanks so much!
Hello! May I know how long did the tour took? And how can I make a bookinh for the tour? Thanks! (:
Hi Li Yin,
The tour took about 7 hours (departed at 10:00am and returned to Suncheon Station at about 5pm).
We booked our tickets through this site: https://www.suncheon.go.kr/tour/tourist/0012/0002/
Bookings can be made here: https://www.suncheon.go.kr/yeyak/0001/0002/list/ Simply click the first yellow button 예약하기 (you will need to create an account/login to book).
If you know someone who can speak Korean to help you, that would be a whole lot easier!
Any other questions please let me know 🙂
Hi, great infos.
I clicked all the three link above and the error message came out. Maybe it’s an old links? Do you have the current one? Definitely want too take the same tour. Thanks so much!
They seemed to have changed the links. Here is the updated link to this tour: https://www.suncheon.go.kr/tour/tourist/0012/0002/