Seongju County[dead link] (Seongju-gun) is a county in North Gyeongsang Province, with about 51,000 residents. It is a largely agricultural area immediately west of the metropolitan city of Daegu. The capital of the county is the town of Seongju.
Seongju County is famous for its production of oriental melons. Farms in the county comprise about 70% of total oriental melon production in the country.
Understand
[edit]Geography
[edit]Seongju-gun is in the southwest of Gyeongbuk, and the topography is generally circular, bordering Dalseong-gun and Chilgok-gun of Daegu to the east, Gimcheon-si and Geochang-gun of Gyeongnam to the west, Goryeong-gun and Hapcheon-gun and Geochang-gun of Gyeongnam to the south, and Gimcheon and Chilgok-gun to the north. The northwestern part is divided into the plains formed by the Nakdong River and its tributary rivers, and the sandy loam along the Nakdong River and Daegacheon coast are widely distributed.
Get in
[edit]Get around
[edit]By car
[edit]By boat
[edit]By public transit
[edit]See
[edit]- Gayasan Wildflower Botanical Garden
- Geumsu Cultural Art Village
- Placenta Chamber of King Sejong's Princes
- Seongju Gun Memory Museum
- Hangae Village
- Hoeyeon Confucian School
Do
[edit]Located in the southwestern part of Gyeongsangbuk-do, Seongju County is bordered by Daegu Metropolitan City and Chilgok County to the east, Geochang in Gyeongsangnam-do to the west, and Gimcheon City and Chilgok County to the north. Seongju is a representative tourist destination in Korea, offering a rich variety of natural, historical, and cultural attractions. These include Lake Seongjuho, the Placenta Chamber of King Sejong's Sons, Seongbaksup Forest, and Hangae Village. The nearby Gayasan National Park, designated as a natural heritage site, is also known for its auspicious energy.
Despite its small size, Seongju prides itself on the third-largest camping infrastructure in Korea. Visitors have access to a range of local accommodations, including campgrounds, vacation rental houses (펜션), and pool villas, all seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. The county is an ideal destination for family trips, offering family-friendly infrastructure and an increasing number of trendy local cafés. Beyond its scenic charm, Seongju is renowned for its Chamoe production, recognized globally for its quality. The greenhouses in the area, with their distinctive silver waves of Chamoe plants, offer a striking visual experience. Visitors can also participate in unique gourmet and Chamoe-related activities, exclusive to Seongju.
Seongju, whose name means "star city," will soon launch a night tourism brand, "Twinkle Seongju!" This brand is inspired by the unusually bright stars that illuminate Seongju’s vast night sky. As one of Korea’s official night tourism cities, Seongju will offer new and diverse tourism experiences, highlighting the county’s unique appeal as a small but strong destination.
10 scenic lookouts
[edit]- 1 Mt. Gaya (Gayasan), Park office 123-1, Guwon-ri, Gaya-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, ☏ +82-55-932-7810. Mt. Gaya, at the southwest border of Seongju, is designated as a national park. The main peak is Chilbulbong (1,433m) and with Udubong, Namsan, Danjibong, Namsan 1-bong, Maehwasan etc, which are around 1,000 m in height, Mt. Gaya is renowned for its outstanding scenery and diverse ridgelines. Follow the Circular Road from Suryun-myeon to Mt. Gaya, and you’ll be able to find dark-red cliffs reaching far into the sky. A path up the mountain in Yonggigol and Simwongol stretches along the valley and waterfalls. Yonggigol provides an excellent view of Mt. Gaya. Mt. Gayasan designated as Korea's 9th national park in 1972, is one of the12 most famous mountains in the country. Unlike the gentle slopes of Mt. Gayasan in Hapcheon, the Seongju side is characterized by steep, rugged terrain, giving it a pristine and mysterious atmosphere. The mountain is home to many sacred rocks, each with distinct shapes, such as Elephant Rock, Dolphin Rock, Buddha Rock, Toad Rock, and Twin Rock, adding to its mystical charm.
- Dokyong-sanseong Fortress & Lake Seongjuho Floating Trail (독용산성 & 성주호 둘레길), San 78 Bongdu-ri, Geumsugangsan-myeon. Dokyong-sanseong Fortress is the largest mountain fortress in the Yeongnam area, located on the peak of Mt. Dokyongsan at an altitude of 955 meters above sea level, at the foot of the main peak of the Sobaek Mountain Range. Hikers can explore various trails leading to the fortress, where they will be rewarded with a breathtaking, panoramic view of Lake Seongjuho, which resembles a stunning landscape painting.
- Hoeyeon Seowon & Muhel-gugok Valley (회연서원 & 무흘구곡), 9 Dongganghangang-ro, Suryun-myeon. Hoeyeon Seowon was built during the Joseon Dynasty and is renowned for its stunning scenery, so much so that it was immortalized in the painting Hoeyeon Seowon-do 회연서원도 by the famous Joseon Dynasty painter Gyeomjae Jeong Seon. The beauty of this historic site continues to captivate visitors to this day. Muheul-gugok Valley stretches for 35.7 kilometers and features nine stunning bends. It is becoming a popular vacation spot due to its breathtaking scenery, with the clear waters of the Daegacheon Stream 대가천 flowing through dramatic rock formations and lush, tree-lined valleys.
- Seongju Mangwijeong & Pocheon-gyegok Valley (성주 만귀정 & 포천계곡), 38 Singye 2-gil, Gacheon-myeon.�Seongju Mangwijeong located at the upper end of Pocheon-gyegok Valley, is framed by a powerful waterfall that cascades with great energy, adding to the serene yet dynamic beauty of the area.� Pocheon-gyegok Valley is one of the most famous valleys on Mt. Gayasan, featuring a crystal-clear stream that runs for about 7 kilometers. With magnificent views of Mt. Gayasan, it has become a popular destination for vacationers seeking water and forest bathing in the serene natural surroundings.
- Seongbaksup Forest (성밖숲), 446-1 Gyeongsan-ri, Seongju-eup. Seongbaksup Forest created during the Joseon Dynasty according to Feng Shui principles, is home to 52 royal willow trees, which are designated as natural monuments and range from 300 to 500 years old. In midsummer, the forest offers a spectacular display of purple hues from the willows, creating a pulsating, dream-like scene. Recognized as one of Korea's top 100 night tourist attractions, the forest also features a stunning nightscape, making it a must-visit spot for evening travelers.
- Placenta Chambers of the King Sejong's Sons (세종대왕자태실), 639-18 Sejongdaewangjataesil-ro, Wolhang-myeon. A Placenta Chamber is a sacred place where the placenta and umbilical cord of royal offspring are enshrined after birth. In Korean tradition, the "Tae" 태 represents both the placenta and the umbilical cord, which have been treasured and enshrined in special shrines across the country since ancient times. Among these, Seongju holds the Placenta Chambers of King Sejong, Korea’s greatest king. This site is considered one of the most important in the country due to its size, historical value, and its designation as a Myeongdang 명당, or a "divinely gifted auspicious site" according to feng shui principles. It symbolizes Korea’s cultural respect for life and is a popular centerpiece of Seongju's babymoon tour.
- Hangae Village (한개마을), 8-5 Hangae 2-gil, Wolhang-myeon. Hangae Village, built during the reign of King Sejong in the Joseon Dynasty, boasts a rich history spanning nearly 600 years. As one of Korea's eight traditional folk villages, it has produced many scholars, independence activists, and other notable figures, particularly from the 17th century onward. Renowned for its cultural heritage, Hangae Village is considered one of the most important and well-preserved traditional villages in Korea.
- Seongju Historical Theme Park (성주역사테마공원), 3167-11 Seongju-ro, Seongju-eup. Seongju Historical Theme Park recreates the historical appearance of Seongju County during the Joseon Dynasty. The park features Seongju Sago, the archives from the Joseon era, Ssangdojeong, a traditional pond, and the town's north gate and castle, both restored to their original forms. These landmarks offer visitors a glimpse into Seongju's rich historical and cultural heritage.
- Ancient tombs in Seongsan-dong (성산동 고분군), San 61 Seongsan-ri, Seongju-eup. The ancient tombs in Seongsan-dong are a significant cultural property of Korea, located along a mountain stream at the foot of Mt. Seongsan with views overlooking Seongju. The site features a collection of large and small tombs from the Gaya Kingdom and Three Kingdoms periods, forming a small hill that's perfect for a leisurely stroll. The Tomb Complex Exhibition Center offers historical exhibits on the tombs and their significance, as well as a dedicated playroom where children can learn and engage with the history through interactive experiences.
- Landscape of Chamoe Greenhouse Field (참외하우스), 3200 Seongju-ro, Seongju-eup. Seongju, which produces over 70% of Korea's Chamoe, offers a signature view of expansive Chamoe greenhouse fields that can be seen only here. The greenhouses, which stretch out like waves across the landscape, are especially breathtaking at sunset, when the glow of the setting sun bathes them in a golden hue.
Night Tourism Attractions
[edit]2024 Korea’s Official Night Tourism Cities
[edit]Seongju is the only county-level small city selected for the 2024 Korea’s Official Night Tourism Cities Project, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization. Seongju is striving to become Korea's representative "small, but mighty" night tourism city. It aims to harness its great potential by creating nighttime attractions and scenic spots using local specialties, supported by active promotional efforts. In particular, "family-friendly" has been chosen as Seongju's specialized theme, with the goal of becoming a night tourism destination that everyone can enjoy.
Night Tourism Brand 「Twinkle Seongju」
[edit]The motif of Seongju's night tourism brand is inspired by its key attractions: nature, represented by Mt. Gayasan; sightseeing, highlighted by the willow trees in Seongbaksup Forest; and the beautiful night view of stars. These elements have come together in the launch of Seongju's night tourism brand, "Twinkle Seongju," which likens the county to the twinkling stars of its vast night sky.
Attractions | Schedule | Location | Features | Photo |
---|---|---|---|---|
Night walk tour in Seongbaksup Forest | October | Seongbaksup Forest | This family-friendly (approximately 4km) walking tour features a variety of activities for children and adults alike, including experience zones, play areas, performances, food and flea markets, and other nighttime programs. The tour coincides with the beautiful fall foliage and the stunning nighttime llumination of the willow trees, which are designated as a National Monument, creating a memorable experience for all. | |
Night Chamcnic | August | Seongbaksup Forest | Night Charm-cnic in Seongbaksup Forest is a family-friendly Camcnic(Camping+picnic) event designed especially for children and families. With fun experience programs, relaxing performances, delicious food, and a chill atmosphere, it's the perfect place to make lasting memories with loved ones. | |
Starlight Walks | August | Ancient tombs in Seongsan-dong | This walking tour offers a magical evening under the stars, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk, picnic, and concert along the Ancient tombs in Seongsan-dong. As you stroll along the tomb ridge, listening to old stories and carrying handmade flower lanterns, the experience culminates in a night picnic and concert that make a night in Seongju truly unforgettable. | |
Chilling & Healing Night
@ Ancient tombs in Seongsan-dong |
October | Ancient tombs in Seongsan-dong | This nighttime program, designed with a chill vibe for Gen Z, blends nature and music at the historic Ancient tombs in Seongsan-dong. The event offers a unique mix of relaxation and culture, set against the backdrop of Seongju’s rich history. | |
Chameo Planets Hiking in Mt. Gayasan | October | Seongbaksup Forest October | This unique overnight hiking program offers an exploration of the majestic Mt. Gayasan, the pride and protector of Seongju. The hike also includes visits to the nearby Mt. Gayasan Historical & Mythological Park and the Wildflower Botanical Garden, providing a blend of nature, history, and mythology for an unforgettable experience. | |
Tasty Seongju, Starlight Cooking Class | TBD | TBD | The program will feature night cooking classes and a variety of dishes that showcase the authentic flavors of Seongju. With a focus on the 'rural experience', participants will get a true taste of local life and culinary traditions. | |
Night Night Walks & Camping
@Lake Seongjuho |
TBD | Lake Seongjuho | Explore the natural beauty of Lake Seongjuho with night bike rides and camping under the stars. | |
Charm-Noeul Sunset Dining in Hangae Village | TBD | Hangae Village | This full-course dinner takes place in the outdoor courtyard of a Hanok in Hangae Village, one of Korea's eight traditional folk villages. The evening offers a perfect blend of tradition and sophistication, featuring local specialty dishes made with Seongju Chamoe. Guests can also enjoy a sunset walk through the village and end the night stargazing from the rooftop, all set in a refined and tranquil ambiance. | |
Candlelight Kids Concert | August | Seongbaksup Forest | The Candlelight Kids Concert illuminated by thousands of candles, is one of Seongju's signature nighttime tourism experiences. This unique event transforms an ordinary concert into a magical night for children and families, featuring classical performances of world-famous animation movie soundtracks. The enchanting music, paired with the glowing candlelight, creates a romantic midsummer night in Seongju that evokes cherished memories for both children and parents. | |
Authentic night lighting and photospots | TBD | Seongju | Seongju is set to become a representative night view spot in Korea, with a specialized photo zone featuring the iconic Chameo greenhouse, one of Seongju’s top 10 scenic landmarks. This unique night attraction will highlight the beauty and pride of Seongju, offering visitors an unforgettable experience under the stars. |