South Gyeongsang
South Gyeongsang (경상 남도 Gyeongsangnam-do, 慶尙南道) is a province of South Korea. The abbreviated name Gyeongnam (경남), formerly Kyungnam, is also used.
Cities
- 1 Busan - South Korea's second largest city and a major port with famous fish markets and festivals
- 2 Changwon - The capital city of Gyeongsangnam-do
- 3 Geoje - The second largest island in Korea. Known for its gorgeous coast line.
- 4 Gimhae - Growing city just west of Busan and home to Busan's international airport.
- 5 Jinju - A well-preserved town known for its ruined fortress.
- 6 Miryang - Country town known for the Miryang "Arirang" and Yeongnamnu Pavilion. On the KTX line to Busan.
- 7 Sacheon - Port city with an airport.
- 8 Tongyeong - A beautiful port city near Geoje with many surrounding islands and good food.
- 9 Ulsan - A purpose built corporate city on the coast east of Busan.
Other destinations
- Changnyeong- Upo Wetlands and Hot Springs. Also known for onions.
- 1 Haman - Seat of the Ara Gaya. Famous for its watermelons.
- 2 Namhae - Large island in northwest Gyeongsangnam-do. Popular destination for fishing and natural beauty.
- Geochang - Large county bordering Gyeongnam-do in the northwest. Very mountainous region with high peaks.
- Hapcheon - The famous temple Haeinsa and Gayasan National Park are located in Hapcheon.
- Sancheong - Daewonsa and part of Jirisan National Park.
- Goseong - Hosted the Dinosaur Expo 2009. There are a number of fossil sites throughout the county.
- Hamyang - The entrance to Jirisan National Park is in Hamyang.
- Uiryeong - County between Haman and Jinju.
- Hadong - Beautiful rural county known for its wild tea culture. Part of Jirisan National Park is also in Hadong.
- 3 Gayasan National Park — home to Haeinsa Temple, one of Korea's Three Jewel Temples and a World Heritage Site
- 4 Jirisan National Park
Understand
On the opposite side of the mainland from Seoul, South Gyeongsang as an important part of the country having been the only area not occupied by the Communist forces during the Korean War and birthplace of many of the nation's presidents.
Talk
This region has a strong Korean dialect that is distinct from the standard Korean spoken in Seoul.
English is less widely spoken than Seoul, although people in the main towns will likely understand more than those from the countryside areas.
Japanese is more widely spoken here than elsewhere in Korea.
Get in
By train
This region is well connected to Seoul via the high speed KTX train. Major stations include Busan, Ulsan and Miryang.
By plane
International flights to Busan's Gimhae International Airport airport are from China, Japan and other east Asian countries. Incheon International Airport is also very well connected to this province, with high speed KTX trains getting you to Busan and other major cities within 150 minutes.
By boat
There are fast and slow ferries from Japan to the port of Busan.
Cruise ships do sometimes visit Busan as well.
Get around
By bus
Towns and cities in the region are very well connected via limousine bus.
By train
Train travel between towns is possible although this will often be a slower option than the bus.
By car
Car rental is possible, although be careful of the heavy traffic in Busan and the erratic driving style associated with this area.
See
- View the wonderful coastal scenery on Geoje island
- Soak up the Korean countryside in Miryang
- Visit the historic fortress in Jinju
Do
- Lie on Busan's Haeundae beach in the summer (seemingly sharing it with pretty much every other Korean)
- Sample some of Korea's best seafood in Busan's Jagalchi fish market
- Go hiking in one of the many national parks
Stay safe
There are not many safety issues specific to this region. Coastal cities have a minor risk of tsunamis, although for geographic reasons this much less of a concern than in nearby Japan.
Driving standards are generally regarded as less safe than Seoul.
Go next
- Seoul is only a couple of hours away by high speed train
- Japan is well connected to Busan via ferry.