Noksan, South Korea
Region: North Pyongan Province
Geographic Coordinates: 36.203900, 127.085000
Temperature Range: -25.0°C to 35.0°C (-13°F to 95°F)
Population: 124246
Language: Korean
Noksan is a charming town located in the southeastern part of South Korea. It is situated in the Gyeongsangnam-do province and is renowned for its picturesque natural scenery, Cultural heritage, And traditional Korean architecture. The town has a population of approximately 10, 000 people and covers an area of around 60 square kilometers. One of the main draws to Noksan is its breathtaking coastline. The town boasts several beaches that are popular with both locals and tourists alike. Daecheon Beach is one such beach that stretches for over three kilometers along the coast.
Visitors can indulge in various activities such as swimming, Sunbathing, Surfing, Or fishing here. Aside from its natural beauty, Noksan also has a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries. There are numerous historical sites within the town that offer visitors an insight into traditional Korean culture and architecture. Hwaeomsa Temple is one such site built during the Silla dynasty (57 BC – AD 935). It features several ancient buildings including pagodas, Halls, Shrines as well as beautiful gardens. Another popular attraction in Noksan is Juwangsan National Park which spans over 100 square kilometers.
The park offers visitors awe-inspiring views of mountains covered with lush green forests as well as scenic waterfalls and streams. Hikers can explore numerous trails within the park that lead to various viewpoints. The food scene in Noksan also provides visitors with a unique culinary experience with local dishes such as sanchae bibimbap (mixed rice with wild vegetables), Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), Mackerel grilled on charcoal fire among others being popular choices amongst locals. but not leastly, Noksanshi’s hospitality culture cannot be undermined.
The people here are warm-hearted, Hospitable, Respectful, And always willing to help foreigners navigate through their stay while ensuring they have memorable experiences. Noksan is a hidden gem in South Korea that offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, Rich cultural heritage, And traditional Korean cuisine. With its stunning coastline, Historic sites, National park and warm-hearted locals, Noksan provides an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits it.
- Noksan-ro: A beautiful street lined with cherry blossom trees that bloom in the springtime.
- Gyeongju National Park: A vast park that features ancient ruins, temples, and tombs from the Silla Dynasty.
- Bulguksa Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of the most important Buddhist temples in South Korea.
- Seokguram Grotto: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a stunning stone Buddha statue inside a cave.
- Cheomseongdae Observatory: An ancient astronomical observatory built during the Silla Dynasty.
- Anapji Pond: A scenic pond surrounded by gardens and pavilions that was once used for royal banquets and entertainment.
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex: A collection of ancient tombs from the Silla Dynasty.
- Bomun Lake Resort Area: A popular recreational area with a lake, golf course, hot springs, and other amenities for tourists to enjoy.
- Yangdong Village: An old traditional village with well-preserved hanok houses from the Joseon Dynasty era.
- According to available data, Noksan is a small town in South Korea with a population of around 20,000 people.
- The town’s economy relies mainly on agriculture and fishing industries due to its location near the coast.
- Other small-scale businesses include retail shops and restaurants catering to locals and tourists visiting the area.
- Noksan Battle: In 1593, during the Imjin War, Korean forces led by General Gwon Yul fought against Japanese invaders in a fierce battle at Noksan.
- Choi Hong-hi: Born in Hwa Dae-Myeon (now part of Noksan) in 1918, Choi Hong-hi is known as the founder of Taekwondo and played an instrumental role in popularizing this martial art worldwide.
- Kim Jong-jin: A prominent Korean independence activist who fought against Japanese colonial rule in the early 20th century was born in Noksan. His childhood home has been preserved as a historic site.
- Seongju Temple: A historic Buddhist temple located in Noksan that dates back to the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – AD 935). It is one of Korea’s oldest temples and has been designated as National Treasure No. 272.
- King Munmu’s Tomb: Located near Seongju Temple, King Munmu’s Tomb is believed to be where King Munmu was buried after he unified Korea under Silla Dynasty rule from AD 661–681.
- The Baekje Historic Sites: Several sites within Noksan County were once part of Baekje Kingdom’s territory during its reign from AD 18-660.
- The Cheonan-Nonsan Expressway Accident: In July 2011, a bus carrying tourists crashed on Cheonan-Nonsan Expressway killing thirty-eight people and injuring many others – considered one of South Korea’s worst road accidents ever recorded.
- Noksan-ro Cultural Street: This street is famous for its traditional Korean architecture and offers a glimpse into the country’s cultural heritage.
- Noksan Seowon Confucian Academy: A historic site that was established in the 16th century during the Joseon Dynasty.
- Gyeongju National Museum: This museum features a collection of artifacts from the Silla Kingdom and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Korea.
- Cheomseongdae Observatory: One of the oldest astronomical observatories in Asia, built during the Silla Dynasty.
- Bulguksa Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to 751 AD and is considered one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples.
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex: An ancient burial site featuring tombs from the Silla Kingdom period.
- Yangdong Folk Village: A traditional Korean village with well-preserved houses and buildings from centuries ago.
- Seokguram Grotto: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a Buddhist temple carved into a mountainside during the 8th century AD.
- Bomun Lake Resort Area: A popular tourist destination with scenic views, water sports activities, golf courses, and luxury hotels.
- Ulsanbawi Rock at Seoraksan National Park – Ulsanbawi Rock is an iconic peak located within Seoraksan National Park which boasts breathtaking views over valleys below.
- Noksan Cherry Blossom Festival: This festival is held every spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as food stalls, traditional performances, and a beautiful view of the cherry blossoms.
- Noksan Seaweed Festival: This festival celebrates the abundance of seaweed in Noksan’s coastal waters. Visitors can try different types of seaweed dishes and participate in various activities such as seaweed harvesting and sea fishing.
- Noksan Traditional Market Festival: This festival showcases the local culture and history of Noksan through its traditional market. Visitors can buy handmade crafts, taste local foods, and watch traditional performances.
- Jeongnamjin Jangheung Water Festival: Although not directly located in Noksan but nearby city Jangheung-gun organizes this water festival annually during summer where visitors can enjoy water sports such as rafting or kayaking along with other fun-filled activities.
- Namdo Food Cultural Festival: Namdo Food Cultural Festival is a food-focused event that takes place every year at Muan-gun which is approximately 30 minutes drive from Noksan county where visitors are offered to taste different kinds of Korean foods including regional specialties from South Jeolla Province including Muan County’s famous pufferfish dishes.
- Jjimdak – a spicy chicken stew with vegetables and noodles.
- Dakgangjeong – crispy fried chicken coated in sweet and spicy sauce.
- Gomtang – a beef bone soup with rice or noodles.
- Hodu-gwaja – walnut-shaped pastries filled with red bean paste or other sweet fillings.
- Seolleongtang – a milky beef bone soup served with rice and kimchi.
Popular restaurants in Noksan include:
- Hwangnam Jjimdak – known for their signature dish of jjimdak.
- Kyochon Chicken – a popular chain restaurant serving crispy fried chicken.
- Gukwon Sutbul Galbi – specializes in grilled beef ribs (galbi).
- Osegyehyang Sikdang – serves traditional Korean dishes like gomtang and seolleongtang.
- Hodu-gwaja shops can be found throughout the city, including at the Noksan Traditional Market (Noksan Jungang Market).
- Noksan Seongam Mountain National Park – a popular hiking spot with scenic views of the surrounding area.
- Noksan Beach – a beautiful sandy beach with clear waters for swimming and sunbathing.
- Eunhaengnamu Forest – a peaceful forest park with walking trails and picnic areas.
- Saejae Art Village – an art village showcasing traditional Korean crafts and culture.
- Biking along the Nakdong River Trail – a scenic bike path along the Nakdong River that runs through Noksan.
- Fishing at Jukbyeon Reservoir – a reservoir where visitors can fish for trout, carp, and other freshwater fish species.
- Golfing at one of several golf courses in the area, including Seowon Country Club and Daemyung Vivaldi Park Golf Club.
Note: It is recommended to check local government websites or travel guides for updated information on park availability due to COVID-19 restrictions or closures before planning any activities in Noksan or any other location worldwide).
