Namhae

Namhae is an island in South Gyeongsang, Korea.

Namhae county (남해도) is a group of islands which lie off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula. The largest of these is Namhae island which is connected to Hadong on the mainland by Namhae Bridge which was opened in 1973. Modelled on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, it is 660 m long and 80 m high.

The second largest island is Changsoen which is connected to the mainland by the Changsoen-Samchoenpo Bridge which was opened on April 28 2003. The bridge is really a series of 5 bridges spanning 3.4 km, stretching from Changsoen island then connecting 3 small islands - Neukdo, Choyang and Mogae - before reaching the mainland at Samchoenpo.

There are over 70 small uninhabited islands within the county boundary with the majority of the 50,000 population living on the two main islands. It is largely a farming community, growing rice and garlic (for which it is famous throughout Korea) and it has a small fishing industry. It is also a popular holiday destination for Koreans who descend upon the beaches and mountain trails in July and August.

Namhae has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, as shown by the many dolmens scattered along its coast. Silla named the area Namhae County in 757. For centuries afterward, Japanese pirate raids forced residents to flee to the mainland, and the county seat was not restored until 1404.

Namhae is best known as the site of the Battle of Noryang in 1598, the last major naval battle of the Imjin War. Admiral Yi Sun-sin was killed there by a stray bullet at Gwaneumpo, just after destroying much of the retreating Japanese fleet. In the 1520s, the scholar Kim Gu was exiled to the island and wrote the poem Hwajeon Byeolgok there.

The island was cut off from the mainland until the Namhae Bridge and the Namhae Expressway opened in 1973. This opened the way for tourism, and the Changseon Bridge linked Namhae Island with Changseon Island in 1980.

Source: Encyclopedia of Korean Culture

Namhae County is located in the southwestern part of South Gyeongsang Province, on the southern coast of South Korea. It consists mainly of Namhae Island and Changseon Island, along with smaller offshore islands. Hadong and Sacheon lie to the north, Tongyeong to the east, and Gwangyang and Yeosu in South Jeolla Province to the west. The Korea Strait lies to the south.

The landscape is mountainous, with short streams and narrow plains. Major mountains include Mount Mangun (786 m), Mount Geum (681 m), and Mount Won (627 m). The coastline extends for approximately 302 km and has numerous bays and inlets. The county also includes three inhabited smaller islands—Jo, Ho, and No—and 76 uninhabited islands.

Namhae Bridge connects Namhae Island to the mainland. Changseon Bridge connects Namhae Island and Changseon Island, making travel between the two main islands easier.

Source: Geographical Features — Namhae County Office

Namhae is on the island of Namhaedo in South Gyeongsang Province. Most visitors arrive by intercity bus or by car. Namhaedo is linked to the mainland by road bridges, and Changseon Island, the other main island of Namhae County, is linked by a separate chain of bridges from Sacheon.

Buses stop at Namhae Bus Terminal (남해공용버스터미널) in Namhae-eup.

34.8416127.89871 Namhae Bus Terminal (남해공용버스터미널), 2835 Namhae-daero, Namhae-eup (남해읍 남해대로 2835), ☏ +82 55 863 5056.  There are unhandled parameters: description;

• From Seoul: Direct buses run from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal (서울남부터미널), about 7 departures a day. The trip takes about 4¼–4½ hours; fares are roughly ₩38,500 for the deluxe class and ₩50,100 for the premium class.
• From Busan: Direct buses run from Busan Seobu Bus Terminal (부산서부터미널), about 11 departures a day. The trip takes about 2 hours and costs roughly ₩14,300–18,600.
• From Jinju: Direct buses run from Jinju Intercity Bus Terminal (진주시외버스터미널), about 17 departures a day. The trip takes about 1 hour 10 minutes and costs about ₩7,200. Timetables are on the terminal's website (http://www.jinjuterminal.kr/).
• From Hadong County: Buses connect Namhae with Jingyo (about 45 minutes) and Sangchon (about 30 minutes).
• There is no direct bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (고속버스터미널); change at Jinju or Cheongju.

Check current timetables and fares on the Korean bus booking sites before you travel, as departures change by season.

Namhaedo is linked to the mainland at Noryang by two parallel suspension bridges between Hadong and Namhae: the older Namhae Bridge (남해대교, opened 1973) and the newer Noryang Bridge (노량대교, opened 2018), which carries National Route 19. Changseon Island is reached by the Changseon–Samcheonpo Bridge (창선·삼천포대교), a chain of five connected bridges starting at Samcheonpo in Sacheon.

• From Seoul: The drive is about 350–360 km and takes roughly 4 hours.
• From Busan: The drive is about 155 km and takes roughly 2 hours.

Namhae has no train service of its own. The nearest rail hub is Jinju, where Jinju Station (진주역), on the Gyeongjeon Line, has KTX service from Seoul. From Jinju, take a bus from Jinju Intercity Bus Terminal to Namhae (see "By bus" above).

35.15128.11812 Jinju Station (진주역), 33 Gaeyang-ro 116beon-gil, Gajwa-dong, Jinju (진주시 개양로116번길 33), ☏ +82 1588 7788.  There are unhandled parameters: description;

Namhae has no airport. Sacheon Airport (HIN) has domestic flights to Seoul's Gimpo Airport and to Jeju; from there you will need a taxi to reach Namhae. Yeosu/Suncheon Airport (RSU) is also within taxi range. Flying and taking a taxi from Seoul can be the fastest option, but costs considerably more than the bus.

35.0886128.07033 Sacheon Airport (사천공항), 1971 Sacheon-daero, Sacheon-eup, Sacheon (사천시 사천읍 사천대로 1971), ☏ +82 1661 2626.  There are unhandled parameters: description;

Local buses (농어촌버스) serve most of the county from Namhae-eup. They are run by a single company, Namheung Yeogaek (남흥여객), on 36 routes. All local routes charge a flat fare of ₩1,000 for adults and ₩500 for youths and children regardless of distance, and T-money cards are accepted. Buses are infrequent: most routes have at least an hour between departures, and some run only four times a day, so check the timetable and plan your return before setting out. Timetables are on the Namhae County website.

Routes useful for visitors include:

• Sangju and Mijo (상주·미조선), along the southern coast.
• Boriam (보리암선), via Bokgok.
• Eunjeom–Mijo (은점·미조선), passing the German Village at Mulgeon.

34.8416127.89874 Ttubeogi Bus (뚜벅이버스 (공영3호)), Departs from Namhae Bus Terminal, 2835 Namhae-daero, Namhae-eup. Three departures a day from Namhae Bus Terminal: 08:50, 12:50 and 15:50; each loop takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. ₩1,000 (adults); ₩500 (youths and children).  There are unhandled parameters: description;

Taxis can be flagged down in Namhae-eup and called by phone elsewhere on the island. Namhae Call Taxi (남해콜택시, +82 55 864 8117) is based in Namhae-eup. Fares add up quickly on longer trips and night surcharges apply, so ask the driver for an estimate before heading to a distant sight.

In 2025 the county introduced a sightseeing taxi scheme for visiting the main sights. The standard rate was ₩60,000 for four hours plus ₩20,000 for each extra hour, of which the county paid ₩40,000 and ₩10,000 per extra hour. Bookings had to be made at least seven days ahead through the county tourism website or the county tourism office (+82 55 860 8605). Ask the tourism office whether the scheme is still running.

The county has marked three coastal cycling routes:

• Route 1, from Namhae Bridge to Seonso in Namhae-eup (about 21 km, around 1 hour 20 minutes at 15 km/h, paved).
• Route 2, from the Namhae Health Center to Changseon Bridge.
• Route 3, from Changseon Bridge to Danhang on Changseon Island.

34.9442127.87211 Namhae Coastal Cycling Route 1 (해안 자전거길 1코스 (남해대교~남해읍 선소)).  There are unhandled parameters: description;

A local operator also offers guided electric-bike tours along the coastal road. Outside the marked routes, bike lanes are scarce and you will be sharing the road with cars.

• 34.752127.98311 Boriam Temple. Boriam Temple is located near the top of Geum Mountain, the tallest mountain on Namhae. It boasts great views of the island, including Sangju beach and the ocean beyond. Wander around on the numerous hiking trails surrounding the temple. ₩1,000 admission.  (updated Oct 2022) ^{[dead link]}
• 34.9442127.8722 Namhae Bridge. You will most likely cross this bridge when traveling to the island. The red, suspension bridge is beautiful in itself, but also offers great view of the surrounding landscape.  
• 34.764242127.9000773 B-geup Sangjeom (B급상점, B-grade Store), 41 Nammyeon-ro 66beon-gil, Nam-myeon, Namhae-gun, ☏ +82-55-864-6638. Mo, We–Su 11:00–18:00; closed Tu. price= ₩30,000 per person (experience).  (updated Oct 2026)

• 34.798891128.0400032 Mulgeon-ri Bangjo-eobu-rim (Windbreak Forest), 1154 Mulgeon-ri, Samdong-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (About a 10-minute walk along the coastal road from German Village; right next to the Mulgeon Harbor breakwater), ☏ +82 55-860-8633. Open at all times, year-round. Planted roughly 300 years ago by villagers to shield the town and its farmland from sea winds and storm surges, this crescent-shaped windbreak-and-fish-gathering forest stretches along the coast just below German Village. Hackberry, Aphananthe, sawtooth oak, zelkova, and evergreen machilus trees grow densely together, giving the grove an almost primeval feel. A walking path winds through the trees, offering views of the pebble beach and the sea beyond. It's ranked among the "12 Scenic Views of Namhae" and pairs well with a visit to German Village. Free.  (updated Sep 2026)

• 34.70715128.026523 Seolli Beach (설리 해수욕장). Opening Period 26.07.10 ~ 08.23.  (updated Oct 2026)

• German Village Beer Festival (남해 독일마을 맥주축제): 9–11 October 2026. An annual festival held in Namhae's German Village, featuring German-style beer, food, music and cultural performances. (date needs updating)
• Namhae Garlic and Hanwoo Festival (남해마늘한우축제): Annually in June (four days), 2745 Namhae-daero, Namhae-eup, Namhae County, Gyeongsangnam-do (Short taxi ride from Namhae Bus Terminal), ☏ +82 055-860-3908. Annual agricultural festival celebrating Namhae's garlic and Korean beef (hanwoo), held around the Namhae Exile Literature Museum. Features a garlic sales zone, a hanwoo grill zone, food stalls, stage performances and family activities.

• 34.840597127.8943411 Namhae Traditional Market, 282-58 Bukbyeon-ri, Namhae-eup, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (Central Namhae-eup, along the Namhae Barae-gil walking trail (overlapping sections of Course 1 and Course 2)), ☏ +82 55-864-3592. 6AM-7PM daily. A lively, old-fashioned market selling fresh seafood, vegetables, clothing, and local snacks. Namhae's famous specialty, anchovies (myeolchi), are a highlight here — look for dried anchovies, anchovy sauce (myeolchi-jeot), and other anchovy products from the region's renowned bamboo-trap (jukbangnyeom) fisheries. It's also a good spot to try nostalgic street snacks like rice-ball porridge from the vendors near the market entrance. Varies by vendor.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 34.8307128.00172 Amado Bookstore (아마도책방), 1F, 19 Dongbu-daero 1876beon-gil, Samdong-myeon, ☏ +82-10-4134-0695. Bookshop in Samdong-myeon.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 34.771123127.8874573 Aengang Market (앵강마켓), 772 Namseo-daero, Nam-myeon, ☏ +82-55-863-0772. 12:00–17:00; closed Tu, We (verify). Local food shop and tea café selling Namhae specialties such as dried anchovies, yuja preserves, seaweed and tea, plus souvenirs and crafts. It has a small tea room overlooking a garden.  (updated Oct 2026)

• 34.832145128.003921 Namhae Jangsu Agujjim (남해장수아구찜), 266-4 Jijok-ri, Samdong-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea (Near Jijok Strait (Jijok old town/gu-geori); about a 10-minute drive from German Village), ☏ +82 55-867-8889. 10AM-9PM daily (closed Tuesdays). A long-standing local favorite specializing in agujjim (spicy braised monkfish). The signature dish is the aged-kimchi agujjim, generously topped with well-fermented kimchi and steamed until spicy and tender; many diners note it's savory without being overly salty. Expect a wait during peak meal times. Agujjim (monkfish stew), medium/large ₩35,000-50,000; aged-kimchi agujjim (large) ₩57,000; suyuk (boiled meat, large) ₩60,000.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 34.727763127.8932412 Namhae Sigol Halmae Makgeolli (시골할매막걸리), 17-37 Nammyeon-ro 679beon-gil, Nam-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (Near the entrance to Daraengi Village, along the Nam-myeon coastal road), ☏ +82 55-862-8381. 8AM-8:30PM daily. Known for its outdoor terrace overlooking Daraengi Village's terraced rice paddies and the sea beyond. The signature pairing is the seafood pancake with citron makgeolli, though the menu also features other Namhae specialties like anchovy lettuce-wrap rice and sea urchin bibimbap. Popular with tourists, so expect a wait on weekends and during peak season. Seafood pancake (haemul-pajeon) ₩15,000-20,000, anchovy lettuce-wrap rice (myeolchi ssambap) ₩12,000-15,000/person, citron or ginger makgeolli ₩8,000-10,000 each (subject to change).  (updated Sep 2026) ^{[dead link]}
• 34.8117128.03483 Dongcheon Restaurant (동천식당), 1286 Dongbu-daero, Samdong-myeon, ☏ +82-55-867-3560. Open until 21:00 (verify opening time). Restaurant popular with locals as well as tourists. Visitors often order anchovy dishes such as ssambap, while locals favor hot pots such as bulnak jeongol (spicy beef and octopus hot pot). Open later than many restaurants in Namhae, so it works for dinner.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 34.771095127.8876234 Juran Restaurant (주란식당), 770 Namseo-daero, Nam-myeon (Next to Aengang Market), ☏ +82-55-862-9828. 11:00–approx. 14:00 (verify). Set-meal (baekban) restaurant with fish, stew and several side dishes, using seasonal ingredients. Closes early afternoon, so go for lunch. Baekban ₩8,000; hoe-muchim ₩20,000–40,000.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 34.9423127.86875 Yujin Raw Fish Restaurant (유진횟집), 14 Noryang-ro 183beon-gil, Seolcheon-myeon, ☏ +82-55-862-4040. Raw fish (hoe) restaurant right by the sea, with views of the Namhae Bridge.  (updated Oct 2026)

• 34.7693128.01491 Semo Convenience Store That Came Over the Water (물건너온 세모점빵), 430 Geumam-ro, ☏ +82 055-867-1107. 11:00 - 19:00. It is a café with drinks in a vibrant design and a variety of desserts. ₩6000 ~ ₩10,000.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 34.72866128.03142 nutty butter (너티버터 본점), Chojeon Samgeori, Mijo-myeon, Namhae-gun, ☏ +82 0507-1452-2891. 9:30-19:00. A dessert shop selling scones in a variety of flavors you wouldn't normally find ₩5,000~10,000.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 34.8697128.04233 Yeon-gok 1991 (연곡 1991), 24 Yeongok-ro, Changseon-myeon. 9:30-18:30. It is a unique and beautiful space where an exhibition hall and a café come together. ₩5,000.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 34.74127.874 Fine Bliss (파인블리스), 1530 Nammyeon-ro, Nam-myeon, ☏ +82 055-864-1516. 10:00-19:00. It’s a cute café located next to Sonamujeong, at the entrance to the Island Garden ₩5,000~7,000.  (updated Oct 2026)

• 34.83653128.07431 southcape (사우스케이프), 1545 Heungseon-ro, ☏ +82 1644-0280. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. It’s a great place to enjoy Namhae’s natural scenery, and when families want to relax together in a luxurious setting. ₩500,000.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 34.7029128.02422 sol beach (쏠비치), 21 Sol Beach-gil, Mijo-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongnam, ☏ +82 1588-4888. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A famous 5-star chain hotel featuring top-of-the-line facilities overlooking the sea. ₩250,000~.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 34.801128.04653 Bottongui Jip (보통의집, Ordinary House), 13 Dongbu-daero 1122beon-gil, Samdong-myeon, ☏ +82-10-3253-8381. Guesthouse run by a couple, in a small village below the German Village and near the sea.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 34.8127.934 Aengang Stay (앵강스테이). Stay in Hwagye village by Aengang Bay. Guests receive a welcome meal made of Namhae specialties and can brew leaf tea from the village tea room. There is a garden for barbecues and a beach for sunsets.  (updated Oct 2026)

34.941191127.8719621 Namhae Welcome Center (남해웰컴센터), 4214 Namhae-daero, Seolcheon-myeon (52400) (Beside the Namhae Bridge), ☏ +82 55-864-0661. Daily 09:00–18:00. Tourist information in a former rest-stop building from 1975, now an exhibition and community space. Pick up travel brochures, see archive displays on the history of Namhae Bridge, and visit the rooftop observation deck. Free.  

34.838094127.8946742 Namhae Post Office (남해우체국), 6 Hwajeon-ro 78beon-gil, Namhae-eup, ☏ +82 55-863-2005. Daily 09:00–18:00. The main post office in Namhae County. Postal services are available on weekdays from 09:00 to 18:00.