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Sunrise on Mount Gayasan, Gayasan National Park, South Korea. Image courtesy Rustic Korea.
Beyond the metropolis: Seongju, South Korea
By Josh Chandler
Briefly …
Step beyond Seoul’s skyline into Seongju’s quieter world, where sacred mountains meet candlelit concerts, and melon fields shimmer beneath sacred sites, and Korea’s spirit hums softly through forest trails and temple courtyards.
Beyond the glow of Seoul’s skyline and Busan’s busy waterfront lies a different kind of South Korea – quieter, slower, and steeped in the rhythms of land, history and tradition. In the heart of North Gyeongsang Province, Seongju is one such place. Known for its sacred mountains and golden melons, it offers travellers a glimpse of rural life that balances deep heritage with a growing taste for adventure.
According to the American Express ‘2025 Global Travel Trends Report’, close to 90% of travellers now prioritise regional hidden-gem destinations. As travellers look beyond the big cities – and the even bigger costs and crowds – destinations like Seongju are stepping into the spotlight, not as substitutes for the urban icons, but as their soulful counterpoints. Here in Seongju – a destination rich in culture and authenticity – temples rest in forested valleys, festivals unfold by candlelight, and the air still hums with the ancient pulse of the Gaya Kingdom.
“Here in Seongju – a destination rich in culture and authenticity – temples rest in forested valleys, festivals unfold by candlelight, and the air still hums with the ancient pulse of the Gaya Kingdom.”
Having welcomed 16.36 million foreign visitors in 2024 (a 48.4% increase over the previous year), South Korea’s rise as a travel destination owes much to its striking blend of tradition and modernity. The global reach of K-culture – from film and fashion to cuisine – has also sparked new curiosity that is engaging travellers eager to experience the creativity and energy that define modern Korea.
Seongju offers easy access to some of Korea’s most diverse and rewarding outdoor experiences. With hiking rising rapidly in popularity among solo travellers, routes through Gayasan National Park provide trails for every level of ability, including the advanced Chilbul-neungseon Trail, which reopened in June 2024 after 52 years.
Around Lake Seongjuho, the Floating Trail is bike-friendly and follows a scenic 7km (4.3-mile) lakeside route. Travellers can pair it with the nearby Dokyong-sanseong Fortress Trail, where a short ascending trek leads to panoramic views over the lake. The region also offers substantial camping options, from serviced campgrounds to auto camp sites that make staying overnight easy.
Hahoe Folk Village, Andong, South Korea. Photographer: Bernard Gagnon.
The 600-year-old Hangae Folk Village, one of Korea’s eight designated traditional villages, remains a preserved living community where residents still make their homes. The Placenta Chamber of King Sejong’s Sons (1438–1442) is considered one of the country’s most significant royal heritage sites in Seongju. Located on Taebong Peak, it houses the placenta jars of 18 of King Sejong’s sons and one grandson. Visitors can also explore Seonseoksa Temple, which watches over the Placenta Chamber, and deepen their cultural experience with overnight stays in historical ‘gotaek’ (old house) residences, hanok cafés (traditional Korean houses converted into a café), or tranquil temple-stay programs.
Placenta Chambers of King Sejong’s Sons, Seongju. Image courtesy Korea Heritage Service.
As a designated ‘Night Tourism Specialty City’, Seongju showcases evening experiences rooted in its history and nature. Seongbaksup Forest, home to ancient royal willow trees, hosts programs such as the ‘Night Camcnic’ – a camping-style picnic event – and guided night-trekking walks on Mount Gayasan. A highlight is the Candlelight Concert, a classical performance illuminated by thousands of candles, set against the backdrop of the 5th–6th-century Gaya-era Ancient Tombs in Seongsan-dong.
The 5th–6th century Gaya era Ancient Tombs in Seongsan-dong. Photographer: Nosu.
Seongju’s identity is also closely linked to the chamoe (Korean melon), a fruit unique to Korea. The county produces more than 94% of the national supply, and visitors can sample the fresh fruit, try chamoe-based desserts (a must!), and discover seasonal dishes inspired by it.
Getting to Seongju
Seongju is accessible via high-speed rail (KTX). It’s approximately a 90-minute trip from Seoul to Gimcheon–Gumi Station and about 70 minutes from Busan. From there, Seongju is roughly a 30-minute drive. The county is also easily reached from Daegu, the nearest metropolitan city, with the trip from Seodae-gu Station taking around 40 minutes.
Josh Chandler is a passionate solo traveller who is based in Europe.