Blending the charms of the countryside with unique cultural experiences, Seongju is quickly becoming one of South Korea’s best hidden gem destinations. By day, explore melon farms, historic locations, & gorgeous hiking trails. At night, enjoy local festivals, night markets, & more. In this guide, we’ll break down the top must-try activity to make your trip unforgettable.
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By Day
1. Visit Seongbak Forest & Seongju Lake
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- Address: 367-2 Gyeongsan-ri, Seongju-eup, Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (KakaoMaps)
Seongbak Forest, which directly translates to ‘forest outside the palace’, is most widely known for its dense pine trees & purple lilyturf. Thanks to the gorgeous fall blooms and its many well-maintained walking trails, this forest is a must-visit on any itinerary.
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- Address: 651 Bongdu-ri, Geumsugangsan-myeon, Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (KakaoMaps)
Originally created as a reservoir, Seongju Lake is now a popular leisure spot. The walking paths around the lake are ideal for light hiking, cycling, and seasonal flower viewing.
2. Try Chamoe Melons
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Seongju is well-known for its Chamoe, a type of domestic melon also known as the Korean melon. Somewhat similar to a cantaloupe or pear, it is one of the area’s main crops. In fact, Seongju makes about 70% of the total Chamoe production in the entire country.
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- Address: 560 Wolhang-ro, Wolhang-myeon, Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (KakaoMaps)
- Hours: 10am – 6pm daily, last order at 5:30
There’s no better place to try Chamoe in just about every way you can think of at Cafe Yellong in Seongju!
3. Explore Hangae Village
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- Address: 67 Daesan-ri, Wolhang-myeon, Seongju-gun, Gyeongbuk (KakaoMap)
With more than 600 years of history, Hangae Village is a must-visit for Korean history buffs &k-drama fans alike. Recently appearing as a filming location for the K-drama ‘The King’s Affection’, some parts of the village date back as far as the Joseon Dynasty.
4. Try Local Specialties at the Traditional Five-Day Market
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- Address: 43-1 Sijang-gil, Seongju-eup, Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (KakaoMap)
- Days of operation: 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd, & 27th of every month
Famous for delivering the best regional specialities & fresh produce, Seongju Five-Day Traditional Market is a must-visit stop for any foodie. From perfectly ripe chamoe to trickets, snacks & more, you definitely can’t skip the local charm of this market. Like the name suggests, this market is only open on select days, so make sure your trip aligns with the market hours! (Our Seongju trip definitely does ;))
At Night
1. Dokyong Sanseong Fortress
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- Address: 43 San, Geumbong-ri, Gacheon-myeon, Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (KakaoMap)
Built as a military stronghold during the Three Kingdoms period, Dokyong Sanseong Fortress is easily one of the area’s most historic attractions. Although only parts of the original stone wall remain, they provide the perfect details to the sunset backdrop, with sweeping views of the surrounding valleys & mountains.
2. Gayasan Night Walk
- Address: 162 San, Beopjeon-ri, Gacheon-myeon, Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (KakaoMap)
While Gayasan Mountain is home to many fun day hiking trails, the mountain transforms at night with this stretch of newly added illuminated trails. Popular among the locals & perfect for a photo op, you do not want to miss this destination at night!
One of the newest highlights is the Jeonggyeonmoju-gil, a forest trail where local myths and legends come to life. The path winds through lush woods and along forest streams, creating the perfect atmosphere to let your imagination run wild.
3. Gayasan History & Mythology Park
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- Address: 1809-1 Baekun-ri, Suryun-myeon, Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (KakaoMap)
This park celebrates Gayasan’s myths & history with sculptures, photo spots, and offers plenty of open space to explore. The open field area is the perfect spot for an evening picnic under rare star-filled skies.
4. Seongbak Forest
- Address: 446-1 Gyeongsan-ri, Seongju-eup, Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (KakaoMap)
Famous locally as a spot for an evening stroll, Seongbak Forest offers a cozy & welcoming atmosphere for night-owls. It is open year-round and completely free, making it easy to add to your night itinerary.
What destinations are on your Korean Hidden Gem list? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!




