Changwon City Harmonizing Culture with History Emerge as New Hub of Historical and Ecological Tourism
Changwon City is turning itself into a new tourism hotspot in the wake of the administrative district integration of July 2010 that brought a lot of attractions into its territory. The municipal government is currently working on related infrastructure and marketing strategies in order to stimulate the tourist industry. Through the district reorganization that combined Changwon with Masan City and Jinhae City in South Gyeongsang Province, hundreds of tourism industry elements that were scattered across the regions before are now expected to be effectively connected, presenting a much more colorful experience of history, culture, ecology, religion, and festivities, etc. The region's unique attractions are already catching many people's attention at home and overseas. Major attractions in the expanded city of Changwon include the National Cemetery for the March 15th Democratic Uprising, Munshin Art Museum, Mt. Palyong Stone Tower, Changwon Sea Drama Set, Jeodo Bridge, and Danbi Pottery Village.
Beautiful Natural Surroundings is an Art
Mt. Palyong's name derives from a legend that eight dragons descended from heaven there.
In March 1993, restoration work was carried out after a landslide damaged the mountain trails thus the stone towers arose. You can see approximately 1,000 towers of various shapes and sizes, creating unique, grand scenery. In Danbi Pottery Village located in the Masan Happo-gu area, visitors can experience soil and fire coming together to render beautiful ceramics. The five potters running this small yet cozy, quiet place will welcome you at any time with their gentle smiles. Appreciating the masters marvelous works and baking your own pottery with the magical power of fire, visitors can experience the profound pleasure of pottery making. In addition, Mt. Yongma is a low hill rising just 80 meters or so above sea level. Still remaining here are some of the masonry of the fortress built by the Japanese during their invasion of Korea in 1592. The area is now housing a neighborhood park. Monuments in honor of renowned poet Lee Eun-sang and children's song writer Lee Won-su are found here, along with the Masan Library. Sokuri Island, characterized by its clean, shallow sea water, has been popular with family tourists for a long time. It can be easily reached by a regular ferry service available at the dock in Myeong-dong, Jinhae-gu.
Changwon Sea Drama Set and Jeodo Bridge
This location is where the TV drama Kim Su-ro by MBC was made. Kim Su-ro is a king who established the Gaya Kingdom in A.D. 44, in what is now the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula, Currently, buildings, everyday utensils, and small boats etc., used in the 1st century are reenacted there through drama shootings. In addition, the nearby coast is also breathtaking. Jeodo Bridge has the nickname of the Bridge on the River Kwai in Korea due to the similarity in appearance. Opened in December 2004, it links Jeodo Island with the Gubok-ri, Gusan-myeon area of Masan Happo-gu. Many couples have a date here, appreciating the romantic night view presented by the structure, which looks like a sea gull spreading its wings. The Changwon Sea Drama Set, Jeodo Bridge, Machang Grand Bridge and coastal road along the far-stretching shoreline create a perfect marine tourism destination. Especially recommended is the 20km drive from Haengam, Pungho-dong to Angol Village in Jinhae-gu. Fishing spots located along the coastline are often crowded with vacationers and anglers from Busan and Changwon cities. Six sorts of landscaping trees and subtropical flora are found along both sides of the road, providing an exotic atmosphere. Numerous parking lots and rest areas are available, while designated bike lanes are readily accessible.
Masan is also the hometown of many famous artists, such as Lee Eun-sang, composer Jo Du-nam and poet Chun Sang-byung. As such, it has an abundance of cultural tourism spots. You can look around literature, art and music museums there, as well as participate in a number of interesting and instructive hands-on programs.