Gwangyang City, Invitation to a June Trip to Gwangyang

The Blue Spirit of Maechon Hwang Hyun and the Purple Lavender Scent Breath

Strolling the Quiet Marosan Fortress and Vigorously Running Along the Clear Seomjin River for Healing

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik] In June, when the month of honoring veterans coincides with the deepening scent of lavender, Gwangyang City in Jeollanam-do has introduced travel courses that allow visitors to breathe in both the spirit of Maechun Hwang Hyun and the purple fragrance.

The city has presented three courses centered around Maechun Hwang Hyun’s birthplace, Sarasil Lavender Healing Garden, Marosan Fortress, and Gubongsan Observatory: a half-day course, a one-day course, and a one-night two-day course.

The half-day course, “Half a Day in Gwangyang,” connects Maechun Hwang Hyun’s birthplace & Maechun History Park ~ delightful gourmet (Gwangyang Bulgogi or Gwangyang Chicken Charcoal Grill) ~ Sarasil Art Village’s relaxing Gallery 24 ~ Sarasil Lavender Healing Garden ~ Gwangyang Wine Cave & Gwangyang Eco Park.

Located in Seoksa-ri, Bonggang-myeon, Maechun Hwang Hyun’s birthplace and Maechun History Park are historic sites commemorating the life of Maechun Hwang Hyun, the last Confucian scholar of Joseon who took responsibility as an intellectual and committed suicide during the 1910 Japan-Korea Annexation.

Maechun was a historian who meticulously recorded 47 years (1864?1910) of history in chronological order and a literary figure who left over 2,500 poems. He expressed his grief over the loss of his country in four death poems and remains an eternal flower of history.

Every early summer, the Sarasil Lavender Healing Garden, which unfolds a purple spectacle, is a must-visit hot place in June.

Under the beautiful green metasequoia trees, lavender, cornflowers, poppies, purple benches, and parasols create an exotic landscape that excites the heart.

The one-day course, “A Full Day in Gwangyang,” includes Marosan Fortress ~ Sarasil Art Village’s relaxing Gallery 24 ~ Sarasil Lavender Healing Garden ~ delightful gourmet (Gwangyang Bulgogi or Gwangyang Chicken Charcoal Grill) ~ Jeonnam Provincial Museum of Art & Gwangyang Art Warehouse ~ Gwangyang Wine Cave & Gwangyang Eco Park.

Marosan Fortress, designated as Historic Site No. 492, is an ancient fortress built during the Baekje period and used until the Unified Silla period. It is located about 3 km east of the original downtown area, Gwangyang-eup.

Visitors can stroll slowly along the fortress, observing traces of time such as watchtowers, building sites, wells, and roof tiles inscribed with names like 馬老 (Maro) and 軍易官 (Gunyeokgwan).

It is an ideal place to start a hopeful day watching the red sunrise and to soothe a weary soul in the breeze flowing through the open fortress.

Maintaining a constant temperature of 17.5℃, Gwangyang Wine Cave and Gwangyang Eco Park are summer sanctuaries where visitors can escape the scorching sun and enjoy media art such as the Garden of Contemplation and Light Fantasia along with wine.

The one-night two-day course, “A Night Counting Stars in Gwangyang,” allows travelers to explore Gwangyang’s nature and culture from Marosan Fortress to Mangdeok Port on the Seomjin River and enjoy beautiful night views.

The first day’s itinerary is Marosan Fortress ~ Sarasil Art Village’s relaxing Gallery 24 ~ Sarasil Lavender Healing Garden ~ delightful gourmet (Gwangyang Bulgogi or Gwangyang Chicken Charcoal Grill) ~ Jeonnam Provincial Museum of Art & Gwangyang Art Warehouse ~ Gwangyang Wine Cave & Gwangyang Eco Park ~ Gubongsan Observatory.

The second day includes Yi Sun-sin Bridge ~ Kim’s Historical Site ~ Baedo Island Garden & Mangdeok Port ~ delightful gourmet (Seomjin River Freshwater Clam Soup & Clam Noodles) ~ Seomjin River Kkeutdeul Village (Small Art Museum) ~ and a leisurely conclusion of the one-night two-day journey at Neuraengi-gol Natural Recreation Forest.

For more details, visit the recommended travel section on the Gwangyang City Culture and Tourism website.

Kim Seongsu, Director of Tourism, said, “June travel in Gwangyang is filled with historical spaces that remind us of the month of honoring veterans, the lavender healing garden where you can enjoy a purple spectacle, and cool caves to escape the hot sun.”

He added, “We hope visitors reflect on their inner selves while walking the quiet Marosan Fortress and relieve daily fatigue and stress by freely running along the blue Seomjin River.”

Meanwhile, Gwangyang City continues to offer travel courses considering duration and routes, from half-day courses centered on monthly hot places to one-night two-day courses that allow visitors to discover the city’s true charm in every corner.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik hss79@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.