Surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes, Changwon overlooks a scenic slice of the Sea of Japan and features numerous inner-city parks among its residential blocks. Changwon is a beloved home for artists where you’ll find a thriving art village, creative street murals and traditional markets.
Things to do in Changwon
Make the most of your Changwon holiday by exploring the city’s most colourful area known as Imaginary Road. The only street of its kind in the world, Imaginary Road showcases the names of locals and visitors engraved in an array of colourful bricks. You can celebrate Korean culture at the nearby House of Changwon with 14 traditional buildings, farming tools, beeswax figurines and lush gardens.
Art is an important part of life in Changwon, particularly at Changdong Art Village, which is a living gallery of cafes, museums and vibrant street artwork. Wander down a series of alleyways to reach Gagopa Kkoburang-gil Mural Village, home to a series of walls adorned with murals depicting Changwon’s historic landscapes. You can also visit a 100-year-old well and a lookout with views of Masan Port.
Changwon is a port city at its heart, so make time to visit the centuries-old Masan Fish Market, the biggest in Korea. You’ll find over 1,200 stalls selling fresh seafood and a variety of restaurants serving raw fish delicacies. Burim Market is another popular shopping area, thanks to its range of clothing, tasty spicy rice cakes and traditional Korean dresses called “hanboks”.
Time your holiday for April to see the stunning cherry blossoms in bloom or visit during the annual K-Pop World Festival to witness the world’s best K-Pop performers. The renowned Mageumsan Hot Springs are a significant drive away, but worth the trip in order to sink into that warm, mineral-rich water.
Getting around Changwon
Changwon has both an express bus and a normal bus. The express stops at popular points of interest, while the normal bus travels through local neighbourhoods and towns outside of the city. The express bus is more expensive but has fewer stops, making it a convenient option to explore Changwon when you’re short on time. Taxis are also frequently available for trips around the city and further afield.