Hello, everyone! It’s been quite a while since we last connected—exactly two years, to be precise.
For those of you following me on social media, you might know that I am no longer living the life of a digital nomad. Nowadays, I’m living a settled corporate expat life in Seoul! I work as an in-agency copywriter, which is demanding at times, and the pressure to write flawlessly has caused my passion for writing for pleasure to take a backseat.
This past weekend, however, I managed to escape the office for four glorious days. When my boyfriend decided to take a spontaneous trip out of the city, I jumped at the chance to join him for the drive, and we ended up doing some sightseeing.
We visited an adorable area in Gyeongsangbuk-do called Mungyeong, and I knew I had to share my experience with you! So, here’s how to plan the perfect day trip to Mungyeong!
How to Spend a Day in Mungyeong
Since we arrived in Mungyeong the previous night, we had the entire day to explore, and I created a little “date course” for us. This unexpected adventure sparked my return to blogging!
Hwasuheon Cafe
As often happens these days, my tour turned into a cafe-hopping experience. During my two-year blogging hiatus, I developed a penchant for discovering cute cafes in Seoul.
I stumbled upon Hwasuheon on Instagram, and I knew I had to visit! Nestled among traditional hanok houses and adorned with fairy lights, it was just too charming to resist.
We chose their set menu, which featured warm, chewy rice cake waffles served with ice cream, along with our choice of drinks. I opted for a classic hot latte, while my boyfriend decided to try a ssuk smoothie, which was quite adventurous!
For those unfamiliar, ssuk is a type of leafy spring vegetable known as crown daisy in English. It’s relatively unknown outside of Asia, and its flavor is quite unique. My boyfriend’s drink wasn’t like your typical green smoothie; it was more akin to a creamy milkshake with a pleasant bitterness and fragrant aroma. I highly recommend trying it!
Gaeun Station
Our next stop was Gaeun Station, a quaint renovated train station that looked like it belonged in an old drama. Inside, there’s a cafe that offers a delightful selection of scones and apple drinks.
Rail Bike
Rail biking is quite popular in the scenic areas of Korea, providing a fun way to experience nature without needing to climb steep hills. Since this was an impromptu trip, we didn’t have time for the rail bike, but if I return, I’d love to check out the Mungyeong Rail Bike.
Familia Restaurant
After working up an appetite, Familia is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the countryside views. Their menu mostly features Italian cuisine, which has received great reviews, but the atmosphere is the main highlight.
Unfortunately, we hadn’t made a reservation, so we couldn’t dine there. It might have been busy due to the bank holiday, so if you plan on visiting, be sure to call ahead!
Chungju Lake
Yes, this is yet another cafe, but you’re not just there for the coffee; you’re there for the picturesque scenery! Lazy Alligator is located at the edge of Chungju Lake, offering stunning views of the various islands. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the lake, and I’ve heard there are also cruises available for a closer look.
Other Awesome Places to Explore!
Upon arriving in Mungyeong the previous evening, I spent some time at a charming cafe in the nearby city of Sangju called Muyang House.
This delightful little coffee shop was set inside a renovated house. If you’ve been to Korea, you may have noticed that apartments are much more common here; however, outside the city, you can find beautiful houses like this. The aesthetic was stunning and provided the perfect place to recharge after the long drive.
For dinner, we decided to try Chogye Hanu, where we indulged in various cuts of hanu beef, wrapping up the meal with kimchi fried rice, and even grabbed some goat’s milk ice cream from their on-site shop!
We also really wanted to visit Insanire Kitchen, famous for its freshly made pasta and gnocchi, but it was fully booked when we arrived. Make a reservation if you plan on going!
Where to Stay
Since our trip was somewhat last minute, we opted for a basic motel—clean but not overly exciting.
If you plan ahead, I recommend checking out the following places that caught my eye, or search for accommodations using Hotels Combined.
Mungyeong J&M Pension
Mungyeong STX Resort
I hope this post inspires you to embark on another fun day trip in Korea! If you’ve visited this area before or plan to add it to your travel list, please leave a comment and let me know!
Related
