Exploring Haenam: 8 Must-Visit Destinations in South Korea’s Southernmost Region
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Today, we’d like to introduce eight must-visit travel spots in Haenam, Jeollanam-do, South Korea.
Located at the southernmost edge of the Korean Peninsula, Haenam is a place where history, nature, and quiet beauty come together. Let’s explore the highlights of Haenam, one by one.
Ttangkkeut Tower (Land’s End Tower)
Address: 60-28 Ttangkkeutmaeul-gil, Songji-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/afFBsffF5ncfHomW9
Ttangkkeut Tower stands at the southernmost point of mainland South Korea, symbolizing “the end of the land.”
Its pyramid-shaped structure is inspired by the sail of a ship heading toward the open sea, carrying dreams forward.
Many visitors come here to pause, let go of their worries, and return home with renewed hope, making it a place filled with quiet reflection and meaning.
Old Mokpo Ninth Lighthouse Sunset Observatory
Address: 582 Maebong-gil, Hwaweon-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TVtjcALffzYYK7bn6
Located at the entrance to Mokpo Port, the Old Mokpo Ninth Lighthouse offers one of the most breathtaking sunset views over the West Sea.
As evening falls, the sky and sea are painted in warm hues, creating a truly magical scene.
The surrounding area is also known as a scenic coastal drive route stretching from Hwaweon to Wolnae, where winding roads reveal dramatic cliffs, expansive coastlines, and views of the Dadohae Archipelago.
Myeongnyang Strait (Uldolmok)
Address: 12 Tourism & Leisure-ro, Munnae-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fsci68wz9A7PkZi77
Uldolmok is the historic site of the Battle of Myeongnyang (1597), one of the most remarkable naval victories in world history.
Under the command of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the Joseon navy defeated 133 Japanese warships with only 13 panokseon vessels, traditional Korean warships.
This strait is recognized as one of the three great naval victory sites of the Joseon Dynasty, and its powerful currents still convey the intensity of that historic moment.
Haenam Dinosaur Museum
Address: 234 Dinosaur Museum-gil, Hwangsan-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q5d8avawCAJf5xk67
Haenam Dinosaur Museum stands on a world-first discovery site where footprints of pterosaurs, dinosaurs, and birds were all found within the same geological layer.
Visitors can see the world’s largest pterosaur footprints, measuring 20–35 cm, as well as bird footprints with webbed feet dating back approximately 83 million years.
It is an engaging and educational destination for both children and adults.
Gocheonam Migratory Bird Habitat
Address: 752-14 Gocheonam-ro, Hwangsan-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/karL5H7hgnaAfvC89
Gocheonam is a paradise for migratory birds, home to Korea’s largest reed fields and spectacular bird formations.
Against a vast backdrop of reeds covering nearly 500,000 pyeong (approximately 1.65 million square meters), hundreds of thousands of Baikal teals take flight together at dusk.
The sight is both awe-inspiring and mysteriously beautiful, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness it.
Duryunsan Mountain & Daehungsa Temple Area
Address: San 8-1, Gurim-ri, Samsan-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SZeG65dQomxTYxPh9
Eight mountain peaks—including Dosolbong, Hyeolmangbong, Gogyebong, and Garyeonbong—surround Daehungsa Temple like a folding screen, creating a dramatic and serene landscape.
The area is ecologically significant, featuring large colonies of Sosana trees, which grow in temperate zones, and Gaeeoseo trees, a climax species of southern temperate forests that account for nearly 30% of the vegetation here.
Dosolam Hermitage
Address: Songji-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ChGradt3z2WszyE46
Dosolam Hermitage is a thousand-year-old Buddhist prayer site founded by Uisang, a revered monk of the late Unified Silla period.
Although it was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century, the hermitage has since been restored.
About 50 meters below lies Yongdam Spring, which never dries up and is said to be the place where a dragon once ascended to heaven—a legend still passed down today.
Nokudang House of the Haenam Yun Clan
Address: 82 Yeondong-ri, Haenam-eup, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3u268NseMXuutmg6A
Nokudang was the residence of Yun Seon-do, a renowned scholar and poet of the Joseon Dynasty.
Built in the mid-15th century by his great-great-grandfather Yun Hyojeong, the house features a traditional “ㅁ”-shaped layout, including the main quarters, men’s quarters, and servants’ quarters. It is a well-preserved example of upper-class residential architecture from the Joseon era.
Today, we explored eight major attractions in Haenam, Jeollanam-do, South Korea.
Did reading this make you feel like planning a trip to Haenam?
JIRO will continue sharing stories and travel insights from regional destinations across South Korea.
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Photo Credit
Haenam County Office Official Website
(Public Nuri Data, Korea’s public open-data license)
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