Gimhae Astronomical Observatory (김해천문대) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gimhae Astronomical Observatory (김해천문대)

12.9Km    2022-12-29

254, Gaya thema-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-337-3785

Gimhae Astronomical Observatory opened on February 1, 2002 as part of the Millennium Commemorative Project that started in December 1998. It was built to satisfy the general public’s curiosity about the universe and celestial bodies, inspire young people, and give everyone a unique, memorable experience. The observatory is shaped like an egg, in memory of the legend of King Kim Suro, the founder of the Garak Kingdom, according to which the king was born from an egg.

It is said that the queen of King Suro, Heo Hwang-ok, was a princess from the Indian country of Ayuta. Since sophisticated navigation equipment had yet to be invented, it can be assumed that she found her way to the Garak Kingdom by following the stars. It is also said that a prince of the Garak Kingdom built an observatory on the highest point of a mud fortress in Jinrye in order to make astronomical observations. The place is still referred to as Bibidan, which means a place to watch the stars.

These historical facts indicate the stars were very important to the Gaya, an ancient kingdom established mainly in the Gimhae area. The peak of Bunseongsan Mountain, where the observatory is located, offers sweeping views of the entire area of Gimhae. The night sky of Gimhae offers a breathtaking sight.

The Painters: The Gaya Kingdom - Gimhae(페인터즈 가야왕국-김해)

13.1Km    2025-03-07

경상남도 김해시 가야테마길 161 (어방동)

Bunsanseong Fortress (김해 분산성)

13.2Km    2023-01-18

210-162, Gaya-ro 405beon-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-330-3925

Bunsanseong Fortress was constructed in the 3rd year of the reign of Goryeo's King U (1377) by Magistrate Park Wi to defend against foreign enemies, but it was destroyed during the Japanese invasion of 1592. The fortress we see today was reconstructed by Magistrate Jeong Hyeon-seok in the 8th year of the reign of Joseon's King Gojong (1871). However, it is estimated that it was first built during the days of Gaya. It is a temoe-style fortress with rocks piled up like a long band at the peak of Bunsan from which downtown Gimhae, Gimhae Plains, the Nakdonggang River and the South Sea are all in a single, panoramic view. Today, fortress walls remain stretching for some 900 meters on the slope towards the city and, inside the fortress, there are two gate sites in the south and north, an auxiliary gate on the west, a well site and several other building sites. The exact length of the remaining fortress walls is 929 meters and the average x_width is about 8 meters.

Inside the fortress lies Haeeunsa Temple, which was built to pay respects to Queen Heo of Garak who had come from the sea, according to stories. The temple also enshrines portraits of King Suro and Queen Heo that were painted during the Joseon dynasty. During the Japanese invasion of 1592, monk soldiers were stationed at this temple.

The fortress is more popularly called "Manjangdae" by Gimhae locals, and this name originated from the description, "A tall tower 10,000 (man) gil in x_height," granted by Daewongun in the Joseon dynasty for this advanced base that defeats Japanese invaders. A writing of "Manjangdae" written by Daewongun himself as well as his stamp are engraved on a rock behind a beacon that was restored in 1999.

Hotel 385 [Korea Quality] (호텔385 [한국관광 품질인증])

13.2Km    2025-07-07

15 , Chungjang-ro 82beon-gil, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-552-0385

Hotel 385 in Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, offers cost-effective accommodation near Jinhae Intercity Bus Terminal, and is a favourite with spring-time tourists in town to see the cherry blossom. The hotel has a variety of rooms,  including basic standard rooms; VVIP 38.5 room with seperate shower and toilet, VVIP SKY room that is ideal for families; and barrier-free rooms for disabled customers. The hotel is also equipped with wide doors and elevators for wheel chair users and information blocks for the visually impaired. (Wheelchairs can be provided upon prior request.). Free breakfast servive is provided from VIP rooms.

Jehwangsan Park (제황산공원)

13.3Km    2021-11-01

52, Jungwondong-ro, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-712-0442

Jehwangsan Park, located on Jehwangsan Mountain at the heart of Jinhae, is home to the nine-story Jinhae Tower. The tower, which symbolizes a Korean naval warship, stands at the top of a 365-step staircase and commands a splendid view of both the city and the coastline. On the first and second floors of the tower is the Jinhae City Museum, exhibiting folk models and relics excavated from Jinhae.

Jinhae is Korea’s representative naval port city and is rife with cultural relics related to Admiral Yi Sun-Sin (1545-1598), a Korean hero who led the nation to victory in naval battles against Japanese forces during the Imjin War (1592-1598). The city is also known as the venue of the famous Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, which is widely known as the nation’s largest cherry blossom festival.

Jinhae Museum of Changwon City (창원시립진해박물관)

13.3Km    2024-02-28

52 Jungwondong-ro, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Jinhae Museum of Changwon City is situated on the first and second floors of Jinhaetap Tower within Jehwangsan Park in Changwon. The museum houses facilities like a History and Folk Library, showcasing a collection of over a hundred artifacts, an Exhibition Room, and an Observation Tower. Visitors have the opportunity to gain insights into the lifestyle of ancestors by delving into Jinhae's history and exploring the artifacts. The museum also offers video presentations that highlight the historical changes in the Jinhae area and its significant sites.

Gimhae Gaya History Park (김해가야테마파크)

13.3Km    2024-10-28

161, Gaya thema-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-340-7900

Gimhae Gaya History Park is a resting area that provides comfortable relaxation in the daily lives of the busy people and also a cultural complex where you can experience various cultures with your family, lover and friends.
Interactive theme park combining Education + Entertainment Edutainment park where you can see, hear, touch and learn about the history of Gaya and the brilliant heritage of its people through plays, experiences and exhibits.

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (진해군항제)

13.5Km    2025-03-07

Tongsin-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-546-4310

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is held in the areas of Jungwon Rotary and downtown Jinhae to celebrate the lovely cherry blossoms. Varied programs including a pre-event, cultural performances, a military performance, and others will take place during the festival.

Goodday Museum (굿데이뮤지엄)

13.5Km    2021-02-24

22, Bongamgongdan 2-gil, Masanhoewon-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-70-7576-2017

Goodday Museum is a liquor museum in Changwon founded and operated by Muhak, a Korean beverage company that specializes in soju production. With 3,000 different alcoholic beverages on display and a soju tasting area, visitors can enjoy the site tour as well as try different types of soju. Goodday Museum also offers open viewing, special night viewing, concerts and other various events.

Dalcheongyegok Valley (Changwon) (달천계곡(창원))

13.5Km    2024-02-28

145 Dalcheon-gil, Buk-myeon, Uichang-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Dalcheongyegok Valley is a favored summer escape in Changwon, known for its clear valley waters flowing over wide rocks and dense surrounding foliage. A notable feature within the valley is a rock bearing the inscription "Dalcheon-dong" by Heo Mok, an official of the Joseon dynasty who chose this serene retreat for his retirement. During spring, the valley transforms into a renowned flower-viewing destination, adorned with the vibrant hues of azaleas in full bloom.