Exploring Korea’s Small Towns: Discovering Changwon’s Quiet Charm

If you're looking to slow down and discover a side of Korea that few travelers take the time to see, Changwon might be your perfect detour. Nestled between the sea and green hills, this small city isn’t flashy, but it quietly wins you over with hidden parks, local eats, and a peaceful pace of life.

Here’s how I spent a relaxed day wandering through Changwon’s lesser-known neighborhoods—and what you should check out if you're planning a visit.

🌿 Morning: Yongji Lake and Locals on Bikes

My day started early with a walk around Yongji Lake, a calm oasis in the middle of the city. The lake is surprisingly large—walking the full loop takes around 40 minutes, and it’s surrounded by trees that make you feel as though you’re walking through a forest rather than a city. The walking path is popular with locals, especially couples on morning dates and older folks out for exercise.

There’s even a small pedestrian bridge that cuts across the middle of the lake, where families often stop to watch schools of fish or toss crumbs to the ducks. If you want to feel like you're living in Korea rather than just visiting, start your morning here.

🛏️ Tip: There’s a convenience store across from the lake’s eastern entrance. I grabbed a triangle kimbap and coffee and sat watching ducks glide across the water.

🍜 Late Morning: Bansong Market and Famous Knife-Cut Noodles

Instead of the central Jungang Market, I hopped on a local bus and headed toward Bansong Market in the eastern part of the city. It’s much smaller, but it has an unpretentious, neighborhood vibe that I really appreciated. You’ll find elderly women selling herbs they picked that morning, old barbershops, and tiny restaurants with only a few tables.

What drew me in was the line forming outside one particular shop. The smell of anchovy broth was irresistible. I sat down for a bowl of kalguksu—knife-cut noodles—and I can honestly say it was one of the most comforting meals I’ve had in Korea. Chewy noodles, rich broth, and freshly made kimchi on the side.

🔹 Local Tip: Arrive early—locals come here as early as 11am and tables fill up fast.

🏙️ Afternoon: Garosu-gil Walk in Yongho-dong

Instead of heading indoors, I opted for a long walk along Yongho-dong’s Garosu-gil—Changwon’s version of a tree-lined café street. It's not as commercialized as the one in Seoul, but that’s its charm. There are independent bookstores, galleries, and cafés where you can sit with a view of the distant hills.

I ended up spending nearly an hour in a minimalist café called “Greige,” sipping a lavender latte and watching university students and young families pass by. It felt like one of those spots where the pace of the city slows just enough for you to breathe.

🌄 Evening: Sunset at Junam Reservoir

As golden hour approached, I made my way to Junam Reservoir, just outside the city. It’s a haven for migratory birds, and the sky turned soft pink as the sun dipped below the mountains. There were only a handful of people around, mostly photographers and retirees enjoying the calm.

🎨 If you have a camera, this is the spot. But even without it, just standing by the water was worth the journey.

🌊 Bonus Stop: Masan Fish Market & Odong Art Street

If you have a bit more time, head toward Masan, now part of greater Changwon. The Masan Fish Market is a sprawling space packed with fresh seafood, from live octopus to grilled shellfish. I followed locals into a narrow hallway and ended up at a small stall that served spicy grilled mackerel with a mountain of side dishes—hands down, the best surprise meal of the day.

Just a few minutes away on foot is Odong Art Street, a hidden alley filled with murals, indie galleries, and secondhand bookstores. It’s a great place to stroll with a cup of coffee in hand and maybe pick up a hand-drawn postcard or two.

💬 Final Thoughts

Changwon isn’t about big sights or flashy experiences—it’s about small moments that feel deeply local. If you’re already in Busan or Gyeongju, it’s an easy stop. And if you need a breather from Korea’s fast-paced cities, Changwon might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.