Introducing 3 hot spots of Haman County in Gyeongnam

Introducing 3 hot spots of Haman County in Gyeongnam 

Haman County in Gyeongnam, filled with rich history and culture, is widely considered a key location of studying the late Ara Gaya period, which dates back 1,600 years. 

Haman also boasts of stunning natural scenery, due in part to the Nakdong and Nam rivers, which flow through its land. A special reporting team from Digital Chosun left for an adventure to see more closely what the popular tourist attraction has to offer. 

<The Dohang Malsalli Ancient Tombs include 37 tombs of various sizes.>

▶Dohang Malsalli Ancient Tombs, treasures of the Ara Gaya city-state kingdom

City-state kingdom Ara Gaya, which was in part of Gaya confederacy (42-562 AD), was located in what is now known as Haman. The county in Gyeongnam has managed to preserve many cultural assets from the past era, such as the Dohang Malsalli Ancient Tombs. 

What was previously considered a simply gargantuan tomb turned out to be a jackpot of historical goods in 1986 when the initial excavation work was held out near the site. In recognizing the significance of the area, the Korean government recently announced it would add it to their tentative list of candidates for future registration on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

A total of 37 ancient tombs as high as 70 meters make the Dohang Malsalli Ancient Tombs, and their shapes and sizes are so diverse that the ridge they form look somewhat like a sea wave.

<At the Dohang Malsalli Ancient Tombs, tranquility fills the air.>

The tombs are clustered in a group of three or four, and the stairs from tombs No. 2 and 3 facing No. 4 are especially popular among tourists who wish to catch an epic birds eye view of the entire historical site. Wild flowers blossomed here and there tend to offer another source of excitement as well. 

Tomb No. 4 is largest of the bunch, reaching a height of 9.7 meters and a diameter of 39.3 meters. The tomb is so high that a broad view of downtown Haman can be seen from there. 

<Hiking trails run along the Dookbang-gil, or Haman Bank.>

▶A leisurely stroll along the Haman Bank

The Dookbang-gil, located in the northern areas of Haman, is recognized as one of the most romantic roads in all of Gyeongnam, for visitors can relish diverse natural scenery such as the Nakdong and Nam rivers, among others. 

When Digital Chosun reporters recently visited the site, beginning at the starting point near the Akyang Bridge, throngs of people were making their way along the bank, slowly passing through the windmills. 

Further down the bank, cattle were seen grazing, and log cabins were scattered in large fields. The warm autumn breeze was a gentle push on our backs to move forward. 

<A panoramic view of the Nam River and Dookbang-gil spreads beneath the Akyang Pavilion.>

Climb up the Akyang Pavilion if you wish to see a better view of your surroundings, from everything like rivers, fields and windmills to the long bank. 

Somewhere near midway of the bank, there's even an airfield with 10 light air crafts, in which people can ride. Note that reservations are necessary for a flight.

  

▶Byeolcheonji (different world) Village, a heaven of pure water, shimmery stars and clean air

Located in Judong-ri, Yeohang-myeon, Haman-gun (county), the Byeolcheonji Village is most popular in summer and fall, when visitors flood in from all over the country to relish the natural environment. Around this time of year, autumn leaves make the perfect reason to go. 

<Byeolcheonji Village provides numerous programs of various nature-inspired themes.>

One program at the village features a 15 kilometer-long mountain trail saturated with leaves of red, orange and yellow hues. The fresh oxygen seems good enough to filter stress that has long piled up in your body. 

In another over-night program, participants experience planting agricultural products or harvesting them, not to forget tasting them as well.  

When the sun sets, look up at the night sky and swim through the shimmery stars, all the while breathing in clean air. It surely makes the perfect getaway from a busy city life. 

※Relevant information

▶ Dohang Malsalli Ancient Tombs

Address: 484 Dohang-ri, Gaya-eup, Haman-gun, Gyeongnam (South Gyeongsang)

▶ Dookbanggil (Haman Bank)

Address: 87-1 Yoonoe-ri, Beopsu-myeon, Haman-gun

For more about the gliding experience, visit www.hiair.co.kr or call 055-584-2133.

▶ Byeolcheonji Village

Location: 1210, Judong-ri, Yeohang-myeon, Haman-gun, Gyeongnam (South Gyeongsang)

For further information, visit http://www.byulchun.kr or call 055-585-1727.