Changwon

Travel Guide

Changwon showing a river or creek and a small town or village
Oedo Paradise Island which includes rocky coastline and general coastal views
Photo provided by Korea Tourism Organization
Photo provided by Korea Tourism Organization
Photo provided by Korea Tourism Organization

Korea’s first planned city is known for its spacious parks, beautiful blossom festival and excellent shopping and entertainment facilities.

Come to modern Changwon and visit excellent museums and galleries, shop in shiny malls and bustling markets or escape to the nearby mountains for some superb trekking. The city also boasts the largest migratory bird reserve in Korea and a number of fine city beaches.

Changwon was designed and built in the 1970s. The city combines the modern luxuries and large green spaces that the modern Korean demands. Home to the country’s longest straight road, at 9.5 miles (15.3 kilometres), Changwon is also a centre for many of Korea’s largest hi-tech industries.

The city is split into five main districts, each with its own distinct character. Head to central Sangnam dong for the best shopping and restaurants. The “old town,” Jungang dong, has some of the liveliest nightspots. An excellent network of buses will take you between the sights, but the best way to get around is via the Nubija bikes, a public bike rental system that exists throughout the city.

The town planners allowed for several parks and green spaces, and you won’t walk far in Changwon without finding a pleasant place to take a seat. Two of the best are Yongji Park, which hosts laser shows in summer, and Dalcheon Park, a great camping spot for families. Further afield you’ll find the Junam Reserve, the most important migratory bird site in Korea. Hikers will enjoy trekking some of the nearby peaks. Mt. Bulmo is the highest.

Changwon’s coastal location makes for a mild climate year-round. Many say the best time to visit is April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Head to the Jinhae district to join locals in what is said to be one of the best cherry blossom festivals in the country.

To get to Changwon you will almost certainly pass through Busan which has an international airport and major bus and train terminals. Regular buses from Seoul and other major centres also run to Changwon, making this clean, green city an easy place to visit and spend some time.

Where to stay in Changwon

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Masanhappo

If you're spending some time in Masanhappo, Masan Fish Market and Paran Bowling Center are top sights worth seeing.

Masanhappo
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Sangnam-dong

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

When in Sangnam-dong, you can plan a visit to Seongsan Art Hall and Yongji Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Sangnam-dong
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Jinhae

2.5/5(3 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Jinhae. You might want to make time for a stop at Korea Naval Academy Museum or Busan New Port.

Jinhae
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Palyong-dong

2/5(1 area review)

Palyong-dong might not have many top sights, but Changwon Civil Stadium and Masan Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Palyong-dong
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Jinhae-daero

While Jinhae-daero isn't home to many top sights, Korea Naval Academy Museum and Busan New Port are some notable places to visit nearby.

Jinhae-daero
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Buk-myeon

Plan a visit to nearby attractions like Perfect Bowling Jang while you're exploring Buk-myeon and the larger area.

Buk-myeon
Toyoko Inn Changwon
Toyoko Inn Changwon
3 out of 5
93 Jungang-daero Seongsan-gu, Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do
The price is ¥6,144 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
¥6,144
¥6,820 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Changwon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (602 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Toyoko Inn Changwon
Grand City Hotel Changwon
Grand City Hotel Changwon
3.5 out of 5
78, Jungang-daero, Seongsan-gu, Changwon, South Gyeongsang
The price is ¥10,724 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
¥10,724
¥11,929 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Changwon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Changwon Shimin Saenghwal Center and Seongsan ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (379 reviews)
"Kind staff. Luxuries room"

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2025

Grand City Hotel Changwon
Best Louis Hamilton Hotel Changwon
Best Louis Hamilton Hotel Changwon
3 out of 5
31-9 Sangnam-dong, Seongsan-gu, Changwon
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Changwon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Changwon Shimin Saenghwal ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (457 reviews)
"Great for a business trip."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Best Louis Hamilton Hotel Changwon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Urbanstay Seomyeon
Urbanstay Seomyeon
3 out of 5
752, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Busan. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lotte Department Store Busan Main Branch ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (88 reviews)
"Great location. Great stay"

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Urbanstay Seomyeon
NEWCZ HAEUNDAE RESIDENCE
NEWCZ HAEUNDAE RESIDENCE
4 out of 5
30 Haeun-daero 570beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Stay at this 4-star residence in Busan. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (271 reviews)
Great location!
"Great location. Wonderful condo accommodations."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

NEWCZ HAEUNDAE RESIDENCE
LCT Residence Y Collection
LCT Residence Y Collection
4 out of 5
30 Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Stay at this 4-star residence in Busan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (83 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

LCT Residence Y Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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