5 places you need to visit in Gumi 

When it comes to picking the destinations for a fun visit in or to Korea, we know popular places like Seoul, Daegu, and Busan, amongst others, would top the list. But other less popular places in the country are equally beautiful and promise a great experience while touring. One of these places is the incredible city of Gumi, located in the northern part of Gyeongsang, in Korea. It is the second-largest city in the district and is known for being an industrial hotspot in the nation; with the presence of companies like LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, and R&D centres. With these prominent establishments and other manufacturing factories, Gumi has recorded a commendable number of employed citizens and even the largest exports in Korea in 2009.

But industrialization is not the only notable value of this humble city; Gumi is also a site of Korean history. During the period of the Three Kingdoms, it was part of the Silla Kingdom and also housed the first Silla temple in the nation. Gumi is the birthplace of Korean president Park Chung-hee, who was a major part of the development and industrialization of the place. Gumi initially had rural characteristics but enjoyed rapid growth in the 1960s. Other amazing features Gumi boasts of are the hiking, cultural sites, cool places to explore, fun activities to engage in, and of course the mouth watering delicacies to devour.

In all, Gumi is a mix of modernity, charm, industrial essence, and cultural value. For a magical visit and stay in Gumi, let’s explore some places that would make it a lovely getaway.

5 places you need to visit in Gumi include:

1. Samsung Gallery
2. Saemaul Undong Theme Park
3. Geumosan
4. Gumi Eco Land
5. Cheonsaeng Sanseong Fortress

Let’s dig in! 

1. Samsung Gallery

Photo Credit: Sammobile

Location: Samsung Gallery, 256 Gumi-daero·

Samsung Group or Samsung is a household name in Korea and is one of the biggest multinational conglomerates in the country. This mighty enterprise, which has grown over the century, began as a small trading company in 1938. Now, it comprises over ten subsidiaries, providing services in numerous industries, including construction, information and communications technology, advertising, health care, and financial services, amongst others.

The popular picture that has been painted when a factory or manufacturing site is concerned is one of dirty floors and walls, gruelling surroundings, a suffocating working environment, and noise loud enough to destroy eardrums. Well, thank goodness that this is far from the case with the Samsung gallery/factory in Gumi. So, what would it be like inside the facility where Samsung builds its phones?

First off, the establishment is so clean, like you’ve stepped into a healthcare facility, instead of a production centre. With the fluorescent lights illuminating the interiors, you would see evidence of how spotless the place is. Inside, you would find classrooms and learning workstations where employees can get an appreciation of how Samsung products are made. The basement level houses lounges for workers; with video games and a library. Then, the outdoor section has its highlights. It is equally as captivating as the indoors; as it provides a tranquil atmosphere with soothing music from the speakers that resemble rocks. Whether you need an educational excursion, or a fun time out, you will surely enjoy paying a visit to the Samsung Gallery in Gumi.

When you visit this Gallery, you are prohibited from taking pictures. 

2. Saemaul Undong Theme Park

Photo Credit: Zaubee

Location: 155 Park Chung Hee-ro, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Telephone: +82 54-450-0153

The Saemaul Undong Theme Park is another highlight of Gumi City and one of the must-visit places when you travel to the region. Deeply rooted in the essence of cultural identity and history, this park tells an interesting story of the Saemaul movement and the history of economic development oriented toward the rural areas of Korea.

In 1970, the then-president of Korea, Park Chung-hee, initiated a movement known as the Saemaul Movement, or the New Community Movement, to alleviate poverty in rural areas and promote collaboration among the people. This movement was the catalyst that led to rapid development in terms of an improved standard of living, industrialization, and infrastructural development, among other things. The charming Saemaul Undong Theme Park was created to tell the tales of this dynamic and highly productive initiative.

From the indoor playground designed to ensure that children have massive fun; to the displayed items and materials on the stages of economic development enjoyed in line with the Saemaul movement, to the tidy and peaceful environment; Saemaul Undong Theme Park is one of the coolest spots in Gumi. History, education, quality entertainment, and a space to enjoy the embrace of nature are all packaged for visitors to this memorial park.

3. Geumosan

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

Location: Geumosan Provincial Park, 산33-1 Nam Tong-dong, Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Geumosan is a high mountain situated in the Gyeongsangbuk-do province, with a height of 977 metres. Naturally, what comes to people’s minds when it comes to a nice time in a mountain area is hiking and enjoying the scenery. Well, Geumosan Mountain does not disappoint when it comes to providing breathtaking scenery, and the hiking experience is worth it. But aside from these two major features, there are other wonderful things that make Mt. Geumosan a must-visit location. From the gorgeous waterfall to the mesmerising temples, and captivating caves, amongst other sites, you definitely don’t want to miss stopping by this place when in Gumi.

Mt. Geumosan is situated inside the Geumosan Provincial Park, which accounts for how well the environment is kept. While on your hike, you would come across the Daehye Falls, which are lined with benches, so you can sit comfortably while taking in the beautiful environment. You would find stone towers along the trail, and finally getting soaked in the waterfall would make your day. Even if you decide not to get wet, just watching the water drop and hearing the soothing sound can have a therapeutic effect on your soul. The temples add a charming effect to the entire ambiance, as they have stunning architecture and provide a spot to get a lovely view of the city. If you are able to get to the peak of the mountain, you can soak in the victory and the wonderful view like you’re on top of the world. There is no visiting Geumosan Mountain without stopping by Geumo Lake. You can have a nice picnic or grab a delicious bite at nearby cafes or restaurants.

4. Gumi Eco Land

Photo Credit: Top-Rated

Location: 195 Indeok 1-gil, Sandong-myeon, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Telephone: +82 54-480-5887

Website: Gumi-Co

This ecological park situated in Sandong-myeon is one of the best places in Gumi to enjoy a fun time out with family or friends. Even if you desire personal time for healing and comfortable solitude, this park is big enough to have a private spot. The environment is elegant and colourful, as it incorporates the beauty and peace of nature. You can take a walk around the grounds and marvel at the artwork and other creative works on display. Children can play around and take part in the numerous fun activities organised in the park.

Some other highlights most people look forward to on their visit to the Gumi Eco Land include hiking, riding the rail bike, and relaxing in the café. A visit to the Gumi Eco Land promises lovely nature, serenity, and pure entertainment.

5. Cheonsaeng Sanseong Fortress

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

Location: 산42-2번지 Sinjang-ri, Jangcheon-myeon, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Phone: +82 54-471-4367

Korea has quite a number of mountain fortresses that serve as sites of culture and history. In times past, Koreans took advantage of their natural environment and its elements to build a defence facility. The mountain, for instance, stood as a fortress in a battlefield; protecting the people from attacks. As such, these mountain fortresses are scattered all over the nation and stand as symbolic monuments to this day. The Cheonsaeng Sanseong Fortress is one of the most captivating landmarks and historic fortresses in Gumi. It is known as the fortress that stood in the 1592 battle against the Japanese invasion of Korea, in which General Gwak Jae-woo fought fiercely.

Hence, Cheonsaeng Sanseong Fortress is a very interesting location to explore. For starters, it is powerful evidence of the battle that took place, as well as stories of what happened in history. It would be so phenomenal to stand in a place that holds so much history. Aside from the historical and cultural value of this fortress; there is something intriguing about the unique structure and topography of this fortress. You get to hike the mountain and then explore the site of a battle. Plus, the solitude and beauty of being out in nature cannot be traded for anything.

Other unique places you can visit in Gumi include the Gokseong Recreation Forest, the Gumi Zero Carbon Education Center, the Wangsan Huwui Memorial Hall, and the Silla Buddhist Cho Jeonji. So, when planning your next getaway, it won’t hurt to have Gumi in mind for a wonderful and memorable experience.