
County in Yeongnam, South Korea
Photo: Korea Heritage Service, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Haman County (Haman-gun) is in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. In the early Common Era, Haman was the seat of Ara Gaya, a leading state of the Gaya confederacy. Many relics from this period are still preserved in the county. After the fall of Gaya, Haman was absorbed into Silla as Asirang-gun; in 757 its name was changed to Haman-gun, which it bears today.
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Mujinjeong Pavilion is a historic pavilion built in 1567 during the Joseon Dynasty. It was named after scholar Mujin, who served as a government official in various regions. The pavilion has a simple wooden structure with three rooms in the front and two on the side, showing the style of early Joseon pavilions. It was reconstructed in 1929. Every spring, the local festival Haman Nakhwa Nori is held here. Lanterns with charcoal powder are lit and floated on the water, creating a unique fireworks display.
As of Sep 2025, access is controlled due to remodeling work and exhibition reorganization. It has relics from different eras, such as Anra history, the Paleolithic Age, and the Neolithic Age. Haman Museum is largely divided into Exhibition Hall 1, Exhibition Hall 2, Malisan Ancient Tombs Exhibition Hall. 1st Floor Children's Experience Room, Book Cafe, 2nd Floor Exhibition Hall 1 - Prehistoric Room, Aragaya Room, Three Kingdoms and Unified Silla Room.
Haman Lotus Theme Park is a nature-friendly theme park created by utilizing natural swamps of the old Gaya district. It was opened in 2013 to create an eco-friendly theme park that can attract tourists throughout the four seasons and improve the quality of life of the county by providing a unique resting place for Haman-gun residents and tourists visiting Haman. There is a story that goes back more than 700 years in the background of the park's birth. In May 2009, lotus seeds were excavated at Seongsanseong Fortress (Historic Site No. 67) in Haman, which was found to be from the Goryeo Dynasty more than 700 years ago. The following year, the seeds sown at the Haman Museum in 2010 surprised the world again, revealing the amazing flower of flowers. Haman-gun named the lotus flower "Ara Hong-ryeon" after the history of Haman called Aragaya. And to commemorate the revival of Ara Hong-ryeon, it is the Haman Lotus Theme Park that created a lotus theme park. As a lotus theme park, you can enjoy a variety of lotus flowers, including Hongryeon, Baekryeon, Water Lily, and thorn lotus. In particular, there is Ara Hongryeon, which can only be found in Haman. The flowering period of the lotus is from July to August, and there is a stepping stone between the lotus flowers, so you can enjoy the flowers up close. In addition, there are photo zones and pavilion shelters everywhere, so you can enjoy them leisurely.
대평늪
A well-preserved natural freshwater wetland in Beopsu-myeon, known for its wide lotus fields, diverse aquatic plants, and tranquil scenery. The area is designated as Natural Monument No. 346 and serves as a habitat for migratory birds. A 1.9-km boardwalk trail allows visitors to explore the wetland up close without disturbing the ecosystem.
The Bang-eosan Rock-carved Medicine Buddha Triad is a large rock-carved Buddhist sculpture created in 801 during the late Unified Silla period. Carved directly into a cliff on Mt. Bang-eo, the site features a central Medicine Buddha flanked by two attendant bodhisattvas.
Unlike the idealized and highly dynamic Buddhist sculptures of the 8th century, this triad shows a more restrained and realistic style, with a calm facial expression and simplified body forms. These features reflect a transitional phase in Buddhist art, marking a shift toward a more subdued realism in the late Silla period. The sculpture is designated as Treasure No. 159, recognizing its historical and artistic significance.
Goryeo-dong is a historic settlement where Yi O (李午), a jinsa (classical licentiate) of the Sungkyunkwan during the late Goryeo period, chose to reside after the fall of the Goryeo Dynasty and the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty, in order to remain loyal to the former state. From that time onward, his descendants have lived here continuously for generations.
Yi O built a surrounding wall and erected a stele inscribed with the name “Goryeo-donghak,” signifying a residential community of Goryeo loyalists. He cultivated rice paddies and farmland to maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle and instructed his descendants never to enter official service under the Joseon Dynasty. He also left a will stating that even after his death, his ancestral tablet should never be moved from this site. Honoring his wishes, his descendants remained in the village for over 600 years across 19 generations, and the name “Goryeo-dong” has been preserved to the present day.
The Haman Aragaya Cultural Festival showcases diverse historical and cultural content, re-examines the history and culture of Aragaya, and offers a rich festival experience with various themed performances and celebratory events. There is a history experience course where visitors can experience Aragaya firsthand, as well as horse-riding experiences, procession experiences, and various programs including marathon competitions at the Malisan Ancient Tombs. One of the theme performances is called "Waking Up Fireworks and Aragaya." Some events, such as nighttime performances, may be held from 09:00 to 21:00. The festival generally takes place from late September to early October and usually lasts two to three days at the Haman Museum and Malisan Gobun-gun.
Free admission: Persons with disabilities, preschool children, seniors aged 70 and above, and residents of Beopsu-myeon. The festival features local agricultural product promotions, hands-on experience programs, and a variety of food stalls. A vast sunflower field of approximately 37,000 ㎡, created and maintained through the collective efforts of the residents of Gangju Village in Beopsu-myeon, forms a stunning landscape. Now in its 13th year, the festival aims to revive local traditions and culture, bringing together the talents and spirits of the community to create a vibrant celebration.
Haman gotgam (dried persimmons) are rooted in the history of Ara Gaya and are widely known for their rich flavor and aroma. Throughout the Joseon Dynasty, they were presented as tribute to the royal court due to their exceptional quality. Held annually in mid-January. Among local varieties, Haman Susigam is relatively small in size compared to other persimmons, but when fully ripened its sweetness and aroma become particularly strong. When dried, it develops a distinctive taste, fragrance, and texture, which has led to its reputation as one of the finest dried persimmons in Korea. The flavor is known for its deep, lingering sweetness and savory finish. Dried persimmon sales and promotional events, guest singer performances, hands-on activity booths, etc.
Yeohangsan (770 m) is the main mountain of Haman. The name was given during the Joseon Dynasty by scholar Jeong Gu, who interpreted the mountain’s location in relation to the town from a geomantic perspective. The mountain has around seven major hiking routes, and it is visited throughout the year by both local and regional hikers.From the summit, there are wide views over Haman and, on clear days, distant views toward Jirisan and the South Sea. Along the trails are several notable rock formations, including Sseoribong and Pibawi, which are common viewpoints and rest spots. Parts of the mountain were also sites of conflict during the Korean War. Main Trailhead: Joachon Village (조아촌) in Yeohang-myeon. There are several hiking routes to the summit, most of them starting from Joachon Village. Typical hiking times range from 2.5 to 7 hours depending on the course. Representative Routes: Joachon → Summit → Joachon: ~4.8 km, approx. 2.5 hours. Joachon → Summit → Seobuksan → Byeolcheon: ~9.1 km, approx. 5 hours. Joachon → Summit → Bonghwasan → Cheongam: ~12.6 km, approx. 7 hours. Additional routes connect to Misan Pass, Hansan Ridge, and nearby peaks, offering longer ridge hikes for experienced hikers.
Haman Equestrian Park is a public facility where visitors can experience horseback riding and interact with horses. The park offers beginner-friendly riding programs and hands-on activities, making it suitable for families and first-time riders.
The festival marked its 31st edition in 2025.
Exhibition events, including a promotional hall for outstanding local agricultural products and displays of entries from the 2nd National Watermelon Competition
Direct sales market featuring watermelons, processed watermelon products, local agricultural specialties, and handicrafts
Hands-on activities such as watermelon-themed games, watermelon hat-making, and traditional rice cake-making using local rice
Performance events including the Music Farm Concert, Watermelon Pool Gala Concert, cheerleader performances, and bubble artist shows
오리한마당
A really good duck restaurant that is popular with the locals. Really friendly owner too.
OK 고기뷔페
This is a meat buffet kind of restaurant. Pick out the meat you want and grill it up. It's on the first floor below the duck restaurant.
공윈정식
This restaurant serves good side dishes with kimchi jjigae and dwenjang jjigae. They also have a nice fish soup. Bit nice if you don't want too much meat for a change.
대나무통 삼겹살
This is one of the best pork restaurants in town. They serve galbi tang (갈비탕) and yook gye jang (육게장) which is a spicy pork soup. Of course, their samgyeopsal is very good too.
태양 불고기
Very popular restaurant in Gaya. Really good meat restaurant and has a nice Dwengajang jjigae.
대구국밥
This is the best gukbap restaurant in Haman.
Best fried chicken joint in town.
모퉁이
The only place in Gaya that actually serves coffee and espresso. It is also a hof with pretty good side dishes.
투다리
술꾼
They serve a fried egg with the drinks.
This is a bar near the Paris Baguette in the direction of the railroad tracks. It's next to a bakery.
This is a decent hof. Make sure to not order the Guinness pitcher there as it is actually Stout, a dark Korean beer of middling quality.
This is a fully remodeled 19-year-old countryside house. The exterior features a three-tiered roof that harmonizes beautifully, while the interior offers a blend of traditional Korean hanok style and modern design. In spring, the flowers and trees are full of life, and in summer, a small swimming pool provides a refreshing escape from the heat. From mid-September to early November, the pink muhly grass creates a spectacular view—an experience that only guests of Oeamri Majung can enjoy. (The pink muhly displays various shades of pink depending on the position of the sun in the morning and afternoon.)mOeamri Majung is a private residence, allowing you to create happy memories safely without any contact with the outside world.
Booking available via Instagram DM. Breakfast included.Outdoor barbecue available for an extra charge. Indoor spa included. Double room (up to 4 guests) with an extra charge of ₩30,000 per additional person.
별천지스테이&바베큐
A newly built detached pension located in the mountain village area of Yeohang-san and the Byulcheonji valley. The property is popular with couples and families looking for a quiet rural stay with a modern interior. Barbecue facilities are available, offering a camping-style atmosphere. Reservation is available through Naver Map/Booking or via the official Instagram account @byul_cheonji_stay.
프로그타운
A detached guesthouse/pension suitable for families, friends or small groups (up to 8–10 people). Offers a cozy forest-pension vibe, spacious living/dining area, barbecue facilities (weather or fire-ban dependent), and ample parking. Provides a simple welcome kit (coffee, bread, jam, snacks) for light breakfast. Ideal for travelers looking for a quiet countryside stay close to Haman’s attractions.
승마힐링하우스
A versatile guesthouse and multi-experience lodging near the Haman Equestrian Park. Offers small rooms (2-person), mid-size rooms (4–6 people), and dorm-style rooms (up to ~13 people), each with private bathroom, TV, mini-fridge, and heating. Suitable for families, groups, or travelers looking for affordable, group-friendly accommodation with access to horseback riding and countryside activities. Rates and availability vary per season — confirm at time of booking.
Martin Bakery is known for producing Haman Bul-bbang, which won the Grand Prize at the Gyeongnam Tourism Souvenir Competition. The bakery also offers a "Hongsi Ade Making" experience, where visitors can try making a refreshing drink using ripe persimmons. It serves coffee and freshly baked bread, along with handmade juices and bakery items using local Haman specialties. Their signature item, Haman Bul-bbang, is made with Haman dried persimmons and homemade persimmon syrup.
Haman’s largest traditional market. It operates as a permanent market, with regular market days on the 5th, 10th, 15th, 25th, and 30th of every month (and the 31st when applicable). The market first opened in 1974 and offers a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, seafood, processed foods, local snacks, clothing, and daily necessities.
Public parking is available nearby.
Haman County (함안군) is located in southwestern Gyeongsangnam-do, between Changwon and Jinju. The county seat and main town is Gaya-eup (가야읍).
Read in the guideBy bus
Buses that travel to different destinations in Haman are not very frequent but it is possible to get around. There are ten buses a day from Haman Terminal to Chirwon-myeon and Chirseo-myeon.
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