Autumn in South Jeolla Province offers a feast for the senses, where breathtaking seasonal foliage meets legendary regional cuisine. If you believe that a trip is incomplete without exceptional food, the "Namdo Hansang" 1-night, 2-day gourmet travel package—connecting Jangseong, Damyang, and Hwasun—is the ultimate itinerary.

This journey seamlessly weaves together the serene mountain temple of Baegyangsa beneath the rugged cliffs of Baegaksan, the rich flavors of Jangseong beef, Damyang’s historic Chuseongju liquor and bamboo-cooked rice, and Hwasun’s comforting herbal chicken soup alongside the dramatic red cliffs of Dongbok Lake.

Jangseong: Millennium Temples and Premium Beef

The journey begins at Baegyangsa Temple in Jangseong, framed by the striking rock faces of Baegaksan Mountain and the picturesque Ssanggyeru Pavilion. Celebrated for its autumn foliage, the temple echoes with centuries of history, featuring stone inscriptions left by Goryeo-era scholars and historic figures. Recently, the National Heritage Administration expanded the designated scenic area around Baegaksan to roughly 4.92 million square meters, renaming it the "Baegam-san Baegyangsa Scenic Area."

To complement the morning temple walk, lunch features Hanwoo (Korean beef) grilled platters at a local eatery. Alongside the tender beef, a spread of meticulously prepared side dishes highlights the dedication of Namdo cuisine, ensuring every bite is memorable.

Damyang: Bamboo Forests, Traditional Liquor, and Steamed Delights

Crossing into Damyang, travelers visit Juknokwon, a vast bamboo forest established in 2003 around Seonginsan Mountain. Eight scenic walking paths wind through towering bamboo stalks, while the nearby Siga Culture Village showcases traditional southern-style pavilions.

Before dinner, stop by the Chuseong-goeul Brewery in Yongmyeon. Here, Food Master No. 22 Yang Dae-su preserves Chuseongju—a traditional herbal liquor named after Damyang’s ancient moniker. Brewed with rice, nuruk (fermentation starter), and medicinal herbs like omija and matrimony vine, the recipe has been passed down through five generations. Visitors can participate in hands-on distillation experiences using traditional sojokgori stills.

Dinner features tteokgalbi (grilled minced beef short ribs) and daetongbap (rice steamed in bamboo tubes) at Deokinkwan. The bamboo fragrance infuses the grains, pairing harmoniously with savory tteokgalbi and an array of rich local side dishes.

Extending the stay to a morning in Damyang opens the door to a traditional hangwa (confectionery) making class led by Master Park Sun-ae, a recognized master in honey-mixed rice puffs (yeotgangjeong). Visitors of all ages can handcraft traditional sweets and experience Korea’s culinary heritage firsthand.

Hwasun: Herbal Chicken, Crab, and the Red Cliffs of Dongbok Lake

Heading to Hwasun for the afternoon, lunch centers around herbal chicken soup (hanbang dakbaeksuk) and marinated raw crabs (yangnyeom/ganjang gejang). Like the meals in Jangseong and Damyang, the table is crowned with a vibrant assortment of carefully crafted side dishes.

The afternoon highlight is Hwasun Red Cliffs (Hwasun Jeokbyeok) along Dongbok Lake, named for their striking crimson hues that reminded Joseon-era scholars of China’s famous Red Cliffs. While parts of the scenic area—such as Wolmyeon and Changrang cliffs—are open for individual exploration, restricted zones like Bosan and Janghang cliffs require advance booking through official shuttle tours managed jointly by Gwangju and Hwasun.

Connecting Regions Through Gastronomy

Backed by the Jeonnam Tourism Foundation, the "Namdo Hansang" project aims to boost regional tourism by bundling scenic attractions, hands-on cultural workshops, and gourmet dining into cohesive itineraries. By celebrating local flavors and seasonal beauty, this 1-night, 2-day package offers domestic and international travelers an immersive gateway into the heart of Jeollanam-do.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]