We love a good day trip to Haemi Fortress. Sometimes we stop here on the way to Mallipo or other Taean beaches.
Grab breakfast before getting on the road
It’s going to be a big day so we usually start with a big breakfast before heading out. Our preferred pre-trip meal is galbitang because it keeps us powered up for adventures along the way. Since we live in Godeokmyeon, we usually start our adventures off at Bangil Haejangguk which opens at 8:00 am and offers tasty soups, some that rotate based on the season.
Bangil Haejangguk
031-665-5887
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Delicious restaurant with excellent kiimchi.
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 고덕면 안재홍로 71
If you live closer to Camp Humphreys and want to get a later start, you can grab a galbitang breakfast at Sodam Korean Restaurant at 10:00 am and it’s very delicious. We have been known to stop off here fairly often because it’s so good.
Sodam Korean Restaurant
0507-1388-8250
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
The food is obnoxiously delicious. In the mornings they serve soups for breakfasr and lunch, then BBQ options for dinner. The side dishes are a vision.
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 팽성읍 팽성남산5길 33
About Haemi Fortress in Seosan, Chungcheonnam-do
Haemi Fortress might be one of the most overlooked fortresses in Korea. This little fortress is not only visually beautiful, but it’s also super fun and easy to enjoy in a day. A total retreat from the hectic cities. Families will love how the fortress grounds have been designed so that kids can run free and get all their energy out!
The Haemi Fortress its in the middle of a tiny village called Haemi-eup in Seosan, Chungcheonnam-do . According to Wikipedia, the fortress was built between the 17th year of the reign of King Taejong (1417) and the 3rd year of Sejong the Great‘s reign in 1421 during the Joseon period. This fortress was built to protect against Japanese pirates.
In 1886, thousands of Catholics were executed at Haemi Fortress during the French Invasion in 1866. Yup, that’s right, the French spend six weeks trying to invade Korea in order to spread Catholicism. Random fact of the day.
What to do at Haemi Fortress
Haemi Fortress is 45min to 1.5 hours from Pyeongtaek depending on where you are leaving from. You will need to drive since this is far out into the countryside and public transit is inconvenient at best. We always recommend the use of Naver Maps and Kakao Maps when traveling across South Korea.
Inside the Haemi Fortress walls, the park a pleasantly organized and beautifully maintained park provides a relaxing place to frolic. And let’s admit it, everyone loves to frolic. The park area has a traditional village (the prison is cool), full-size weapons of war, an obstacle course, a place to fly kites, tons of spots for picnics, some places to get snacks, an area to play traditional Korean games, and more!
Haemi Fortress
0507-1325-8006
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Constructed in 1491 (22nd year of King Seongjong), it has a circumference of 1,800m, a castle height of 5m, and an area of 196,381m2 inside the castle. The mission of defending the west coast.
Hangul Address
충남 서산시 해미면 읍내리
Where to eat near Haemi
If you are traveling alone or with others, you will find many places to eat near Haemi Fortress. Here are a few spots we recommend trying.
Chibi Katsu
0507-1366-6716
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Hearty meals that are perfect for lunch or dinner. Traveling alone? They have a counter for you to eat comfortably.
Hangul Address
충남 서산시 호수공원12로 22
Haeseol
0507-1394-2213
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A restaurant specializing in raw seafood prepared in soy sauce. This is a delicious, salty, flavourful meal. Raw crab is a delicious dish served a variety of ways across Korea. Its for those who crave a developed and complex flavor profile.
Hangul Address
충남 서산시 한마음16로 24 1층
Golden Mushrooms
So many mushrooms! These mushroom soups are absolutely fantastic.
Hangul Address
충남 서산시 해미면 남문2로 161-1
Where to snack or dessert
Personally, I’m always looking for street donuts, but if you can’t find any you NEED to grab hotteok.
Haemi Gold Hotteok
041-688-3336
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An humble, Insta-famous Korean snack bar with tasty hotteok. They also have tteokbokkie, fish cake, sundae, and more.
Hangul Address
충남 서산시 해미면 남문5로 13
Where to Grab Coffee
Get the Hazelnut Latte at Haemidong Cafe but NOT the Americano (don’t even look in its general direction of the Americano). We LOVE the specialty drinks here but equally avoid the regular drinks. I should note that this is often true because it’s on purpose. Korean roasters specifically blend and roast their coffee to taste best with milk.
Haemidong Cafe
01064072124
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
A cute, hipster cafe with two floors and a view of the fortress.
Hangul Address
충남 서산시 해미면 남문1로 37-4
Pre-or-Post Haemi Ad-ons
Here are a few things we often like to add on to our Haemi Fortress trips. It all just depends on how busy you like to be and how much time you have in your day. Haemi is small enough to make it a two-event day!
Yesan Skate Park
A very remote skatepark thats a bit rough but fun. No bathrooms or shops near ye so come prepared. Directions: We added the exact spot for the parking lot. The Naver link it’s quite right.
Hangul Address
충청남도 예산군 예산읍 발연리 441
Pinnacle Land
0507-1495-2584
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A gorgeous garden that winds up a small mountain. Waterfall and observatory at the top. Sculpture park throughout. Cafe and event room at the entrance. Adults W8,000, W5,000 if you live in Asan. Stroller friendly.
Hangul Address
충남 아산시 영인면 월선길 20-42
Agroland Taeshin Ranch
041-356-3154
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Spacious farm land with many activities for kids and outdoor lovers. Playgrounds, large open spaces for running, petting zoos, water activities, and a restaurant. Next to camping site.
Hangul Address
충남 예산군 고덕면 상몽2길 231
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Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.
Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.
Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.
Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.
When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.
