Seongju — Home of the Korean Melon, a Summer Trip in Gyeongbuk

Seongju, in Gyeongbuk Province, is the home of Korea's chamoe (Korean melon). About 70% of the nation's chamoe is grown here, and in midsummer every village is full of yellow melons. It's both a foodie trip to taste melons at the source and a summer outing where an old willow grove, a famous mountain, and a traditional village come together.

Travel at a Glance

| Item | Detail | |---|---| | Location | Seongju-gun, Gyeongbuk (about 40–50 min by car from Daegu) | | Summer specialty | Seongju chamoe — in season June–August, sold direct from farms | | Highlights | Seongbat Forest (old willows), Mt. Gaya, Hangae Village, Hoeyeon Seowon, Seongju Lake | | Best time | June–August (melon season + deep summer shade) |

Seongju's Summer Charm

Though it's less than an hour from Daegu, Seongju still keeps a centuries-old willow grove, the valleys of Mt. Gaya, and a hanok village preserved as it was. Above all, being able to taste in-season chamoe straight from the farm is Seongju's special midsummer draw.

What to Do in Seongju

• Buy chamoe direct from the farm: In season, roadside stands and farms sell freshly picked melons cheaply — far sweeter than the supermarket. Mid-June to July is sweetest.
• Seongbat Forest: A deep canopy of around fifty 300–500-year-old willow trees. A cool walking spot in the heat, lit up at night in summer.
• Hangae Village: A clan village of the Seongsan Yi family, a State-designated Folklore Cultural Heritage with old hanok houses and stone walls.
• Mt. Gaya: A famous peak straddling Seongju and Hapcheon, with cool summer valleys and the Manmulsang ridge course.
• Hoeyeon Seowon & Seongju Lake: A quiet Confucian academy and a lake that's lovely for a drive.

Local Food

• Chamoe is the star — also try chamoe makgeolli and chamoe ice cream. Plus hanwoo (Korean beef) and country-style set meals.

Summer Tips & Route

• Farm stands are freshest in the morning; Seongbat Forest is coolest from dusk into night; visit Mt. Gaya valleys early.
• Suggested route: Morning chamoe shopping & Hangae Village → lunch → afternoon Mt. Gaya / Seongju Lake → evening Seongbat Forest by night. An easy day trip from Daegu.

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