Sprawling along the banks of the Nakdong River, Gumi is a vibrant industrial hub at the base of Geumosan Mountain. It’s a great base for trekking and sled riding in the winter months and is famed for its cherry blossoms that ignite its streets in spring.
Things to do in Gumi
Spend a couple of hours strolling around the Geumosan Reservoir, which features a picturesque boardwalk crossing over the water’s surface. Pink cherry blossoms ignite the shores in spring, while the changing colours of the forested mountain slopes provide a spectacular backdrop in autumn.
If you’re feeling adventurous, tackle the peak of Geumosan, topped by a beautiful temple offering spectacular countryside views. The two-hour hike passes a botanical garden and 700-year-old stone Buddha carving, together with a scenic waterfall that freezes solid in winter.
Travelling with kids? Let them run loose at the amusement park of Geumo Land, nestled at the base of Geumosan. In the summer months, there are bumper cars and a replica Viking ship to explore, while in winter the park transforms with ice skating and sled riding.
Stop in at one of Gumi’s many restaurants to try the local delicacy of gopchang, traditionally made for recovering patients, due to its high iron content. The dish features pork intestines either boiled or grilled over the barbecue and served with a sweet and spicy doenjang sauce.
Getting around Gumi
Gumi is located around three hours’ train ride from Seoul and 2.5 hours from Busan, with the closest railway station around 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre at Gimcheon. Buses access all corners of Gumi and there are taxis available.