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Think of Korea’s very own Alps: a hidden gem of rolling meadows and breathtaking scenery. Tucked on the southeastern foothills of Mudeungsan National Park, this tranquil mountain village is pure discovery material.
Suman-ri Wildflower Village in Hwasun, South Jeolla. True to its nickname, \”Hwasun’s Alps,\” the village showcases dramatic ridgelines and a slightly exotic charm. Nestled in a basin embraced by Anyang-san and Manyeonsan of Mudeungsan, it sits at a high elevation with crisp, clean air—locals long ago named it Suman-ri (水滿里), a name that carries wishes for long, healthy lives.
Once an ordinary mountain settlement, the community reinvented itself when residents banded together to plant and tend wild chrysanthemums and azaleas on the slopes. Their collective effort turned the area into the Wildflower Village it is today. Now it’s run as an official rural experience and recreation village where visitors can immerse themselves in local life.
At the village entrance you’ll find an ecological park that hosts a large azalea colony. In May, the whole park bursts into a sea of pink blossoms. A gently sloped trail weaves through densely planted azaleas, making for an irresistible stroll and plenty of picture-perfect moments.
Stroll down from the ecological park and you’ll enter Manyeonsan Healing Forest, a forest-welfare area thoughtfully developed by Hwasun County. The standout feature here is the barrier-free deck trail known as the Five Senses Connection Path.
A nearly level wooden deck leads deep into the forest so even older visitors and families with kids can easily enjoy the 3.1 km section. In May, the scent of pine phytoncides and freshly unfurled leaves is at its most intoxicating. Benches and rest spots are scattered along the way, making it perfect for what Koreans call \”forest chilling\”—simply being in the woods and letting your mind rest.
The roughly 8 km drive from Hwasun-eup through Suman-ri to Iseo-myeon is a scenic must-drive. The S-shaped road climbs steadily, and the views from the car window can easily evoke images of Swiss alpine villages. Flower beds and trees tended by residents line the roadside, offering a continuous, charming visual treat.
Wildflowers typically start blooming in mid-September and peak in late October, signaling the arrival of autumn. The Korean term for these wildflowers, deulgukcho, doesn’t indicate a single species but refers to various members of the chrysanthemum family that dot fields and hills—common examples include gujeolcho (Korean chrysanthemum), ssukbujaengi (aster), and gamguk. If you visit Suman-ri Wildflower Village in the fall, you may find more abundant pale green foliage than blooms, depending on timing.
Nearby, Manyeonsa temple perches on the slope of Manyeonsan. It’s not large, but it’s neat and quietly elegant. A red lantern hanging from the crape myrtle in front of the main hall, Daeungjeon, has become a beloved visual signature.
In May, the crape myrtle’s fresh green leaves pop against the red lanterns in a bold, beautiful contrast. Around Buddha’s Birthday, lanterns light up across the temple grounds, and the mix of glowing lights and spring foliage creates a dreamy, almost otherworldly mood.
If you’re driving, put \”Manyeonsa\” into your navigation or use the address 367 Jingak-ro, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, South Jeolla. The temple is about a 5–10 minute drive from the Hwasun County Office. If you prefer public transit, take a bus from Gwangju or central Hwasun and then walk about 15–20 minutes.
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