The beautiful town of Sancheong is cradled by the majestic Jirisan Mountains, some of the highest peaks in all Korea. It is also home to a time-honored traditional medicine tradition—it was here that the renowned Joseon Dynasty physicians Ryu Ui-tae and Heo Jun learned their craft. The World Traditional Medicine Fair & Festival (thru Oct 20) pays tribute to this heritage through exhibitions, hands-on activities, academic conferences, and other events. Organizers expect some 1.7 million visitors from 30 nations to attend.
EAT> Sancheong is famous for its duck soup prepared with medicinal herbs ( hanbang ori baeksu). Give it a try at Cheongsuwon (T. 055-974-0288). Another local favorite is eotang guksu, a noodle soup made with river fish.
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Check out Namsayedam Village, a Joseon Dynasty hanok village with charming alleyways lined with rustic clay and stone walls.
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Take in the sunrise from Mt. Jirisan’s Cheongwangbong.
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A number of the old hanok homes in Namsayedam Village serve as guesthouses. The 18th-century Old Yi House (T. 070-4126-9963) is especially lovely. eng.tramedi-expo.or.kr
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Buses to Sancheong depart from Seoul’s Nambu Terminal (travel time: 3 hours).
