Samyeongdaesa Park Gimcheon Guide 2026: Family Fun & Festival Tips

The very place that will make Gimcheon (김천) buzz in the last week of October!

I visited Samyeongdaesa Park (사명대사공원) in Gimcheon, one of the venues for the Gimcheon Gimbap Festival (김천김밥축제), with my child during the last holiday!

Once I went, I immediately understood why it's considered one of the must-visit places in Gimcheon.

Samyeongdaesa Park: Essential Information

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Location:

94-3 Unsu-ri (운수리), Daehang-myeon (대항면), Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경북) (Right next to Jikjisa Temple (직지사))

Admission:

Park admission and parking are free

(Only some experiences, such as foot baths and hanbok (한복) rental, are paid)

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Operating Hours:

The park is open year-round

Parking is free, but there aren't many spots.

After a while, not only do people park on the shoulder, but there are also those waiting inside the parking lot, which made it feel like it was actually hindering traffic.

I recommend visiting early.

Alternatively, you can park at the entrance and take a tour vehicle from Jikji Cultural Park (직지문화공원).

Samyeongdaesa Park Highlights

'Peace Tower' Shines Brighter at Night

It's the tallest 5-story wooden pagoda in Korea.

It's located right in the middle of the park, so if you see the pagoda, you'll immediately think, 'Ah, this must be Samyeongdaesa Park!'

Only the first floor of the Peace Tower is open for viewing.

Inside, you'll find explanations about the pagoda.

They say the highlight of the Peace Tower is at night.

When night falls, the entire pagoda lights up with warm, golden hues, creating an incredibly beautiful sight.

If you get the chance, take a night stroll and capture some stunning photos.

It's the best photo zone at Samyeongdaesa Park.

'Foot Bath Experience' to Melt Away Fatigue

At the 'Health Culture Center' (건강문화원) located deepest within the park, you can enjoy a foot bath experience, soaking your feet in warm, fragrant water.

It's a wonderful way to relax and give your child's tired feet a rest after exploring the park.

The experience is an outdoor foot bath, and I initially thought it took place at the entrance of the Health Culture Center, but it actually happens inside.

After being guided in, you store your shoes, wash your feet, and then enjoy a 30-minute foot bath. Sitting on the *toenmaru* (툇마루) (veranda-like porch) with your feet in the warm water, you'll feel like you've found paradise.

Strike a Pose in Hanbok! Flat and Spacious Walking Paths

As you stroll through Samyeongdaesa Park, you'll spot people renting and wearing beautiful hanbok.

You can rent hanbok right in the building behind the Peace Tower.

Here, you can rent traditional clothes and take photos with a beautiful traditional hanok (한옥) (Korean house) backdrop.

Family-Friendly Highlights

Walkable Paths and Expansive Park Views

The park is beautifully maintained.

It's so pleasant for walking that many multi-generational families, including young children, were visiting.

What's more, the autumn leaves are just starting to turn, adding a vibrant splash of color. If you're wondering if it's only green views, then expect a bonus of colorful foliage!

While there are some gentle slopes in the park, they are not steep, so don't worry!

Anyone can visit and enjoy a comfortable stroll.

Don't Miss the Foot Bath Experience at the Health Culture Center!

No reservation needed, so don't worry and just visit to experience it!

There weren't as many visitors as I expected,

so our family had a cozy and intimate experience.

Having the wide, open sky of the Hanok (한옥) all to ourselves felt so wonderful,

I think I've grown to love Samyeongdaesa Park (사명대사공원) even more because of it!

Cafe Solhyang (카페솔향) where you can grab a simple bite

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Between the Tower of Peace and the Health Culture Center,

there's a Hanok-style cafe called Cafe Solhyang.

With various seating options, including outdoor and indoor,

as well as floor seating and chairs,

you can relax and spend your time comfortably.

Drinks for kids? Don't worry, Pororo is here!

Travel Course Pro Tips

Make sure to visit

Jikji Culture Park (직지문화공원) right below the park.

With its refreshing musical fountain, giant Jangseung (장승) guardian poles,

and a fantastic playground space for kids,

it's a perfect addition to make your outing even more fulfilling.

It would be great to also visit the

Gimcheon Municipal Museum (김천시립박물관) and the Ceramic Museum (도자기박물관)

located on both sides of the park.

Missing Jikjisa Temple (직지사) is a huge loss!

(Of course, we were too tired and missed out, but

you absolutely must go!)

Also, you can take a car tour around Samyeongdaesa Park

starting from the entrance of Jikji Culture Park.

So, if you're thinking, 'I don't want to walk, but I really want to see it,'

this is a great option to try.

It's a paid service, ₩2,000 (~$2) for adults.

You can purchase tickets at the Jikji Culture Park entrance

and then board.

It's a one-lap tour without any stops in between,

so if you get the chance, enjoy the tour!

Jikji Culture Park,

Samyeongdaesa Park,

Gimcheon Municipal Museum,

Gimcheon Ceramic Museum,

and Jikjisa Temple

are all in one place.

Our route was:

Gimcheon Municipal Museum ->

Samyeongdaesa Park ->

Gimcheon World Ceramic Museum (김천세계도자기박물관)->

Jikjisa Temple (failed ㅠㅠ)

So, we decided to visit again.

Samyeongdaesa Park

will be bustling in 2-3 weeks

for the Gimcheon Gimbap Festival (김천김밥축제).

I somewhat understood why there were always issues

with parking and shuttles.

However, it was so neatly

and well-organized,

and because of my child's condition,

we couldn't visit Jikjisa Temple, which was a huge regret,

so we absolutely had to plan for a next time.

Next time we come,

for the child,

I want to include the Four Seasons Sledding Hill (사계절 썰매장),

the car tour departing from Jikji Culture Park,

and the children's experience room at the Gimcheon Municipal Museum...

And for mom,

I want to give her the chance to visit Jikjisa Temple.

As for accommodation at Samyeongdaesa Park,

it would be great if we could snag a stay at Solhyang Stay (솔향스테이)

inside Samyeongdaesa Park

(it's operated by the Gimcheon Facilities Management Corporation (김천시설관리공단), it turns out).

If not, I'd like to try the Gimcheon Park Tourist Hotel (김천파크관광호텔)

located at the entrance of Jikji Culture Park.

Next itinerary complete.

And after staying overnight, the next day will be

all about Chupungnyeong Theme Park (추풍령테마파크).... Perfect!

Let's plan another fun Gimcheon (김천) trip!

This Year, Even Kakao T Shuttles! 2026 Gimcheon Gimbap Festival Schedule & Lineup Summaryblog.naver.com

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