Namhae County

Namhae County is a coastal region in South Korea's southeast, formed by two main islands and many smaller ones scattered across the Korea Strait. The landscape covers roughly 357 square kilometers and is divided into ten administrative districts that serve different communities.

The islands have been a fishing and trading hub for centuries along South Korea's coast. After the Korean War, many residents moved away to cities, causing the population to shrink dramatically over the following decades.

German Village reveals how the county became home to Korean families who returned with foreign partners after the war. Walking through its streets, you see how two different building traditions sit side by side, creating a neighborhood that feels both Korean and European at once.

Getting around works best by bus, with regular services connecting to larger cities in the province and routes reaching all ten districts. The warmer months are ideal for exploring since coastal roads and outdoor attractions are most accessible then.

The region is known for specialty crops, especially garlic and honey, which are exported far and wide from these islands. Walking through farming areas, you'll notice how much of the land is dedicated to these crops that have shaped local livelihoods.