The city of Yeosu, situated at the southern end of the Korean peninsula, is surrounded by many islets and coastal beauties that draw in visitors all year round. Offering both natural and manmade attractions, the region has been dubbed one of the most beautiful ports in the nation, where multitudes of tourists and residents go for enjoyable holidays and short weekend trips. The surrounding archipelago of the vast Namhae Sea is comprised of over 300 islands, most of which are uninhabited. Visiting Yeosu allows you to peacefully escape from the busyness of city life by connecting you with the surrounding nature.
That being said, Yeosu also has a great nightscape of lights reflecting off the pitch-black sea. The lights from Dolsandaegyo Bridge and the neighboring lighthouse make for a striking scene, which is why it’s not surprising to find couples hand in hand walking along the beach side. In addition to the night’s gleaming marine lights, the Namhae Sea gives off a tranquil charm and maintains a warmer temperature than that of inland areas, giving all the more reason for you to visit and discover more! Bring your loved ones on this southern winter excursion to share some fond memories of Yeosu.
Yeosu Hyangiram Hermitage & Odongdo Island
Yeosu is blessed with a large harbor and deep water, as well as the lovely Dolsando Island, Odongdo Island, and Janggundo Island standing majestically along its coastline. Odongdo Island is covered in a blanket of red camellias that can reach their full bloom even in a glacial winter wind. The entire island has walking trails that meander through a tunnel of trees and pass by a 25-meter-high lighthouse and a music fountain, all of which turn the island into a theme park of sorts. Dubbed the “Island of Love,” it is the perfect dating spot for lovebirds. Dotted with other beautiful islands as well, Yeosu has no shortage of picturesque scenery. Places like Hallyeohaesang National Park, Manseong-ri Black Sand Beach, and Hyangiram Hermitage, which is known for its beautiful sunrises, add romance and wonder to your trip.
Resting on a cliff at the southern end of Dolsando Island, Hyangiram Hermitage, meaning “small temple facing the sun,” is considered one of the most famous places in Korea to witness the sunrise. Walking up the steep incline to reach Hyangiram can be quite taxing, but the stone steps make it easier for visitors to reach the top. There is no vehicle access from the entrance of Hyangiram Hermitage, and walking up to the hermitage from the entrance takes 20 to 30 minutes. After passing through a narrow crack between two giant rocks, you will reach the perimeter of the temple, which presents a breathtaking view of the sea and the majestic rocky cliffs along the coast.
Traverse the Yeosu Sea, a breathtaking trip via Yeosu Maritime Cable Car
The Yeosu Maritime Cable Car opened its doors to the public in early December, 2014. The cable cars make round trips from Dolsan Park on Dolsando Island to Jasan Park. Korea’s first cable car to cross over a body of water, there are a total of 50 cars, 10 of which are painted silver and given transparent floors. Called “crystal cabins,” these special gondolas allow visitors to look down at the sea beneath their feet, giving them a side order of exhilaration to go with the stunning natural scenery.
This marine cable car travels 1.5 kilometers and ascends to a height of 98 meters, allowing you to take in all of Yeosu’s main attractions at a glance. The crystal cabins have seating for five, while the standard cabins have eight seats, and the price for adults is 20,000 won and 13,000 won, respectively. Operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
☞ Yeosu Maritime Cable Car
www.yeosucablecar.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Angel Mural Alley
Near the site of Jinnamgwan Hall and across a pedestrian overpass, there resides an alley full of whimsical paintings, also known as Angel Mural Alley. The main attraction here is a mural hidden at the end of the walk that resembles winged angels. There is also a multitude of wall paintings and murals that line the meandering alley, which is about 1,004 meters long (the number 1004 is pronounced the same as the word angel in Korean). The alley offers you a pleasant opportunity to take a stroll and become immersed in the local art.
Following this winding path, you’ll come across artworks depicting the everyday lives of residents, such as profiles of cute little pets and children playing, as well as inspiring pieces like those of historical figures. Some routes get narrow at certain points, and others open up to ocean views, adding more fun and variety to this tour.
☞ Address: Goso-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
☞ Yi Sun-Sin Plaza:
When exiting Yeosu EXPO Station, take local bus no. 2 or no. 111 heading to Jinnamgwan Hall.
Get off when it announces Jinnamgwan Hall Bus Stop (5-6 stops), then walk for about 10 minutes, where Jinnamgwan Hall will be visible on the right side.
Walk an additional few minutes to arrive at an overhead bridge, immediately after which the start of the alley appears.
☞ 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Yi Sun-shin Plaza & Jinnamgwan Hall
Geobukseon Ship at Yi Sun-Sin Plaza/ Jinnamgwan Hall
The Jinnamgwan Hall was one of the largest naval bases during the Japanese invasion of the Imjin Waeran War (1592~1598). With such a huge responsibility, Admiral Yi Sun-shin then decided this site should be used as his headquarters. For this reason, the site displays a lot of artifacts honoring his heroic endeavors in protecting the country. Including the items on display indoors, the hall itself was designated as National Treasure No. 304 in 2011.
☞ Jinnamgwan Hall: 11, Dongmun-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
☞ Yi Sun-Sin Plaza: 385-6, Jungang-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
☞ 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
More Info
☞ Transportation
-KTX train: Depart from Yongsan Station to arrive at Yeosu EXPO Station
* Reservation via Korail www.letskorail.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
-Express Bus
*Reservation via Kobus www.kobus.co.kr (Korean, English)
☞ Tourist attractions in Yeosu:
Odongdo Island, Hyangiram Hermitage, Yeosu Maritime Cable Car, Geumodo Island Bireong-gil, Yeosu World Exhibition Hall, Jinnamgwan Hall, Yeosu Ocean at night, Baekdo Island and more.
☞ Tourist Information of Yeosu: www.ystour.kr (English, Japanese, Chinese, French)
☞ 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
