A Trip to Yeosu to Experience Its Natural Beauty

Located in the warm southern part of the country where winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, Yeosu in Jeollanam-do literally means 'beautiful water.' Spring flowers bloom in spring, leaves turn vibrant colors in autumn, and its night sea shines year-round. Discover the untouched natural beauty of Yeosu!

Along the way

1. 1
   Yeosu Hyangiram Hermitage

   향일암(여수)

   Hyangiram Hermitage is one of Korea's four major prayer sites dedicated to Gwaneum (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva). It was founded in 644 (the 4th year of King Uija of Baekje) by Great Master Wonhyo of Silla and was originally named Wontongam Hermitage. It was renamed Geumoam Hermitage in 958 (the 9th year of King Gwangjong of Goryeo) by Layman Yun Pil, and later named Hyangiram Hermitage in 1715 (the 41st year of King Sukjong of Joseon) by Great Master Inmuk. The complex gained full prominence as a Buddhist hermitage through the reconstruction and expansion of Wontongbojeon Hall, Samseonggak Hall, Gwaneumjeon Hall, Yongwangjeon Hall, a bell tower, and a Sea Gwaneum statue. Following a fire on December 20, 2009, the destroyed Daeungjeon (Wontongbojeon) Hall, temple office (Yeongguam), and bell tower were reconstructed, and a completion ceremony was held on May 6, 2012.MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Jeollanamdo Ocean & Fisheries Science Museum

   전라남도해양수산과학관

   Opened in May 1998, the Jeollanam-do Fisheries Complex is located at Musulmok Resort, a historic battlefield where Admiral Yi Sun-sin defeated the Japanese invaders in 1598 (Musul Year) during the Imjin War. It connects to prominent southern coast attractions alongside the scenic Hallyeosudo Waterway. The site covers 2,802 pyeong with a building area of 1,680 pyeong, featuring major facilities such as an aquarium exhibition hall, ocean & fisheries exhibition hall, marine science exhibition hall, seed culture room, and an audiovisual room. In addition, a 3D stereoscopic cinema and a Marine Natural History Museum have newly opened to visitors. A sculpture of a red sea bream, the official fish symbol of Jeollanam-do, welcomes visitors in the main lobby. After viewing sea turtles and red sea breams in the oval tank, guests enter the aquarium exhibition hall following the guided pathway patterned like a school of swimming fish.MoreLess

   

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3. 3
   Dolsando Island

   돌산도

   The seventh-largest island in Korea, Dolsando Island is connected to the Yeosu Peninsula via Dolsandaegyo Bridge, which was completed on December 15, 1984. Measuring 450 meters in length and 11.7 meters in width, this cable-stayed bridge blends harmoniously with the surrounding seascapes to form a tourist attraction in its own right. Dolsando Island is home to scenic spots and historical sites such as Dolsan Park, Musulmok Battlefield, Jeollanam-do Fisheries Complex, Bangjukpo Beach, Hyangiram Hermitage, and Eunjeogam Hermitage, along with well-paved coastal roads circling the entire island. Taking a leisurely drive around Dolsando Island alone makes for a refreshing journey. Circling the coastal road spans about 60 km and takes roughly 1 to 2 hours.MoreLess

   

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4. 4
   Dolsan Park

   돌산공원

   Dolsan Park is located opposite Dolsandaegyo Bridge and was established in 1987 on an area of about 87,000 pyeong. The park features the open filming set of the 2004 SBS morning drama "Choice," which attracts many tourists, and part of the set has been converted into a traditional teahouse where visitors can enjoy tea while taking in the view of Dolsandaegyo Bridge. From the park's scenic viewpoints, you can enjoy stunning views of the sun setting over Dolsandaegyo Bridge, the illuminated bridge at night, the night view of Marine Park encompassing Jungang-dong and Jonghwa-dong in Yeosu, and the nightscape of Janggundo Island. In the central plaza, a time capsule containing various historical records related to the 1994 Samyeo Integration has been buried and is scheduled to be opened after 100 years.MoreLess

   

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5. 5

   Odongdo Island

   오동도

   Odongdo Island is synonymous with Yeosu, and when thinking of Odongdo Island, camellias naturally come to mind. It also serves as the starting and ending point of Hallyeohaesang National Park. Located just a 10-minute drive from downtown Yeosu, visitors can park at the entrance of Odongdo Island and walk for about 15 minutes along a 768-meter-long breakwater path to reach the island. The Camellia Train (ticket booth: 061-690-7304) also runs between the ticket office and Odongdo Island. Covering an area of 125,620.4㎡ (38,000 pyeong), the island is densely forested with about 200 species of evergreens, including camellias and sinudae bamboo, creating a lush canopy. In addition, the 16,529㎡ (approx. 5,000 pyeong) lawn plaza features flower beds planted with about 70 species of wild flowers and a commemorative planting hill, making it ideal as a nature study site for children. The approximately 3,000 camellia trees covering the entire island begin to bloom one or two blossoms as early as October, allowing visitors to see red flowers even in the dead of winter. Flowering reaches about 30% by mid-February and hits its peak around mid-March.MoreLess

   

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