A port city in South Jeolla Province with a 1,000-year fishing tradition, known for fresh seafood markets and the distinctive peaks of Yudalsan Mountain.
Mokpo-si sits at the southwestern edge of the Korean Peninsula, where the land meets the Yellow Sea. Walk up Yudalsan Mountain to see the city spread below, with ships moving across the water and islands dotting the horizon. Take the Mokpo Marine Cable Car, stretching 3.23 kilometers from the mountain to Gohado Island, for a clear view of the harbor. Visit the National Maritime Museum to examine pottery and tools recovered from centuries-old shipwrecks. In October, join crowds at Yeongsan Lake for the Largehead Hairtail Festival, where chefs prepare braised hairtail in soy sauce, and in spring, see cherry blossoms and azaleas covering Yudalsan’s slopes. Don’t miss Dongbu Market, where vendors slice raw croaker for sashimi and sell fermented skate wrapped in kimchi.
Travel to Mokpo by Train, Ferry, or Plane
The KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station reaches Mokpo in 2.5 hours, with seven departures daily. Morning trains let you start exploring by noon—book tickets online to secure window seats for coastal views. Ferries leave from Mokpo’s North Harbor to Jeju Island (3–5 hours) and smaller islands like Heuksando. If flying, Muan International Airport connects to Seoul’s Gimpo Airport via 50-minute flights. From the airport, take a taxi or bus to reach downtown Mokpo in 30 minutes.
Hike Yudalsan Mountain and See Gatbawi Rock
Yudalsan’s trails start near Mokpo Station and take about an hour to reach the summit. From the top, look for the noon cannon, a relic from the early 20th century, and spot ferries heading toward Dadohae Marine Park’s islands. Descend the western trail to Gatbawi Rock, where two stone pillars rise from the coast. Walk the boardwalk at low tide to see crabs scuttling between tidal pools. After the hike, visit the Mokpo Cultural Complex nearby to view pottery or calligraphy exhibits.
Take the Mokpo Marine Cable Car to Gohado Island
Board the cable car at Yudalsan’s base for a 15-minute ride to Gohado Island. Choose a glass-floor cabin to photograph Mokpo Bridge and fishing boats below. On Gohado, climb to the observatory deck for sunset views over the Yellow Sea. Return before dusk to see the city lights flicker on during the descent. Tickets cost 15,000 KRW for a round trip, with extended hours during summer.
Learn About Maritime History and Fossils
At the National Maritime Museum, study replicas of 14th-century trading ships and touch cannonballs used in naval battles. One exhibit explains how Mokpo’s port fueled trade during the Joseon Dynasty. Walk ten minutes to the Mokpo Natural History Museum, where a Tyrannosaurus skeleton towers over fossils of ammonites and prehistoric plants. For recent history, the Mokpo Modern History Museum displays photos of the city’s 1900s port expansion in a restored Japanese consulate building.
Eat Fresh Seafood at Markets and Harbors
Dongbu Market’s stalls open at 7 AM, selling live octopus, salted shrimp, and hairtail fish. Try hongeo-hoe—fermented skate served with pork belly—at upstairs restaurants. Near North Harbor, evening stalls let you grill scallops or clams over charcoal fires. For a snack, buy fish cakes stuffed with cheese or squid at the Mokpo Fish Cake Culture Center. If you prefer cooked dishes, order galchi jorim (braised hairtail) at Nampoong, a restaurant facing the harbor.
Take Day Trips to Heuksando and Hongdo Islands
Catch the 8:30 AM ferry to Heuksando Island, where a 4-hour hiking loop passes pine forests and a lighthouse with views of Gitdaebong Peak. On Hongdo Island, hike to the red cliffs of Angry Monk Rock or join a boat tour to enter sea caves. For a shorter trip, drive to Sinan County’s Purple Island via lavender-painted bridges and walk through fields blooming with purple flowers in May. Oedaldo Island, a 1-hour ferry ride away, has a quiet beach and traditional guesthouses serving abalone porridge.
Join Festivals Celebrating Food and Flowers
During the Mokpo Flower Festival (April–May), Yudalsan’s paths are lined with tulips, roses, and illuminated sculptures after dark. The Largehead Hairtail Festival in October features cooking contests where teams compete to make the best spicy braised hairtail. In August, the Mokpo Summer Sea Festival fills the harbor with kayak races, fireworks, and temporary seafood restaurants. Check local calendars for smaller events, like the Modern Culture Street Fair in November.
Choose Hotels Near Stations or the Harbor
Kumho Beach Hotel, a short walk from Mokpo Station, has rooms with balconies overlooking the sea. Hanok Hotel Yongsanjae offers heated floors and a garden courtyard in a traditional wooden building. Budget travelers can stay at Goodstay Mokpo Inn, located between the intercity bus terminal and Dongbu Market. Book early during festivals, as rooms sell out weeks in advance.
Monitor Air Quality for Hikes and Sightseeing
Mokpo’s air quality often drops in March due to dust carried from northern regions. Check real-time air quality indexes on weather apps before hiking Yudalsan or taking the cable car. Coastal winds usually clear the air by May, making spring and fall the best seasons for outdoor activities. If haze occurs, museums and markets provide indoor alternatives.
