A coastal city in South Jeolla Province with 365 islands and Korea's first cable car over the ocean. Known for its fresh seafood and the 2012 World Expo site.
Located on South Korea's southern coast, Yeosu spreads across a peninsula and 365 islands in South Jeolla province. You can glide in a cable car 80 meters above the harbor, walk among 70 species of camellia flowers on Odongdo Island, or watch water jets dance to music during the nightly Big-O show. In local markets, you'll find fresh seafood straight from the morning's catch, including raw crab marinated in soy sauce or chili, and the distinctive Gat-kimchi made from Dolsan Island's mustard greens.
Getting to and Around Yeosu
Take trains from Seoul to Yeosu Station or Yeocheon Station on the Honam line. Local buses connect the central district to beaches and outer neighborhoods every 15-20 minutes. The Maritime Cable Car takes you from the mainland to Dolsan Island in 13 minutes, giving you views of the harbor from 80 meters up.
Islands and Beaches
Walk the 768-meter path to Odongdo Island, where you'll find winding trails through camellia groves and seasonal wildflowers. From June to August, you can swim at Manseongri Beach, known for its distinctive black volcanic sand. Around Yeosu, 317 uninhabited and 48 inhabited islands have hiking trails and lookout points.
Modern City Landmarks
Watch the Big-O show's 30-minute display of water jets, lights, and holograms each night at the former 2012 World Expo site. Climb to the Sky Tower's observation deck at 67 meters for city views - this 1980s industrial building now serves as a viewpoint. After sunset, colored lights illuminate the 450-meter Dolsan Bridge, creating patterns that reflect in the water below.
Buddhist Temples and Historic Sites
Climb to Hyangiram Hermitage, built in 644 on a cliff edge, for sunrise views over the sea. On Yeongchwisan mountain, visit Geumseongdae and Dosolam Hermitage temples, where Joseon Dynasty kings held ceremonies. Yi Sun-sin Park has a full-size replica of a 16th-century turtle ship, complete with a dragon head and iron-plated roof.
Local Food Specialties
Start your day at 5 AM at the fish markets near the port to see the morning's catch. Try gejang - raw crab marinated in soy sauce or spicy sauce - prepared according to local family recipes. Sample Gat-kimchi made from Dolsan Island's mustard greens, which has a stronger taste than traditional cabbage kimchi. Find seafood restaurants in the old western port area of the central district.
