Introduction to must-visit places in Tongyeong. Explore the cultural richness and charm of this vibrant city known for its historical sites and scenic beauty.
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Enjoy a Cruise to Hansan Island
For tourists looking to explore the historical sites of Hansando and Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s Je-seung-dang, there is a cruise departing from Tongyeong’s Do Nam Hang. The cruise to Hansando takes about 30 minutes by boat from Tongyeong, with a total duration of 2 hours including a 1-hour stop at Je-seung-dang. Along the way to Hansando, visitors can enjoy the sight of various small and large islands, as well as unique rock formations. Passing by the site of the Battle of Hansan, known as one of the top three naval battles in the world, tourists can listen to the guide’s explanations. The Turtle Ship Lighthouse welcomes visitors like a guardian at Hansando. It takes just a 5-minute walk to reach Je-seung-dang, where visitors can experience the historic site and feel the greatness of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Remember to bring your ID when boarding the cruise ship.
• Address (location): 269-38, Donam-ro, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, Cruise Terminal
Experience Rural Village Life at Gunghang Fishing Village
Located in Samsuk-ri, to the south of Tongyeong city center towards Miruk Island, is a charming fishing village. This village offers a variety of facilities such as an information center, fitness center, shower facilities, accommodations, and fishing experience programs. Visitors can enjoy hands-on fishing experiences for clams, sea cucumbers, crabs, and sea squirts when the tide is low at the mudflat, depending on the weather. Additionally, snorkeling is also available. With accommodation options ranging from 7-person rooms to a maximum of 20, families can easily enjoy a trip together. The lodging is conveniently located near a beach, making it a great summer getaway destination.
• Address (location): 46-8, Gunghang-gil, Sanyang-eup, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Surf Village Seopirang
Facing the famous mural village Dongpirang is Seopirang, also known as the “Second Dongpirang”, dreaming of becoming just as iconic. As you stroll through Seopirang, you’ll discover hidden treasures like the “Path to School with Yoon Isang”, “Seopirang Literary Neighborhood”, “99 Steps and Music Garden”, “Hello from Buoiso Intersection”, “98 Steps of Ddukjimeondang”, and the “Piano Staircase”. Seopirang, once a mischievous neighborhood that even locals avoided after the formation of a squatter village post-liberation, has now regained its vitality. In the early 2000s, the squatter village was naturally revitalized, but the village had already lost its liveliness. However, starting in 2013, designating the 200m street that runs through the center of the village as the “Greetings Street” sparked a gradual revival. Residents took it upon themselves to install art pieces throughout the street. Ascending and descending through the squatter village, the 99 Steps of Seopirang have been reborn as works of art, adorned with murals and sculptures crafted by the locals. Each step, from 1 to 99, features a number in one corner as part of the artwork. Interestingly, the numbers are written in reverse order from the first step starting with 99 at the top, symbolizing the journey of life where reducing the weight of each number as you ascend makes the climb easier. Additionally, the village embarked on a project to turn historical relics into storytelling attractions. Leveraging its status as the birthplace of the renowned author of the historical novel “Toji”, Park Kyung-ri, and the setting of the novel “The Daughters of Kim’s Pharmacy”, the lower village of Seopirang incorporated literary themes featuring locations like Seomungogae, Ganchanggol, and Myeongjeong Spring. Regular tours of the “Park Kyung-ri Literary Village (Seopirang)” were organized, attracting literary figures nationwide and successfully transforming the image of Seopirang. Selected for the Ministry of Public Administration and Security’s “2015 Hope Village Creation Project”, Seopirang further enhanced its image with the creation of the “Yoon Isang School Commute Path” utilizing the path taken by the globally acclaimed composer Yoon Isang and the installation of a Piano Staircase at
• Address (location): 22 Chongnyeol-ro, Seoho-dong, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Discover the Charm of Tongyeong Yeonmyeong Eco-Village
Located in the Hallyeo Haesang National Park, Yeonmyeong Fishing Village Experience Village in Tongyeong City, Gyeongsangnam-do, is a charming and prosperous village that relies on clean coastal waters for its livelihood, engaging in aquaculture in front of the village, fishing, and abalone cultivation. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the clean Mongdol Beach and take a scenic drive along the San Yang Ilju Road to appreciate the exquisite beauty of the coastline. The tidal flats of Yeonmyeong Village are home to various shellfish such as clams, cockles, abalones, and sea cucumbers, while the sea is inhabited by fish, seaweed, clams, snails, and abalones. The village is known for its dried anchovies, fish sauce, and abalones, which are well-recognized specialties nationwide. Established in 2008, the Yeonmyeong Fishing Village Experience Village offers a variety of experiences and tourist resources including a sea ranch, aquaculture facilities, and an art gallery. Recognized as one of the Rural-20 villages to introduce Korea’s rural areas to foreigners, it successfully welcomed 138 foreign guests in October 2010 in conjunction with the G20 Summit. Nearby attractions include the Yeonmyeong Art Village, created from a closed school using bamboo decorations on the exterior and featuring folk crafts and artists’ paintings inside. Visitors can also explore the Dangpo Seongji Fortress, built by General Choi Yeong and residents to defend against Japanese invasions during the Imjin War, as well as the Dara Park for watching sunrise and sunset, the Fisheries Science Institute to learn about the history of the fishing industry, and the Miwolsan Mountain for hiking and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Hallyeosudo. It is a popular destination for tourists and mountaineers seeking to train their minds and bodies while admiring the breathtaking views.
• Address (location): 134 Yeonmyeong-gil, Sanyang-eup, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Night Sea Views Tour in Tongyeong
The night in Tongyeong is truly special. It is adorned with a dazzling and subtle play of lights that color the vast sea of Tongyeong Canal. The highlight of a night tour, Tongyeong Bridge shines even brighter at night than during the day. Tongyeong is a beautiful city at night, and the night sea flows peacefully through the city on the Tongyeong Marine Tourism Taxi. You can also feel the romance in the air. It’s a great place to create memories with family or loved ones while enjoying the night view.
• Address (location): 269-20 Donam-ro, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Explore Tongyeong City: Tongyeong City Tour
If you’re visiting Tongyeong, don’t miss out on the essential city tour program that allows you to explore Tongyeong’s must-visit attractions with detailed explanations. From Hansando Island where you can meet our true hero, Admiral Yi Sun-sin, to Sebyeonggwan, the central building of Tongyeong’s Samdosugun naval command, and the only national treasure in Tongyeong, Park Kyung-ri Memorial Hall, showcasing the mother of modern Korean literature. You can also visit Yun Isang, a world-renowned musician who embodied the soul of our nation in his music, and the art museum of Jeon Hyuk-rim, known as the Picasso of Korea. Get a closer look at Tongyeong’s history and culture with informative and engaging commentary.
• Address (location): 9 Dongchung 1-gil, Hanguk-dong, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Cheongma Street in Tongyeong City
Cheongma Street is famous for the tender love story of the renowned literary figures Cheongma Yu Chi-hwan and Jung Woon Lee Young-do. Designated as Cheongma Street in February 2001, this place pays tribute to the literary spirit of our country’s prominent writer, Master Cheongma Yu Chi-hwan, by highlighting sites related to his literary works. It has been transformed into a cultural hub unique to our region, attracting literature enthusiasts on exploration courses. Various sculptures and signage have been installed and maintained. Walking along the Cheongma Street, starting from the signpost at the birthplace of Master Yu Chi-hwan, which extends 200 meters to the post office, immerses visitors in the poignant and fleeting romanticism associated with the famous love spot of Master Yu Chi-hwan. The street evokes heartfelt emotions, from the bittersweet moments of love to the poignant longing of those unable to love.
• Address (location): 5 Sebyeong-ro, Jungang-dong, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
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Tongyeong’s Honey Bread Street
If you visit the central market near Tongyeong Port, you’ll find a row of Tongyeong honey bread shops with various names. Tongyeong honey bread is a special food designed to withstand the warm climate of Tongyeong and last a long time, making it a favorite snack of the sailors here. This food is made by filling flour dough with sweet red bean paste, deep frying it in oil, and then coating it with honey on the outside. It has become a representative snack of Tongyeong, much like the famous Hodugwaja of Cheonan. The original Tongyeong honey bread, known as Omisa honey bread, started in the 1960s and has continued to this day, becoming a must-try attraction. The street lined with honey bread shops offers a beautiful view of Tongyeong Port and the South Sea. Nearby, you can enjoy various attractions such as Dongpirang Village, the Tongyeong Saebyonggwan, and also have a wide selection of food at the central market and Chungmu Kimbap Alley right next door.
• Address (location): Jungang-dong, Tongyeong City, Gyeongsangnam Province
Tongyeong City, Gyeongsangnam-do: ‘Battle of Hansan Monument’
The Hansan Battle Monument was erected in 1979 to commemorate the victory of General Yi Sun-sin at the Battle of Hansan. The front title ‘Hansan Battle Monument’ was written by President Park Chung-hee, the inscription was composed by scholar No San Lee Eun-sang, and the calligraphy was done by scholar Woo-seok Kim Bong-geun. The monument portrays the Battle of Hansan that took place on July 8th and 10th, 1592, in a narrative poem style. Standing at a height of 20 meters, the monument is placed on top of a pedestal resembling a turtle ship.
• Address (location): 70 Hansanilju-ro, Hansan-myeon, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Samyeojeonmangdae (Yokji Island) in Tongyeong City
Yokji Island is the largest island in the Yeonhwa Archipelago, attracting many visitors who enjoy hiking and fishing. Being a big island, it is convenient to bring your car over. You can drive around the island, take the village bus, or rent a cart to explore the beautiful coastal scenery of Yookji Island. As a rocky island, most of the coastline is made up of cliffs and rocky formations, with the backdrop of a stunning blue sea. Various fish farms float on the water, and from small rocky islets to larger islands in the distance, the variety of islands will surely impress you. Along the circular road on Yokji Island, there are several viewpoints, but the most famous and breathtaking one is the Samyeo Observatory. Samyeo refers to three large rocks right in front of the coastal cliffs, each with a sad legend attached. It is said that when the three daughters of the Dragon King fell in love with a young man transformed from a sword that had been buried for 900 years, the Dragon King, furious, turned his daughters into rocks. Out of anger towards the Dragon King, the young man pushed the mountain and separated the sea into two islands. The scenery here is so beautiful that visitors often find it hard to leave the observatory for a long time.
• Address (location): San 8-218, Seosan-ri, Yokji-myeon, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea