Mokpo is a sprawling port city and serves as the gateway to Jeju Island at the southwestern tip of the Korean Peninsula. It retains a strong maritime history and is the launching point for day trips to the islands of Dadohae Haesang National Park.
Things to do in Mokpo
Mokpo is home to South Korea’s National Maritime Museum that features ancient ceramic relics and historic replica ships across its four exhibition halls. Learn about traditional Korean shipbuilding techniques, experience life in a local fishing village and witness models dating from the Goryeo dynasty to modern oilers of today.
Soak up the views of Mokpo and the surrounding waters from the craggy peak of Yudalsan, which rises in the centre of the city. Take the time to admire the Buddhist rock carvings along the walking trail and a statue honouring Admiral Yi Sunsin, as well as a noon gun that was installed during the Japanese occupation of Mokpo.
At the base of Yudalsan Park nestles a sculpture garden with around 100 works from Korean artists, together with the Dalseongsa temple built by Dae Heungsa in 1915. It’s also here that the Orchid Garden of Mokpo is located, with a stunning collection of both Asian and Western species.
Just a short ferry ride from Mokpo takes you to Dadohae Haesang National Park, encompassing more than 1,700 islands and islets scattered across the coastal waters of Jeollanam-do.Hongdo and Heuksando are among the most visited and scenic islands in the archipelago, with traditional fishing villages and a colourful underwater world to discover.
Getting around Mokpo
The closest airport to Mokpo is Muan International Airport, around 90 minutes’ drive north of the city centre. Mokpo is connected to both Seoul and Busan by regular train and bus services, with ferries to Jeju-do taking anywhere from three to five hours.