The stunning natural beauty of Yeosu is celebrated across South Korea, where scenic coastline stretches for miles on end. The butterfly-shaped peninsula is made up of five small bays, peppered with towering cliffs, rugged capes, and more than 300 islands. Just a few hours in Yeosu, and it’s easy to see why the name means "good water” in Korean.
History, culture, and natural beauty collide in Yeosu, where ancient religious sites stand alongside striking seascapes. Odongdo Island, also known as the “Island of Love” is a must visit site, where visitors can explore forested trails and admire over 70 species of wildflowers and camellias. Since hosting the 2012 World Expo, Yeosu has enjoyed a tourism revival. The event focused heavily on the importance of marine conservation, a concept that’s close to the city’s heart.
The port city is located in South Jeolla Province and is made up of Old Yeosu City, Yeocheon City and Yeocheon County. Trains from Seoul take around three hours, while buses take around five and a half hours. It’s also possible to fly in via Yeosu Airport. Once in town, taxis are a cheap and efficient way to get around.
A visit to Yeosu isn’t complete without encountering constant nods to Admiral Yi Sun-shin, who lived from 1545–1598. As the city’s local hero, Yi Sun-shin famously fought off Japanese invaders with his turtle ships. Don’t miss the full-size replica, anchored south of Dolsan bridge. Hyangiram Hermitage is another unique attraction, located on the southern end of Dolsando Island. The Buddhist temple is perched high on a coastal cliff, and is a mesmerising place to watch the sunset.