Nestled on the southern coast of South Korea, Tongyeong is a popular coastal getaway for the nation and one of its finest seaside cities. Tongyeong offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors including its breathtaking coastal views, delicious seafood cuisine and charming seaside atmosphere. Islands dotted just off the coast are a part of the Hallyeohaesang National Park, offering travellers a glimpse of South Korea’s stunning natural beauty.
Tongyeong is a thriving coastal city with a lot of culture and vitality, much of which can be experienced in the thriving Gangguan Port area of the city. Here many of Tongyeong’s busy marketplaces, shops and restaurants can be found, where both locals and travellers love to take in the picturesque scenic views while enjoying fresh local seafood cuisine. One of the best ways to fully appreciate the beauty of the region is to take a trip up Mireuksan Mountain, offering unobstructed panoramic views of the city and its surrounding islands from above. Of the dozens of islands within Hallyeohaesang National Park, Somaemuldo Island is one of the most popular and can be reached by ferry from Tongyeong Ferry Terminal in around 1.5 hours. Hansando Island is another natural paradise that is only a brief 30-minute ferry trip from Tongyeong offering hiking and many important historical forts and towers.
Travellers flying into Tongyeong can either catch a flight from Sacheon Airport, around 56 kilometres from Tongyeong, or Gimhae International Airport which is around 87 kilometres away and serves the city of Busan. Catching a bus to Busan only takes around 90 minutes, while other routes are available both in the region and to other major cities in South Korea. Those looking to explore some of the islands off the coast are best hopping on a ferry service from Tongyeong Ferry Terminal.
Tongyeong is a richly historic place that has been at the centre of important historical events including being the base of the famous naval commander Yi Sun-sin and is also known for producing some of the country’s finest literary figures. The importance of Yi Sun-sin is evident in a large number of monuments in the city, while the name Tongyeong itself means “command post” in honour of the heroics of the admiral during the late 16th century.