Best Things to do in Tongyeong City, South Korea (FULL GUIDE)
Tongyeong, The land of Sea, was believed to existed from the flows of the sea. If you plan to go to Tongyeong as one of your destination in your travel itinerary in Korea, then you must read this until the end. You can get here by hike to the top or by using Cable car. However, you will get greater experience if you do it via cable’s car which is 461 metres above the sea level. As the summit of Mireuksan will greets you with a beautiful view of the sea sprinkled with island all th eway. It’s totally awesome, you can feel the amazement of bounces from island to island.
General information of Tongyeong City
Tongyeong is a symbolic city of Korean patriotism, holding the spirit of the great Admiral Yi Sun-shin and a beautiful city that has produced numerous artists. It is located at the center of Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park and has long been regarded as the No. 1 marine tourism city and the no.1 fishing city in Korea. The city, with its beautiful natural landscape, mild climate and limitless potential, is preparing for a new change and a reform.
Symbol of tongyeong City
- The white background represents autonomy, peace, cooperation, unity and pure integrity of the residents.
- The red symbolizes blazing sun and red camellia flower.
- The blue represents pure sea and a district of culture and arts.
- It represents our district is a future-oriented city encompass with infinite ability.
When to Visit Tongyeong City
Tongyeong is most popular to visit during Summer, as any other beach escape destination in South Korea. As it is the best time to swimming and escape from the heat and hectic of the capital city. However, If you don’t like crowd, then you want to avoid summer holiday or summer weekend as it will be totally packed and traffic will be crazy.
How to get to Tongyeong City
The most recommended way to go to Tongyeong is by bus, even though you can also get here by Airplane if you want to.
From Seoul: 5 hours from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal to Tongyeong and it cost 30,000 Korean won.
From Busan: 2 Hours from Busan Sasang Bus terminal to Tongyeong and it cost 15,000 Korean won.
How to travel around in Tongyeong City
By Car or Taxy
This is the best way to travel in Tongyeong, as it will be faster and easier, however if you find a lot of traffic as you get here, then you might as well using public transportation.
By Bus
Make sure you download Naver Maps before you try to use bus transportation in South Korea as it might confused you at first of your travel.
Best Things to do in Tongyeong City
- Tongyeong Cable Car
- Skyline Luge Tongyeong
- Yi sun shin park
- Somaemuido Island
- Jangsado sea park
- Yeonhwado Yongmeori (Dragon’s Head}
- Saryangdo Oknewbon
- Nammangsan Park
- Dongpirang and Seopirang Mural Village
- Mount Mireuk
- Tongyeong Canal
- Dal-a Park
Tongyeong Cable Car
Tongyeong Cable car is a real-must experience you must try as you visit Tongyeong in South Korea. The beauty of Tongyeong you can see by this cable car is totally different with elsewhere you can find. From the peak of Mireuk mountain about 461 metres above the sea and 1.975 metres distance, this is the longest cable car all around South korea. As you reach the peak, you will feel the sensation of walking on the skywalk, offer you the beauty of Tongyeong city, Geoje bridge, ship and islands all around.
Useful Informations:
- Address: 205, Balgae-ro, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Use taxy from Tongyeong Bus terminal for 20 minutes.
- Opening Hours: October-March: 09.30-16.00, April-September: 09.00-17.00, May-August: 19.30-18.00
- Last admission about 2 hours before close.
- If the weather is bad, it will be close.
- Close during security check on 3-14 September
- Close for maintenance every second and fourth Monday every month.
- Phone: +82-1544-3303 (Korean only)
Skyline Luge Tongyeong
If Tongyeong Cable car is the best way to enjoy Tongyeong city up high from above the sky, then Skyline Luge is the best way to enjoy Tongyeong on the road. You will feel the sensation of fast and furious movie as you go down drifting through the sharp edge U-turn. However this Luge is really safe and was designed with highest security system and easy to use. You will be able to try this for 2 minutes before you drive. This place is really good for family trip, as even 110cm student can drive their own luge while the kids under 110 can join while their parent driving.
Useful Informations:
- Address: 178, Balgae-ro, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Opening Hours: Weekdays 10.00-18.00, Friday 10.00-19.00, Weekends 09.00-19.00
- Last admission 15 minutes before close.
- Close during bad weather.
- Fee: 12,000 won
- Phone: +82-70-4731-8473 (Korean, English)
Yi sun shin park
Yi Sun-Sin Park is located at Jeongnyang-dong, Tongyeong-si, South Gyeongnam Province. A 17.3m-high, bronze statue of Great Admiral Yi Sun-sin stands facing the sea of Hansando and the view of the sea is magnificent from the small trail that lies along the coastline, between the beach and a beautiful forest.
Cheonja Chongtong, a cannon that played a big role fighting off the Japanese invaders during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1952 still stands proudly facing the sea and the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin is a dashing figure. The Park is secluded but has a lot to see like the parts of Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s famous ‘turle ships’ and beautiful topiaries. The wooden-decked trail along the coastline is also a great place to have a walk. It’s a great place to enjoy the nature. You can relax sitting on the beach watching the waves break or go for a swim during the summer. You can also visit the pavilion located at the center of the Park, look over the sea of Hansando and forget about all the worries and stresses.
Useful Informations:
- Address: 205, Mendehaean-gil, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
- You can use taxy from Tongyeong Bus Terminal for 20 minutes
- Phone: +82-55-642-4737
Somaemuido island
Yi Sun-Sin Park is located at Jeongnyang-dong, Tongyeong-si, South Gyeongnam Province. A 17.3m-high, bronze statue of Great Admiral Yi Sun-sin stands facing the sea of Hansando and the view of the sea is magnificent from the small trail that lies along the coastline, between the beach and a beautiful forest.
Cheonja Chongtong, a cannon that played a big role fighting off the Japanese invaders during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1952 still stands proudly facing the sea and the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin is a dashing figure. The Park is secluded but has a lot to see like the parts of Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s famous ‘turle ships’ and beautiful topiaries. The wooden-decked trail along the coastline is also a great place to have a walk. It’s a great place to enjoy the nature. You can relax sitting on the beach watching the waves break or go for a swim during the summer. You can also visit the pavilion located at the center of the Park, look over the sea of Hansando and forget about all the worries and stresses.
Useful Informations:
- Somaemuldo, Maejuk-ri, Hansan-myeon, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Use Taxy for 20 minutes from Tongyeong Bus Terminal and use Ferry boat to Somaemuido Island
- Ferry Information: 1 hour 30 minutes distance from Tongyeong to Somaemuido Island
- Round trip fee: 32.700 won / adults and 29.500 won / teenager
- +82-55-642-8515 (Korean only)
Ferry boat schedule (might change due to bad weather):
Tongyeong-> Somaemuldo:
Weekdays: 06.50, 10.50, 15.30
Weekends: 06.50, 09.00, 10.50, 12.30, 14.30
Somaemuldo-> Tongyeong:
Weekdays: 08.30, 12.35, 16.30
Weekends: 08.30, 10.30, 12.30, 14.00, 16.30
Jangsado sea park
Located in Hansan-myeon, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Jangsado Island is an island that is just 400 meters in width, and 1.9 kilometers in length, reaching an altitude of 108 meters with a total area of 390,131㎡. The island has approximately 100,000 trees, with numerous camellia trees and other varieties including silver magnolia. It also a home to beautiful fairy pitta birds, a natural monument, in addition to white eye birds. Local plants that represent Jangsado Island include aerides and dendrobium monile. The island’s name was previously Jamsado Island, derived from its long shape that resembles a silkworm (“jam” is a Chinese character that means “silkworm”). However, due to a translation error during the Japanese colonization, the name was changed to Jangsado Island.
Jangsado Island is beautiful year round, with hydrangeas blanketing the island in summer and camellias blooming in winter. In order to preserve the natural beauty, urbanization on the island is limited. The eco-friendly park has various sculptures and artistic pieces, and holds various performances take place at the outdoor performance hall which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.
Jangsado island is also the place for filming Korean Dramas “My Love From the Stars 2013,” “One Warm Word (2013),” “Uncontrollably Fond (2016)” and also Variety show “Running Man”.
Useful Informations:
- Address: 55, Jangsado-gil, Hansan-myeon, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Use Taxy for 20 minutes from Tongyeong Bus Terminal, and use Ferry to go to Jangsado Island
- Operation Hours: April – September 08.00-19.00 / October – March 08.00-17.00
- Close on the day before and at Seollal day
- Last admission 2 hours before close
- Fee Include Entrance ticket: 31.500/adult and 29.000/teenager
- Round trip takes 3 hours 20 minutes (including 2 hour in the island)
- +82-55-633-0362 (Korean only)
- +82-55-646-2307 (Korean only)
Ferry boat Schedule:
April – September 09.00-17.00
October -March 10.00-16.00
Close during bad weather
Yeonhwado Yongmeori
“Yeonhwado” means a lotus blossom on the sea. In fact, the island has the appearance of a lotus bud creating the rich cubic effect instead of smoothness. It is also a famous historical site where the legends of Admiral Yi Sun-shin, Reverend Yeonhwa, Reverend Samyeong, and Reverend Jaun were found to be true. Surrounded with spectacular rock formations and breathtaking cliffs, this island has more than its share of legends including Seonangdang (Shilliam) where the Reverend disciplined three priestesses and Jeollaeseok (round stone) that was respected as Buddha by priests. The striking appearance of Yongmeori (Dragon Head) is unforgettable.
Address: Yeonhwa-ri Yokji-myeon Tongyeong-si Gyeongnam
Saryangdo oknewbon
“Saryangdo”, meaning “Wriggling snake,” comes from its serpentine shape when viewed from overhead. In fact, many snakes have inhabited this island. Saryangdo is 20 km away from Tongyeong by ship and is composed of three inhabited islets and eight uninhabited islets.
The Upper Islets (Sangdo) face the Lower Islets (Hado) on the quiet sea. Geumpyeonghyang on the Upper Islet is connected along the Mt. Jiri, Gamabong and Oknnewbong and can be climbed. Mt. Jiri here is different from one where partisans lived before and after the Korean war. It was once named “Jirimangsan” because the Mt. Jiri in Jeolla Province can be seen in clear weather. Even though lower than Saryangdo’s highest Mt. Bulmo by 1 meter, Mt. Jiri in Saryangdo has attracted many climbers thanks to its name; however, the climbing path along the ridge of Okneobong (216M) through Mt. Bulmo (399m) to Mt. Jiri is not an easy trail.
Address: Geumpyeong-ri Saryang-myeon Tongyeong-si Gyeongnam
Nammangsan Park
Nammangsan Park (also called Chungmu Park) covers a wide area of the 80-meter high Mt. Nammang. Cherry and pine trees add to the area’s natural beauty.
The spectacular views of Hallyeosudo include the Turtle Lighthouse, Hansando, Haegapdo, and Jukdo to the southeast. In the summit of Mt. Jeonsunammang, where the technique for Lacquer Ware Inlaid With Mother of Pearl was cultivated, visitors can see the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-shin that was erected in June 1953. In the edge of the Park, don’t miss an opportunity to see Archery Center of Yeolmujeong where the government examination for military service was conducted twice a year.
Address: 230-1 Dongho-dong Tongyeong-si Gyeongnam
Phone: 055-648-8417
dongpirang and seopirang mural village
Dongpirang Village is situated on the hill above Joongang Market and is free to enter. This place is planned to be destroyed before, however the locals really against this and end up change this villages into beautiful mural street. Even though the arts here was made by beginner, however this place is really friendly for visitors. We can easily saw the love of the artist from the art they made here. Not just they show us beautiful love through arts on the wall in Dongpirang, Seopirang Village also offers us some sculpture and place to take a beautiful picture. More than that, this place offer you the beautiful view of Tongyeong.
Dongpirang Mural Village
Address: 6-18, Dongpirang 1-gil, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Please be polite in this place.
Phone: +82-55-650-0510 (Korean only)
Seopirang Mural Village
Address: 22, Chungnyeol-ro, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Please be polite in this place.
Phone: +82-55-650-0510 (Korean only)
Mount Mireuk
Due to the Buddhist custom of building temples in mountains, there are many mountains named “Mireuk” in Korea. Among these, the most famous are in Iksan, Jeonbuk, Ulleungdo, and here in Tongyeong.
People believe the future Buddha Mireukbul has come down to Mt. Mireuk.
The thickly forested mountainside blends beautifully with the ocean’s expansive splendor. In the distance is Daemado and the many islets of Hallyeosudo dotting the horizon. On the top of the mountain stands a tombstone with the epitaph “Typhoon! I will Protect Thee.” A prominent landmark is Monument 210 (Gyeongsangnam-do)Tongyeongmireuksanbongsudae or Beacon mound. The valley under the mountain functions as the first source of Tongyeong’s water service. Archeological excavation has revealed building lots and tile fragments (Giwa) on the flat ground behind the beacon mound. The tile fragments are stamped with a pattern believed to belong to the United Shilla period. These tiles and other artifacts attest to its importance as a site for rituals in both the United Shilla period and later during the Joseon Dynasty. The valley marks the origin of Tongyeong.
Useful Informations:
- Address: Bongpyeong-dong Tongyeong-si Gyeongnam
- Phone: +82-55-640-5371
tongyeong canal nightview
The 1,420-meter long, 55-meter wide Tongyeong Canal flows along the southern area of Tongyeong peninsula, with Mireukdo to one side. This canal is quite popular because of the Orient’s largest underwater tunnel located under it.
It is said that during the Battle of Hansan (Japanese Invasion of Joseon in 1592), as the canal became shallower during low tide and Japanese soldiers saw the soft clay, they decided to enlarge the waterway for retreat. This work caused the canal to be called Pandemok, meaning “dug waterway” and Sonjangmok, meaning “dying people” as a number of Japanese soldiers was attacked by the naval forces led by Admiral Yi Sun-shin and lost their life for all their efforts.
Useful Informations:
- Address: Misu-dong Tongyeong-si Gyeongnam
- Phone: +82-55-650-0580
Dal-a Park
Located in the middle of the 23 Km long Sanyang Ring Road, Dal-a Park offers Korea’s best sunset. “Dal-a” was named after the geographical feature resembling to the back tooth of elephant and also means “ideal place to enjoy seeing the moon”. Tongyeong citizens also call it as “Dal-e.” The ring road, known as camellia road to natives, offers visitors spectacular views of Dadohae (Multi-island Sea).
This place is really famous and good to enjoy sunset.
Useful Informations:
- Address: 1115, Sanyangilju-ro, Sanyang-eup, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Use Taxy for 27 minutes from Tongyeong Bus Terminal
- Phone: +82-55-650-4681 (Korean only)
Where to eat
Mystique lounge
If you plan to go to Dal-a Park, then you might as well go to this Mystique lounge to enjoy some food while enjoying the beautiful Tongyeong.
Useful Informations:
- Address: 1215-52, Sanyangilju-ro, Sanyang-eup, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Use taxy from Tongyeong Bus terminal for 20 minutes
- Opening Hours: 10.30-21.00
- Open whole year
- Signature Menu: Mille-feuille / Grapefruit Ade / Real Vanilla Latte
- Phone: +82-55-646-9046 (Korean only)
Cafe positives
Cafe Positives is located near by the Dongpirang and Seopirang Village, so if you had a plan to go there, make sure you come here just to enjoy some positivity and good vibes.
Useful Informations:
- Address: 6-33, Jungangsijang 4-gil, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Use Taxy from Tongyeong Bus terminal for 15 minutes
- Opening Hours: Weekdays 11.30 – 18.30 and Weekend 11.30 – 21.00, Close on Tuesday
- Signature Menu: Apple Cider / Berry Tiramisu / Sau Latte
- Phone: +82-55-642-3757 (Korean only)
Beoksudajji
Tongyeong is famous for its culture of “dajji,” where the restaurant prepares enough food to match the amount of alcohol ordered, a complete reversal of the standard format. Being surrounded by the sea, naturally, most of the dishes at Tongyeong restaurants include some type of seafood. To provide the freshest taste, the menu changes based on the seafood available in market that day.
Useful Informations:
- Address: 41-5, Dongchung 2-gil, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 통영시 동충2길 41-5)
- Take Bus No. 101, 141, 301, 401 or 530 from Tongyeong Bus Terminal to Culture Plaza Bus Stop and walk for approx. 8 min
- Opening Hours: 12:00-22:30 (break time 15:00-17:00)
* Closed Tuesdays - Price: 40,000 won per person
* Menu changes daily
* Orders start from 2 people
Local Food at Tongyeong Jungang Market
Tongyeong Jungang Market is also located near by the Dongpirang and Seopirang Village. While Cafe positives gives you good vibes, Tongyeong Jungang Market will give you the authenticity of Local street food.
Some of Tongyeong’s foods include Chungmu-style gimbap, uzza (noodles in udon broth and black bean sauce), honey bread, and ppaedaegi juk (porridge made from dried sweet potato). Chungmu-style gimbap is a simple take on the classic gimbap, with just white rice wrapped in seaweed; it goes great served with seokbakji (radish kimchi) and ojingeo eomuk muchim (spicy squid salad). Uzza, combining udon with jajangmyeon, offers a taste special to Tongyeong! If you’re looking for gifts to give out when you return home, Tongyeong honey bread is a great choice! The fried bun has a red bean filling and is coated in honey. All these local foods can be found around Tongyeong Jungang Market, so be sure to include a visit here in your itinerary!
Useful Informations:
- Address: 14-16, Jungangsijang 1-gil, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 통영시 중앙시장1길 14-16 (중앙동))
- Take Bus No. 101, 141, 301, 401 or 530 from Tongyeong Bus Terminal to Culture Plaza Bus Stop and walk for approx. 3 min
- Opening Hours: 08.30 – 21.30
- Phone: +82-55-649-5225
