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Tongyeong

Asia

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South Korea

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Tongyeong-si

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Nestled on the southern coast of South Korea, Tongyeong is a picturesque port city often referred to as the ""Naples of Korea."" With its mild maritime climate, the city enjoys warm summers and relatively mild winters, making it an appealing destination year-round. The coastal location creates stunning scenery where emerald islands dot the azure waters of the South Sea, forming a breathtaking archipelago landscape that changes with the seasons.

Tongyeong's culture is deeply rooted in its maritime heritage. As a former naval command post during the Joseon Dynasty, historical significance blends with the relaxed pace of modern fishing village life. Locals are known for their resilience and creativity, with a strong tradition in arts and crafts, particularly lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl, a craft that has been practiced here for centuries.

What makes Tongyeong truly special is its harmonious blend of natural beauty, artistic spirit, and seafood culture. The city is a haven for creative souls, having nurtured renowned artists and musicians including composer Yun Isang. This artistic heritage is evident in the colorful murals adorning the hillside neighborhoods and the annual Tongyeong International Music Festival that attracts classical music enthusiasts from around the world.

Food lovers will delight in Tongyeong's extraordinary seafood cuisine. Don't miss trying honghap bap (rice with mussels), a local specialty where steamed mussels are served with a spicy sauce over rice, or the incredibly fresh raw fish at Jungang Market. The city's signature honey bread, part pastry and part bread with a sticky sweet glaze, makes for a perfect afternoon treat while exploring the harbor.

For first-time visitors, climbing Mireuksan Mountain via cable car offers panoramic views of the scattered islands that will leave you breathless. The vibrant Dongpirang Village, with its colorful murals painted across hillside homes, provides the perfect Instagram backdrop while telling stories of local history and culture. And no visit would be complete without taking a ferry to Hansando Island, where you can dive into Korean naval history at Admiral Yi Sun-sin's former command post while enjoying pristine beaches and hiking trails.

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Travel Tips for Tongyeong

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Tongyeong

A guide to Tongyeong's local transportation

Ferry

Walking

Taxis & Rideshare

Bus

Rental Cars & Scooters

"Ferry

Car Rental

Taxi

Cable Car

City Bus

Walking

Due to its coastal location, ferries are a great transportation option for exploring the islands around Tongyeong or reaching beach attractions that are only accessible by ferry. The ferry ticket price in Tongyeong is around ₩1,680 for the trip from Tongyeong to Bijindo.

Practical Tips for Tongyeong

Things to prepare and best way to visit

How do I get to Tongyeong from Seoul?

From Seoul, take an express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Tongyeong Bus Terminal (approximately 4 hours). Alternatively, take the KTX high-speed train to Jinju or Busan, then transfer to a local bus to Tongyeong. There's no direct train service to Tongyeong itself. If you prefer more comfort, domestic flights connect Seoul's Gimpo Airport to Sacheon Airport, followed by a 40-minute taxi ride to Tongyeong.

Which islands near Tongyeong are worth visiting?

Hansando is historically significant as Admiral Yi Sun-sin's naval base with beautiful hiking trails. Somaemuldo features dramatic coastal landscapes and the famous ""Elephant Rock"" formation. Bijindo offers pristine beaches and clear waters ideal for swimming. For a unique experience, visit Jangsado Sea Park with its botanical gardens. Check ferry schedules carefully as they vary seasonally, and some smaller islands have limited daily connections.

What are the must-try foods in Tongyeong?

Seafood dominates Tongyeong's cuisine, with standouts including honghap bap (mussel rice), miyeok guk (seaweed soup), and chungmu gimbap (seaweed rice rolls served with spicy squid and radish). The Jungang Fish Market offers the freshest sashimi experience, where you can select live seafood and have it prepared on the spot. Don't miss Tongyeong honey bread, a sweet local pastry perfect with coffee while overlooking the harbor.

Are there any cultural etiquette tips I should know when visiting Tongyeong?

Remove your shoes when entering homes, temples, and some traditional restaurants. When dining, wait for elders to begin eating before you start, and never stick chopsticks upright in rice. At seafood markets, avoid touching fish or seafood you don't intend to buy. If visiting Buddhist temples like Yonghwasa, dress modestly covering shoulders and knees. Locals appreciate even simple Korean greetings like ""annyeonghaseyo"" (hello) and ""kamsahamnida"" (thank you) as signs of respect."

How much time should I allocate for Tongyeong?

A minimum of two full days allows you to explore the city's highlights and take a day trip to one nearby island. For a more relaxed experience that includes multiple islands, hiking opportunities, and cultural immersion, 3-4 days is ideal. If you're interested in attending the Tongyeong International Music Festival in spring, plan your visit around the event dates and book accommodation well in advance.