Things To Do
in Yeosu
Yeosu is a picturesque coastal city located in South Korea's South Jeolla Province, known for its stunning natural scenery and rich maritime heritage. The city gained international fame as the host of the 2012 Yeosu World Expo, which focused on the theme of sustainable development and the ocean. Yeosu boasts beautiful beaches, scenic islands, and attractions such as the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car and the historic Hyangiram Hermitage.
With its vibrant culture, delicious seafood, and numerous festivals, Yeosu is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
- "안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida)" - Thank you
- "실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)" - Excuse me
- "죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)" - I'm sorry
- "얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?)" - How much is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Yi Sun-sin Plaza, where you can enjoy the beautiful waterfront views. After exploring the plaza, take a stroll to the nearby Yeosu Maritime Cable Car for stunning views of the coastline.
Enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant, savoring some of Yeosu's renowned fresh catches. Spend your afternoon at Odongdo Island, known for its scenic walking paths and camellia trees.
As the sun sets, head to the Yeosu Expo Ocean Park to relax by the water. End your day with a delicious dinner at a charming cafe overlooking the bay.
Enjoy breakfast at a seaside cafe before heading to Hyangiram Hermitage, a serene spot with temple views. Spend some quiet time appreciating the natural beauty surrounding this historic site.
After lunch, relax on the sandy shores of Manseongni Beach and take a dip in the refreshing waters. Engage in water sports or simply soak up the sun.
As evening approaches, enjoy a beachfront dinner with views of the ocean. Consider taking a night stroll on the beach to savor the peaceful atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and beaches
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites
- Delicious local seafood cuisine
- Mild climate, ideal for outdoor activities
- Access to Yeosu Expo and various festivals
- Limited public transportation options
- Higher cost of living during tourist season
- Potential for overcrowding in popular areas
- Seasonal weather variations may deter some visitors
- Language barrier for non-Korean speakers
Best Activities in Yeosu
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience stunning views of the Yeosu coastline and islands while riding the longest maritime cable car in Korea. It's a perfect outdoor activity for families and couples.
Visit Odongdo Island, known for its beautiful camellia flowers, walking trails, and scenic views. The island is accessible by a walking path from the mainland and is ideal for leisurely strolls.
Explore the spacious Yeosu Expo Ocean Park, which offers seaside walking paths, beautiful gardens, and water activities. It's a great spot for picnics, sightseeing, and enjoying the fresh sea air.
Hike to Hyangiram Hermitage, a serene temple located on a cliff with breathtaking views of the ocean. The hike offers both natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Enjoy a day at Yeosu Beach and visit the nearby aquarium. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports, while the aquarium features diverse marine life.
Take a walk or have a picnic in Dolsan Park, which offers picturesque views of the Dolsan Bridge and the surrounding sea. It's a peaceful environment for relaxation and enjoying nature.
Tours
Uncover the best of Yeosu with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Yeosu
Visit one of these nice places.
An ancient temple located on a cliff, offering panoramic views of the coastline and nearby islands, especially beautiful at sunrise.
A scenic park that features walking trails, beautiful gardens, and stunning viewpoints overlooking the Dolsan Bridge and the sea.
A historical replica of the Korean turtle ship with excellent views of the harbor and the surrounding area, perfect for unique photo opportunities.
Rides high above the city, offering breathtaking aerial views of Yeosu's coastline, islands, and the vibrant cityscape.
A serene beach known for its clear waters and stunning sunsets, providing a picturesque backdrop for photography.
Famous for its walking trails lined with camellia flowers, the island offers stunning ocean views and photo spots throughout the year.
Features impressive sculptures and installations, along with views of the harbor and the expo buildings, ideal for capturing modern art against a scenic backdrop.
Located on a hilltop, this bar provides excellent sunset views over the city and the sea, making it a perfect spot for evening photography.
Food in Yeosu
Yeosu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A famous Korean dish made from steamed pig's intestines stuffed with various ingredients. In Yeosu, you can try this delicacy at local street food stalls like the Yeosu Fish Market.
Must-Try!
A local specialty featuring a variety of shellfish such as clams, scallops, and abalone, grilled to perfection. Visit one of the coastal restaurants along Dolsan Bridge for the freshest experience.
A twist on the traditional bibimbap, made with an array of fresh seafood and mixed with vegetables and spicy gochujang sauce. You can find this dish at local eateries near the port.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Yeosu better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can sample a variety of fresh seafood and local dishes. Don't miss the opportunity to try raw fish, grilled options, and local delicacies, all prepared right in front of you.
A vibrant night market offering a plethora of street food options such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and odeng (fish cakes), alongside local beers and seasonal treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Korean culture places a strong emphasis on politeness and respect. When meeting someone, it is customary to bow slightly as a greeting. Use formal language and titles unless you know the person well.
When dining, wait for the eldest person at the table to start eating before you begin your meal. It's also polite to pour drinks for others rather than yourself, and to use both hands when receiving or giving items.
It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home. Be sure to follow this practice in private residences, and in some traditional restaurants or guesthouses that may also have this norm.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Yeosu with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Yeosu
Ensure a smooth experience
In Yeosu, Korea, tipping is generally not a customary practice. Most restaurants and service providers do not expect tips, as service charges are often included in the bill. However, rounding up the bill or leaving small change for exceptional service may be appreciated but is not obligatory.
Payment in Yeosu is commonly made using cash and credit cards. Many establishments, including restaurants, cafes, and shops, accept credit cards. Mobile payment methods such as Kakao Pay and Naver Pay are also gaining popularity, making transactions convenient for locals and visitors alike. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors or street food stalls that may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Yeosu.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring in Yeosu (March to May) is characterized by mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and festivals like the Yeosu Cherry Blossom Festival. Expect temperatures to range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
Summer (June to August) in Yeosu is hot and humid, with temperatures frequently exceeding 30°C (86°F). It's a great time for beach activities and enjoying the coastal scenery, although be prepared for occasional rain and thunderstorms.
Autumn (September to November) offers cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage. Temperatures typically range from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), making it perfect for hiking and exploring the countryside during this scenic time.
Winter (December to February) in Yeosu is chilly, with temperatures often dropping to around 0°C (32°F). While snow is rare, it’s a quieter time to visit, offering unique cultural experiences and winter festivals, along with stunning coastal views.
Yeosu at Night
Hiking in Yeosu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Bongam Mountain offers a beautiful hiking trail with scenic views of Yeosu and the surrounding coastline. The trail is well-marked and suitable for hikers of all levels.
Located on Dolsan Island, this park features picturesque hiking trails along with stunning views of the ocean and Yeosu Bridge. It's a great spot for a leisurely hike and enjoying nature.
This hiking trail leads to a historic hermitage with breathtaking ocean views. The path is tranquil, surrounded by lush greenery, making it a peaceful hiking experience.
This trail offers a chance to explore the natural beauty of Joseon Island, featuring both coastal and forested hiking paths. The area is rich in flora and fauna, perfect for nature lovers.
Cheongun Mountain provides a challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views of Yeosu. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the steep paths and the serene environment.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Yeosu through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Yeosu by plane.
Located approximately 112 km from Yeosu, Gwangju Airport is the nearest international airport that offers domestic and limited international flights.
Situated about 114 km away from Yeosu, Muan International Airport serves various domestic flights and some international routes.
Located around 380 km from Yeosu, Kimhae International Airport in Busan is a major international gateway with numerous international flights.
About 450 km from Yeosu, Incheon International Airport is South Korea's main airport offering a wide range of international flights.
Approximately 430 km from Yeosu, Jeju International Airport serves both domestic and international flights to and from Jeju Island.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Yeosu, South Korea, comprising the majority of the population.
Includes expatriates and immigrants from various countries living and working in Yeosu.
Children and adolescents making up a significant portion of the demographic structure in Yeosu.
The segment of the population that is typically employed or seeking employment, critical for the local economy.
The aging population, which is increasing in numbers and becoming an important demographic in Yeosu.
The Soul of Yeosu
Discover the essence of Yeosu through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Yeosu is known for its rich marine resources, making fishing a popular activity among locals and tourists.
Baseball is widely followed and played in Korea, with many amateur and professional teams in the Yeosu area.
Soccer enjoys a large following in Yeosu, with local clubs and schools actively participating in the sport.
The scenic coastal routes in Yeosu make cycling a popular recreational activity for both residents and visitors.
With its beautiful beaches and warm waters, swimming is a favored sport for residents during the summer months.
The coastal location of Yeosu offers opportunities for various water sports like kayaking, sailing, and jet skiing.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yeosu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Yeosu is known for seafood, you can find vegetarian options at various cafes and some restaurants that offer bibimbap without meat and vegetable side dishes.
Vegan food might be limited, but many places can modify dishes to suit vegan diets; don't hesitate to ask for no fish sauce or to remove any meat.
Gluten-free options may be scarce, especially in traditional dishes that often include soy sauce or marinated ingredients. However, fresh seafood and certain vegetable dishes can offer a safe choice.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Yeosu with these cultural adventures.
