Tongyeong

Tongyeong is a historical port city in South Gyeongsang. It is known throughout Korea for its picturesque harbor, a coastal city consisting of 192 islands that is full of exotic things to enjoy.

Understand
Tongyeong is was home to 125,000 people in 2021. It used to be known as Chungmu, after the posthumous name of Yi Sun-sin, a naval commander of the Joseon Dynasty famed for his victories during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598). The name Tongyeong means 'command post' and is also associated with Admiral Yi, as it refers to his principal base that was on nearby Hansan Island.

Tongyeong City is a multifunctional city, inside the central agricultural district and southern port cities of Goseong peninsula and fishing villages of islands. The jagged coastline and gentle tides bless this city with bountiful harvests of fish and other marine products. The calm and beautiful islet-dotted waterway from Hansan Island to Yeosu is called Hallyeosudo.

By car or bus

 * The Busan-Geoje direct expressway link has made access by express bus and car significantly faster and easier (1 hr 30 min)
 * Tongyeong ↔ Seoul Nambu (Nonstop) is available (fare: Nonstop ₩24,600, Midnight Nonstop Bus ₩27,100, duration: 4 hr 10 min)
 * Tongyeong ↔ Seoul Gyungbu-line (Express) is available (fare: Express Bus ₩21,800, Deluxe ₩32,400, Midnight Deluxe Bus ₩35,600, duration: 4 hr 10 min)
 * Tongyeong ↔ Daejeon, Tongyeong ↔ Gwangju, Tongyeong ↔ Daegu, Tongyeong ↔ Busan, Tongyeong ↔Masan, Tongyeong ↔Jinju is available

By plane

 * Gimhae International Airport is the closest airport, about 60 minutes' drive away.
 * Gimhae International Airport (PUS IATA) offering flights to many international destinations such as China, Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo), Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and domestic routes to Seoul Incheon International Airport, Seoul Gimpo and Jeju.
 * Sacheon airport (Jinju/National) is also close to Tongyeong, about 44 minutes' drive away. Sacheon airport offering flights to Gimpo and Jeju island.
 * There are other options getting to Tongyeong from Gimpo International Airport, including train (KTX), Express bus, local buses and taxies.

By train

 * Tongyeong is not connected directly on the Korean rail network and travelers can travel to Tongyeong by bus or car after using the nearest train station, Jinju Station. KTX trains connect Jinju to Seoul take times around 3 hr 30 min. Tickets can be purchased at the counter or on Korail website.

By ship

 * Travelers who want to visit various islands in Tongyeong should use Passenger terminal. There are various terminals (such as Tongyeong port passenger ship terminal, Sarryangdo passenger terminal, Yokjido passenger terminal, etc.), each with a different location, so it is important to know the location and time in advance. Don't forget to take your passport before you arrive.

By bus

 * Bus fares are ₩1,500 (₩1,450 for bus card/T-money, Cashbee, Hararo-card, etc.) for local buses and it allows you to use one free of charge if you transfer within 30 minutes of getting off at any city bus stop (excluding cash) (June 2023).

By taxi

 * The basic fare for regular taxis is ₩4,000, with a surcharge of ₩100 applied according to time and distance (June 2023).

By foot

 * Most Tongyeong tourist attractions are within walking distance, starting with Gangguan. Therefore, it is highly recommended to travel on foot except for the island movement.



See

 * Nammangsan Sculpture Park displays sculptures by international artists in front of the blue sea and among the green trees and grass.
 * Hansando Island One of the remarkable histories that stands comparison with the Admiral Yi Sun-sin's destruction of the Japanese invaders at the Hansan.
 * Sebyeonggwan This building whose ancient character attracts visitors all year-round was completed on July 14, 1605, moved the Admiralty to Turyong Port.
 * Jangsado Sea Park Jangsado Sea Park, which is famous as a filming location for the globally popular TV shows “Running Man” and “My Love from the Star,” offers a beautiful garden surrounded by the magnificent sea where camelias and hydrangeas are in full bloom by season.
 * Nammangsan Sculpture Park displays sculptures by international artists in front of the blue sea and among the green trees and grass.
 * Hansando Island One of the remarkable histories that stands comparison with the Admiral Yi Sun-sin's destruction of the Japanese invaders at the Hansan.
 * Sebyeonggwan This building whose ancient character attracts visitors all year-round was completed on July 14, 1605, moved the Admiralty to Turyong Port.
 * Jangsado Sea Park Jangsado Sea Park, which is famous as a filming location for the globally popular TV shows “Running Man” and “My Love from the Star,” offers a beautiful garden surrounded by the magnificent sea where camelias and hydrangeas are in full bloom by season.
 * Jangsado Sea Park Jangsado Sea Park, which is famous as a filming location for the globally popular TV shows “Running Man” and “My Love from the Star,” offers a beautiful garden surrounded by the magnificent sea where camelias and hydrangeas are in full bloom by season.
 * Jangsado Sea Park Jangsado Sea Park, which is famous as a filming location for the globally popular TV shows “Running Man” and “My Love from the Star,” offers a beautiful garden surrounded by the magnificent sea where camelias and hydrangeas are in full bloom by season.
 * Jangsado Sea Park Jangsado Sea Park, which is famous as a filming location for the globally popular TV shows “Running Man” and “My Love from the Star,” offers a beautiful garden surrounded by the magnificent sea where camelias and hydrangeas are in full bloom by season.
 * Jangsado Sea Park Jangsado Sea Park, which is famous as a filming location for the globally popular TV shows “Running Man” and “My Love from the Star,” offers a beautiful garden surrounded by the magnificent sea where camelias and hydrangeas are in full bloom by season.
 * Jangsado Sea Park Jangsado Sea Park, which is famous as a filming location for the globally popular TV shows “Running Man” and “My Love from the Star,” offers a beautiful garden surrounded by the magnificent sea where camelias and hydrangeas are in full bloom by season.
 * Jangsado Sea Park Jangsado Sea Park, which is famous as a filming location for the globally popular TV shows “Running Man” and “My Love from the Star,” offers a beautiful garden surrounded by the magnificent sea where camelias and hydrangeas are in full bloom by season.

Festivals

 * Tongyeong Hansan Great Battle Festival The Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival is Tongyeong's representative festival, which is usually held in August, and the festival commemorates the establishment of Hansan Battle and Hansan Island Control Center and commemorates Admiral Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin's spirit of saving the country.
 * Tongyeong Hansan Great Battle Festival The Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival is Tongyeong's representative festival, which is usually held in August, and the festival commemorates the establishment of Hansan Battle and Hansan Island Control Center and commemorates Admiral Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin's spirit of saving the country.
 * Tongyeong Hansan Great Battle Festival The Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival is Tongyeong's representative festival, which is usually held in August, and the festival commemorates the establishment of Hansan Battle and Hansan Island Control Center and commemorates Admiral Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin's spirit of saving the country.

Eat

 * Chungmu Gimbap Tongyeong is famous for Chungmu Gimbap (충무김밥), a type of gimbap accompanied by spicy sauce made from baby octopus.
 * Oyster dishes (굴 정식) At around USD 20, you can enjoy a variety of oyster dishes, such as seasoned fresh oysters, steamed oysters, and deep-fried oysters.
 * Kkullbbang (꿀빵) Kkullbbang is Tongyeong's signature snack which is honey-coated donut with sweet red bean filling. You can find Kkullbbang store anyway in Joongang market and Gangguan area.
 * Ujja (우짜) Ujja is Tongyeong's special noodle dish with jajang sauce poured into udon noodles.
 * In addition, as a port city, Tongyeong can easily find seafood soup (해물탕), blowfish soup (복국), raw fish (회/sasimi), and grilled fish (생선 구이) restaurants with fresh seafood ingredients.

Liquor

 * Dachi Tongyeong’s unique drinking culture. When you order liquor in a Dajji restaurant, you will be served with an assortment of food selected by the chef. Usually, the menu consists of fresh seafood from Tongyeong. Dachi is also said to be a fisherman's liquor table because it was developed from the alcohol culture that fishermen who endured hard sailing enjoyed.
 * Recently, you can find various bars such as wine bar, rooftop bar, and handmade beer.

Coffee

 * There are many cafes where you can see the harbor view or have a pretty interior near Gangguan and Dongpirang areas. In addition, you can also find many cafes in the Misu-dong area where you can see the views of Tongyeong Canal and Chungmugyo Bridge.

Budget

 * 1-4 star hotels (including business style) are available in Tongyeong. The hotels there usually offer ocean view, but be prepared to pay extra for the ocean view.
 * You can find a variety of accommodation for backpackers including guesthouse, especially near Gangguan port. You can hang out with travelers and get high-quality information about real spot in Tongyeong.
 * You can find a variety of accommodation for backpackers including guesthouse, especially near Gangguan port. You can hang out with travelers and get high-quality information about real spot in Tongyeong.

Mid-range

 * All sorts of "Pension (Korean style accommodation.)" can be found throughout the city. Especially, it is located outside where you can see the sea rather than downtown and it offers a spacious room, an ocean view, and sometimes a swimming pool. Prices range from ₩80,000 to ₩300,000 depending on the facility and view.

Connect

 * Tourist Information Center +82 55 650 0580, 2570
 * Tongyeong Express bus Terminal 1688-0017
 * Tongyeong port passenger ship Terminal 1666-0960
 * Police +112
 * Fire Department +119

Go next

 * Geoje island is a short bus journey away
 * Busan is South Korea's second city, and is a direct 90-minute journey by bus
 * Visit Somaemuldo, one hour away by boat