Tongyeong & Geoje

Dubbed the “Naples of Korea,” this south-coast harbour region offers the Dongpirang mural village, the Hallyeosudo cable car and the Oedo botanical island — seafood and sea views all in one trip.

Tongyeong (통영) and Geoje (거제) lie midway along the south coast of Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. The two cities are linked by Tongyeong Bridge and Sin-Geoje Bridge and surrounded by the island-studded Hallyeosudo waterway, part of Hallyeohaesang National Park. Tongyeong, known as the “Naples of Korea,” was the seat of the Joseon Dynasty’s Samdo Sugun Tongjeyeong (Three-Province Naval Command) and is closely tied to Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who fought the Japanese invaders (nearby Hansando was the site of the 1592 Battle of Hansan Island). It is also the hometown of composer Isang Yun and novelist Park Kyong-ni, giving this small port a strong artistic flavour, and it is famous for oysters, Chungmu gimbap and honey bread (kkulppang). Geoje is Korea’s second-largest island, with a rugged southeastern coastline home to sea-view spots such as Oedo Botania, Windy Hill and Hakdong Black Pebble Beach; it is also a major shipbuilding centre, and the north of the island preserves the site of a Korean War POW camp. Areas to explore: downtown Tongyeong (Dongpirang Mural Village, Jungang Market and Sebyeonggwan, all within walking distance), the Mireuksan cable car and Luge area, and Hansando (about 25 minutes by ferry); and Geoje’s southern coast (Windy Hill, Hakdong Beach and boats to Oedo). The best season is Apr–Oct: camellias and cherry blossoms in spring, beach swimming in summer, clear skies in autumn; winters are windy, but Tongyeong’s oysters are at their plumpest (Nov–Feb). Getting there: long-distance buses from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal take about 4–4.5 hours to Tongyeong, and about 1.5–2 hours from Busan’s Seobu Intercity Bus Terminal; from Busan it’s about 1 hour to Geoje via the Geoga Bridge. City buses run between the two, but sights are scattered, so driving or hiring a car with driver is more efficient. Allow 2–3 days. Note: ferries to Oedo and other outlying islands are often cancelled due to wind and waves, so build in spare time. South Korea currently offers a phased visa exemption for Chinese tour groups, while independent Chinese travellers still need a visa — check the latest notices from the Korean embassy and consulates in China.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries