Korea South Coast

Korea's island-dotted south coast running west from Busan: Tongyeong, Geoje, Yeosu, Suncheon Bay and Mokpo, with harbor towns and island scenery.

Korea's South Coast refers to the winding coastline and island-studded sea between Busan and Mokpo. The stretch from Tongyeong to Yeosu is called the "Hallyeo Waterway" by Korean tourism authorities, the country's most representative marine scenery, and has been developed into the east–west "Namhae Coast Road" long-distance trail and driving route. The eastern end is Busan, with Haeundae, Gamcheon Culture Village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Heading west is Tongyeong, called the "Naples of Korea" (cable car, Dongpirang mural village, Hallyeo Waterway viewpoints), and Geoje Island (Windmill Hill, Oedo Botania); further west is Yeosu, with its night sea and sea cable car, and nearby Suncheon Bay's wetland reeds and Suncheon Bay National Garden; the end point, Mokpo, is the gateway to the southwest, from which boats go to the islands of Dadohaehaesang National Park. Plan 5–7 days, moving from east to west by car or express bus; the islands around Namhae, Hallyeo and Dadohae mostly need a bridge or ferry. In spring you can stop to see the cherry blossoms in Jinhae, and in autumn the reeds of Suncheon Bay. The region is known for seafood, and Tongyeong oysters, Yeosu mustard-leaf kimchi and Mokpo octopus are worth trying.

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