9 Things to Do in Yeosu on a Small Budget

You don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy your time in Yeosu. Make memories with panoramic views and beautiful murals as you explore the hills and villages. The epic views will set the mood and leave you in awe. Hiking is one of the great joys of the area, and it doesn’t cost you a thing in many places.

Springtime brings a riot of color with spectacular azaleas and cherry blossoms bursting into bloom in the mountain ridge. There are also plenty of amenities for those who want to enjoy a bit of casual fishing.

1. Dolsan Park

Lush park with epic views

Good for: Couples, Adventure, Single, Group

Dolsan Park is your best bet for a panoramic view of Yeosu in its full glory at a glance. The park is situated at the entrance to Dolsan Island off the coast of Yeosu and is considered a must-see destination. The best views of the city can be had at night when Dolsan Bridge and Yeosu Port are fully lit.

Dolsan Park is also home to a marine aerial cableway that will take you over the sea to Jasan Park. It takes about 15 minutes to cross, and you can sit back and savor bird’s-eye views of the surrounding sea, Yeosu, Janggundo, Geobukseon Bridge, and Hamel Lighthouse.

Location: 산1 Udu-ri, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

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2. Yeongchwisan

Rolling mountains and valleys covered in colorful blooms

Good for: Couples, Families, Budget, Group

Mt. Yeongchwi in Yeosu is one of the country’s top spots for viewing azaleas. So much so, in fact, that azalea festivals are held when the flowers are in bloom. The blossoms blanket the mountains at certain times of year.

The mountain can be hiked via a variety of courses according to your skill level, and when you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Yeosu and the surrounding sea, as well as the azaleas and cherry blossoms. For something a little different, wait until sunset to discover a dazzling display of lights put on by the factories at Yeosu Industrial Complex and the reflecting Yeosu sea.

Location: Jungheung-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

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3. Sky Tower Observation Deck

A music playing tower with incredible views

Good for: Couples, Families, Budget, Group

The Sky Tower Observation Deck is a symbol of Yeosu EXPO Ocean Park along with Big-O Show. This structure, which plays the sounds of a pipe organ 5 times a day from spring to autumn, was originally a cement silo for Dongyang Cement.

It was remodeled after the Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea was held and transformed into the observatory that you see today. Nothing obstructs your view from the observatory, so you can really appreciate the vista featuring all of Yeosu’s top tourist spots.

Location: International Pavilion, 1 Bangnamhoe-gil, Deokchung-dong, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

Open: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm

4. Hamel Lighthouse

Picturesque red lighthouse

Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife, Group

Hamel Lighthouse is an unmanned lighthouse built to commemorate the return of Hendrick Hamel, famous for his Journal, to his home country. The red lighthouse, contrasting against the wide blue of the sea and the sky, gives a romantic atmosphere that couples love.

The nearby Hamel Pavilion is open to the public with no entrance fee, and you can learn historical facts about Hamel’s drifting. Also, at night, the lighthouse and Geobukseon Bridge are lit up and really shine, so you can enjoy a beautiful night-time view.

Location: Jonghwa-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

5. Reverend Son Yangwon Martyr Memorial Hall

Fascinating tribute to a beloved Korean martyr

Good for: History, Budget

Reverend Son Yangwon Martyr Memorial Hall offers a thought-provoking insight into the life of the iconic religious leader after which it is named. Born in 1902, Christian pastor Son Yangwon became an iconic figure during Korea’s struggle for independence from Japanese occupation and later in the Korean War.

The Memorial Hall was built in 1994 to commemorate his legacy following his untimely demise at the hands of North Korean soldiers in 1950. The hall is home to an intriguing collection of artifacts and keepsakes honoring Son, including an array of photos, books, calligraphy, and artwork. Though poignant, the elegant architecture and striking stained-glass dome add an air of peaceful reflection to this most historic site.

Location: 70-62 Sandol-gil, Yulchon-myeon, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

Phone: +82 (0)61-682-9534

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6. Kukdong Waterfront Park

Fishing and food by the waterside

Good for: Couples, Families, Budget, Group

Kukdong Waterfront Park is a well-furnished fishing spot and is characterized by many people setting up chairs or tents along the beach and casting their fishing rods. You can enjoy fishing without a lot of preparation as fishing supplies are available at a nearby hypermarket.

When you’ve waited long enough and are hungry, you can order food from a nearby store and eat it. The unique experience of fishing in an urban park can only be found here, so be sure to visit if you’re into fishing.

Location: Bongsan-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

7. Opodae

Historic tower with viewing platform

Good for: Couples, Families, Budget, Group

Opodae was once a tower where an opo (lit. “midday cannon”) was shot at exactly midday to indicate the time. During the period of Japanese occupation, it was also used to signal emergencies. Opodae is an example of these types of towers that still remains in excellent condition.

The iron staircase within has corroded and been demolished, but there is an observatory where you can get a nice view of Dolsan Park and the coast of Yeosu. If you want to check out Angel Mural Village, famous for its angel wing murals, Opodae makes the perfect starting point.

Location: 8 Goso 6-gil, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

8. Jongpo Marine Park

Seascapes in the bustling heart of Yeosu

Good for: Couples, Adventure, Single, Group

Jongpo Marine Park is a park built along the coast by Yi Sun Shin Square in downtown Yeosu. Yi Sun Shin Square can be found to the west, and Hamel Lighthouse can be found to the southeast. There’s nothing better than taking a walk in the park to fully appreciate Yeosu’s seascape. From this park. you can view Yeosu sea, Dolsan Bridge, Janggundo Island, Tortoiseon Bridge, and the marine aerial cableway at a glance.

Yeosu is a city of lights that really comes alive at night. Yeosu Street Food Market is a famous night-time hot spot that’s filled with people enjoying the Yeosu sea at night.

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9. Bangjukpo Beach

Family-friendly beach with shade and shallows

Good for: Couples, Adventure, Single, Group

Bangjukpo Beach is a small, cozy beach located at the southeastern tip of Dolsan-do. The water is shallow, and the seafloor slopes gently, making it an ideal beach for families with children. An old pine forest can be found behind the sandy beach, providing cool shade to those seeking respite.

The surrounding scenery is picturesque all throughout the year, so you should be in for a treat no matter the season. The coastal road from Bangjukpo to Impo, where the temple Hyangilam is located, is also quite scenic, and a trekking path was completed recently along the coast of the Yeosu estuary for those seeking something a bit slower-paced.

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