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Illustration: Tongyeong
Gyeongsangnam-do · south coast

Tongyeong 통영

A harbor, islands and hillside murals

4 places2 local dishes

Why go

Tongyeong is a harbor surrounded by green islands on a very calm sea. Its name comes from the naval headquarters of three provinces that operated here from the early 17th century until 1895. Today it is a town of fishermen, artists and fresh seafood, oysters above all.

Getting there

Express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Nambu Terminal to Tongyeong's bus terminal, approx. 4 hours 10 minutes. Tongyeong has no train station, so the bus is the most practical option.

Travel times are approximate. Verified in October 2026.

What to see

  1. Gangguan Harbor

    강구안 Gangguan

    The heart of the harbor, once the old naval port. Along the waterfront you can see replicas of turtle ships (거북선, geobukseon), the armored warships of the Joseon era.

  2. Dongpirang Mural Village

    동피랑 벽화마을 Dongpirang Byeokhwa Maeul

    A hillside neighborhood behind the central market. In 2007 it was set to be demolished, but a mural contest filled it with color and visitors saved it. From the top you see the whole harbor. People live here, so keep your voice down.

  3. Tongyeong Cable Car

    통영 케이블카 Tongyeong Keibeulka

    A 1,975 meter cable car up Mount Mireuksan. On clear days the top looks over the island-dotted Hallyeosu waters, where Admiral Yi Sun-sin won the great Battle of Hansan in 1592.

  4. Tongyeong Central Market

    통영중앙시장 Tongyeong Jungang Sijang

    Facing Gangguan Harbor, full of fish and seafood fresh from the boats. One of the liveliest places in town.

What to eat

  1. Chungmu gimbap Plain rice rolls

    충무김밥 Chungmu gimbap

    Small rolls of rice and seaweed with no filling, served with radish kimchi and spicy squid on the side. Without filling, the rice stays fresh longer. Chungmu is the city's former name.

  2. Tongyeong oysters

    굴요리 gul yori

    Tongyeong is famous for its oysters. In season you find them raw, grilled, steamed, in soup or cooked with rice.

Best time to go

November to February for oysters, and March to May for island hopping in good weather.

Tip

Ferries leave the ferry terminal for islands such as Hansando (한산도, Hansando), where Admiral Yi Sun-sin had his base. Check the marine forecast, since strong winds cancel sailings.

Sources