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Illustration: Yeosu
Jeollanam-do · south coast

Yeosu 여수

A sea that glows at night

4 places3 local dishes

Why go

Yeosu is famous in Korea for its sea at night, with lit bridges and lights mirrored on the bay. A well known song made it even more popular. By day there are camellia islands, cliffside temples and generous southern food. In 2012 it hosted an International Exposition.

Getting there

KTX from Yongsan Station to Yeosu EXPO Station (여수엑스포역, Yeosu Expo-yeok), approx. 3 hours. The station is close to the former Expo site and Odongdo Island.

Travel times are approximate. Verified in October 2026.

What to see

  1. Odongdo Island

    오동도 Odongdo

    An island covered in camellias, linked to the mainland by a 768 meter breakwater you can walk in about 15 minutes or ride in a little train. More than 3,000 camellia trees start blooming in January and peak in March.

  2. Dolsan Park

    돌산공원 Dolsan Gongwon

    A lookout on Dolsan Island with one of the best night views of Dolsan Bridge and the harbor. A cable car over the sea, the first of its kind in Korea, links it with Jasan Park on the other side.

  3. Hyangiram Hermitage

    향일암 Hyangiram

    A small Buddhist temple clinging to a cliff at the tip of Dolsan Island, famous for sunrises over the sea. On the way up you squeeze between huge rocks that form natural passages.

  4. Expo 2012 Site

    여수세계박람회장 Yeosu Segye Bangnamhoejang

    The former grounds of the 2012 International Exposition, right by the sea. Today it is a waterfront park for strolling, with exhibition spaces, shows and an aquarium.

What to eat

  1. Dolsan mustard leaf kimchi

    돌산 갓김치 Dolsan gat-kimchi

    Kimchi made with mustard greens from Dolsan Island, grown in its mild sea climate. They are softer, less fibrous and less pungent than other mustard greens, and the kimchi is slow to turn sour. It has an aroma all its own.

  2. Marinated crab with rice

    게장백반 gejang baekban

    Raw crab marinated in soy sauce or spicy sauce, served with rice and many side dishes. Koreans call it a rice thief, because it makes you eat more rice than you planned.

  3. Seodae-hoe Sole fish salad

    서대회 seodae-hoe

    Raw sole mixed with vegetables in a sweet and sour chili sauce made with makgeolli (막걸리, makgeolli) rice wine vinegar. A signature dish of Yeosu.

Best time to go

Summer and autumn nights are perfect for a seaside walk. For Odongdo's camellias, go between January and March. On January 1 many people head to Hyangiram to see the first sunrise of the year.

Tip

Get to Dolsan Park an hour before dark: you will catch the sunset and then watch the harbor lights come on. Weekends fill up, so book your stay early.

Sources