5 Best Islands in Tongyeong

Yokjido Island, famous for sliced raw mackerel (godeungeo hoe), has an abundant fishery and active laver and oyster farming. It can be reached by boat from Samdeokhang Port in Tongyeong in about an hour. When you arrive at Yokjido Pier, you can take the village bus that circles the coastal road. Yokjido's sliced raw mackerel is famous because the mackerel are sourced from the farms on the island. Enjoy fresh fish taken directly from the farm. Braised mackerel (godeungeo jorim) is also a delicacy.

On Yokjido Island, stop by Hanyang Sikdang to enjoy some spicy seafood noodle soup (haesanmul jjamppong). It is said that this restaurant gets crowded to the point of having to stand in a queue on weekends. Please note, however, that it is only open until lunch. Go for a walk while looking at the sea on Bireonggil Trail. You can also see the suspension bridge and Pelican Rock.

Hansando Island is an island that houses Jeseungdang Hall, where Admiral Yi Sun-sin lived for three years and eight months. You can reach Hansando by taking a cruise ship from the Tongyeong Passenger Terminal, located approx. 2 km away. Among the 29 islands in Hansan-myeon, Hansando is the largest. It is known in Korea as the island featured in Admiral Yi Sun-sin's poem, “On a moonlit night on Hansan Island...” Jeseungdang Shrine houses an altar dedicated to Admiral Yi.

It is a historical site and also a famous tourist attraction, as it is located in the middle of Hallyeohaesang National Park. Enjoy the beautiful view of Hansanman Bay, which resembles a landscape painting. Don't miss a walk along the 1 km-long coastal path through forests and the sea. You can get off at the ferry dock and take a circular bus around the island. Or if you choose, you can rent a bicycle at the Hansan Visitor Centre, free of charge.

Bijindo Island is known for its 550-metre-long white sandy beach. It is located some 13 km away from the Tongyeong Port Passenger Terminal, and can be reached by boat. The white sandy beach here is beloved as a summer vacation spot, thanks to its fine sand and shallow depth.

Bijindo Beach is a part of Hallyeohaesang National Park and connects the two islands of Anseom and Bakkatseom Islands. This creates another unique feature of this beach, namely being surrounded by the sea in front and behind. The west beach is characterized by white sand, while the east beach is made of small pebbles. You can enjoy fishing as well as swimming in the sea. Also, make sure to visit the Haegeumgang Islets and Sipja Caves. The water here is clear and blue, giving it an exotic atmosphere. Experience the view of the beach from the top of Seonyudae at 311 m.

Maemuldo Island, where you can enjoy the view of coastal cliffs and trekking courses, can be reached in 1.5 hours from Tongyeong Port. Maemuldo consists of Daemaemuldo, Soemaemuldo, and Deungdaedo Islands. Admire the beautiful coastal cliffs at Somaemuldo and Deungdaedo Islands.

On the trekking course that starts from the villages of Daehang and Danggeum and passes through the 210-metre-high Janggunbong Peak, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hallyeohaesang National Park. Somaemuldo Island is characterized by the fact that two islands face each other. They become one as the tides go out, and split once again into two as water comes in. Residents live on one side and the lighthouse is located on the other. Walk to Deungdaedo Island by following the path that appears as the water recedes. Take a walk in the wide grassy area around the road connecting the top of the village with the Deungdaeseom Island.

Saryangdo Island is a charming island where you can enjoy hiking and fishing at the same time. It is a 40-minute boat ride from Gaochi Passenger Terminal. Saryangdo Island is made up of the three islands of Witseom, Araetseom, and Suudo Islands. Mountaineering and sea bathing are mainly done on Witseom Island, and fishing is mainly done on Araetseom Island.

On Witseom Island, you can climb the 400-metre-high Jirimang Mountain, also known as “Jirisan Mountain in Saryangdo.” The trail to Bulmosan and Ongnyeobong is about 6.5 km long. The mountain is rather rocky, so bridges were built over some of the rougher sections. Walk over the suspension bridge and enjoy the view. There are 7 fishing points on Araeseom Island, where you can catch sea bream and flatfish. For swimming, head to Daehang Beach, which has a fine sandy beach.