Yeosu & Suncheon: Korea's Southern Coast

Yeosu is famous for one song: 'Yeosu Night Sea' by Busker Busker, which became a massive hit and drew visitors curious about the night views it described. The hype is warranted—Yeosu's coastal promenade, especially around Dolsan Bridge, is genuinely beautiful after dark. The cable car to Dolsan Island offers panoramic views of the harbor and countless small islands. Go at sunset to catch both daylight and illuminated night scenery. Round-trip tickets are around 15,000 won. Odongdo Island connects to the mainland by a causeway walkable in 15 minutes. Camellias bloom spectacularly in early spring. A lighthouse, walking trails, and a small musical fountain attract visitors year-round. Yi Sun-sin Square commemorates Korea's most famous admiral, who commanded naval victories against Japan from these waters. His statue overlooks the harbor. The nearby turtle ship (geobukseon) replica can be boarded. Seafood is exceptional here—grilled shellfish, sashimi, and gejang (raw marinated crab) are specialties. The Seodunam food street and Jungang Market are good starting points.

Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve is a Ramsar-designated wetland of international importance, protecting critical habitat for migratory birds including endangered hooded cranes and white-naped cranes. The S-shaped waterway through vast reed beds is iconic—photos don't fully capture the scale. Walking trails weave through the reeds to observation points. The best views are from Yongsam Observatory, requiring a 20-minute uphill walk. Visit in late autumn (October-November) when reeds turn golden and migrating birds arrive, or spring (April-May) for green reeds and returning birds. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold but good for bird watching. The adjacent Suncheon Bay National Garden hosts a meticulously maintained collection of gardens, including recreated international gardens and an extensive wetland eco-park. It's large—allow 2-3 hours. A sky rail connects it to the wetland area. Admission to the wetland is 8,000 won; the garden is a separate 10,000 won ticket or combo tickets are available.

Naganeupseong Folk Village is a walled town that has been continuously inhabited for 600 years. Unlike reconstructed folk villages, this is a real community—about 100 households still live within the fortress walls. The thatched-roof houses, market street, and fortress walls create an atmospheric step back in time. Entry is 4,000 won. Allow 1-2 hours to walk the walls and explore the village. Seonamsa Temple, about 30 minutes from downtown Suncheon, is one of Korea's most beautiful temples. The approach follows a forest stream, crossing an arched stone bridge (Seungseon Bridge) that's a designated treasure. Autumn foliage here is spectacular. The temple dates to 529 AD and remains an active Jogye Order monastery. Temple stay programs are available. The wild tea grown on the temple grounds is famous. Suncheon Drama Set preserves locations from numerous Korean dramas and films, recreating 1960s-1980s Korean streetscapes. It's particularly popular with Korean tourists nostalgic for that era.

KTX from Seoul (Yongsan Station) to Suncheon takes about 2.5 hours, to Yeosu-Expo about 2 hours 40 minutes. Trains run frequently. Buses connect Yeosu and Suncheon (about 50 minutes), making it easy to base in one city and day-trip to the other. Local buses reach major attractions, though taxis or rental cars are more convenient. Two full days is minimum—one for each city. Three days allows a more relaxed pace with time for the temple, drama set, and extended coastal exploration. Accommodations range from hotels near Yeosu Expo station to traditional hanok stays near Naganeupseong. Both cities have typical Korean hotel options. Best seasons are spring (April-May) for mild weather and flowers, or autumn (October-November) for foliage and bird migrations. Summer brings crowds, heat, and occasional typhoons. Winter is quiet and cold but offers solitude.