10 Best Things to Do in Tongyeong

Jeseungdang Shrine was built after Admiral Yi Sun-sin led the Battle of Hansan Island to great victory. After establishing his headquarters on Hansando Island, Admiral Yi is said to have resided here and made plans with his staff. There are many precious relics housed at this site including the Eight Gifts from the Ming Emperor, the seal of the admiral, and octagonal wooden seal. But the most precious, Hyeonja Chongtong Gun, Treasure No. 805 of Korea, maintains its shape remarkably well despite being submerged under the sea for many years.

In addition to the main hall, you can also visit Chungmusa Shrine, a shrine that enshrines the portrait of Admiral Yi, and Hanseonjeong, an archery site, to feel the weight on the shoulders of a man who sought to defend his country. Look at the massive painting depicting the Battle of Hansan and feel the history of how the battle changed the history of Joseon. The sea that you have crossed from the Tongyeong Port Passenger Terminal on your way to Jeseungdang Shrine is the site of this remarkable battle. Experience the tides of history on your way to and from the island.

Mireuksan Mountain, 461 metres above sea level, is a mountain with a beautiful view of Hallyeohaesang National Park. Many people who are familiar with travelling in Korea say that the scenery from Mireuksan Mountain is the best. When you see the beautiful coastline of the blue sea and Dadohae, you will not only be impressed, but also amazed. Among various observatories such as Sinseondae Observatory, Hansan Battle Observatory, Hallyeo Waterway Observatory, and Tongyeong Port Observatory, the scenery of Sinseondae Observatory is so beautiful that it can be compared with the works of master painters.

At the peak of the mountain lies the site of the beacon of the old command post, which reminds us of the turbulent history of the area. It is difficult to find a place in Tongyeong without a history of a past naval battle. You can go up the mountain on foot, but there are many people who go up by cable car. You can take the cable car to the station located about 4/5 the way up the mountain, and from there you can follow the decked roads to the summit and the view. Enjoy the wonderful scenery of the Dadohae, the historical site of the Battle of Hansan Island, and the city of Tongyeong, all with the pleasant sea breeze.

Skyline Luge Tongyeong is a fast-paced activity with a view of the mountains, the sea, and islands. Developed in New Zealand 35 years ago, this zero-gravity thrill has become a popular attraction in Tongyeong loved by all ages and genders. Take the chairlift, a refreshing lift ride resembling a ski lift, to the starting point and find the 3.8km-long track that has nearly 30 curves.

You don't have to worry about the kids being scared. First-time passengers must receive safety training, and you can ride with your children by purchasing a boarding pass. Check out the interesting photograph system, where you place your helmet on the photo machine to find your pictures taken during the ride. Purchase 3-ride, 4-ride, and 5-ride tickets to enjoy luging more.

Tongyeong Cable Car is a 1975-metre-long tourist attraction that goes between the city and the mountains. It is the only bicable gondola lift in Korea, and it is the longest among cable cars for general tourists in Korea. The image of 47 8-seater gondolas operating densely against the backdrop of Hallyeo Waterway, the Naples of Korea, is the representative image of Tongyeong.

To climb Mireuksan Mountain, a must-visit site in Tongyeong, in comfort, there is nothing like this cable car. But for those who have a fear of heights, a cable car may be a rather difficult attraction to enjoy. However, even though it is close to being 2 km in length, the Tongyeong Cable Car has only one intermediate post, and thus has only one bumpy section during the ride. Don't miss the special opportunity to see the amazing scenery from the sky, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends, families, and loved ones.

Tongyeong Jungang Market is a lively traditional market beloved by tourists and local residents alike. Perhaps as a reflection of its long history, there are many regulars who visit this place, but there are also many people who stop by to sightsee because it is close to famous tourist spots. It is famous for fresh and dried seafood, and although it is a popular tourist spot, the prices here remain low. Thus, you can enjoy a pleasant visit without getting ripped off.

Choose the fish that you want to be sliced raw and then pick a restaurant. You can soon enjoy a plate of sliced raw fish at a reasonable price in exchange for a table setting fee. In addition to the usual sauces, you can also get some cold soup to have your fish slices in, so you have a choice in the way you want to enjoy your seafood. Another mainstay of the table is the spicy fish stew (maeuntang), which is difficult to make at home because of the fishy odour. After your meal, sample the market's speciality honey bread (ggulbbang), then get some prawns and octopus legs for takeaway to bring the scent of the sea to your house.

Dongpirang Seopirang Mural Village, filled with pretty paintings along the narrow alleys, is a mural village overlooking the sea. The village, which was once condemned for redevelopment, has now established itself as a representative mural village in Korea. But murals are not the only attractions here, for there are sculptures that make it difficult for one to move along without taking pictures. Here, you can become an angel with angel wings or a butterfly with butterfly wings on the walls.

There are cute cafes all over the place, each with their own unique character, so choosing a place for tea has never been harder. After taking a picture with the Mongdol Brothers, the mascot of the observatory, you can climb up onto Dongporu Pavilion and rest your tired legs there. Dongpirang means eastern slope, so it follows that there is Seopirang, located on the western slope. After visiting Dongpirang, head to Seopirang and sing some sea shanties in your head as you take some pretty pictures of the sea.

Jangsado Sea Park and Camellia Island is an island where you can quietly enjoy nature while avoiding the crowds of tourists. Take a ferry from Tongyeong Passenger Terminal, and you will soon be greeted by seagulls, friends of tourists. If you prepare prawn crackers in advance, neither those who have been waiting for seagulls nor seagulls who have been waiting for tourists will not be disappointed. When you arrive at the island, you will be greeted by beautiful flowers and trees. In particular, from January to March, you can see the namesake of the island in full bloom.

The meticulously decorated island is dotted with greenhouses, chapels, rose tunnels and statues, with an outdoor theatre and 12-headed statue giving the area an exotic feel. The stay is limited to 2 hours and there are restrictions on backpacks, food, etc. Think of it as a price to enjoy a pleasant visit. There are ships coming from areas other than Tongyeong that dock in different areas, so be sure to return to the dock where you got off.

Chungmu gimbap is made with rice as the only filler ingredient, to be eaten with radish kimchi and other sides. Originating from the old name of Tongyeong, Chungmu, this gimbap is undoubtedly the representative dish of Tongyeong. With the finger-length plain gimbap and radish kimchi (seokbakji) as the basis, different stores serve stir-fried squid or fish cake as an accompaniment. The combination of the plain gimbap and the tangy flavour of radish kimchi creates a taste that you cannot help but come back for more.

You can easily find Chungmu gimbap restaurants wherever you go in Tongyeong, and the restaurants near Gangguan are the most popular among tourists. Unlike ordinary dishes that taste different from place to place, Chungmu gimbap has the advantage of having a consistently good taste, no matter where you go. Find places that are loved by locals and tourists alike, such as Ttungbo Halmae Gimbap, Darin Chungmu Gimbap, and Dongjin Chungmu Gimbap for a satisfying meal.

Tongyeong Suryuk Beach is a small but precious haven to spend some leisurely time. This 550-metre-long beach, made up of sand and pebbles, is the only public beach in Tongyeong, since Tongyeong's inland area has only a very little stretch of sandy beach despite being next to the sea. The beach is famous among Tongyeong locals, but is virtually unknown by tourists. This makes the beach a great place to take a dip in the unspoiled waters of Namhae.

It also serves as an event venue for international beach volleyball competitions and water shows in summer. To the right of the beach, one can see the Jingyo Bridge stretching toward the sea and the lighthouse at the end. It is a beloved fishing spot for locals, but you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the beach from here. Another way to enjoy the beach is to rent a bicycle and take a leisurely ride along the beach. Indulge in a quiet break on this secluded beach.