Korea Places to Visit

Korea travel guide

Tongyeong Jungang Market (통영 중앙시장)

14-16, Jungangsijang 1-gil, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

With almost 400 years of history, Tongyeong Jungang Market is a popular tourist spot in the city of Tongyeong, attracting tourists during weekends and even on weekdays. The market is located next to Dongpirang Village. In front of the market is Gangguan Port, a major fishing port and where replicas of the turtle ship (geobukseon) are docked in honor of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. The spacious cultural venue called Munhwa Madang is quite reminiscent of Byeongseon Madang, a place for anchoring or mooring warships in the past. As the market is located close to the coastline, fresh fish and dried fish make up a huge part of the market's offerings. Here, visitors can also find mother-of-pearl inlaid wares, quilted products, and rice cakes.

Korea travel guide

Tongyeong Lighthouse Fishing Park (통영등대낚시공원)

441 Samchingihaean-gil, Sanyang-eup, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Tongyeong Lighthouse Fishing Park is a bridge-shaped fishing facility, conveniently situated near the Donam Tourist Complex in Tongyeong. It was established in 2006 when Tongyeong was selected as a pilot site for the Marine Fishing Park project initiated by Gyeongsangnam-do. Known as an ideal spot for sea fishing, it offers stunning views of the Hallyeo National Marine Park. This location allows visitors to enjoy sea fishing safely without the need to venture far out to sea by boat.

Korea travel guide

Tongyeong Port Kkulppang Street (통영항 꿀빵거리)

Jungang-dong, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Near Tongyeong Port, Central Market is home to a street lined with shops selling Tongyeong kkulppang, or honey bread, the city’s signature dessert. Originally created as a long-lasting snack for local sailors in the warm coastal climate, this treat is made by filling dough with sweet red bean paste, deep-frying it, and coating it with honey. First introduced by Omisa Kkulppang in the 1960s, it has since become one of Tongyeong’s most famous local specialties, much like Cheonan’s walnut cakes. With views of Tongyeong Port and the South Sea, the area is also close to Dongpirang Village, Tongyeong Sebyeonggwan Hall, and Chungmu Gimbap Street, making it an ideal stop for sightseeing and local food.

Korea travel guide

Tongyeong RCE Sejahtera Forest (통영RCE세자트라숲)

116 Yongnamhaean-ro, Yongnam-myeon, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

The Tongyeong RCE Sejahtera Forest is a joint education center for 70 RCEs from 15 countries in Asia and the Pacifics. The center was opened in 2015 as an ecofriendly play area and offers many educational programs for locals and visitors.

Korea travel guide

Tongyeong Sebyeonggwan Hall (통영 세병관)

27, Sebyeong-ro, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Sebyeonggwan Hall, located in Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do, was established in 1605 by the 6th generation commander-in-chief Lee Kyung-jun and is well known as one of the widest buildings of the Joseon period along with Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jinnamgwan Hall in Yeosu-si. Sebyeonggwan Hall is placed at the foot of Yeohwangsan Mountain and overlooks Tongyeong. Right next to the hall are the remains of the naval base Tongjeyeong, which includes Unjudang (also called Jeseungdang, a military education center for the Joseon Navy) among others. Sebyeonggwan Hall symbolizes the ending of the war, the washing away and cleaning up of the weapons of war.

Korea travel guide

Tongyeong Suryuk Beach (수륙해수욕장)

Yeongun-ri, Sanyang-eup, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Tongyeong Suryuk Beach is located on the eastern side of Mireukdo Island in Tongyeong, stretching about 550 meters along the coastline. The water is calm, shallow, and clear, making it ideal for family summer vacations. The beach is open for swimming from July to August and is equipped with convenient facilities such as restrooms and showers. Various events, including a beach volleyball tournament and a water show, are held every summer.