Visiting Yeosu, South Korea: Top Sights on Foot

Looking for things to do in Yeosu? This coastal city is shaped by the sea, naval history, green parks, and dramatic cliffside landscapes. Its most memorable places range from the flower-filled island of Odongdo to the ancient hermitage of Hyangiram, with several sites connected to Admiral Yi Sun-sin along the way. Neywo also has a free audio guide for Yeosu with four narrated places.

What to See in Yeosu

Odongdo

Odongdo is a small island about one kilometre from the coast, within Hallyeohaesang National Park. Although it covers only thirteen hectares, its coastline stretches for fourteen kilometres, creating a varied landscape of cliffs, sea caves, and coves.

A 768-metre bridge connects the island to the mainland. Built in 1935 during the Japanese colonial period, it made Odongdo accessible without a boat for the first time. Visitors can cross on foot, drive across, or use the small tourist train.

The island takes its name from the paulownia trees that once covered its slopes. Today, Odongdo is especially known for its camellias, which bloom across the island in winter and early spring. Bamboo groves add to the landscape, making the island a rewarding place to explore on foot.

Yi Sun-sin Park

Yi Sun-sin Park is a large green space in Yeosu’s Ungcheon district, covering more than 366,000 square metres. It is named after Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the celebrated naval commander who defended these waters against Japanese invasions in the late sixteenth century.

The park’s signature attraction is its hedge maze, which gives it the local nickname Miro-won, or Maze Garden. Landscaped gardens, a fountain, and an outdoor stage extend beyond the maze. Families will also find a children’s play area and tennis courts, while parking areas and restrooms make it practical for a longer visit.

The park offers a quieter way to connect with Yeosu’s naval heritage while enjoying open, landscaped surroundings.

Geobukseon Park

Geobukseon Park, or Turtle Ship Park, is a peaceful green space in central Yeosu. Created in 1992, it covers almost 50,000 square metres and is arranged around an artificial lake shaped like a turtle, with a fountain at its centre.

The turtle ship refers to the innovative warship associated with Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Its curved, spiked deck resembled a turtle shell and made the vessel difficult to board. A large sculpture of the ship stands in the park as a reminder of Korea’s naval history.

There is also an outdoor stage for performances and a dolmen beside the lake. This ancient megalithic tomb, dating back thousands of years, creates an unusual contrast with the modern naval sculpture.

Hyangiram

Hyangiram is a hermitage built into dramatic cliffs where the South Sea meets the sky. It is one of Korea’s four great Gwaneum prayer sites and has attracted pilgrims for more than 1,300 years.

The hermitage was founded in 644 by the master Wonhyo, when it was known as Wontongam. Its position among towering rocks and camellia trees gave it the character of a natural fortress. The cliffs are said to resemble a turtle’s shell, which led to another name for the site: Yeongguam.

The name Hyangiram, meaning “hermitage facing the sun,” was given in 1715 by the monk Inmok Daesa. The name reflects the spectacular sunrise visible from the site. The buildings follow the rock face and are connected by stone stairways that wind through the trees, making the hermitage feel like a continuation of the cliffs rather than a separate structure.

Hyangiram is designated Cultural Asset Number 40 of South Jeolla Province. Each year, from December 31 to January 1, thousands of people gather there for a sunrise festival.

Explore Yeosu with Neywo

A Yeosu audio guide can add context to the places you visit without tying you to a group or a fixed itinerary. Neywo’s free audio guide includes four narrated places, with stories available in 11 languages.

Download Neywo and explore Yeosu at your own pace. The app tells the story of each place as you reach it, so you can walk independently, without a group and without a schedule. When planning a wider trip through South Korea, you can also discover destinations such as Jeju, Seogwipo, and Ulsan.