🎨 Tongyeong’s Ocean Heritage — Art, History, and the Calm of the South Sea
In the southern tip of Korea lies Tongyeong, a city where the rhythm of waves meets the brushstrokes of art. Known as “the Naples of Korea,” Tongyeong is filled with color, music, and quiet charm. From its mural-covered hillsides to panoramic ocean cable cars, this is a place to slow down, breathe in the sea air, and feel how history, art, and community flow together like the tides.
1️⃣ Dongpirang Mural Village — Art Blossoming Above the Sea
Perched on a hill overlooking Tongyeong Harbor, Dongpirang Mural Village is one of Korea’s most beloved art towns. Once an old residential area facing demolition, it was reborn when artists painted its walls with stories of daily life, hope, and dreams. Now, its steep alleys are filled with cats, flowers, and whimsical paintings that turn every corner into a photo frame. From the top, you can see fishing boats gliding across the sea — a beautiful contrast of color and calm.
- 📍 Location: Near Jungang Market (15-min walk)
- 🎨 Must-See: Alley murals, rooftop cafés, sunset lookout
- 💡 Tip: Visit early morning for golden light and fewer crowds
2️⃣ Hallyeosudo Cable Car — Floating Above Islands
The Hallyeosudo Cable Car offers one of the most breathtaking views in all of Korea. It stretches over the ocean from Tongyeong’s Mireuk Mountain to the summit observatory, revealing dozens of emerald islands scattered across the sea. On clear days, you can even see Japan’s Tsushima Island far on the horizon. Sunset rides are unforgettable — the golden reflection across the water makes every traveler fall silent for a moment.
| Ticket Type | Price (KRW) | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Round Trip (Standard) | ₩13,000 | Morning view |
| Round Trip (Crystal Cabin) | ₩20,000 | Sunset ride |
| One-Way + Hike Down | ₩10,000 | Adventure lovers |
- 🚠 Cable Length: 1.9 km (longest marine cable car in Korea)
- 🕓 Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM (extended in summer)
- 💡 Tip: Bring a light jacket — sea breeze can be chilly at the top
3️⃣ Yi Sun-sin Park — History Standing Against the Sea
This coastal park honors Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Korea’s naval hero who fought in these very waters over 400 years ago. A massive bronze statue overlooks the bay where his legendary turtle ships once sailed. The park also features a memorial hall, ocean deck trails, and panoramic viewpoints. Walking here feels like stepping through history, where courage and serenity coexist with the sound of seagulls and waves.
- 📍 Address: 205 Chungmu-dong, Tongyeong-si
- 🎟️ Admission: Free
- 💡 Tip: Combine with Hallyeosudo Cable Car — they’re in the same area
4️⃣ Jeon Hyuk Lim Art Museum — Modern Art Meets the Sea
For art lovers, the Jeon Hyuk Lim Art Museum is a peaceful sanctuary. Dedicated to the late painter Jeon Hyuk Lim — often called the “Picasso of Korea” — the museum blends clean architecture with ocean light streaming through its windows. Its galleries focus on modern Korean art and the intersection of people, place, and memory. Outside, you’ll find sculptures facing the harbor and benches perfect for reflection.
- 🖼️ Entry Fee: ₩3,000
- 🕓 Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (closed Mondays)
- 💡 Tip: Visit after the cable car — it’s just 10 minutes away by taxi
5️⃣ Tongyeong Jungang Market — The Taste of the Port
If Yeosu is romantic, Tongyeong is delicious. At Jungang Fish Market, vendors call out with friendly smiles as they grill squid, oysters, and spicy cuttlefish on open pans. Don’t miss the Tongyeong Chungmu Kimbap — tiny rice rolls served with octopus and radish kimchi — a local favorite created by sailors for quick meals at sea. The market also sells hand-carved seashell crafts, anchovy snacks, and salted seafood unique to the region.
| Dish | Description | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chungmu Kimbap | Mini rice rolls with octopus side dish | ₩5,000 – ₩7,000 |
| Grilled Oysters | Freshly caught & charcoal-grilled | ₩10,000 – ₩15,000 |
| Sea Squirt Bibimbap | Mixed rice with raw seafood | ₩12,000 – ₩18,000 |
6️⃣ Harbor Cafés & Coastal Walks
Tongyeong’s harborside cafés are small but full of soul. Order a vanilla latte at Café Dongpirang View or Café Haeoreum, where large windows frame fishing boats and mountain silhouettes. Then take a slow walk along the Coastal Deck Trail — a wooden path hugging the cliffs. You’ll see fishermen untangling nets, children feeding seagulls, and the evening sun turning the sea into gold. It’s the kind of beauty that doesn’t rush; it simply stays with you.
- ☕ Café Dongpirang View — Rooftop terrace with harbor panorama
- 🚶 Coastal Deck Trail — 2 km walkway behind Yi Sun-sin Park
- 💡 Tip: Visit at sunset; the light reflects perfectly off the sea
7️⃣ Tongyeong’s Cultural Soul — Festivals & Music by the Sea
Art and music are part of Tongyeong’s DNA. Every spring, the Tongyeong International Music Festival brings classical and contemporary musicians from around the world. In summer, the Harbor Art Night transforms alleys into open-air galleries. These events reflect the city’s motto — “Art in Daily Life.” Even when festivals end, street performers and violinists fill the night air near the port cafés, reminding visitors that in Tongyeong, the sea and music share the same rhythm.
- 🎶 Event: Tongyeong International Music Festival (March–April)
- 🎨 Art Night: July–August, old harbor streets
- 💡 Tip: Check TIMF Official Website for concert tickets
