Asia > South Korea > Tongyeong
Tongyeong is a handsome south-coast port wrapped around a harbour and scattered islands. It is closely tied to Admiral Yi Sun-sin, whose Joseon naval command was based here during the Japanese invasions of Korea, but it is not just a history stop. The city has steep mural lanes, fish markets, cable-car views, and ferries heading into Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park.
The best day starts around Gangguan Harbour, where fishing boats, the turtle ship replica, Dongpirang Mural Village, and old naval sites sit close together. From there, climb or ride up to Mireuksan for the classic panorama: islands, bridges, oyster farms, and the broken blue line of the Hallyeo waterway.
Tongyeong is worth more than a transit stop between Busan and Geoje. Come for a full day if you can, eat seafood near the harbour, and leave time for a slow walk through Yi Sun-sin Park, where the city opens out to the sea that made its name.