General Information
Yeosu is located midway along the south coast of the Korean Peninsula. It borders Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province, to the east and Goheung, South Jeolla Province to the west. It also shares boundaries with Suncheon to the east and Jeju Island to the south. Yeosu is a blessed town that cherishes 365 gemlike islands. also a town of patriotism and loyalty in defending the country as demonstrated by the spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Besides, it is a city of unity that achieved the integration of Yeosu City, Yeocheon City, and Yeocheon County and delivered 2012 Yeosu Expo. Building on its great legacy, we will build Yeosu into the leading recreational city for maritime tourism in the Republic of Korea. And city people will always be together at its center. We will interact with people and give ear to the voice of people. The beautiful night sea, the maritime cable car, romantic busking, and the tasty and bountiful food of Yeosu make special attractions of the city.
It only takes 10 minutes from downtown. Walking along the breakwater for 15 minutes, you can get to the island. As the artists of Yeosu Branch of Korean Fine Art Association had been working on the mural, the road was selected as one of the 100 Most Beautiful Roads in Korea. The island is also a part of the Hallyeohaesang National Park. When it comes to camellia flowers, Odongdo Island in Yeosu is the first place to go. Over 3,000 camellia trees starts to bloom in January and the flowers fully blossom in March. You can overlook Odongdo Island from the Jasan Park on a hill, where people start tours around the western part of the city.
From Yeosu, one can gaze out upon clear blue waters in all directions, attested to by the fact that it is home to two marine national parks, including the Hallyeo Marine National Park and Dadohae Marine National Park. It has long been known for its fine harbor and sophisticated agriculture and fisheries industries. Historically, Yeosu has played an important role in the defense of Korea by, among others, embodying the spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin and his adherents, who overcame the Japanese invasion of 1592.
Naturally endowed city of maritime tourism
With a large number of islands and a deeply indented coastline, Yeosu boasts an outstanding natural landscape, proven by the fact that two marine national parks are located within its borders. Most of the 315 islands scattered across the jade-green seas around Yeosu remain shrouded in ancient mystery. It is their astonishing beauty that makes the waters off the Yeosu coast so impressive.
A port city ensconced in a motherly bosom
Yeosu offers both a fine harbor and romantic scenery, which helped earn it the nickname "Naples of Asia": in addition to its gorgeous maritime scenery, it contains a trading port in the east, a fishing port in the west, and a commercial port in the south. At night, the city lights provide for a superb nightscape. Moreover, the pride and strength of Yeosu are represented by the determination and generosity of the fishermen who work in these ports.
A banquet of camellia flowers
Yeosu's warm weather has made it a popular winter training venue for Korean athletes. The mild temperatures also enable a variety of warm-weather plants and flowers to flourish throughout the city, and several areas have earned a reputation for their century-old camellia groves, most notably Odongdo Island, Dolsan Hyangilam Hermitage, Nammyeon, and Geomundo Island. Unlike the typical deep purple-colored camellia flowers, those native to Geomundo present unique pink and white coloring. The area is the southernmost habitat for camellia in the country.
A city that captivates gourmets with its superb cuisine
Yeosu is well-known for its abundant seafood owing to the year-round growth and harvesting of diverse marine food products. Thanks to its clean, plentiful and delicious seafood, including local specialties which mesmerize gourmets from around the country, Yeosu has been dubbed the "home of southern provincial food."