Jeolla day trip: 4 things to do in Yeosu

When nature is your comforting escape, do you go to the mountains or the sea?

Yeosu is a port city with coastal views, that many in the southern region often escape to. I’ve been able to visit the area a couple of times, as the city is tucked along the southern coast and surrounded by many small and larger islands.

1. Cable Car

 Having taken the cable car in Mokpo once before, I think Yeosu was a much more pleasant trip and budget-friendly experience (can’t give up the chance for cheaper tickets!). You get the perfect view from above to look over the port, mountains, and shimmering waters. The ride brings you over a small mountain and the port to an island where you can enjoy a leisurely walk with views looking across the water towards Yeosu. 

2. Rafik Cafe (라피끄)

This cafe is a popular location and if you search up Yeosu you’ll likely see posts taken from here. It’s hard to not see why this cafe has become such a hotspot. It has an amazing view both inside and out. It is also tied to a resort where you can buy tickets for other activities if you wish so there’s a variety of things to do. The cafe itself is quite spacious, offering multiple rooms to view the sea from while you enjoy your drink. Afterward, you can even walk down to the water as it gently laps the shore and try to skip stones that have been rubbed smooth by the constant waves.

instagram: cafe.rafik_official * address: 전남 여수시 돌산읍 평사리 산 245 * webisite

3. Geobukseon Turtle ship

Often considered to be the world’s first armored battleship, these Korean ships hold historical value as they were used during the 16th century in a war against Japan, though some sources trace the first ships back to the 10th century. Korean Admiral Yi Sun-shin (who is featured on the 100 won coin) is associated with the “geobukseon” ships and their use in the navy for strategic uses until the 19th century. If you are interested in history, ships, or military strategy then it’s an interesting sight to check out and read on.

address: 중앙동 236 South Korea, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do

4. Jangdo: the Island for Art and Healing 

This island is easy to walk to and accessible from Ungcheon Beach Park, and once there it doesn’t take much time to walk around. Depending on the season you visit, there can be a variety of flowers on the hills and fields, and the forest walk is a pleasant escape from the sun during hot days. And when you get back to the mainland there are plenty of cafes to chill and unwind in.

address: 1630 Ungcheon-dong Yeosu-si Jeollanam-do

Yeosu is not one of Korea’s largest cities, but it is certainly worth the visit to experience Korea’s port city culture and enjoy a peaceful retreat by the sea. The small city vibes are perfect for those seeking to get out of the big cities and enjoy small town vibes with some unique points to visit nearby. There’s a lot of nature to explore in the national park, but I have yet to explore that area, so next time.

Have you ever heard of the turtle ships before? It was my first time learning about it, and it was a unique part of both Korean and maritime history that was fun to learn of.