Things to do & places to visit in Jeollanam-do, South Korea

Jeollanam-do #9 destination in South Korea 2023. The average rating score is 4.27 based on 3.791 traveler reviews, of 501 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Seoul, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 4:55.

Jeollanam-do Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

71°F - 54°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze

Feels like

21%

Chance of rain

159.0 millimeters

Amount

12.7 mph

Wind speed

70%

Humidity

13.9

Daylight length

5:29 AM

Sunrise

7:26 PM

Sunset

48%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (27)

Top destinations in Jeollanam-do 22

See more 10 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Mihwangsa Temple (25 reviews)
- The perfect retreat, vacation, experience
Religious Sites

I just finished my temple stay at Mihwangsa. I must say it's one of the best experiences I've had while traveling. You are free to explore as much as you want. You can learn about meditation, Buddhism and also be in contact with nature. The temple is beautiful plus very well located. The sunset is one of the best I've seen anywhere. Also, Jajae, (who is in charge of the temple stay,) is the nicest, warm hearted person that you will meet. I really recommend this temple stay for anyone, anytime and no matter from where you are. See more..
5.0 Wolchulsan National Park (17 reviews)
- Beautiful Hike
National Parks

This is one of the best hikes in Korea. The location is a little remote but worth the trek. It is the smallest national park in Korea and the bridge is super cool. See more..
4.5 Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve (280 reviews)
- Beautiful natural scenery
Parks

I highly recommend Suncheon Bay Nature Reserve to anyone interested in nature and trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. My visit was truly beautiful and the whole area offers scenery unlike any other place. The journey up to the observatory takes around 1.5 - 2 hours depending on your walking speed and how many photo you take along the way - but definitely don't skip the view point! It's the highlight of the park! See more..
4.5 Yeosu Maritime Cable Car (227 reviews)
- Good cable car to enjoy Yeosu view.
Trams

CYC ( 21.12.06 ) This cable car could make a round trip from Jasan boarding area to Dolsan one. The view in the cable was beautiful and could see Yeosu view. The price was a little high, but it worth to riding. Though we rided in daytime, it would be more beautiful to ride at night-time. The observatory each peak was good to enjoy Yeosu view. About 30 minutes, could go and return by cable car. See more..
4.5 Damyang Juknokwon (167 reviews)
- More impressive than any of Japan's bamboo forests
Parks • Forests

Juknokwon bamboo forest is Damyang’s main draw card that brings busloads of domestic tourists every weekend. Having visited a few bamboo groves and forests in Japan, my expectations were not that high. However, the forest area was larger than expected and it was a great place to walk around for a couple of hours. With the tall bamboos hovering over most of the pathways, it provides shade from the sun and cover from the rain. The large groups of neon colored hiking clothes wearing tourists can get annoying on weekends but it was quite peaceful during the week. There is also a section of the forest with a handful of pavilions that look picturesque with the bamboo backdrop. There is no other place like it in Korea and it was more impressive than any of the bamboo forests in Japan. See more..
4.5 Suncheon Bay Garden (167 reviews)
- Huge Park with Lots of Beautiful Sections
Monday: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

I totally loved Suncheon Bay National Garden! It's a HUGE park so I recommend spending a whole day here to fully explore all sections of the park. The beautiful modern layout of the Lake Garden is the first things visitors see when entering the park, but there is so much more to see! My favorite part of the garden was probably the traditional Korean garden section. Absolutely beautiful and you can take a lot of great photos here! I will definitely head back to Suncheon Bay National Garden in spring to see what the park looks like when it's covered in spring flowers! See more..
4.5 Nagan Eupseong Folk Village (164 reviews)
- Only walled Joseon era village
Historic Walking Areas

Naganeupseong Village is the only remaining walled Joseon era town in Korea (while there are a few other living villages). The walkable fortress wall surrounding the village sets it apart from the other folk villages and walking along the walls provide the best vantage points for photographing the village. It is a living village with inhabitants which makes it authentic while it still has the theme park vibe with costumed workers and mannequins placed all over. Most of the interactive elements such as mock weddings and dance performances weren't going on as I visited during the week. See more..
4.5 Hyangiram Hermitage (161 reviews)
- Peaceful Sanctuary
Religious Sites

It took me 45 min by the city bus 113 (also 116) to get from the Seo market to Hyagiram. I passed tracts of agricultural land and the view of the coast was beautiful. The bus driver drove fast. The public bathrooms are brand new. It is a steep walk up past many kimchi shops eager to let you sample the famous "Gat kimchi" made from mustard leaves. You could get a styrofoam box of it packed for 20,000 KW which is cheaper than anywhere else. There are lots of dried shrimps, fish, oysters, seaweed, marinated little crabs on sale. To get to the temple, you need to climb lot of steps so please be prepared with the right shoes and stamina. Lots of elderly Koreans with their fashionable sports wear and shades will pass you without panting. The temple has beautiful paintings at the side. Climb higher past the caves to see the Kuan Yin and experience some cool surroundings. It feels really peaceful sitting there. See more..
4.5 Boseong Green Tea Field Daehan Dawon (145 reviews)
- Beautiful, picturesque green tea plantation, great ice cream ......
Forests • Farms

Beautiful vast picturesque green tea plantation. Looking closer, noticed the leaves were not that green & healthy - probably due to its almost winter now. The long, small & steep sandy steps up to the top was a bit dangerous as it is easy to slip & fall off if not careful. There were no side handles to hold. Winds were very strong when we were there, so this made it very easy to lose balance . Coming down is even more scary when you look from the top. Good thing we realised you can come down by a safer route ( can go up by here as well ). Try the green tea ice cream, very nice. See more..
4.5 Yudal Mountain (81 reviews)
- Easy walk with great views and sunset hot spot.
Mountains • Parks

Parking your car at the entrance will cost you only 1000 won.Then a walk to the top gives various route options.The climb is reasonably easy and the time is less than an hour.The view from one sides shows the Mokpo Bridge which will give a great view if you stay till sunset.Plus a great view of the city light up at night. See more..
4.5 Seonamsa Temple (68 reviews)
- Lovely setting in Korean countryside
Religious Sites

We got bus no. 1 from Suncheon which took us on a lovely (and cheap at 1350 won, each way) , journey to Seonamsa temple. Took about 1 hour. There's a lovely 1.3km walk slightly uphill from the car park and bus stop to the temple, alongside a river where korean families were picnicking and we had a refreshing paddle. It was pretty hot in August. Bridge begore temple made a very attractive photo opportunity. The temple complex was arranged beautifully with many trees and places to sit inside and out. Stunning setting in the green forested hills and temperatures cooler than in Suncheon. It'd be a lovely place to spend the night on a temples tat but we felt handicapped by our inability to speak Korean. No one seemed to speak English and we even missed the tea house because we didn't know how to find it abd couldn't understand signs. However, a lovely morning visit which ended with a delightful lunch of wild vegetable bibimbap at one of the restaurants by the car park and river. See more..
4.5 Songgwangsa Temple (56 reviews)
- One of three most famous temples in Korea
Religious Sites

Historically, Hapcheon Haeinsa, Yangsan Tongdosa and Suncheon Songgwangsa have been three most famous temples in Korea. Even to non-Buddhists, it'll be a good visit to watch and experience this place. - About 60~80 min by bus from city center of Suncheon and it's the last stop. The stop before last destination is Songgwangsa Entrance. But, it's just before the front gate and it's a lot of walk from there. - Second gate is the ticket office after passing the bus stop, park lot and souvenir shops. And it's lots of walk from there, too. Better be enjoying trails. - There's a museum with rare national treasures. Good to enter with enough time. - Twin alpine juniper tree is one of treasures of Songgwangsa. But, it's locating quite far. Not a walkable distance for common tourists. - Just like most other temples of Korea, it'll be nicer to visit around Buddha's Day. See more..
4.5 Hwaeomsa Temple (45 reviews)
- Beautiful temple in the mountains
Religious Sites

I visited the Hwaeomsa temple over the Buddha's birthday holiday and was wowed by the location. In late spring, the mountains are lush and bright green with foliage, and the temple itself is beautiful. It's a long way from Seoul, anywhere from 4-6 hours by bus depending on traffic, but well worth it. The Jirisan mountain area is stunning and the air quality much better than the big city. If you're brave you can opt for the temple stay option, experiencing the ascetic lifestyle of Buddhist monks. As temples go, this one is actually rather well-appointed, with electricity and hot showers. You will need to get comfortable with sleeping on the floor and eating three meals a day of vegetarian bibimbap, though. Waking up at 3AM to watch the Buddhist monks pray is a disorienting but unique experience. Otherwise, just go for the view and the relaxing hiking opportunities in the area. You won't be disappointed. See more..
4.5 Korean National Maritime Museum (31 reviews)
- Mokpo public treasure
Monday: Military Museums

Free. Yes this great local museum is free. The amount of rose wood in the ship wrack was amazing. All the 15th century Korean Chinese and Japanese ceramics are amazing. The tons and tons and tons of Rosewood is what amazed me. See more..
4.5 Daeheungsa (26 reviews)
- This temple area was bigger than I think.. Excellent.
Spent 2-3 hours Religious Sites

CY ( 2016,11.23 ) I and my wife visited this temple to feel temple's mood. This temple was bigger and older than I think. The atmosphere and view was very good because there was surrounded beautiful mountains. The entrance fee was higher than I think, but it was money well spent. It was good experience to walking around this temple with cool wind. Recommendable temple. See more..
4.5 Mokpo Natural History Museum (26 reviews)
- Very Interesting and well presented museum.
Speciality Museums

Normally I always think when you have seen one you have seen them all.This one is easy to move around because they have put yellow arrows on the ground so you can follow them and not miss anything.The dinasaus exhibits are large and well presented.Information is in english also.It was cheap to get in and pensioners were free. See more..
4.5 Unjusa Temple (22 reviews)
- A beautiful TEMPLE - UNESCO HERITAGE
Religious Sites

I have been to Many Temples in South Korea. This is one of my favorite. This is also a UNESCO HERITAGE with a beautiful history. We went there by our own car. There is a huge parking area so it was very easy to park the car. The compound is huge. Very calm atmosphere with lots of energy. I went there with my kids, wife and other family members. They provide Wheel Chair and Baby Trolley also. Since I have a small baby it was very helpful. There is one coffee shop inside the compound, so if you feel thirsty you can grab some drinks. We had a great time and sure we will visit again. I would recommend this place for single, couple even families. See more..
4.5 Gwangyang Maehwa Village (19 reviews)
- Gwang Yang Maehwa Festival
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Beautiful scenery surrounding stunning flowering Maehwa (apricot flower) trees. It was worth sitting in very heavy traffic to see this beautiful area of Korea at blossom time. See more..
4.5 Yeosu HeungGukSa Temple (16 reviews)
- Prepare for a steep hike
Religious Sites

This temple is traditional Korean Buddhist temple, however it is perched atop a beautiful cliff overlooking the South Sea and outlying islands. Parking or horrendous, the road up to the stairs is steep and local business vehicles pass through regularly so pay attention! The views, however, make it all worthwhile. See more..
4.5 Saseongam Hermitage (15 reviews)
- Great views from little hermitage with Buddha carving
Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites

this little hermitage sits around a Shilla-era Buddhist carving high in the hills over Gurye-village. It allows great views across the valley towards Chiri-san. The hike from the valley up is interesting, but not as challenging as many Chiri-san tops. There is a shuttle bus service up the hill, going at great speed around tight bends, the best part in my point of view :-) See more..
4.5 Baekyangsa Temple (13 reviews)
- Beautiful temple during autumn season
Religious Sites

This temple is now owned by Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism where can see red maple during autumn season. Visitors should walk for about 20 to 30 minutes so as to get there from car parks. See more..
4.0 Odongdo (258 reviews)
- Good island to walk with mood and view.
Islands

CYC ( 21.12.06 ) I guessed there was small island and could walk about 20~30 minutes. But we spent more time because there had some point to enjoy view. The distance to island was 10 minutes, but we wandered inside some point. Every point had variuos view, and good to rest. There was for free, and had light house, small round train, and some shops. Good to enjoy Yeosu sea and wind. See more..
4.0 Aqua Planet Yeosu (141 reviews)
- Best Aquarium in Korea
Aquariums

I've been to the CoEx Aquarium in Seoul and the 63 Building but this is by far the best aquarium in Korea. It is new and has a nice variety of fish and sea life. My kids, 2 and 4 year old, had a wonderful time. It opened at 10 am and we were able to see lots of "shows" ( otter feeding, penguin feeding, Beluga whale show and main tank feeding of the manta rays) by lunch time. We ate in the aquarium restaurant patio and the food was not bad with good portion size and great view. We were able to go back in to see the synchronized swimmers in the main tank and touch tank. The kids loved the doctor fish (they nibble your fingers) and touching the sea stars. We bought our tickets on GMarket and saved about $10. You can use your ticket to get a 20% discount for the rail bike. June was a great time to visit. No summer crowds. See more..
4.0 Dolsan Park (111 reviews)
- Great Walk in the Park at night...
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks

Come here at night. It’s free admission and you can have a relaxing walk in the Park at night. You can also see the awesome bridge which has its own charm in a romantic way.... This is also where you can ride the cable car. Highly recommended! See more..
4.0 Yi Sun Shin Square (108 reviews)
- One of landmark in Yeosu.
Parks

CYC ( 21.12.05 ) This square was celebrated Yi sun shin who was the best general in Korean history. Except this square, many famous place was celebrated Yi sun shin. The square had statue of General Yi and scupture of the Turtle Ship that was General Yi's signature ship. There was good to feel Yeosu sea, and many restaurant was operating. See more..
4.0 Suncheon Open Film Set (102 reviews)
- Best thing: old uniform experiences
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

This place can bring you to the 1970s Korea. The price of renting the uniform is only 2800 won for 50 minutes, which is really worthy to try See more..
4.0 Damyang Metasequoia Road (87 reviews)
- Beautiful Road for Morning Stroll
Scenic Walking Areas

I went here early in the morning before it was busy--which meant the road was quiet and peaceful. This is certainly a beautiful road for the purpose of enjoying nature. See more..
4.0 Yeosu Jinnamgwan (67 reviews)
- An impressive structure
Historic Sites

This is a massive, open building, about four hundred years old. The town has grown around it, but left a fair sized green space that gives it the air of being hallowed ground. See more..
4.0 Gatbawi Rock (57 reviews)
- Interesting story behind it.
Geologic Formations

An interesting rock formation by the seashore. Erosion over centuries has carved out 2 figure heads which appears as if they are wearing old style Korean hat. To find out what the story is you will have to visit ! See more..
4.0 Soswaewon Garden (44 reviews)
- Joseon Garden of Exile
Gardens

Who knew exile could be so peaceful? This remote location is the real-life place of exile for an important Joseon politician in the early 16th century. The scenery is superb, and one can easily imagine a brilliant (ambitious) politician being sent here for a life of poetry and solitude. Soswaewon Garden is a classic example of Korean garden design. While many will be familiar with Japanese and Chinese gardens, Korean garden design is still (sadly) unrecognized internationally. Korean garden design is less structured, more natural, and brilliantly colored during spring and fall. Indeed, some have mentioned Korean gardens lack so many artificial features they are difficult to recognize as a designed landscape. During my visit to Damyang I enjoyed this garden for its bright green foliage, historic location, and quaint stream. Walking to the site you are rewarded with a splendid view of the property. See more..