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Tongyeong Attractions
Mireuk-do
Mireuk-do, an island just off the coast of Tongyeong, creates a natural barrier of protection for Tongyeong. A small mountain on the island, Mireuksan, shields the mainland from the ocean winds. Mireuksan is known as the home base of the Mireuk Buddhists. It is connected to the mainland via an undersea tunnel (Pandalegul), and by the Chungmu and Tongyeong bridges.
On the north side of the island is the temple Yonghwasa, which was built in 632 (its original name was Cheongsusa). When the temple was rebuilt after a fire in 1628, its name was changed. The current buildings are reconstructions done in the 19th century. Instead of the usual deva gate guards, this temple is guarded by four figures from Emperor Jing's tomb in Xian China.
From Yonghwasa, a trail goes up to the top of the mountain, and along the way you'll pass the hermitage Gwaneum-am. This meditation center is dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Gwaneum. Just beyond and above it is the older Doseol-am, from where you can get a wonderful view of the island and Geoje-do. A hike past the temple and hermitages and to the top should take about 2 hours round-trip.
Those not wanting to make the trek up on foot can take the cable car at San 63-26, Donam-dong (tel. 055/649-3804 or -3805) for just W5,500 round-trip (W3,000 for youth). The cable car runs 9:30am to 5pm October to February, until 6pm March and September, and until 7pm April to August. The last ride up is an hour before closing.
Outlying Islands
To get to any of the nearby islands, you'll have to take a boat. I've tried to make it easier for you by listing which terminal you should head for to catch a boat to each island. To get to the Tongyeong Ferry Terminal, take a Donam-dong-bound bus from the bus terminal and get off at the Beach Hotel in Seoho-dong. Walk 5 minutes to the ferry terminal, located across the street from the Seoho Shijang (Seoho Market). To get to the Excursion Boat Terminal, take a Donam-dong-bound bus from the bus terminal and get off at the ferry terminal.
6 Results
- Religious Site
Cheongyeolsa
This temple shrine was built during the reign of Joseon King Seonjo in 1606 by General Commander Yi Un-Ryong to memorialize Admiral Yi Sun-shin's distinguished service to the country. Follow that? The temple site currently has 17 buildings, including five gates, an exhibition hall,… - Historic Site
Hansan-do
Located in the middle of Hallyeo Haesang National Park, Hansan-do is a historically important site. This is where General Yi Sun-shin fought off the Japanese with his turtle ships during the Imjin Waeran Japanese invasion (1592-98). In spite of its history, modern tourists are more… - Park/Garden
Nammangsan Park
At Mt. Nammang, there is a park from which you can enjoy a view of the city, located right next to Ganguan Port. On top of the hill are Suhyangjeong Pavilion and a bronze statue of Joseon-era naval hero General Yi Sun-shin. Under the pavilion is an outdoor sculpture garden with 15… - Landmark
Sebyeong-gwan
Sebyeong-gwan served as the naval command center for the southern provinces from 1597 to 1896. One of the oldest and largest wooden structures left in the country, it was built in 1604 by General Yi Gyeong-jun, commander of the naval forces during the Joseon period. It was last… - Neighborhood
Somaemul-do
This tiny island is on the outer edge of Hallyeo Haesang National Park, but the view is worth the ride. To get to the peak of the island, Mangtae-bong, you'll take a 30-minute stroll through woods filled with 600-year-old camellias (flowering plants). From Somaemul-do you can get to… - Neighborhood
Yokji-do
The largest island in the Yeonhwa archipelago, it is located about 32km (20 miles) from Tongyeong. It used to be called "Nok-do" (Deer Island) because of the large number of deer that roamed the island, but the population was greatly reduced during the 16th century. That's when…
Tongyeong Shopping
Tongyeong is best known for its najeon chilgi (lacquerware). These are wooden boxes inlaid with elaborate mother-of-pearl designs before being lacquered to a shiny finish. The lacquerware became popular during the Shilla period (A.D. 668-935), although the craft dates farther back, to the Naklang period. During the reign of King Munjong of the Goryeo Dynasty, the government ran workshops to make najeon chilgi. The elaborate boxes made from these workshops were given as gifts to foreign kings and envoys. There's even a Najeon Chilgi Festival in August (during the Hansandae Festival). The beautiful works of art are small enough to tuck into your suitcase and make nice gifts. Be sure to shop around for the best prices, since works by master craftsmen and antiques will be way more expensive than less elaborate pieces.
A bustling traditional market in town is the Seoho Shijang, across from the ferry terminal. Here you can find halmuhni (grandmas) selling fresh fish and seafood. The large Tongyeong Traditional Craft Hall, 642 Beonji, Donam-dong, Tongyeong-si (tel. 055/645-3266), is a good place to buy lacquerware as well as other local craft items, like hand fans, wooden trays, and items made form abalone shells. A couple of smaller markets include the Geobuk Shijang (Turtle Market) in Taepyeong-dong and the Jung-ang Live Fish Market (the name says it all) near Ganguan Port in Dongho-dong.
For more modern shopping options, there's the Lotte Mart in Bukshin-dong, not far from the bus terminal and the main post office.
