Tongyeong is arguably the most beautiful small city in Korea, a port city on the south coast of South Gyeongsang Province surrounded by the island-dotted Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park.
Often called the Naples of Korea for its harbour setting and hillside architecture, it has a cable car to panoramic mountain views, a mural village, Korea’s finest oysters and sea squirts, and a history tied to Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Korea’s greatest naval hero.
Quick Answer: Tongyeong: South coast port city 1.5 hours from Busan by bus. Tongyeong Cable Car, Dongpirang Mural Village, Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park boat tours, fresh oysters, and sea squirts. See the Busan to Tongyeong guide for transport from Busan.
Getting to Tongyeong
From Busan
Express bus from Busan Seobu Intercity Terminal to Tongyeong Bus Terminal. Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, 10,800 won—the most common approach. See the Busan to Tongyeong guide for the full transport guide.
From Seoul
Express bus from Seoul Nambu Terminal to Tongyeong. Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, approximately 21,000 won. Or take KTX to Masan, then a bus to Tongyeong (about 30 minutes). Total approximately 3.5 hours.
What to Do in Tongyeong
Tongyeong Cable Car
A two-stage cable car ascends Mireuksan mountain (461 metres) from a terminal near Tongyeong city center. The summit view encompasses the harbour, the outlying islands of Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park, and on clear days stretches to Geoje Island. The cable car is the most popular activity in Tongyeong, and queues can be long on weekends. The journey takes approximately 8 minutes per stage—entry: approximately 15,000 won for adults.
Dongpirang Mural Village
A hillside neighbourhood in central Tongyeong where the houses and alleys have been covered in murals by Korean artists since 2007. The village was one of the first and most successful examples of the mural village concept in Korea (before Busan’s Gamcheon made it internationally famous). The climb through the painted alleys and the harbour views from the top make it a worthwhile 30 to 45-minute visit. Free entry.
Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park Boat Tours
The national park encompasses 70 islands in the sea south of Tongyeong. Boat tours from Tongyeong’s Gangguan Port visit the most scenic islands: Hansando (where Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s naval headquarters were based), Bijindo (known for its blue lagoon and camping), and Somaemuldo (a small island with dramatic coastal cliffs). Tours range from 1 hour to full-day and depart regularly from the main port.
Tongyeong Underwater Tunnel
Built in 1932 across the strait connecting the mainland to Mireuk Island, this was one of Asia’s first underwater road tunnels at the time. The tunnel is still open, and the tiled interior with retro signage is a curiosity. Walk or drive through: it takes about 5 minutes on foot.
Gangguan Port Waterfront
The main harbour waterfront has fish markets, raw seafood restaurants, and the departure points for island boat tours. The fish auction building has a traditional wet market on the lower level. Walking the waterfront in the early morning when the fishing boats return is one of Tongyeong’s most characterful experiences.
What to Eat in Tongyeong
Tongyeong is one of Korea’s finest seafood cities. Specific specialties:
- Oysters (gul): Tongyeong produces approximately 70% of Korea’s oysters. Fresh raw oysters, steamed oysters, and oyster rice (gul bap) are found at restaurants throughout the port area. Winter (November to March) is peak oyster season.
- Sea squirts (meongge): Raw sea squirts with a distinctive iodine flavour. A regional specialty that polarises visitors but is considered essential by Korean food travellers.
- Fried oysters and seafood pajeon: Common at the port-side restaurants and the market food stalls.
See the Busan food guide for the broader South Coast seafood picture, and the Korean food guide.
Combining Tongyeong and Geoje
Tongyeong and Geoje travel guides are approximately 40 minutes apart by bus or car and make an excellent 2-day south coast itinerary. Tongyeong for the cable car and seafood on day 1, Geoje for the beaches and coastal scenery on day 2. See the Busan to Geoje guide for the Busan to Geoje route.
Nearby Guides
- Busan to Tongyeong guide
- Geoje travel guide
- Busan to Geoje guide
- Busan travel guide
- Busan day trips,
- Best places to visit in Korea,
- Things to do in Korea
FAQ
Is Tongyeong worth visiting?
Yes. Korean travellers consistently cite Tongyeong as one of the country’s most beautiful and distinctive small cities. The cable car view, the island boat tours, and the oyster seafood together make a genuinely exceptional combination.
How many days should I spend in Tongyeong?
One full day covers the cable car, Dongpirang village, a boat tour, and an oyster dinner. Two days allow for a more relaxed exploration, including the underwater tunnel and the morning market at the port. Tongyeong is easily combined with Geoje as a 2-day south coast trip from Busan.
What is Tongyeong famous for in Korean history?
Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Korea’s most revered historical figure, led his naval campaigns against the Japanese invasions of the 1590s from Tongyeong. The Hansan Island boat tour passes the site of his most famous victory, the Battle of Hansan (1592). The Joseon arsenal (Tongyeong Sebyeonggwan), where naval vessels were built and maintained, is a preserved historical site in the city center.
