Tongyeong
Tongyeong is a harbor city on South Korea's south coast, visited for boat trips among the Hallyeo islands, fresh seafood and views from the hills above the water.
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Tongyeong is a port city in South Gyeongsang Province, on South Korea's south coast. It sits on the Hallyeo Waterway, a channel between the mainland and a group of islands, and daily life here runs on the water: fishing boats, ferries and fish markets. The coast around the city is part of Hallyeohaesang National Park.
Admiral Yi Sun-sin fought naval battles in these waters in the 16th century, and memorials to him remain in the area. Hilltop viewpoints, including the Mireuksan cable car, look down on the islands, and Dongpirang hillside village has painted murals on its walls. Plan two to three days for the main sights, with boat rides, walks and waterfront meals. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for being outdoors.
Tongyeong in five
- Set up mobile data before you landBus timetables, maps and the route to the Dongpirang steps all need data, and the bus ride into town is the first place you will need it. Set up an eSIM or a local SIM before you leave the airport.Phones and eSIM
- Take the intercity bus into TongyeongBuses from Seoul and Busan are the simplest way in, and timetables change by season. Check the schedule with the bus operator before you travel, and note the last bus back if you plan a day trip.Getting around
- Carry won in cash for the marketSmall stalls at the fish market may take only cash, and card terminals are not always at the counter. Keep some won in your wallet for lunch and snacks.
- Check the last cable car before you plan a hikeThe Mireuksan cable car runs within set hours, so check the last ride before you choose between walking up and riding. Plan the descent before you go up.
- Plan island trips around the boat timetableBoats between Tongyeong and the islands run to fixed timetables, so a missed return boat leaves you stuck on the island. Write down the return time before you board.
Need to know
- Currency
- South Korean won (KRW)
- Entry
- Visa-free for many passports; check whether your passport needs K-ETA Read more
- Emergency
- 112 police, 119 fire and ambulance; 1330 tourist hotline
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+9, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, dry
- FebruaryCold, quiet
- MarchCool, spring starts
- AprilMild, clear
- MayWarm, clear
- JuneRainy season
- JulyRainy, humid
- AugustHot, typhoon risk
- SeptemberTyphoons ease
- OctoberClear, mild
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, short days
Right now in Tongyeong
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
10
- Feels like
- 6°
- Humidity
- 55%
- Wind
- 12 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Tongyeong
05:41 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today18°10°0%Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 18°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed18°13°4%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Thu18°12°94%Thursday: Rain. High 18°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Fri16°8°0%Friday: Clear. High 16°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat12°4°0%Saturday: Cloudy. High 12°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun10°5°3%Sunday: Drizzle. High 10°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Mon14°6°2%Monday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 2%.
Updated 04:54 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1,333 KRW
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Geojeby car from TongyeongA large island with coast roads, bridges and the Oedo Botanical Island.
- Hansan Islandby boat from TongyeongThe offshore site of the 1592 naval battle led by Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
- Jinjuby bus from TongyeongA castle town on the Nam River with a fortress and riverside walks.
Before you go to Tongyeong
Rules for Tongyeong, checked
- Many passports enter Korea visa-free for short stays, but some need K-ETA. Check your passport on the Hi Korea site before you book flights.Source
- Declare cash and goods above the limits on your arrival form. Check the current limits on the Korea Customs Service site before you fly.Source
- Take off your shoes at the door of guesthouses and some restaurants with floor seating.
- Dial 112 for police and 119 for fire or an ambulance; call 1330 for multilingual tourist help.
Plan around Tongyeong
Entry, regions and transport for a trip around Korea
Read the guideGetting aroundBuses, ferries and car hire along the south coast
Read the guideVisas and entryVisa-free stays and K-ETA checks before you fly
Read the guideMoney and costsWon, cards and where cash still matters at markets
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData and offline maps for buses and island boats
Read the guideWhere to stayHarborside and hillside bases for a Tongyeong trip
Read the guideTongyeong FAQ
Is Tongyeong worth visiting?
Yes, for a harbor town with murals, island boats and seafood at the market. It has fewer headline sights than Gyeongju, so it suits a slow trip along the south coast.
How do you get to Tongyeong?
By intercity bus from Seoul or Busan is the simplest option. Check the timetable with the bus operator before you travel.
How many days do you need in Tongyeong?
Two nights work well. One day covers Dongpirang and the market, and the second leaves time for an island boat or the Mireuksan cable car without rushing the return.
Can you visit Tongyeong on a day trip?
Yes, if you can reach it by bus early in the day. Note the last bus back before you arrive. An overnight stay lets you see the harbor after day visitors leave.
When is the best time to visit Tongyeong?
April to May and October to November, when days are mild and clear. June to August brings the rainy season and humidity, and typhoons can reach the coast in late summer.
Is Tongyeong or Geoje better?
Tongyeong suits a harbor town with murals in one walkable area. Geoje suits longer island drives and coastal views, so pick by how much driving you want.