The wonderful places to visit in Tongyeong


Danielle Faulkner
Tongyeong Girls' Middle School

Tongyeong is a coastal city southwest of Busan. It is an archipelago of 151 islands, and well known among Koreans as a vacation destination. Many people, including myself, consider it to be one of the most beautiful locations in Korea. I count myself extremely lucky to have been given this placement by the English Program in Korea.
I am a scuba diver, so naturally my favorite place in Tongyeong is 10 meters below sea level. I spend many weekends exploring various sites within the Hallyeo Maritime National Park. If you are interested in trying scuba, or becoming certified, I recommend Best Dive Resort. The staff and members of Best Dive Resort have become a stand in family since I moved here. They have been so welcoming and kind. They are always eager to speak English with me and have been patient with my attempts at learning the Korean language. The course director, Kim Hyun Chan, is able to teach PADI courses in English. http://bestdiver.co.kr/
When I'm not diving, I'm spending a great deal of time in the countryside. I am not a city girl; I'll take grass and trees over sidewalk and buildings any day. My favorite place, above sea level, in the Tongyeong archipelago is Somaemul Island. It is a 1 hour ferry from the Tongyeong port. Visiting Somaemuldo is like taking a step back about 50 years. There are no high rise complexes, no roads, and no large office buildings. There are just a few traditional homes and a few country style pensions. Somaemuldo is a remote island with breath taking views and calm, scenic trails.
Tongyeong's Mireuk Island has numerous sites worth mentioning. Dara Park is well known amongst locals for viewing the magnificent sunsets over the Hallyeo Maritime National Park. It is a simple park with a viewing deck atop a hill, but the views from this deck are well worth the visit.
On the north east side of Mireuk Island, you will find Tongyeong Marina. This site has many things to do. You can swim at Tongyeong beach, rent a jetski, lounge along the shore or try your hand at one of the many water sports available. The Tongyeong Yacht School offers lessons for windsurfing and sailing. Instructor Yoo Sung Hyun is able to teach sailing in English. http://www.tyyacht.com/

Mireuksan, the highest peak on Mireuk Island, was made famous by the cable car attraction. The cable car will take you from the base of the mountain nearly to the peak, and back for under 10,000 Won. The views from the cable car are really lovely, but nothing compared to what you will find at the peak. When you reach the top with the cable car, you can hike to the peak of the mountain. From the peak, you can see all of Tongyeong city, and on really clear days, you can even spot the island of Tsushima, Japan.
There are a few temples located on Mireuk Mountain, but Yeonhwa Temple is, by far, the grandest. It is a short hike from the base of the mountain. The trails around the temple are quiet, calm and serene. It is easy to lose track of time in this peaceful place.
The city center is located on the Tongyeong Peninsula. Tongyeong city offers many of the same things available in other cities: traditional markets, modern shopping centers, and an assortment of restaurants and bars. What makes Tongyeong different from other cities is that from anywhere in the city, it is just a few moments to the seaside.
Nammang Mountain, located on the Tongyeong Peninsula, is another site worth visiting. Tongyeong concert hall is located on Nammang Mountain. It is the venue for many concerts and festivals, including the Tongyeong International Music Festival. Also on Nammang Mountain, is the Tongyeong sculpture park filled with artistic expressions of life and love.
At the peak of Nammang Mountain, you will find a memorial to Admiral Yi Sun Shin, a man famous for his victories during the Japanese invasion. In the harbor near Nammang Mountain, you will find a replica of Admiral Yi Sun Shin's innovative turtle ship. The ship is open to the public, it is an interesting site to behold.
Near Nammang Mountain, you will also find Dong Pirang village. It is one of the oldest villages in Tongyeong. When the locals learned of the city's plans to destroy and redevelop the area, they launched a campaign to paint the walls of the village. Murals were painted by students and locals, protesting the proposed demolition. The campaign saved the village, and now attracts visitors from far and wide.

On the east side of Tongyeong city, you will find Admiral Yi Sun Shin Memorial Park. It is difficult to get to by bus, but well worth the taxi fare. The park has many trails along the coast and a small beach.
Tongyeong has something for everyone, from sailing and hiking to shopping and swimming. You can also enjoy one of the local delicacies, from fresh raw fish to chungmu kimbap, or one of the tasty sweet breads filled with red bean paste, gul bang and jjin bang.
Just as Tongyeong has become a part of me, I have become a part of Tongyeong. So, I welcome you to discover Tongyeong yourself.