Top 13 jeollanam-do Attractions You must Visit

South Jeolla Province, also known as Jeonnam, is a province of South Korea. South Jeolla has a population of 1,902,324 and has a geographic area of 12,247 km² located in the Honam region at the southwestern tip of the Korean Peninsula.

Jeollanam-do History

Jeollanamdo area once belonged to the district of Mahan during the Three-Han Period and later to Gujiha Castle, the southernmost of the five ‘bangs’of the Baekjae Dynasty centered on Mujinju. In 1896, the 33rd year of King Gojong’s reign, the 8 do system was resurrected and expanded into the 13 do system with 5 dos including Jeolla, Chungcheong, Gyeongsang divided into southern and northern ones. Jeolla was divided into south and north. The southern half was named Jeollanam-do, Which carry its name until present time.

Things to do here

  • Boseong Green Tea Fields
  • Suncheonman Bay
  • Expo Ocean Park
  • Juknokwon
  • Seomjingang Train Village
  • Gaudo Island
  • Mihwangsa Temple
  • Seonamsa Temple
  • Songgwangsa Temple
  • Daeheungsa Temple
  • Odongdo Island
  • Korean National Maritime Museum
  • Dolsan Park

Boseong Green Tea Fields

Boseong-Green.tea-field
Image by stiickler through Wikimedia Commons

Boseong is considered the birthplace of the commercial tea industry and is the largest producer of tea in the country. At the Boseong Green Tea Festival, some of the most popular festival events are the hands-on experience programs such as picking tea leaves, making tea, and sampling green tea snacks. Other events such as the tea exhibition & sale, and a number of celebratory performances are also scheduled to be held during the festival period.

Click here to read FULL Guide to Boseong Green Tea Fields.

Useful Informations

  • Address: 775, Nokcha-ro, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
    전라남도 보성군 보성읍 녹차로 775
  • Phone: +82-61-850-5211~4
  • Homepage: festival.boseong.go.kr

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Seoul Express Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Boseong. From Boseong Bus Terminal Bus Stop, take a Boseong-Gunhak route bus and get off at Daehan Dawon Bus Stop.

Suncheonman Bay

Image by Pheurontay

Suncheonman Bay National Garden was established on a plot of 1.12 million ㎢ to help protect Suncheonman Bay. The garden is home to over 790,000 trees in 505 species and 3.15 million flowers in 113 species. The numerous groups of tulips and royal azaleas are truly a sight to see. In addition, the nearby 30,000 ㎡ field of canola flowers in full bloom in May creates a beautiful yellow “wave” of color. Although there are restaurants within the garden, bringing in food is allowed, making the garden a great location for a picnic in the shade of the trees.

After exploring the garden, visitors can hop on the unmanned shuttle train (PRT) and ride to Suncheon Literature Center, and then transfer to the Reed Trolley to pass the 1.2-kilometer stretch of reeds to Mujingyo Bridge.

Useful Informations

  • Operating Hours
    November-February 08:30-18:00
    March-April & October 08:30-19:00
    May-September 08:30-20:00
    * Last ticketing one hour before closing
  • Admission Fees
    [Suncheonman Bay National Garden]
    Individual – Adults 7,000 won / Teenagers 5,000 won / Children 3,000 won
    Group – Adults 5,000 won / Teenagers 4,000 won / Children 2,000 won
    Evening tickets – Adults 4,000 won / Teenagers 3,000 won / Children 2,000 won
  • Address: 47, Gukgajeongwon1ho-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
    전라남도 순천시 국가정원1호길 47 (오천동)
  • Phone: +82-1577-2013
  • Homepage: scbay.suncheon.go.kr

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Suncheon Bus Terminal, walk about 250 m to Sungo Five-way Intersection and turn left.
Walk about 150 m and take Bus No. 101 from the bus stop.
Get off at Suncheon Bay Garden Bus Stop.

Expo Ocean Park

Expo Ocean Park offers waterfront walking paths for strolls along the sea. Visitors can also take part in dynamic marine leisure sports programs or watch the multimedia BIG-O Show. In addition, the establishment offers facilities such as exhibition halls and seminar rooms that can hold both international and small scale meetings or events.

Useful Informations

  • Address: 1, Bangnamhoe-gil, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
    전라남도 여수시 박람회길 1 (덕충동)
  • Phone: +82-1577-2012
  • Homepage: www.expo2012.kr 
  • Activity Fees
    [BIG-O Show]
    P-seat: Adults 22,000 won / Teenagers 18,000 won / Children 16,000 won
    S-seat : Adults 18,000 won / Teenagers 14,000 won / Children 12,000 won
    Free seating: Adults 14,000 won / Teenagers 10,000 won / Children 8,000 won

    [Sky Tower Observatory] Adults 2,000 won / Teenagers 1,500 won / Children 1,000 won
    [2012 Yeosu EXPO World Exhibition Memorial Hall]
    With 4D viewing: Adults 2,500 won / Teenagers 2,000 won / Children 1,500 won
    Without 4D viewing: Adults 2,000 won / Teenagers 1,500 won / Children 1,000 won

    [Aqua Planet]
    Big2-A: Adults: 34,000 won / Teenagers, seniors 31,000 won / Children 28,000 won
    Big2-B:Adults: 29,500 won / Teenagers, seniors 26,500 won / Children 23,500 won
    Aquarium: Adults: 23,000 won / Teenagers, seniors 21,000 won / Children 19,000 won

How to get here:
By [Train]
Take a train from Yongsan Station to Yeosu EXPO Station.
– Expo Ocean Park is walking distance from the train station.

Juknokwon

Image by This is Korea Tours

Juknokwon in Damyang is a bamboo forest cultivated by the town of Damyang. Seonginsan Mountain behind Damyang Hyanggyo (Confucian school) was transformed into Juknokwon Bamboo Garden featuring a beautiful artificial waterfall, pavilion, walking paths and an eco-exhibition center, a popular destination for visitors. It takes about an hour to tour around the entire garden and to enjoy night walks, the lights are turned on in the evenings in the bamboo forest.

Useful Informations

  • Operating Hours
    March-October: 09:00-19:00 (Last admission 18:00). November-February: 09:00-18:00 (Last admission 17:30)
  • Admission Fees
    Adults 3,000 won / Group 2,400 won
    Teenagers 1,500 won / Group 1,000 won
    Children 1,000 won / Group 600 won
  • Address: 119, Jungnogwon-ro, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
    전라남도 담양군 담양읍 죽녹원로 119
  • Phone: +82-61-380-2680
  • Homepage: juknokwon.go.kr

How to get here:
By [Train + Bus]
From Yongsan Station, take a train to Gwangju Station.
From Gwangju Station Bus Stop, take Bus No. 311 and get off a Juknokwon Bus Stop.

Seomjingang Train Village

Image by Travelopy

Since its development in April 1999 as a part of government efforts to boost regional tourism, Seomjingang Train Village has established itself as a popular attraction in Gokseong. A replica the region’s old steam engine train runs 10 kilometers between the old Gokseong Station in Seomjingang Train Village and Gajeong Station. The train runs along the old tracks at a moderate speed, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic view along the tracks.

Useful Informations

  • Operating Hours
    09:00-20:00 (last admission 18:00)
    * Visitors must leave the premise 30 min before closing
  • Activity Fees
    [Seomjingang River Railbike] Chimgok Station – Gajeong Station (One-way)
    Individuals: 2-seater 20,000 won / 4-seater 30,000 won
    Groups: 2-seater 18,000 won / 4-seater 27,000 won
  • Address: 232, Gichamaeul-ro, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
    전라남도 곡성군 오곡면 기차마을로 232
  • Phone: +82-61-362-8635
  • Homepage: www.gstrain.co.kr

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Central City Express Bus Terminal, take a bus to Gwangju Gwangcheon Bus Terminal.
From Gwangju Gwangcheon Bus Terminal, take a nonstop bus to Gurye and get off at Gokseong-eup Bus Terminal.
Walk for approx. 20-30 min.

Gaudo Island

Image by ebrkf14 through Deviantart

Gaudo Island is the only populated island of the eight islands in Gangjinman Bay. It used to be part of Daegu-myeon until 1789 but later changed to Boam-myeon and is currently part of Doam-myeon since 1914 due to reorganization of administration. The name comes from its appearance in relation to Boeunsan Mountain in Ganjin-eup, which looks like a cow’s head. The whole island resembles a cow’s meonge (curved stick around cow’s neck used to drag farming tool) so the island became to be called Gaudo Island (Ga: Meonge in Chinese characters).

From Gaudo Island, Gangjinman Bay and uninhabited island can be seen in all directions. The coastal scenery is stunning and varied natural tourism resources grow here such as the silver magnolia, cypress colony, and Japanese black pines. Visitors can walk to the island from the mainland via a suspension bridge. When arriving to the island, a 2.5km long ecological exploring road along the mountain and coast is available. Also, fishing park which has various kinds of fishes is located in the spot where visitors can overlook at beautiful scenery of Gangjinman Bay. At the top of the island, visitors can enjoy a zip track which is an eco-friendly leisure facility, starting from Cheongja Tower (25m high).

Useful Informations

  • Activity Information
    [Gaudo Island Zip Track]
    Operating hours: 09:00-18:00 (total 15 min / 14 min of safety training + 1 min of riding)
    Fee: Individuals 25,000 won / Groups 18,000 won / Students 17,000 won / Groups of students 15,000 won
    * Groups of 20 people or more
  • Address: 473, Wolgot-ro, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do
    전라남도 강진군 도암면 월곶로 473 (도암면)
  • Phone: +82-61-430-3114
  • Homepage: www.gaudo.co

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Seoul Central City Bus Terminal, take a bus to Gangjin Bus Terminal.
From Gangjin Bus Terminal Bus Stop, take a Nongeochon Bus bound for Maryang and get off at Jeodu Village Bus Stop.
Cross the bridge to reach the island.

Mihwangsa temple

mihwangsa temple jeollanamdo
Image by Steve46814 Through Wikipedia

Constructed during the eighth year of King Gyeongdeok of the Silla dynasty (749), Mihwangsa Temple is located on the western side of Dalmasan Mountain (489m), titled the Geumgangsan Mountain of the Southern Sea. The temple is situated the furthest south of all temples in the Korean peninsula. Beautiful sunsets and the view of the graceful Dalmasan Mountain from the temple attracts numerous visitors. The foot of the mountain found behind the temple blends well with the suitable-sized temple and the appearance of Daeungbojeon Hall gives out an aura of comfort and tranquility. The cornerstone of Daeungbojeon Hall is carved with sea creatures, such as turtles and crabs that cannot be observed elsewhere. Moreover, you can observe various attractions and treasures, such as the Hanging Painting of Mihwangsa Temple (Treasure No. 1342), where people pray for rain during the dry season. Other attractions include 18th century murals on the walls of Daeungbojeon and Unginjeon Halls.

Useful Informations

  • Operating Hours
    Sunrise-Sunset
  • Activity Information
    [Templestay]
    Individuals – Adults 50,000 won / Children 30,000 won
    Groups – Adults 80,000 won / Children 50,000 won
  • Address: 164, Mihwangsa-gil, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do
    전라남도 해남군 송지면 미황사길 164
  • Phone: +82-61-533-3521
  • Homepage: www.mihwangsa.com 

How to get here:
By [Taxi]
Approx. 30 min from Haenam Bus Terminal.

Seonamsa Temple

Image by Steve46814 through Wikipedia

Seonamsa is a beautiful temple located at the east end of Jogyesan Mountain. The distance between the entrance and the temple site is approximately 1 kilometer. The temple site is nestled within a lush forest of diverse trees that are hundreds of years old. In front of the temple is a arched stone bridge named Seungseongyo Bridge, which is supported by natural bedrocks. In front of the main hall, Daeungjeon Hall, are two three-story stone pagodas that grab visitors’ attention. Not only is Seonamsa Temple home to many of the country’s pristine treasures and artifacts, it is also one of the few temples that preserve the traditional temple culture even as of today. Seonamsa Temple is beautiful throughout the year, but it is especially inviting in spring and fall when the flowers start to bloom and tree leaves change in color.

Useful Informations

  • Admission Fees
    Adults: Individuals 2,000 won, Groups 1,700 won
    Students: Individuals 1,500 won, Groups 1,200 won
    Children: Individuals 1,000 won, Groups 800 won
  • Address: 450, Seonamsa-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
    전라남도 순천시 승주읍 선암사길 450 (승주읍)
  • Phone: +82-61-754-6250
  • Homepage: Templestay.com

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From the Suncehon Jonghap Bus Terminal, take Bus No. 1 or 16 and get off at Seonamsa Temple Bus Stop.
From the entrance of the mountain, follow the trail for 1 km to arrive at the temple.

Songgwangsa Temple

Image by Minquddyd / Wikimedia Commons

Songgwangsa Temple in Soyang-myeon (Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do Province) has a unique history that spans a period of over a thousand years. For many years the temple lay incomplete until Monk Bojo Chejing began reconstruction in the 7th year of King Gyeongmun of Silla (AD 867). The temple was destroyed at one point in time, but Master Monk Jinul prayed that it be rebuilt. In accordance with his fervent hopes, in the 1600s the monk’s followers rebuilt a number of the temple’s halls and buildings, many of which can still be seen today. The temple is also remembered as the temple that King Injo helped rebuild with the hope that his two sons, who had been taken hostage by the Qing dynasty during the Byeongjahoran War (Chinese invasion of Korea in 1636), would be returned safely and that Buddha would heal the nation.

One of the Korea’s four major temples, Songgwangsa is home to Jijangbosal and Siwangsang statues (found in Jijangjeon Hall), a Seokgayeorae statue, and 500 Nahansang statues (found in Nahanjeon Hall). The temple is also home to eight Tangible Cultural Assets and four Treasured Cultural Assets: Daeungjeon Hall, the Samsebulsang statues, the bell-tower, and the Sacheonwangsang statue.

Beloved for its historical significance as well as its beauty, the temple draws throngs of worshipers throughout the year. In spring, many tourists flock to the area to explore the temple and walk through the nearby cherry blossom tunnels. A worthwhile attraction for visitors of all ages, the temple is particularly well-suited for those with mobility problems since it is located on ground level.

Useful Informations

  • Address: 255-16, Songgwangsuman-ro, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do
    전라북도 완주군 소양면 송광수만로 255-16 (소양면)
  • Phone: +82-63-243-8091
  • Homepage: songgwangsa.or.kr

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Jeonju Bus Terminal, take Bus No. 806, 814 or 838 and get off at Songgwangsa Temple Bus Stop.

Daeheungsa Temple

Image by Steve46814 through Wikipedia

Daeheungsa Temple is told to have been built during the time of King Seong of the Baekje period by Adohwasang, a Silla Monk and the site was the restoration of Samjae bulipjicheo of Buddhist culture, which protects Samjae, the three disasters of one’s life.

Pyochungsa and Iljiam Tea Garden display writings and traces of the prominent men of the time such as Chusa Kim Jeong-hui and Chouiseonsa Buddhist monk. Inside the temple, Daeungbojeon, Chimgyeru, Myeongbujeon, Eungjindang, Cheonbuljeon, Cheonbulsang, Pyochungsa, Daegwangmyeongjeon, Iljiam, Bungmireugam, and Seongbo Museum are situated. The Rock-carved Seated Buddha at North Mireugam Hermitage of Daeheungsa Temple, Haenam (National Treasure No. 308) and Bronze Bell with Inscription of Tapsansa Temple (Treasure No. 88) are preserved as well as various cultural assets and fables such as Budojeon, and Stupa Courtyard, the largest in Korea.

Useful Informations

  • Admission Fees
    Individuals: Adults 3,000 won / Teenagers 1,500 won / Children 1,000 won
    Groups: Adults 2,500 won / Teenagers 1,200 won / Children 800 won
  • Tour Course Information
    [Daeheungsa Temple District Course]
    Haenam-eup – Historic Site of Gosan Yun Seon-do – Birthplace of Go Jeong-hui – Duryunsan Cable Car – Daeheungsa Temple – Haenam-eup
  • Address: 400, Daeheungsa-gil, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do
    전라남도 해남군 삼산면 대흥사길 400 (삼산면)
  • Phone: +82-61-534-5502
  • Homepage: www.daeheungsa.co.kr

How to get here:
By [Bus]
Take a bus to Daedunsa Temple at Haenam Intercity Bus Terminal

Odongdo Island

Despite being an island off the coast, visitors can simply walk along the breakwater installed from Yeosu Port all the way to Odongdo Island. There are 70 species of wild flowers that flourish here, a hill commemorating the plantation of the very first tree and a spacious grassy field making this place great for ecological education.

Odongdo Island of Yeosu is one of the most spectacular spots to appreciate camellias. The camellias on Odongdo Island begin to bloom in November and color the entire island in scarlet until April the following year. Indeed, during this period the entire island looks like a huge camellia blossom. The promenade that stretches across the entire island is popular dating spot among couples.

Useful Informations

  • Tour Course Information
    * Heungguksa Temple → Manseong-ri Beach → Odongdo Island → Jasan Park → Jinnamgwan → Daecheop-bi Monument → Fish Market → Dolsan Bridge → Musulmok Resort → Bangjukpo Beach → Hyangiram Hermitage → Chungminsa Temple

    * Geomundo Island → Baekdo Island

    * Yeosuhang Port → Dolsan → Geumodo Island → Ando Island

    * Geomundo Island → Sambudo Island → Baekdo Island → Geomundo Lighthouse

    * Odongdo Island → Dadohae → Hyangiram Hermitage → Dolsan Bridge → Gyeongdo Island → Sogyeongdo Island

    * Dolsan Bridge → Guljeon Swan Habitat → Musulmok → Bangjukpo Beach → Hyangiram Hermitage
  • Address: 222, Odongdo-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
    전라남도 여수시 오동도로 222 (수정동)
  • Phone: +82-61-659-1819
  • Homepage: www.yeosu.go.kr

How to get here:
By [Bus]
Across from Yeosu Intercity Bus Terminal, take Bus No. 333 to Odongdo Island.
From Yeosu Expo Station, take Bus No. 2 or 333 to Odongdo Island.

[Taxi]
Take a taxi from Yeosu Bus Terminal or Yeosu Expo Station to Odongdo Island (approx. 10-15min).

Korean National Maritime Museum

Image by TD Intelligence

The National Maritime Museum is a comprehensive venue offering exhibitions on maritime culture, history, ocean life, science, and more. The exterior of the museum was designed to resemble a water droplet, and is the third largest museum in Korea. The museum holds over 14,000 historic items and relics that have witnessed the history and are relevant to the future of ocean life. These are on display in eight permanent exhibition halls, a special exhibition hall and children’s exhibition hall. The museum also has a library, aquarium, grand auditorium, outdoor performance stage, and a 4D theatre for a multi-cultural experience.

Useful Informations

  • Operating Hours[Weekdays] 09:00-18:00

    [Saturdays] May-August 09:00-21:00 / September-April 09:00-19:00

    [Sundays & Public Holidays] 09:00-19:00

    [The day of Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) / Children’s Day / National Liberation Day] 09:00-21:00
    Closed on Mondays (Closed the day after if Monday is a holiday)
  • Address: 45 Haeyang-ro 301beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
    부산광역시 영도구 해양로301번길 45 (동삼동)
  • Phone: +82-51-309-1900
  • Homepage: www.knmm.or.kr

How to get here:
By [Bus]
Nampo Station (Busan Subway Line 1), Exit 6.
Walk toward Yeongdo Bridge for approx. 80 m and take Bus No. 66, 30, 88, 101, 113, or 135.
Get off at the National Marintime Museum & International Cruise Terminal Bus Stop.
From the bus stop, walk toward the side road of Busan Port Fire Station for approx. 8 min.

Dolsan Park

Image by "突山公園" through trip advisor

Dolsan Park, located across from Dolsan Bridge, was created in 1987 on land spanning over 287,000 square meters. A teahouse inside the park was originally a TV drama shooting set. The teahouse offers a fine view of Dolsan Bridge, so visitors often stop by to drink tea while enjoying the view. The view point at the park also overlooks magnificent sunsets over Dolsan Bridge and exquisite night views of Dolsan Bridge, Marine Park, and Janggundo Island. The Memorial Time Capsule, containing various materials related to the merger of Yeosu city, was buried at the center of park in 1994 and will be opened in 2094.

Useful Informations

  • Address: 3600-1, Dolsan-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
    전라남도 여수시 돌산읍 돌산로 3600-1 (돌산읍)
  • Phone: +82-61-659-4628
  • Homepage: tour.yeosu.go.kr 

How to get here:
By [Bus]
Across from Yeosu Intercity Bus Terminal, take Bus No. 100, 102, 109, 111 or 999 and get off at the entrance of Dolsan Park Bus Stop.

Where to stay

In my opinion, the best and most comfortable place to stay while traveling Jeollanam-do is in Holiday Inn Gwangju

related attractions near Jeollanam-do

You can go to Jeollabuk-do for more attractions you can visit.

Every share and every ounce of your support brings my passion for Korea to life – Thank you for visit.

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