Yeosu in Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City is one of Korea’s premier destinations along the southern coast, offering everything from sweeping ocean views and distinctive local cuisine to memorable island escapes. With the 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea set to take place here, the city is drawing attention not only for its famous night views but also as a growing hub for international marine tourism. If you’re planning a trip to Yeosu in the second half of 2026, this guide brings together everything you need to know about the exhibition, along with recommended places to visit by theme.
| 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea
The World Island Exhibition goes beyond the natural beauty and culture of islands to explore broader themes such as climate change, marine ecosystems, island life, and a sustainable future. As the world’s first exhibition of its kind, the 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea will welcome participants from around 30 countries and offer a wide range of experiences, from immersive digital explorations of island geology and a pavilion showcasing island cultures and food from around the world to K-pop performances. If you’re interested in marine tourism and island culture, it’s well worth adding to your itinerary.
- Dates: Sep. 5 (Sat.)–Nov. 4 (Wed.), 2026
- Main Venues: Jinmo District in Dolsan, Yeosu (main venue), Yeosu Expo Site, Gaedo Island, Geumodo Island, and other locations
- Visit the 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea Website
- Read the Latest News on the 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea
Yeosu is about an hour by plane from Seoul or Jeju and around three hours from the Seoul metropolitan area by KTX. Once you arrive, the Yeosu Romantic Tour Bus makes it easy to explore the city’s major attractions. During the 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea, free shuttle buses will also run from key locations around Yeosu to the exhibition venues.
With its many islands and sweeping coastline, Yeosu offers plenty to explore, from scenic seaside spots and cultural attractions to local food destinations. Head out onto the water, wander through charming streets and exhibition spaces, and enjoy fresh seafood as you discover the places in Yeosu that best match your travel style.
🌊 Experience Yeosu’s Coast Up Close
With 365 islands, Yeosu is never far from the sea. Ride a cable car above the water, stroll along island trails shaded by lush camellia forests, and watch the sun rise from a cliffside viewpoint as you take in the many faces of Yeosu’s coastline.
■ Recommended Places to Visit
- Take in panoramic views of Yeosu’s best-known landmarks, including Dolsandaegyo Bridge, Geobukseondaegyo Bridge, and Odongdo Island, as you glide above the sea. A round trip takes about 25 minutes, and the Crystal Cabin’s glass floor offers a thrilling view of the water below. Visit during the day for sweeping coastal scenery, or around sunset to see Yeosu transition into its sparkling nightscape.
- With around 3,600 naturally growing camellia trees, Odongdo is home to Korea’s largest camellia grove. Scenic walking trails wind through the forest along the coast, while Odongdo Lighthouse offers sweeping views of the sea and nearby islands.
- With around 3,600 naturally growing camellia trees, Odongdo is home to Korea’s largest camellia grove. Scenic walking trails wind through the forest along the coast, while Odongdo Lighthouse offers sweeping views of the sea and nearby islands.
In Yeosu, the sea is more than just a scenic backdrop—it is also a source of inspiration. From colorful murals tucked along hillside alleys to contemporary sculptures overlooking the ocean and dynamic fountain shows by the sea, the city is filled with creative spaces where art, culture, and the sea come together.
■ Recommended Places to Visit
- Once a residential neighborhood in Yeosu’s historic downtown, Goso-dong has been transformed into a colorful cultural village. Its hillside alleys offer sweeping views of Yeosu Port and are lined with murals depicting the city’s history and maritime character.
- A cultural complex best known for its Midas’ Hand Observatory, which extends out over the sea. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a range of attractions, including a Ferris wheel with ocean views, a sculpture park, a skywalk, and go-karts.
[Big-O Show]
- A spectacular fountain show featuring a massive circular structure above the water. One of Yeosu’s signature nighttime attractions, the approximately 30-minute show begins at 8:00 PM from Wednesday to Sunday through November 8.
Fresh seafood from the clean waters off Yeosu and the city’s traditional seafood dishes are an essential part of any visit. Enjoy a meal at a pocha by the night sea, dig into richly flavored marinated crab, and sample seasonal raw fish at a bustling fish market for a delicious taste of Yeosu.
✅TIP. The World Gimbap & Salt Festival will be held at Yeosu Ocean Park , giving visitors a chance to sample gimbap and locally produced sun-dried salt. (Oct. 9~11)
■ Recommended Places to Visit
- A popular spot near Hamel Lighthouse where you can soak up the atmosphere of Yeosu’s night sea. The signature dish is Yeosu Samhap, a sizzling combination of fresh octopus, Dolsan gatkimchi (leaf mustard kimchi) , and pork belly cooked together on a griddle.
- A popular spot near Hamel Lighthouse where you can soak up the atmosphere of Yeosu’s night sea. The signature dish is Yeosu Samhap, a sizzling combination of fresh octopus, Dolsan gatkimchi (leaf mustard kimchi) , and pork belly cooked together on a griddle.
[Bongsan Gejang Baekban Street]
- A popular food street for its savory, richly flavored marinated crab set meals. Along with soy sauce marinated and spicy marinated crab , each meal comes with a generous spread of side dishes such as sliced raw tongue sole salad and gatkimchi, offering a taste of the generous hospitality of southern Korea.
[Yeosu Specialty Seafood Market]
- A bustling local fish market where freshly caught seafood from the waters off Yeosu arrives each day. Visitors can enjoy fresh raw fish such as black sea bream, flounder, and pike eel at reasonable prices and shop for local specialties.
With islands of all sizes scattered along its deeply indented coastline, Yeosu offers a different landscape and experience on each one. During the 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea, visitors can take part in hands-on programs on islands such as Geumodo and Gaedo, while exhibition ticket holders can also enjoy discounts on yacht tours . From trekking and camping to local food, each island offers its own way to experience Yeosu.
🏃 Geumodo Island: A Top Trekking Destination Along Coastal Cliffs
Geumodo Island is best known for the Bireong-gil Trail, named after the Yeosu dialect word for “cliff.” The trail follows the coast in five connected sections, covering 18.5 km in total and taking about 8 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Along the way, hikers can enjoy dramatic views of the Dadohae archipelago from high above the rocky coastline. Course 3, which features Maebong Observatory and a suspension bridge, is especially scenic and well worth a visit. During the exhibition, camping and stamp tour programs will also be available on the island.
- Address: Simjang-ri, Nam-myeon, Yeosu-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City (전남광주통합특별시 여수시 남면 심장리)
- Getting There: Singi Port in Dolsan → Yeocheon Passenger Terminal on Geumodo Island (approx. 25 min) / Yeosu Coastal Passenger Terminal → Yeocheon Passenger Terminal on Geumodo Island (approx. 60 min)
Located about 110 km southwest of Yeosu Port, Geomundo Island lies between Yeosu and Jeju and has long been an important stop for ships traveling along Korea’s southern coast. The island is home to Geomundo Lighthouse , first lit in 1905 and the first lighthouse on Korea’s southern coast. It also offers sweeping views of the surrounding sea. Geomundo serves as the departure point for sightseeing boat tours to Baekdo , a pristine group of islands known for its subtropical vegetation and dramatic rock formations.
- Address: Geomun-ri, Samsan-myeon, Yeosu-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City (전남광주통합특별시 여수시 삼산면 거문리)
- Getting There: Yeosu Coastal Passenger Terminal → Seodo Port on Geomundo Island (approx. 120 min)
Nangdo Island, a small island between Yeosu and Goheung, is easily accessible by bridge. Follow the coastal trail to Sinseondae and Cheonseondae, where dramatic columnar joints and sea cliffs line the shore. The island is also known for Jeotsaem Makgeolli, a traditional unrefined rice wine made for over 100 years using fresh spring water that flows from rocks on the mountainside.
- Address: Hwajeong-myeon, Yeosu-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City (전남광주통합특별시 여수시 화정면)
- Getting There: Yeosu Coastal Passenger Terminal → Nangdo Port Passenger Terminal (approx. 120 min) / By car (approx. 60 min)
Sado Island and the surrounding area are known for their remarkable dinosaur footprint fossils, with around 3,500 discovered across several nearby islands, including a trackway recognized as the world’s longest. The island also offers a glimpse into its geological past through layers of sedimentary rock and a fascinating sea path that emerges at low tide, connecting Sado Island with neighboring islands. It is a particularly rewarding destination for travelers interested in natural history and geology.
- Address: Hwajeong-myeon, Yeosu-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City (전남광주통합특별시 여수시 화정면)
- Getting There: Yeosu Coastal Passenger Terminal → Sado Ferry Terminal (approx. 90 min) / Nangdo Port Passenger Terminal → Sado Ferry Terminal (approx. 15 min)
- Q. Is it easy to explore Yeosu by public transportation?
- A. Yes. The area around Yeosu Expo Station, as well as attractions such as Odongdo Island, Yeosu Maritime Cable Car, and Goso-dong Mural Village, is relatively easy to explore by public transportation or on foot. If you plan to visit Hyangiram Hermitage or some of the islands, however, taking a taxi or renting a car can save you time.
- Q. Can I visit Yeosu’s islands on a day trip?
- A. Yes. Islands close to the mainland, such as Geumodo, Gaedo, and Sado, as well as Odongdo and Nangdo, which are accessible by road, can generally be visited on a day trip. For more remote islands such as Geomundo, located over 50 km from Yeosu Port, it is best to plan to stay at least one night to allow for ferry schedules.
- Q. Where are the best places to see Yeosu at night?
- A. For some of Yeosu’s best nighttime views, head to Yeosu Maritime Cable Car, Goso-dong Mural Village, or Romantic Cart Bars. You can also catch the Big-O Show, a nighttime fountain show at Expo Ocean Park.
- Q. Is there anything I should know before visiting Yeosu’s islands?
- A. Be sure to check the ferry schedule before you travel, as services are subject to change. Keep the following in mind as well:
- - Ferry services may be delayed or suspended due to weather or sea conditions , so check the latest schedule before departure.
- - Sea paths are accessible only at designated times. Please observe the access hours to help protect the local ecosystem.
- - Facilities are limited on some islands, so bringing snacks and bottled water is recommended.
- Original article by Jung Won Park / Translated by KTO
- Photos by Korea Tourism Organization, ClipartKorea
