Jeollanam-do Travel Guide

Jeollanam-do: Southern Korea’s Land of Scenic Beauty and Great Food

Jeollanam-do is beloved for its distinctly southern charm, where the sea of the Dadohae archipelago, expansive wetlands, tea fields, and bamboo forests come together with the region’s celebrated cuisine.

Must-Visit Places

Top highlights include Yeosu, famous for its marine cable car and dazzling night sea views; Suncheon Bay, known for its dramatic S-shaped waterways and sweeping reed fields; Juknokwon Bamboo Garden in Damyang and the Metasequoia Road, perfect for a peaceful walk through dense bamboo groves; and the Boseong Green Tea Fields, also well known as a filming location for Korean dramas.

Best Time to Visit

The lush greenery of spring and summer and the golden reeds of Suncheon Bay in autumn are especially beautiful. It also makes for a great southern Korea road trip by linking Yeosu, Suncheon, Boseong, and Damyang into one itinerary.

Places to Visit

Gokseong Seomjin River Train Village Steam Era Walk

Gokseong Seomjin River Train Village is a railway-themed tourist attraction crea...

Boseong Green Tea Fields in Jeollanam-do stepped hills

Boseong Green Tea Fields is located in Boseong, South Jeolla Province, and is Ko...

Damyang Bamboo Forest Juknokwon walking path

Juknokwon is a bamboo-themed park in Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do, and one of Damya...

Mokpo Ocean Cable Car 3.23km views from Yudal Mountain to sea

Mokpo Seaside Cable Car is a large sea cable car in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do, connect...

Suncheon Bay National Garden A scenic walk through Korea’s gardens

Suncheon Bay National Garden is a large garden park located in Suncheon, Jeollan...

Yosu Expo Ocean Park seaside stroll and Sky Tower views

Yeoosu Expo Maritime Park is a marine culture and leisure space built on the sit...

Jeongnamjin Cypress Forest in Jangheung, Jeonnam forest healing walk

The Jeongnamjin Pine Cedar Forest is a forest healing space created along the fo...

Gwangyang Maehwa Village in Jeonnam, spring plum blossoms

Gwangyang Maehwa Village is a village located in the lower reaches of the Seomji...

Purple Island in Sinan Jeonnam, violet bridges & villages

Shinan Purple Island is a unique island tourism destination in Jeollanam-do, cen...

Odongdo Island Yeosu: camellia and paulownia deck walk & lighthouse

Odongdo Island in Yeosu is an island that belongs to the Hallyeohaesang National...

While You're There

Yeonggwang Bupseongpo Dano Festival

festival

Jeongnamjin Jangheung Water Festival

festival

Good to Know

Some of the most popular stops are Yeosu’s night sea, Suncheonman Bay National Garden and Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve, Juknokwon Bamboo Garden in Damyang, Mokpo Modern History Street, and the Boseong Green Tea Fields. It’s a great region to enjoy the sea, gardens, islands, and local food all in one trip.

If you are visiting just one area such as Yeosu or Suncheon, a 2-day, 1-night trip is possible. But if you want to include Mokpo, Damyang, Boseong, and the island areas, 3 days or more is recommended. Because distances between destinations can be significant, it is more efficient to plan the eastern and western parts separately.

City areas such as Yeosu, Suncheon, and Mokpo can be explored using public transportation. However, if you plan to connect multiple nature destinations such as Damyang, Boseong, Goheung, Haenam, or the islands, renting a car is much more convenient.

Yeosu is famous for seafood and marinated crab, Mokpo for octopus and fermented skate, Damyang for grilled short rib patties and noodles, and Boseong for green tea dishes. Jeollanam-do has a strong and distinctive food culture in each area, making it ideal for a culinary itinerary.