Yi Sun-sin Square, Where the Yeosu Coast Meets the Turtle Ship
Yeosu Yi Sun-sin Square is a coastal civic park opened in 2010, where you can see the Jeolla Jwasuyeong Turtle Ship, a 1.5-kilometer walking path, and views of Dolsan Bridge all in one place. The square is free and open year-round, and its location about 100 meters from Jinnamgwan makes it easy to explore Yeosu’s historic sites together.
I’ve been here?
Your check-in helps the next traveler.
22 people viewed this week Be the first
One tap — no writing needed
Why the Old Port Became a Civic Park on March 27, 2010
Yi Sun-sin Square is a coastal plaza created by turning the old port near Jonghwa-dong, Yeosu-si, into a park. Yeosu City carried out breakwater, revetment, and land reclamation works for about five years beginning in 2001, and as a result, the old port was transformed into a civic park.
The current appearance was formed when Yi Sun-sin Square, opened in front of Jinnamgwan in April 2010, was combined with the former Jongpo Marine Park. The Korea Tourism Organization introduces it as a square opened on March 27, 2010, to commemorate the historic achievement of 11 consecutive victories over Japanese forces in the naval battles of Yeosu, and states that it covers approximately 14,000㎡.
From the Statue at the Entrance to the 11 Pillars: What to See
At the roundabout by the main entrance stands a statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin looking out to sea from atop a turtle ship. A long “Welcome Fountain” is installed at the entrance, and to its right stand 11 sculptural pillars commemorating the 11 naval battles launched from Yeosu.
One wall of the square features a mural depicting Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s life and the Imjin War. The pedestrian overpass linking the square and the coast is a structure symbolizing a dragon, and from the coastal side visitors can look out over the waters off Yeosu and Dolsan Bridge.
The 35.3 m Turtle Ship Is Free, but Interior Access Is the Key Point
On the coast by the square stands the Jeolla Jwasuyeong Turtle Ship, completed in 2014. The vessel has two levels, measures 35.3 m in overall length and 10.62 m in width, and visitors are informed that anyone may enter the hull free of charge.
Inside, wax figures of naval personnel are displayed in a museum-like setting, and visitors can also try on an admiral’s uniform. However, separate operating hours for the turtle ship at the square could not be confirmed, so schedules should allow for the possibility that only exterior viewing may be available when visiting late at night.
The Square Is Open at All Times and Free; the Tourist Information Center Opens at 10:00
As of 2026, the square is open around the clock, every day of the year. Admission is also free, so there is no need to purchase a ticket at a separate ticket office. The telephone number listed on the square’s official tourism information page is 061-659-4629.
The address is listed on the Korea Tourism Organization’s Accessible Tourism page as 74 Jungang-ro (Jungang-dong), Yeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, Yeosu-si, and on Yeosu City’s official tourism page as 383 Jungang-dong. The nearby Yi Sun-sin Square Tourist Information Center is at 74 Jungang-ro, can be reached at 061-661-1746, and is open from 10:00 to 21:00.
How to Connect the Historic Area by Romantic Bus from Yeosu Expo Station
Several individual city bus routes are listed on Yeosu City’s official tourism page, but the route numbers and stop information cannot be clearly identified individually. For first-time foreign visitors, a simpler option is to take the Yeosu Romantic Bus Yi Sun-sin Cultural Tourism Heritage Course, departing from Yeosu Expo Station and passing through Yi Sun-sin Square.
This course operates on Sundays in even-numbered weeks each month. From 11:30 to 14:00, it visits Jinnamgwan, Goso-dae, the Jeolla Jwasuyeong Turtle Ship, and Yi Sun-sin Square, with a lunch break. The regular fare is 10,000 won and the discounted fare is 5,000 won; lunch and admission fees for tourist facilities are not included. Online reservations take priority, and if seats remain, cash payment is available on site. For reservations, call 061-902-0212.
How Not to Confuse the 50-Space Parking Lot with the Jungang-ro Address
The square’s parking lot can accommodate 50 passenger cars and five large vehicles. A public parking lot with accessible parking spaces is also listed, but current parking fees could not be confirmed on the official page. A tourism article states that small and medium-sized vehicles cost 500 won for 30 minutes in the underground parking lot, but it is difficult to assume that this is the current fee.
The destination may be displayed with different addresses: 383 Jungang-dong, 74 Jungang-ro, or the user-provided address, 1st Floor, 73 Jungang-ro. In the vehicle navigation system, enter “Yi Sun-sin Square, Yeosu” as well, and after arrival, it is safer to use the Tourist Information Center at 74 Jungang-ro as a reference point.
Combining a 1.5 km Coastal Walk and Jinnamgwan, 100 m Away, in One Itinerary
The square has approximately 1.5 km of walking trails along the coast, and the Yeosu Marine Park promenade runs from Hamel Lighthouse to Yi Sun-sin Square. With a performance venue, playground, and basketball court, the square is not only a place to view historic remains but also a space used as a civic park.
Jinnamgwan is across from the square, about 100 m away, so walking there without moving the car again is convenient. The square is the starting point of a historical and cultural tourism belt connected to nearby heritage sites such as Jinnamgwan, and the Turtle Ship Festival is held every May.
Wheelchair Access Is Possible, but Take Care on the Slope Toward Hamel Lighthouse
The main entrance and access route have no steps or raised thresholds, making wheelchair access possible, and accessible parking is also available. However, the square does not offer stroller or wheelchair rental services. Foreign-language services are not available according to the information provided.
Approximately 97% of the promenade leading from Hamel Lighthouse is flat, but there are a few short uphill and downhill sections. In particular, the approach ramp to Hamel Lighthouse is made of metal and may be slippery, so manual wheelchair users may need assistance from a companion. Pets are allowed.
A Visiting Time Suited to History and Walking Rather Than Views
Because the square is open at all times, there is no need to plan around a specific admission time. Visitors can view Dolsan Bridge, Janggun-do, and Dolsan Bridges 1 and 2, and the 1.5 km coastal walking trail makes daytime a good time to see the structures and murals together.
The square can still be entered late in the evening, but the Tourist Information Center operates from 10:00 to 21:00, and separate operating hours for the interior of the turtle ship could not be confirmed. Therefore, first-time foreign visitors are less likely to have to turn back due to a lack of information if they visit the Tourist Information Center first during the day, then proceed to the turtle ship interior, Jinnamgwan, and the coastal promenade in that order.
Before You Go
- Address
- 74 Jungang-ro, Yeosu-si, Yeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City (Jungang-dong); Yeosu City’s official tourism page lists: 383 Jungang-dong
- Hours
- Open at all times
- Closed
- Open year-round
- Admission
- Free
- Phone
- 061-659-4629
- Official site
- https://www.yeosu.go.kr/tour
- Transport
- Yeosu City’s official tourism page lists numerous city bus services, but the route numbers were extracted as continuous text, making individual routes unclear. The Yeosu Romantic Bus Yi Sun-sin Cultural Tourism Heritage Course departs from Yeosu Expo Station and passes through Yi Sun-sin Square.
- Parking
- Parking available. Capacity for 50 passenger cars and five large vehicles. A tourism article mentions 500 won for 30 minutes for small and medium-sized vehicles in the underground parking lot, but the current fee could not be reconfirmed on the official page.
- Accessibility
- The main entrance and access route have no steps or raised thresholds, allowing wheelchair access. Accessible parking is available. Approximately 97% of the Yeosu Marine Park promenade is flat, but there are some short uphill and downhill sections and a metal ramp.
The information above is current as of the time of writing. Check the official guidance again before visiting.
Places
Nearby Attractions 3
-
1
Jinnamgwan HallExplore the National Treasure wooden architecture and historical sites from the Imjin War. -
2
Gosodong Angel Mural AlleyStroll through the alley following the murals and enjoy views of the sea off Yeosu. -
3
Yeosu Maritime Cable CarRide a cable car over the sea and enjoy views of Dolsan Bridge and the coastline.
Food & Dining 3
-
4
-
5
-
6
Events in This Area
Festivals in This Area
More Travel Guides in This Area
Travel Guide
How to Enjoy Fresh Sashimi and Dolsan Bridge at Block 3 of Yeosu Seafood Specialty Market
Travel Guide
The Legacy of the Sea from the 2012 Yeosu Expo: Yeosu Expo Ocean Park
Travel Guide
Meeting the South Sea at the End of a 150-Meter Artificial Rock Cave: Yeosu Art Land
Travel Guide
Aqua Planet Yeosu on the fourth above-ground floor of the 2012 Yeosu Expo site
Korea News
News
‘NewJeans Expulsion’ Danielle Releases Her First YouTube Video… “We Don’t Know What Will Happen Next”
![aespa’s North American Tour Has Remaining Seats Despite ‘$49’ Bargain Prices… A Stark Popularity Gap with KATSEYE [TEN Starfield]](https://kotourlive-images.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/news/1788485037424_a59b1932_naver_rank_thumb_0000774618_1788485037424.jpg){kind=icon}
News
aespa’s North American Tour Has Remaining Seats Despite ‘$49’ Bargain Prices… A Stark Popularity Gap with KATSEYE [TEN Starfield]
![[Photo] TWICE’s Dahyun attends a film festival red carpet as an actress](https://kotourlive-images.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/news/1788485316508_edd43ecd_news_870a60a6-6f11-4d73-aa7c-48d91318a0f7.jpg)
News
[Photo] TWICE’s Dahyun attends a film festival red carpet as an actress
![[On-Site Video] “We’re Departing Separately Together”… BIGBANG Begins ‘COSMOS’ World Tour](https://kotourlive-images.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/news/1788485226518_c5719641_news_fdd4764a-0f4e-4968-8e4e-e98a02872f88.jpg)
News