
Odongdo Island
- Location
- Yeosu
- Travel theme
- Sea & Islands
- Time needed
- 1.5 – 3 hours
- Admission
- Free
A small forested island linked to Yeosu by a long seaside breakwater, famous for its camellia woods.
Odongdo is joined to the mainland by a 768-metre breakwater, so the island is reached on foot with the sea on both sides. Inside, camellia trees close over the paths and open into a lighthouse viewpoint at the top; in early spring the ground is scattered with fallen red flowers.
Follow the southern coast through forested islands, waterfront paths, cliffside temples and cities shaped by the sea.
- 01Camellia forest walk
- 02Lighthouse observatory
- 03Musical fountain by the breakwater
Take your time here
The best visits are unhurried. Notice how the landscape, everyday life and local history meet here, then leave room for the details that are easy to miss at first glance.
Odongdo is joined to the mainland by a 768-metre breakwater, so the island is reached on foot with the sea on both sides. Inside, camellia trees close over the paths and open into a lighthouse viewpoint at the top; in early spring the ground is scattered with fallen red flowers.
A simple way through
- 01Stop
Begin at the main entrance and take a moment to read the landscape before moving on.
- 02Stop
Camellia forest walk
- 03Stop
Lighthouse observatory
- 04Stop
Musical fountain by the breakwater
- 05Stop
Finish slowly, retracing the quieter path and leaving time for one last view.
- Pace
- Unhurried, with pauses
- Terrain
- Coastal paths, decks and occasional steps
- Best light
- Late afternoon into sunset
- Local note
- Stay within marked paths near exposed edges
Small things that make the visit better
- 01Wind off the water is cooler than inland — bring a light layer even in summer.
- 02The last hour before sunset gives the warmest light for photographs.
- 03Wear shoes with grip; boardwalks and stone steps can be damp.
- 04Check ferry and cable-car times before travelling in bad weather.
Pair it with a harbour dinner and a slow walk along the waterfront after dark.
Before you set out
Opening hours and admission can change seasonally. Check locally before a special trip.
- How long should I allow?
- Allow 1.5 – 3 hours.
- When is the best time to visit?
- Spring, when the camellias and blossom open
- Is there an entrance fee?
- Free
- How do I get there?
- About 10 minutes by taxi from Yeosu EXPO Station; a small road train runs along the breakwater.
Also in this city
Other places nearby
JindoSebang Sunset
Island silhouettes, golden reflections and an open horizon on Jindo's western coast. The original viewing area is temporarily closed for construction.
ShinanPurple Island
Purple bridges connect Banwoldo and Bakjido, where colourful village paths meet the sea and tidal flats.
YeosuHyangiram Hermitage
A hermitage set into a forested rock peak above the sea, best known for its sunrise view.
MokpoGohado Sea Deck
A wooden walkway that runs along the cliffs of Gohado, just above the water.
MokpoMokpo Skywalk
A viewing deck reaching out over the harbour, looking towards the bridge at sunset.
MokpoPeace Plaza
A seafront plaza where evenings end with a dancing fountain show above the water.

