9 Things to Do in Yeosu on a Small Budget

Dolsan Park is your best bet for a panoramic view of Yeosu in its full glory at a glance. The park is situated at the entrance to Dolsan Island off the coast of Yeosu and is considered a must-see destination. The best views of the city can be had at night when Dolsan Bridge and Yeosu Port are fully lit. Dolsan Park is also home to a marine cable car that will take you over the sea to Jasan Park. It takes about 15 minutes to cross, and you can sit back and savour bird's-eye views of the surrounding sea, Yeosu, Janggundo, Geobukseon Bridge and Hamel Lighthouse.

Mt. Yeongchwi in Yeosu is one of the country’s top spots for viewing azaleas. So much so, in fact, that azalea festivals are held when the flowers are in bloom. The mountain can be hiked via a variety of courses according to your skill level, and when you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Yeosu and the surrounding sea, as well as the azaleas and cherry blossoms that colour the mountains. For something a little different, wait until sunset to discover a dazzling display of lights put on by the factories at Yeosu Industrial Complex and the reflecting Yeosu sea.

The Sky Tower Observation Deck is a symbol of Yeosu EXPO Ocean Park along with Big-O Show. This structure, which plays the sounds of a pipe organ five times a day from spring to autumn, was originally a cement silo for Dongyang Cement, but it was remodeled after the Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea was held and transformed into the observatory that you see today. Nothing obstructs your view at the observatory, so you can really appreciate an unhindered view of all of Yeosu's top tourist spots.

Hamel Lighthouse is an unmanned lighthouse built to commemorate Hamel's return to his home country. Hamel is famous for the Journal of Hendrick Hamel. The lighthouse has a romantic atmosphere with its red colour contrasting with the blue sea and sky. It’s loved greatly by couples. The nearby Hamel Pavilion is open to the public with no entrance fee, and you can learn historical facts about Hamel's drifting. Also, at night, the lighthouse and Geobukseon Bridge are lit up and really shine, so you can enjoy a beautiful night-time view.

Kukdong Waterfront Park is a well-furnished fishing spot and is characterised by many people setting up chairs or tents along the beach and casting their fishing rods. You can enjoy fishing without a lot of preparation as fishing supplies are available at a nearby hypermarket. When you've waited long enough and are hungry, you can order food from a nearby store and eat it. The unique experience of fishing in an urban park can only be found here, so be sure to visit if you're into fishing.