Just under two hours from Busan via bus or car, Tongyeong is surely one of the region's great gems. This laid-back seaside town is the gateway to the gorgeous, rugged islands of the Hallyeohaesang National Park, most of which are accessible by Tongyeong's Passenger Ferry Terminal. The lovely Bijindo Island, with its striking white-sand beach and stunning blue water, is a memorable place to hike, camp, and relax with your toes in the sand.
Given Tongyeong's location, it's no surprise that the small city is also a great place to eat seafood, with buzzing markets full of the freshest fish and other assorted sealife, along with loads of down-home restaurants serving dishes that draw from the ocean's rich bounty.
Add the local history of Admiral Yi Sun-shin's famous Geobukseon ("turtle ships" used by the Royal Korean Navy), and this popular weekend destination for the Busan crowd becomes a perfect spot to escape the pressure cooker of the big city. In fact, Tongyeong's charms are so unassuming and deep that you may find yourself staying longer than anticipated.
