Hotels in Yeosu

Yeosu: South Korea's Coastal Gateway on the Korea Strait

Yeosu sits on the southern tip of South Jeolla Province, roughly 450 km south of Seoul by KTX rail. The city gained global attention when it hosted the 2012 Yeosu World Expo, drawing 8 million visitors to its waterfront. Today the former Expo site anchors the Expo Ocean Park, featuring the Big-O water-and-light show performed nightly over the harbor. The Odongdo Island causeway — 768 m long — leads to walking trails, camellia groves, and a lighthouse, and remains one of the most-visited coastal landmarks on the peninsula.

Where to Stay in Yeosu

Most hotels concentrate in the Dolsando waterfront district and near Yeosu Yeongdeungpo Station, the KTX terminus. The Yeosu Expo district offers newer properties with harbor views, while budget guesthouses cluster around the Jungang-dong old port area, within walking distance of the live seafood restaurants on Seobumarket Street.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: KTX trains from Seoul Yongsan Station reach Yeosu in approximately 2 hours 50 minutes.
• Best season: May–June and September–October bring mild temperatures; July–August sees peak crowds and occasional typhoon rain.
• Local food: Yeosu is known for gejang (raw marinated crab) and grilled galchi (hairtail fish) — order at the dock-side stalls in Jungang-dong.
• Island hopping: Ferries to Geomundo Island depart from Yeosu passenger terminal; the crossing takes about 2 hours.