Our Tongyeong Travel Essentials guide offers all the basic and essential information necessary to enjoy your vacation in this Korean coastal city. You'll learn about the local climate, currency, emergency phone numbers, electrical info, plug styles and more. We even give valuable insight into the best way to get to your hotel and get around the city.

A memorable vacation to this city means taking advantage of the numerous festivals held here and the top landmarks. With this guide, you'll have the key to everything you need to get the most out of your vacation in South Gyeongsang's coastal playground.

  • When is the best time to travel to Tongyeong?

    When is the best time to travel to Tongyeong?
    • Tonyeong's climate varies quite a bit based on the season. Still, it's generally pretty comfortable, with average temperatures in the middle of summer at around 25.7°C, while winter offers an average of 2.8°C.
    • There's a clear rainy season in Tongyeong during the summer, with July getting the most rain at an average of 26.2 centimeters throughout the month and a daily chance of 32%.
    • The warmest months in Tongyeong are August and July, with highs of 29.4°C and 27.7°C, respectively.
    • The best time to visit is generally around spring with its comfortable temperatures and relative dryness. Winter is dryer, though, and if you don't mind the cold, it can be a great time to visit and avoid crowds.
  • Tongyeong basics

    Tongyeong basics

    •             Plug type: C or F

    •             Electricity: 220V

    •             Currency: South Korean won (₩)

    •             International dialing code: +82

    •             Emergency telephone number: 112

  • How to get to my hotel in Tongyeong?

    How to get to my hotel in Tongyeong?

    Tongyeong is only accessible by road, so that's how you'll have to get in. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to find a way there, whether you want to take a bus or drive yourself. Just keep in mind that your options are somewhat limited compared to larger destinations like Seoul and Busan.

    Airports

    There aren't any airports in Tongyeong, but Daegu International airport is relatively close. Of course, you can always fly to Seoul's Incheon International Airport. As long as you make it into South Korea, it's fairly easy to get to Tongyeong.

    Major train stations

    Similar to the airports, there aren't any major train stations in Tongyeong. The only train riding you'll need to do is from the airport to the closest bus station that can then take you to Tongyeong.

    Ports

    The port in Tongyeong can be fairly busy, but it's mainly ferrying passengers to nearby islands. It doesn't connect to any major cities you might be coming in from.

  • How to get around Tongyeong?

    How to get around Tongyeong?

    Travel tips

    You'll find essentially 3 ways to get around Tongyeong, and that's by automobile, by bus or on foot. The bus network tends to be the easiest, however, as this city has a comprehensive bus system that can get you virtually anywhere in town and the surrounding area. Just make sure to get a T-money card for a discounted rate. Additionally, it's helpful to download info apps like Kakao or Naver Maps for easy access to details on routes and stops with live bus tracking.

    Underground system

    There is no underground system in Tongyeong. There's not even a station for trains in and out of town. Rail simply hasn't reached Tongyeong.

    Taxi cab and rideshare apps

    Taxi cabs are readily available throughout the city and can be a handy way to get around. It's helpful to remember, however, that it's not very likely that your driver will speak English. If this is the case, you can simply show them the name of your destination and they can get you there. Ridesharing is relatively new in South Korea, thanks to strict government regulations. Big names like Uber aren't available, but you can book a rideshare through Banban taxi cab.

    Bus network

    This is the main way to travel throughout Tongyeong. When riding the bus, ensure you get a T-money card first, which can be found at just about any convenience store. This will give you discounted rates on bus travel. Even if you have to transfer, the second ride is free as long as you get on it within 30 minutes.

    Car rental Driving is a good way to get around Tongyeong. The roads are well-maintained, and there's plenty of parking. You just have to get a valid International Driving Permit first in your home country, so get that taken care of before you reach South Korea.

    Bike hire

    Bike hire tends to be available near the coast, as the coastal path is often traversed on a bike. The city is fairly friendly to bikes too, but bikes are considerably more common the closer you get to the coast. Public bikes are somewhat common throughout the country, so they're never too far away.

    Ferries

    Local ferries are available at the port that can take you to the southern islands. These include destinations like Yokji, Sanyang, Hansan and Saryang.

    photo by Michael Gallagher (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • What are the main annual events in Tongyeong?

    What are the main annual events in Tongyeong?

    Tongyeong International Music Festival

    • When: March
    • What: The Tongyeong International Music Festival is a popular concert series that's known for its wide variety of different genres. You'll find plenty of contemporary Western music at this festival, but it also includes classical music, early baroque style performances and even operas and musical theater productions.
    • Where: Tongyeong Municipal Hall of Culture and Arts and several other small theaters and venues

    Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival

    • When: August
    • What: The Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival is a celebration designed to commemorate the Great Battle of Hansan that occurred in 1592. When you visit this festival, you can see a live reenactment of the battle in addition to other live performances. Yi sun-sin Waterpark also does special events for this festival, which is perfect for traveling families.
    • Where: Donam Tourist Complex

    Tongyeong Triennale

    • When: March
    • What: Tongyeong Triennale is an art exhibition held every 3 years that shows off a wide variety of artworks that go far beyond visual arts. While visual arts certainly have a presence, this festival makes a point to expand further into neighborhoods of music, dance, theater and media arts. Interdisciplinary works are especially notable as artists combine different mediums.
    • Where: Various locations throughout the city
  • What are the main landmarks in Tongyeong?

    What are the main landmarks in Tongyeong?

    Dongpirang Mural Village

    Dongpirang Mural Village is home to elaborate pieces of public art painted across historical buildings by the sea. The murals outright saved the area, as they revitalized local interest in the neighbourhood. In addition to the impressive murals here, you'll also find restaurants, shops and a breathtaking view of the sea and Gangguan Port.

    Tongyeong Undersea Tunnel

    The Tongyeong Undersea Tunnel is a historic tunnel that connects the city with Mireukdo Island. It's traversable on foot and stretches 483 meters in total length. Historically, this was the first ever underwater tunnel built in Asia, and while it was initially built for automobiles, it's only used by people on foot in the modern era.

    Yi Sun Sin Park

    Yi Sun Sin Park is a lovely park and memorial to Admiral Yi Sun-sin, where you'll find quite a few different things to do. The observation deck is trendy since it offers stunning views near Mangilbong Peak, but you can also enjoy a traditional culture hall and a scenic walking path. Hagikjeong Pavilion is a tranquil space as well, perfect for relaxing and taking in this free attraction.

    Chungnyeolsa Temple

    Chungnyeolsa Temple is dedicated to Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, whose honorific title in the military was Chungnyeolsa. At the temple, you can explore brilliant traditional architecture and tranquil surroundings. The garden area is particularly well kept, with a walking path that allows you to take in the ambience and vibrant greenery.

    photo by Republic of Korea (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified