(Click)Yeosu City Official Travel Info Website(Eng)
A Must-Visit Landmark on a Trip to Yeosu
Yeosu is one of South Korea’s best-known southern coastal destinations, offering beautiful sea views, islands, night scenery, seafood, and coastal walking routes. While Dolsan Bridge and the Yeosu Night Sea are famous after sunset, Yeosu Odongdo Island is one of the city’s most representative destinations for enjoying nature during the day. Although the island covers only about 0.12㎢, it is filled with dense vegetation, including camellia trees, Machilus trees, hackberry trees, and many other species. One of the most distinctive features of Yeosu Odongdo Island is its forest landscape, with approximately 3,000 camellia trees and around 2.5 km of natural walking trails.
• Representative natural attraction in Yeosu
• Island where visitors can enjoy both the sea and forest
• Approximately 3,000 camellia trees
• Around 2.5 km of natural forest trails
• Popular for walking and photography
When Can You See Camellia Flowers at Yeosu Odongdo Island?
The bright red camellia flower is one of the most recognizable symbols of Yeosu Odongdo Island. Camellias generally begin blooming around November and can continue into April of the following year. From winter through early spring, visitors can see vivid red flowers contrasting against the island’s evergreen forest, making the area especially attractive for travelers planning a camellia-themed trip in Korea. Actual flowering conditions vary each year depending on temperature and weather, so travelers visiting specifically for camellias should check the latest blooming conditions before departure.
• Typical camellia season: around November to April
• Camellias can be enjoyed from winter through spring
• Red flowers contrast with the evergreen forest
• Blooming conditions vary depending on weather
• Recommended for travelers interested in photography
A Small Island with Plenty to See
Yeosu Odongdo Island offers much more than camellia flowers. Walking along its forest trails reveals ocean views, coastal cliffs, and unusual rock formations such as Byeongpungbawi, Sorabawi, Jibungbawi, and Elephant Rock. The island also features a lighthouse, a musical fountain park, walking paths, and places where visitors can stop and rest. Travelers can also combine an Odongdo visit with a sightseeing cruise or other marine experiences around the Yeosu coastline.
• Camellia forest trails
• Odongdo Lighthouse
• Musical Fountain Park
• Coastal cliffs and ocean views
• Byeongpungbawi, Sorabawi, Elephant Rock, and other formations
• Coastal walking and photography
• Nearby sightseeing cruises and marine activities
Walk Across the 768-Meter Breakwater to Odongdo
Although Yeosu Odongdo Island is an island, it is connected to the mainland by a breakwater, so visitors do not need to take a boat to reach it. The breakwater was completed in 1935 to protect Yeosu New Port and is approximately 768 meters long. Travelers can walk from the entrance to the island while enjoying views of the sea. Those who prefer not to walk can use the Dongbaek Train or a bicycle instead.
• Connected to the mainland by a breakwater
• Breakwater length: approximately 768 meters
• Visitors can walk directly to the island
• Scenic seaside walking route
• Dongbaek Train and bicycles are alternative transportation options
Yeosu Odongdo Island Dongbaek Train Fare
Visitors who find the breakwater walk difficult, or those traveling with children or older family members, can use the Dongbaek Train. The listed standard one-way fare is KRW 1,000. Certain age groups, Yeosu residents, and other eligible passengers may receive a discounted or free ride. Since the fare is charged per direction, travelers planning a round trip should consider both journeys when organizing their visit to Yeosu Odongdo Island.
• Standard fare: KRW 1,000 one way
• Discount fare: KRW 500 one way
• Discount eligibility: people aged 65 or older, Yeosu residents, ages 7–19, and university students
• Free eligibility: national merit recipients, people with disabilities, children aged 6 or younger, and Yeosu residents aged 65 or older
• Fare and discount conditions should be reconfirmed before visiting
Dongbaek Train Operating Hours
The Dongbaek Train schedule varies by season. From March through October, the first train heading toward Yeosu Odongdo Island is listed at 09:30 and the last at 17:50. For trains leaving the island, the first departure is at 09:15 and the last at 17:40. Service pauses during the lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00. Between November and February, the number of departures and final operating times are reduced, so winter travelers should check the current schedule before visiting.
• March–October first inbound train: 09:30
• March–October last inbound train: 17:50
• March–October first outbound train: 09:15
• March–October last outbound train: 17:40
• Lunch break: 12:00–13:00
• A separate winter schedule applies
• Check on-site operations during busy weekends
How to Get to Yeosu Odongdo Island from Yeosu Expo Station
The distance from Yeosu Expo Station to Yeosu Odongdo Island is approximately 3 km. Walking is possible, but the distance can feel inconvenient if you have luggage or are visiting during hot summer weather. Travelers can also take buses toward the Odongdo Entrance or Expo Parking Lot Entrance area. If arriving by car, a convenient option is to park near the Odongdo entrance and then continue to the island on foot or by Dongbaek Train.
• Approximately 3 km from Yeosu Expo Station
• Walking is possible but may be tiring with luggage
• Buses toward the Odongdo entrance are available
• Bus routes include 2, 333, 555-1, 68, and 76
• Drivers can park near the entrance and continue by foot or Dongbaek Train
Google Map(Click)
Yeosurang Public Bicycles Are Also Recommended from Yeosu Expo Station
Another convenient way to travel from Yeosu Expo Station to Yeosu Odongdo Island is the city’s public bicycle service, Yeosurang. A one-day pass is available for KRW 1,000 for general members and non-members. However, this does not mean one bicycle can be kept continuously for 24 hours. The standard rental period for one session is two hours. If the bicycle is returned to a designated station within that period, another bicycle can be rented again. Additional fees may apply when the basic rental time is exceeded.
• Yeosurang one-day pass: KRW 1,000
• Service available 24 hours
• Standard single rental period: 2 hours
• Return within 2 hours and rent again if needed
• Additional fees may apply after the basic time
• Bicycles must be returned at designated stations
Why Cycling to Odongdo Can Be Convenient
Using a bicycle can save time because travelers can ride along the breakwater toward Yeosu Odongdo Island without waiting for the Dongbaek Train. The breakwater section from the entrance to the island is roughly 1 km, and visitors can continue exploring before using a bicycle again for the return trip. Depending on the itinerary, cycling also makes it easier to connect Odongdo with Yeosu Expo Station and the area around Hamel Lighthouse. Yeosurang bicycles must always be properly returned at designated stations rather than left anywhere.
• Avoid waiting for the Dongbaek Train
• Ride across the breakwater
• Convenient for linking Odongdo with nearby attractions
• Useful for traveling toward Yeosu Expo Station and Hamel Lighthouse
• Return at a designated station is mandatory
• Check bicycle condition and return locations before departure
Odongdo Parking Fees and Driving Information
Visitors arriving by car can use parking facilities near the entrance to Yeosu Odongdo Island, then continue across the breakwater on foot or take the Dongbaek Train. Based on the provided parking information, regular vehicles receive the first 30 minutes free, followed by KRW 500 for every additional 30 minutes, with a maximum daily fee of KRW 5,000. Compact cars, vehicles used by national merit recipients, vehicles for people with disabilities, and low-emission vehicles may qualify for discounts depending on applicable conditions.
• First 30 minutes: free
• After 30 minutes: KRW 500 per additional 30 minutes
• Maximum daily fee: KRW 5,000
• Some eligible vehicles may receive a 50% discount
• Parking can be crowded on weekends and during peak seasons
Yeosu Odongdo Island Admission and Opening Hours
Admission to Yeosu Odongdo Island itself is free, and visitors do not need to purchase a separate entrance ticket to explore the island. The island can generally be accessed as an open tourist attraction, but individual facilities such as the Dongbaek Train, musical fountain, and sightseeing cruises operate according to separate schedules. Travelers visiting later in the evening should check transportation, lighting conditions, and facility operating times in advance.
• Odongdo admission: free
• Island itself is generally accessible throughout the day
• Dongbaek Train requires a separate fare
• Facilities such as the musical fountain follow their own operating schedules
• Check transportation options before a late-night visit
Yeosu Odongdo Island Location
The listed address for Yeosu Odongdo Island is 222 Odongdo-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special Metropolitan City. Because it is relatively close to Yeosu Expo Station, the island works well as either the first or final attraction on a KTX-based Yeosu itinerary. Combining Odongdo with Expo Park, nearby aquarium attractions, Hamel Lighthouse, and other coastal landmarks can make it easier to build an efficient one-day route.
• Address: 222 Odongdo-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special Metropolitan City
• Conveniently located from Yeosu Expo Station
• Can be combined with Yeosu Expo Park
• Easy to connect with Hamel Lighthouse and nearby attractions
• Accessible by public transportation, bicycle, and car
Yeosu Odongdo Island Travel Tips
Yeosu Odongdo Island is especially popular during the winter and spring camellia season, but its forest trails and coastal scenery make it worth visiting throughout the year. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the forest and coastline. If you plan to use the Dongbaek Train, check the final departure time in advance. A bicycle can also make it easier to connect the island with Yeosu Expo Station and nearby coastal attractions while using your travel time efficiently.
• Check current blooming conditions when visiting for camellia flowers
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Check the last Dongbaek Train departure
• Confirm designated public bicycle stations before cycling
• Expect more visitors on weekends
• Combine Odongdo with Yeosu Expo Station and nearby attractions
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