Yeosu Eleven Bridge and Geumsan Scenic Beauty Stand Out
Mokpo Lighthouse and Baeksu Coastal Road Gain Popularity
A Rich Array of Local Delicacies, Including Yeonggwang Gulbi and Autumn Gizzard Shad
Jeollanam-do has selected four coastal drive courses as recommended tourist destinations for September, perfect for enjoying the clear autumn weather: the Yeosu Eleven Bridge, the Geumsan Coastal Scenic Road in Goheung, the Mokpo Lighthouse Coastal Road in Haenam, and the Baeksu Coastal Road in Yeonggwang.
Each course offers expansive views of the Dadohae (Archipelago Sea), local signature foods, and unique experiences, making them ideal destinations to satisfy all five senses.
The Yeosu Eleven Bridge is a series of marine bridges connecting 11 islands, including Nangdo and Baekya-do, with seven bridges currently completed and full completion scheduled for August 2027. The route allows travelers to drive from Dolsan in Yeosu to Yeongnam-myeon in Goheung in one go, making it a highly sought-after drive course. The view of the Dadohae from the bridges over Dunbyeong, Nangdo, Jeokgeum, and Palyeong is truly spectacular.
For food, Yeosu's specialty, Gunpyeongseoni (Red Sea Bream), is recommended. With few small bones, it is ideal for grilling. Its mild and savory flavor is highly regarded, and it is said to have been a favorite fish of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Visitors can also join Yeosu's night tourism program, "A Night Walk with the Aquarium," where they can observe various marine creatures at the aquarium and enjoy a stroll while taking in the night view of Yeosu's sea.
The Geogeum Coastal Road in Goheung was selected as one of the "Top 15 Southern Coast Scenic Roads" by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Its beautiful scenery has made it a must-visit destination for motorcycle and bicycle clubs. Driving along the national road toward Ocheon reveals breathtaking views of the Dadohae. At the midpoint, Geogeum Ecological Forest spans 3.3 million square meters and features wildflower colonies, forest observation trails, and a suspension bridge. The thrilling view of the Dadohae from the suspension bridge attracts hikers and tourists all year round.
In autumn, a signature dish of the southern coast is gizzard shad, typically enjoyed raw or grilled. In Goheung, it is served as "bone sashimi," where the scales are removed and the fish is sliced with the bones intact, resulting in a deep, savory aftertaste. Every Saturday until October 25, a drone show is held in the Nokdong Port area against the backdrop of the night sea.
The Mokpo Lighthouse Coastal Road in Haenam offers sweeping views of the West Sea sunset and the vast Dadohae. The lighthouse, which marks the starting point of the drive course, was built in 1908 during the late Korean Empire. Standing 7.2 meters tall, it served as the gateway to the mainland for 95 years and is a historical landmark.
Haenam's signature dish, Tteokgalbi, features minced Korean beef mixed with a special Namdo-style seasoning, resulting in a moist and chewy texture that is highly praised.
The Baeksu Coastal Road in Yeonggwang is a famous drive spot for enjoying the beautiful scenery of the West Sea. The winding road along the coastline offers panoramic views of the vast ocean, making it an excellent route for a scenic drive.
Especially at sunset, the sky turns red and, combined with the open sea, coastal rocks, and unique rock formations, creates a breathtaking landscape. The various observation decks along the route are perfect for watching the West Sea sunset. Walking along the coastal trails allows visitors to leisurely enjoy the scenery.
Yeonggwang's renowned delicacy, Beopseongpo Yeonggwang Gulbi (dried yellow corvina), is dried in the sea breeze, giving it a savory and umami-rich flavor. Bulgapsan Mountain in Yeonggwang boasts the largest colony of Lycoris radiata (red spider lilies) in Korea. From September 26 to October 5, a ten-day Lycoris Festival will be held here.
Oh Mikyung, head of the Tourism Division at Jeollanam-do, said, "Jeollanam-do is a region boasting beautiful scenery created by more than 2,000 islands and ria-type coastlines. I hope you enjoy a healing trip that satisfies all your senses with the scenery, gourmet food, and unique experiences at Jeollanam-do's recommended tourist destinations."
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