Tongyeong Travel Essentials

• 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 centimetres 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.

•             Plug type: C or F

•             Electricity: 220V

•             Currency: South Korean won (₩)

•             International dialling code: +82

•             Emergency telephone number: 112

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.

Travel tips

You'll find essentially 3 ways to get around Tongyeong, and that's by car, 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 and rideshare apps

Taxis 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.

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 hire 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.

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 theatre productions.
• Where: Tongyeong Municipal Hall of Culture and Arts and several other small theatres 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 travelling 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 areas of music, dance, theatre and media arts. Interdisciplinary works are especially notable as artists combine different mediums.
• Where: Various locations throughout the city

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 revitalised 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 metres in total length. Historically, this was the first ever underwater tunnel built in Asia, and while it was initially built for cars, 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.