Mireukdo Island

South of central Tongyeong, linked to the mainland by two bridges and an undersea tunnel, Mireukdo holds half of what most visitors come to Tongyeong for. From Mireuksan (461 m) at its centre the islands of the Hallyeo Waterway spread out in layers, and the coast road in the south is the place for sunsets over the South Sea. It was once joined to the mainland by a strip you could cross on foot at low tide, and only became an island when a canal was cut in 1932.

An island made by a canal

Mireukdo was connected to the Tongyeong peninsula by a neck of land just over 200 m wide, with a 10 m channel that filled only at high tide. This narrows is called Pandemok. According to tradition, Japanese ships fleeing the Battle of Hansan Island in 1592 crowded in here and, finding their retreat blocked, tried to dig their way through; so many died that the spot was also called Songjangmok, "corpse narrows". Work on the Tongyeong Canal began in 1928 under Japanese colonial rule, and when the 1,420 m canal was completed in November 1932, Mireukdo effectively became an island. It covers about 39 km² and includes Sanyang-eup and the Bongpyeong-dong and Misu-dong neighbourhoods. The whole island once belonged to Sanyang-myeon; in 1936, after the canal opened, its northern part along the canal was absorbed into Tongyeong town. Much of the island and the surrounding sea lies within Hallyeohaesang National Park.

Walking under the sea: Tongyeong Undersea Tunnel

Alongside the canal, a tunnel 483 m long, 5 m wide and 3.5 m high was built under the seabed in 1932, reaching about 10 m below sea level at its deepest point. It is regarded as the first undersea structure in East Asia. It was built to speed up travel for the growing number of Japanese fishermen, and the inscription "龍門達陽" at its entrance remains a reminder of the colonial era. It is a Registered Cultural Heritage and is now used by pedestrians. Together with Chungmu Bridge and Tongyeong Bridge, it links the island to the mainland.

What to see on the island

• Mireuksan: the island's central peak, 461 m according to the summit stone, with views over Hansando, Bijindo and the islands towards Geoje and Namhae. A cable car opened in 2008 takes you close to the top.
• Yonghwasa and Miraesa: temples on the south and north slopes of the mountain, linked by the classic forest trail.
• Sanyang coastal road and Dara Park: a loop road around the southern coast. The sunset from the pavilion at Dara Park draws crowds every evening.
• Park Kyung-ni Memorial Hall: the memorial hall and grave of the author of the epic novel Toji (The Land) sit on a hillside in Sanyang-eup, with benches overlooking the islands.
• Donam-dong: the marine leisure hub, with a marina and the cruise terminal for boats to Hansando, Bijindo and Maemuldo.

Tripto tips

• Hiking Mireuksan: the classic loop starts at Yonghwasa Plaza, climbs via Gwaneumsa and Mireukjae pass to the summit and returns via Miraesa and Ttibat to the plaza, in about two hours. Use the cable car if you want to skip the climb.
• Time needed: the tunnel, Mireuksan and the sunset at Dara Park make a full day. Plan to reach Dara Park before sunset.
• Best time: spring azaleas and autumn colours are best for walking; in summer the coast road makes a breezy drive.
• Getting there: city buses from Tongyeong Intercity Bus Terminal and the town centre cross Chungmu Bridge and Tongyeong Bridge to all parts of the island. Buses on the coast road are infrequent, so a car or bicycle is easier.
• Combine it with: Gangguan harbour, Dongpirang Village and Samdo Sugun Tongjeyeong across the canal are about 10 minutes away by car.