Dolsan Park

This hilltop park looks straight down on Dolsan Bridge, which links central Yeosu with the island of Dolsando. At dusk the sun sets beyond the bridge, and after dark the illuminated span, the islet of Janggundo and the lights around Yeosu harbour all fill the view. The Dolsan station of the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car is right next to the park, so the two are easy to combine.

A park facing the bridge

Dolsan Park was laid out in 1987 on the hill at the northern tip of Dolsando. It covers about 287,600 m², with walking paths, rest areas and viewing terraces along the slope. Part of a set built for the 2004 SBS morning drama "Choice" stayed behind and was turned into a traditional teahouse with a view of the bridge, and the 2011 film "I Am Dad" was also shot here.

The first thing you notice is Dolsan Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge across the narrow channel between the Yeosu peninsula and Dolsando. Boats of all sizes pass beneath it, and the islet of Janggundo and the rooftops of the old town on the far shore fit into the same frame.

Dolsan Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge 450 m long and 62 m high, completed on 15 December 1984. Work began on 26 December 1980, the same day as on Jindo Bridge, making the two a pair of twins of sorts, but because its foundations had to be laid underwater, Dolsan Bridge was finished later. Today it links Dolsando with the Yeosu peninsula together with Geobukseon Bridge, and at nightfall the whole span lights up and becomes the star of the view from the park.

What to see

• Dolsan Bridge Completion Monument: it stands in line with the bridge and is the classic spot for looking straight along it to the sea.
• 1999 Yeosu Time Capsule: buried on 15 October 1999 to mark the 1998 merger of Yeosu City, Yeocheon City and Yeocheon County into today's Yeosu, it holds 803 items, from records of the merger to objects of everyday life. It is due to be opened on 1 April 2098.
• Fishermen's Memorial Tower: put up in 2002 together with a sculpture of a fisherman hauling in a net, it honours fishers lost at sea.
• Viewpoints: from the edge of the park you look over Yeosu harbour, Janggundo and the waterfront park on the other side.

Combining the park with the cable car

The Yeosu Maritime Cable Car runs over the sea between the Dolsan station beside the park and the Jasan Park station near Odongdo. You can buy tickets and board at either end, so a good plan is to ride across, explore Odongdo and the old town around Yi Sun-sin Square, then ride back. The night view of Dolsan Bridge from the cabins is a favourite. Operating hours and fares vary with the season and weather, so check the cable car's official information.

Tripto tips

• When to go: arrive about 30 minutes before sunset, watch the sky change, then stay on for the bridge lights.
• Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour for the park alone, about 2 hours with the cable car.
• Opening and fees: the park is open at all times, every day of the year, and admission is free.
• Parking: a free car park has room for about 150 cars and 15 large vehicles. It fills up on weekend evenings with cable car passengers.
• Getting there: cross Dolsan Bridge from central Yeosu and you are there. From Yeosu Expo KTX Station a taxi is the easiest option.