Gohado Island

Lying long and low just off Mokpo harbour, Gohado is the island where Admiral Yi Sun-sin rebuilt his navy during the second Japanese invasion of the 1590s. Today it is linked to the mainland by Mokpo Bridge and the Mokpo Marine Cable Car, and its 1,080 m coastal boardwalk over the sea and an observatory shaped like stacked Joseon warships have become a fixture of any trip to Mokpo. The view back across the water to Yudalsan and the city is something only this island offers.

The island where Yi Sun-sin spent 106 days

Gohado lies about 2 km off Mokpo. After his decisive victory over the Japanese fleet at the Battle of Myeongnyang in 1597, Yi Sun-sin stayed here for 106 days to regroup his ships. Surrounded by the islands of the south-west coast, it was well sheltered from wind and waves, and the long tip of the island facing Mokpo, known as Yongmeori ("Dragon's Head"), still works as a natural breakwater for the harbour. A memorial site to the admiral and a commemorative stone remain on the island.

The modern era added a very different story. In 1904 the first successful trial planting of American upland cotton in Korea took place here, and the crop spread across the country; a stone marking the event was set up in 1936. During Japanese rule, the Japanese army also dug artificial caves here to hide weapons. For a long time the island could only be reached by boat, until Mokpo Bridge connected it to the mainland in 2012.

What to see

• Coastal boardwalk: 1,080 m long and built entirely over the water, it follows sea-carved cliffs with views of Mokpo Bridge and the city.
• Gohado Observatory: a five-storey building shaped like 13 Joseon panokseon warships stacked in a lattice. Floors 2 to 5 hold viewing decks and displays on Mokpo, and entry is free.
• Yongoreum-gil trail: a forest walk of about 5.6 km from the Yi Sun-sin memorial site along the ridge to Yongmeori and back, taking around 2½ hours.
• Yi Sun-sin memorial site: a shrine and a memorial stone in a pine wood.
• Cotton garden: a garden and small exhibition hall recalling the island's role in the history of cotton growing.

Tripto tips

• Getting there: the most popular way is the Mokpo Marine Cable Car, which runs about 3.23 km from Bukhang via Yudalsan to Gohado, making it the longest sea-crossing cable car in Korea. From Gohado station it is about a 10-minute walk to the observatory. Fares and hours vary by season, so check the official website. By car, cross Mokpo Bridge and use the car park at the observatory.
• Time needed: 2–3 hours for the cable car, boardwalk and observatory; allow half a day if you add the Yongoreum-gil trail.
• Opening hours: sources differ on the observatory's hours, giving either 09:00–18:00 or 09:00–22:00. If you plan an evening visit, check with Mokpo tourist information (+82-61-270-8430) first.
• Best time: sunset over the Yudalsan side seen from the boardwalk is particularly good. There is little shade at midday in summer, so bring a hat.
• Combine it with: get off the cable car at Yudalsan station to add a walk on Yudalsan and Mokpo's modern-history streets.