Jangdo Art Island

From the Ungcheon waterfront in Yeosu you can see a small, wooded island lying low and long in the bay. Jangdo, also called Jinseom ("long island") for its shape, can only be reached on foot across Jinseom Bridge, a 335-metre walkway that disappears under the sea as the tide comes in. Today it is an "art island" with artists' studios, an exhibition hall and a garden of plants native to Korea's south coast, opened on 10 May 2019.

How a small island became an art island

Jangdo is an arts park created by the GS Caltex Foundation together with the city of Yeosu as a community project. The foundation, which had already built the GS Caltex Yeulmaru performing arts centre on the shore opposite, went on to develop the island as well. The plan kept the "art island" idea and the eco-friendly walking-path concept of an earlier master plan based on a design by the French architect Dominique Perrault, and was adjusted to keep the existing stone causeway to the island. Wave-cut cliffs line the island's shore, so even a short walk brings you close to the coastal landforms.

What to see

• Jinseom Bridge: a walkway that opens twice a day at low tide. When the water rises it goes under and access is closed. The view of the island and Ungcheon beach from the bridge is the first scene of any visit.
• Artists' studios: four buildings, including sculpture, painting and literature studios, where resident artists actually work. They have workrooms, multipurpose rooms and outdoor workshops.
• Jangdo Exhibition Hall: a multipurpose venue for curated exhibitions, workshops and hands-on events.
• Dadohae Garden: a garden of native south-coast trees and wildflowers, laid out along the path that loops around the island. Dadohae means "sea of many islands", the name for this archipelago coast.
• Observation deck: follow the woodland path up to a deck with an open view of the southern horizon.
• Outdoor stage and lawn: an open space for performances and events on fine days.

When to take photos

From Ungcheon beach, the bridge and the island fit into a single frame. As the tide starts to go out, the walkway slowly emerges from the water, a scene you will not find anywhere else. From the island itself, the beaches and apartment blocks of Ungcheon and the islands of the bay beyond appear layer upon layer through the trees.

Tripto tips

• Opening hours: March to October 06:00–21:00, November to February 07:00–20:00, every day of the year. However, access over Jinseom Bridge depends on the tide, so check the "Jangdo access times" page on the GS Caltex Yeulmaru website before you go.
• Admission: free.
• Parking: no cars are allowed on the island. Park at the Ungcheon Waterside Park public car park and walk across (information centre tel. 061-692-0503).
• Getting there: the island lies off Ungcheon beach, about 8 km west of Yeosu EXPO Station. A taxi to Ungcheon Waterside Park is the easiest option.
• Time needed: allow 1–2 hours to walk around the island and see the exhibition hall. Plan around the crossing times, as you need to be back before the tide closes the bridge.
• Combine with: catch a show or exhibition at Yeulmaru by the bridge and stroll along the Ungcheon waterfront for a relaxed half day.