Ungcheon Beach Park

In front of the new apartment blocks of Ungcheon-dong in Yeosu, Ungcheon Beach Park has created a 360 m sandy beach on the shore of Gamak Bay. Here, in the middle of the city, you can swim in the sea, camp and paddle a kayak, and at low tide a causeway bridge lets you walk across to Jangdo, a small island devoted to art. After sunset the lights come on across the water, making it an easy place to enjoy Yeosu's famous night-time seafront.

Bringing the sea into the city

The chinsu in the park's Korean name means "close to the water", and that was the idea: a park where city residents can step straight into the sea. Planning began in 2006, construction started in November 2007, the sand was laid by December 2009, and the park opened in March 2010. It covers about 23,500 m², and behind the beach are a pine grove, a walking path, an outdoor stage, showers, toilets, drinking fountains and a car park with around 380 spaces. It was refurbished in 2018.

Because it is a man-made beach with shallow water and a gentle slope, it is well suited to children. During the summer bathing season you can also try paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing. The park's campsite, with pitches on wooden decks and on grass, has room for around 70 tents, and behind the beach lies a lawn of about 5,400 m². In summer 2025 South Jeolla Province picked it as one of its recommended beaches for July.

Across Jinseom Bridge to Jangdo

Beside the beach, the Jinseom Bridge, about 330 m long, crosses the water to Jangdo, an island that GS Caltex has developed as an arts space, with residency studios for artists, a garden recreating the scenery of the southern islands, and outdoor sculpture along its paths. A slow walk around the island takes about an hour. The GS Caltex Yeulmaru performing arts centre stands at the bridge entrance, so you can pair a beach walk with a concert or show. The bridge is submerged at high tide, so it can only be crossed twice a day, when the water is low.

Tripto tips

• Night views: across Gamak Bay the lights of Ungcheon shimmer on the water. It is one of the easiest places in the city to enjoy "Yeosu night sea", the scene made famous by a popular Korean song.
• When to go: swimming is for the summer bathing season, but walks and night views are good all year. Try sitting on the beach deck at dusk and staying until the lights come on.
• Time needed: 30–60 minutes for a walk along the beach; about 2 hours if you go over to Jangdo; with swimming or camping, plan on half a day or more.
• Check the tides: if you plan to visit Jangdo, check the tide table first. Once the water starts rising, the bridge goes under, so leave yourself plenty of time to get back.
• Visiting: entry to the park and parking are free. Yeosu City announces the bathing season and campsite booking arrangements each year.
• Getting there: the address is 37-40 Yeulmaru-ro, Yeosu. It is about 7 km west of Yeosu Expo Station, where KTX trains terminate, around 15 minutes by taxi.