Customized Private Tour of Busan, Tongyeong & Geoje – Explore Like a Local!

Pick up from hotel in Busan and head to Oedo-Botania is a marine botanical garden located in Hallyeo Maritime National Park, which has a beautiful view of the crystal blue South Sea and surrounding landscape. It is 4 kilometers away from Geojedo Island. About 20 minutes by ship from Gujora Port, past Naedo Island lies the European-like Oedo Island. In 1969, Lee Chang-ho first came to this island to escape from the wind and waves as he was fishing. He and his wife created this breathtaking landscape with all the care for 30 years.

In April, the island is covered with a plethora of flowers. The Venus Garden displays twelve sculptures and a western-style garden. At Paradise Lounge, one can enjoy the sunshine and the sea while drinking beverages. Camellias and various kinds of rare flowers from all over the world can be found in Oedo. When coming down the 'Stairway to Heaven,' visitors can view the beautiful garden and the ocean in the background. Magnificent terrace landscaping line both sides of the stairway. Oedo Paradise Island is without a doubt, a true paradise.

As one of the best sights in Geojedo Island, Geoje Haegeumgang River is called the Geumgang River (Sea Diamond) of the South Sea. As a rock island, Haegeumgang River belongs to Hallyeo Marine National Park, which is assigned as an official green area in South Korea. Its original name was Galgotdo, because it is shaped like the spreading roots of arrowroot. These days it is known as Haegeumgang River, meaning Geumgangsan Mountain in the sea.

The most stunning scenery of Haegeumgang River is the sunset and sunrise and can be best viewed on Ilwollbong Peak or Lion Rock. There is Shipjagul Cave in the center of Haegeumgang River, which is 100m long from east to west and 180m long from south to north

Next, head to Tongyeong, the locals know it as the ‘Napoli of Asia’, as many harbourside hotels, cafes and shops will attest. It is famed among Korea for its seafood, particularly oysters, and is a top holiday destination for Koreans.

You will ride Tongyeong Cable car & Skywalk - The panoramic view of Tongyeong as seen from the cable car is unlike any other! Departing for the peak of Mireuksan Mountain at 461 meters above sea level, the cable car is the longest in Korea, stretching a distance of 1,975 meters! The height makes for a thrilling experience while the length allows riders to fully take in the beautiful views from every angle. After arriving at the summit, step out on the skywalk if you are brave enough. The panorama includes all of downtown Tongyeong, as well as Geojedaegyo Bridge. The boats moving around the harbor resemble the many islands both large and small which dot the sea. From this vantage point, it’s easy to see why Tongyeong is called the “Napoli of Asia.”

Dongpirang Mural Villages are one of the biggest reasons why Tongyeong is the great cultural destination it is today. The two neighborhoods are set to the east and west of Tongyeong Jungang Market. Built on a steep slope and becoming an eyesore as it fell into disrepair, Dongpirang Village was slated to be bulldozed. The residents living here obviously rejected this idea, and with the help of volunteers, set about to transform their neighborhood with whimsical murals. It quickly became known as an attraction by word-of-mouth, and Seopirang soon followed suit.
The murals in Dongpirang Village were created by amateur artists, but this gives the village a friendly, approachable feeling. It’s easy to see the love each artist had for the village through the styles and colors they chose

Yi Sun-sin Park is dedicated to Admiral Yi, who fought off the Japanese forces during the Imjin War (1592-1598). Even now, visitors can feel his protection by looking at the 17.3 meter-tall bronze statue of Admiral Yi gazing out to sea. The park is near Tongyeong Harbor, offering views of the port, fishery market, and Dongpirang Village. If you’d like to get away from the city, follow the park’s boardwalk. The many sculptures along the way create great photo zones and the ocean breeze will blow your cares away.

As the market is located close to the coastline, fresh fish and dried fish make up a huge part of the market's offerings. Here, visitors can also find mother-of-pearl inlaid wares, quilted products, and rice cakes.
Taking in the local attractions is great, but tasting the regional food is just as important! Some of Tongyeong’s foods include Chungmu-style gimbap, uzza (noodles in udon broth and black bean sauce), honey bread, and ppaeddaegi juk (porridge made from dried sweet potato). Chungmu-style gimbap is a simple take on the classic gimbap, with just white rice wrapped in seaweed; it goes great served with seokbakji (radish kimchi) and ojingeo eomuk muchim (spicy squid salad). Uzza, combining udon with jajangmyeon, offers a taste special to Tongyeong! If you’re looking for gifts to give out when you return home, Tongyeong honey bread is a great choice! The fried bun has a red bean filling and is coated in honey. All these local foods can be found around Tongyeong Jungang Market, so be sure to include a visit here in your itinerary!