Do you know Yeosu Odongdo, nestled in the middle of the blue South Sea? The breathtaking scenery, where the dense camellia forest covering the entire island harmonizes with the sea, boasts an unchanging beauty even after decades, continuously attracting domestic and international travelers. From the mysterious forest paths to the expansive ocean views, Odongdo, the starting point of Hallyeohaesang National Park, offers unique emotional travel experiences that can only be felt here!
Source - Korea Tourism Organization
Getting to Odongdo: An Exciting First Step
The journey to Yeosu Odongdo itself offers special memories. You can walk for about 10-15 minutes along the approximately 768-meter-long breakwater connecting the mainland to Odongdo, or enjoy a refreshing bike ride with the cool sea breeze. If you prefer a more comfortable way to reach the island, try the 'Dongbaek Train' (Camellia Train). It departs every hour on the hour and half-hour from 9:30 AM to 5:50 PM (until 5:00 PM during winter), offering a comfortable ride to the entrance of Odongdo for an affordable one-way fare of 1,000 won. If walking the 15-minute breakwater path under the hot summer sun feels burdensome, taking the Dongbaek Train is highly recommended.
Source - Korea Tourism Organization
The Mysterious Charm of the Camellia Forest: The Joy of Walking
The moment you pass the breakwater and enter the dense camellia forest, the surroundings instantly transform into a tranquil and mysterious atmosphere. The delicate sunlight filtering through, the clear birdsong, and the sweet, cool breeze combine to evoke faint memories of school days. The island is densely covered with over 200 species of evergreen trees, primarily camellias. The hidden charms of the forest paths, discovered with every step, will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse you in a nostalgic, analog sensibility, as if you've traveled back in time. The red camellia blossoms blooming throughout the island are Odongdo's symbol and main attraction, further beautifying the forest paths. The approximately 3,000 camellia trees begin to bloom with a few flowers as early as October, allowing visitors to see red blossoms even in mid-winter, with the peak bloom occurring around mid-March.
Source - Korea Tourism Organization
Exploring Odongdo: Where Scenic Beauty and Relaxation Coexist
As you walk along Odongdo's forest paths, you'll encounter a fork leading to coastal cliffs. Here, the breathtaking scenery of the expansive blue sea and the various strangely shaped rocks sculpted by the waves unfolds before your eyes. The grandeur and beauty of nature will naturally elicit exclamations of awe.
At the island's summit stands the historic Odongdo Lighthouse, which first lit its beacon in 1952. From the lighthouse observatory, the magnificent panoramic view of Hallyeohaesang National Park's archipelago unfolds, creating a truly spectacular sight. After visiting the lighthouse, we recommend stopping by 'Dongbaksae Kkumjeongwon' (Camellia Bird Dream Garden), an outdoor teahouse located opposite. Here, you can savor a cup of camellia flower tea, a specialty of Odongdo, and enjoy a moment of tranquility. It's a perfect spot to reminisce amidst charming trinkets. As you walk the forest path, you might also discover a special tree called 'Bubu Namu' (Couple Tree), named because its trunk splits into two, resembling a couple – don't miss the fun of finding it. Exploring both the forest paths and coastal cliffs takes about an hour.
Source - Korea Tourism Organization
Spacious Lawn Plaza
Odongdo's Lawn Plaza is the perfect place to start or end your walk through the camellia forest paths. You can stroll across the expansive lawn, enjoying the cool sea breeze, or sit on a bench and relax while admiring the blue ocean. Well-maintained walking paths around the plaza ensure that people of all ages can enjoy their time.
The open lawn plaza and the emerald sea stretching beyond it provide a picturesque backdrop for photos, no matter where you stand. In particular, it's an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning "life shots" (perfect, memorable photos) with the Yeosu sea and the marine cable car crossing above it as a backdrop.
Around the plaza, a musical fountain spouts refreshing streams of water, allowing visitors to enjoy fountain shows accompanied by beautiful music. The Odongdo Musical Fountain, opened in 2005, was created to commemorate the successful hosting of the 2012 Yeosu Expo. Currently, it offers diverse fountain shows synchronized with various music, including the latest K-pop songs, popular drama and movie OSTs, adding to visitors' enjoyment. During the day, you can enjoy a vibrant scene, while at night, you can revel in a romantic atmosphere with spectacular lighting.
Source - Korea Tourism Organization
Conclusion
From Odongdo's beautiful nature, mysterious camellia forest paths, and expansive sea views, to relaxing at a tranquil teahouse. Odongdo offers more than just an island; it provides a truly special experience. Be sure to add Yeosu Odongdo to your next travel itinerary. The memories you create in Odongdo – walking, seeing, tasting, and relaxing – will undoubtedly become cherished treasures that remain in your heart for a long time!