DAY 1 OF 5-DAY stay in Tongyeong

I am lucky enough to have a 14-day break from work so decided to spend the first week (Monday to Friday) in Tongyeong (통영), an island in the South of Korea, west of Geoje. I took a KTX from Seoul to Busan and while on the train, booked my ferry ticket to Saryangdo through much trial and error! I picked up the rental Kia Ray at Lotte’s new rental place (right opposite the old temporary one which confused me for a few minutes!). Then drove through Geoje to Tongyeong (using the cool tunnel-bridge connection I used before). I had a coffee and a donut at the bridge rest-stop on the way and admired the views.

It took about an hour longer than anticipated due to traffic and nav issues. I pulled up at One Guesthouse, which I’d booked for four nights. The owner was friendly and the building was nice with a garden. There’s a simple breakfast and the usual hostel bits and bobs.

I bought some sandwiches and snacks for tomorrow’s hike on Saryangdo island, then drove to the Mireoksan cable car (통영케이블카). So happy to be able to travel during the week; loads of parking, no lines so I had a pleasant time at the top. The views at the sky walk were amazing; the green mountain island in the sea all around.

I walked to the summit which took about twenty minutes for more relaxing views. The air was very clear that day and the whole experience is breath taking; I just find looking at the green islands in the sea extremely relaxing. I could even see Saryangdo Island in the distance, my destination for tomorrow.

I took the cable car down and took a better look at the luge Skyline Luge track I’d noticed on the way up; something to try on a rainy day? It was very close to the hostel and looked fun. After returning to the hostel, I found a samgyetang chicken soup (삼계탕) restaurant nearby (Samgyetang at 강복삼계탕); it was okay. I spent the rest of the evening getting ideas for the rest of the week.

Places I visited on this trip. Click the ‘door’ icon on the left to see a list: