Jeonnam & Gwangju Drive

Yeosu to Gwangyang South Coast Circuit Drive

From Yeosu Expo Park across the Yi Sun-sin Grand Bridge to Gwangyang, a comprehensive south coast drive.

(Please verify the exact route using a map app)

Course Overview

This 60 km south coast drive starts from Yeosu Expo Maritime Park, passes Odongdo Island and Manseongri Black Sand Beach, crosses Yi Sun-sin Grand Bridge, and continues to Gwangyang.

Yi Sun-sin Grand Bridge spans 1,545m between main towers, making it Korea's longest suspension bridge, with magnificent views of Gwangyang Bay. Odongdo Island is famous for camellias, most beautiful in February-March.

Section Highlights

Section 1: Expo Park to Odongdo (approx. 10 km)

Pass the Big-O and aquarium from the World Expo site to Odongdo Island, entering via the breakwater walkway.

Section 2: Odongdo to Manseongri (approx. 15 km)

Through Marae Tunnel to Manseongri Beach with its black sand, backdropped by Yeosu's cityscape and sea.

Section 3: Manseongri to Yi Sun-sin Bridge (approx. 15 km)

Head toward Myodo for the grand bridge crossing with panoramic Gwangyang Bay views.

Section 4: Bridge to Gwangyang (approx. 20 km)

Descend into Gwangyang past the steel works and POSCO observatory to the Seomjin River estuary.

Driving Tips

  • Odongdo camellia peak: February-March
  • Yi Sun-sin Grand Bridge is toll-free
  • Manseongri black sand beach has geothermal warmth, visitable even in winter
  • Watch for industrial heavy vehicles on the Yeosu-Gwangyang stretch

Course Info

Distance

34.2 km

Duration

1 hr 40 min

Difficulty

Moderate

Region

Jeonnam Yeosu

Best Season
๐ŸŒธ Spring (Marโ€“May)๐Ÿ–๏ธ Summer (Junโ€“Aug)๐Ÿ‚ Autumn (Sepโ€“Nov)โ„๏ธ Winter (Decโ€“Feb)

Nearby Attractions4 attractions

๐Ÿ‘€
Yeosu Expo Maritime ParkViewpoint

2012 World Expo venue with Big-O show and aquarium

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธDirections
๐Ÿ‘€
Odongdo IslandViewpoint

Camellia island accessible by walking along the breakwater

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธDirections
๐Ÿ‘€
Yi Sun-sin Grand BridgeViewpoint

Korea's longest suspension bridge (1,545m) with Gwangyang Bay views

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธDirections
๐Ÿ‘€
Manseongri Black Sand BeachViewpoint

Geothermally warmed black sand beach, comfortable even in winter

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธDirections