Goheung County

Understand

Goheung County is located in the southeastern part of Jeollanam-do and consists of the Goheung Peninsula and its surrounding islands. It is home to the Naro Space Center, the launch site for Korea’s space rockets “Naro” and “Nuri,” operated by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). Cockles are harvested mainly along the northern coast of Goheung. These cockles are often transported over the hills to Beolgyo, where they are sold under the name “Beolgyo Cockles.” The region is also famous for its yuzu (citron) production; however, due to the difficulty of cultivation, the cultivation area is gradually decreasing, while pomegranate farming has been increasing in popularity. In the northern areas, garlic is also a well-known local specialty.

History Goheung County is a scenic peninsula surrounded by the sea on three sides, with a history of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times. Archaeological sites reveal early farming and fishing communities. Historically, it was part of Mahan, later Baekje, and a key naval base during the Joseon era where Admiral Yi Sun-sin fought. Today, Goheung consists of 2 towns and 14 townships, celebrated for its beautiful nature and rich cultural heritage.

Climate

Goheung-gun's climate shows the characteristics of high temperature and humidity in summer and warm drying in winter. While Goheung is relatively less affected by continents than other regions, it is located on the southern coast where turbulence flows throughout the year, so winter temperatures are relatively mild and rain more than snow, and in summer, the topographical convergence of humid air currents creates a rainy climate. Therefore, it strongly represents the characteristics of oceanic climates with relatively few annual crossings and mild and high precipitation. Climate differences vary slightly depending on the mountainous, plain, and coastal regions, but they are generally in a mild climate zone, with an average temperature of 1.0℃ in January and

Getting there

By plane The nearest airport to Goheung is Yeosu Airport (RSU), located about 40 km away. From Yeosu Airport, you can take a local bus or taxi to Goheung, which takes approximately 1 hour. There are also flights connecting Yeosu to Seoul (Gimpo), Busan, and Jeju.

1 Yeosu Airport, 386, Yeosun-ro, Yeosu-si. Yeosu Airport closest to Goheung. Various facilities are provided in the airport, ranging from airline tickets to nearby hotels and transportation information. (updated Oct 2025)

By bus Goheung Bus Terminal operates regular intercity bus services to major cities such as Seoul (Central City Terminal), Gwangju, Suncheon, and Yeosu.

2 Goheung Public Bus Terminal, 19, Yeosandangchon-gil, Goheung-eup. The terminal number on the express bus computer network is 540. It is also called Goheung Public Terminal, and the building says Goheung Public Station. It is operated with a passenger terminal license on April 14, 1972, and is characterized by a large number of Kumho Express routes except for some routes. (updated Oct 2025)

By train There is no direct train service to Goheung. The nearest train stations are Suncheon Station and Yeosu Expo Station on the Jeolla Line. From either station, you can transfer to a bus bound for Goheung (about 1–1.5 hours)

3 Suncheon Station, 135 Palma-ro, Suncheon-si, ☏ 1588-7788Country code missing. It is a railway station on the Jeolla Line and the Gyeongjeon Line. Located in the center of Suncheon City, it is a station where the Gyeongjeon Line and the Jeolla Line branch out. The Jeolla Line Yongsan KTX, ITX-Saemaul, ITX-Mind, Mugunghwa-ho, and Namdo Marine Train stop, while the Bujeon and Gwangju Songjeong-Busan Mugunghwa trains will also run once round-trip from this station to Bujeon, and the Namdo Marine Train locomotive from Boseong to Busan will change direction, with the Jeonnam Headquarters of the Korea Railroad Corporation and the Honam Headquarters of the National Railroad Corporation. The water tower on the station grou

Getting around

Goheung's attractions are widely dispersed across the peninsula and islands, making a private car/rental car the most convenient and efficient mode of transport.

By car Recommended: Essential for saving time, as tourist spots are often far apart. Accessibility: You can reach some islands by car via the Goheung Bridge and Geogeum Bridge.

By bus Not recommended: Bus routes are complex, and waiting times are very long, making them inefficient for sightseeing. If used: Base your travel around Goheung-eup or Nokdong Intercity Bus Terminals, and must check the bus schedule beforehand.

By taxi Availability: Primarily found around Goheung-eup and Nokdong Port. Caution: Fares can be high for long-distance trips between attractions.

By ferry Island Hub: Nokdong Port Ferry Terminal is the gateway for scheduled ferries to the Dadohae islands (e.g., Geomundo and Chodo). Essential Check: Always confirm the ferry schedule and weather conditions in advance.

By bicycle Routes: Well-maintained cycling paths are available, notably along the Goheung-man Embankment and the Geogeumdo Coastal Road.

See

1 Nokdong Bada Jeongwon, 3953 Bongam-ri, Doyang-eup. Nokdong Sea Garden, a small park floating off the coast of Nokdong Port. You can easily find it anywhere in Nokdong Port because it is connected by a rainbow-shaped bridge. When you cross the bridge and enter the garden, the first large deer statue welcomes you. The sculpture, which shines in the sun, creates an exotic scene of Nokdong Sea Garden Bay on the sea Fish sculptures located everywhere are arranged as if friends in the sea are wandering through the grass, creating the illusion of fish swimming in the garden. (updated Sep 2025) 2 Sorokdo, Sorok-ri, Doyang-eup, ☏ +82 61-830-5689. The island is called Sorokdo because it looks like a deer from a distance. It is a popular destination for volunteers. The story of the Austrian sisters Marianne and Margaret, who were suffering from Hansen's disease, is inspiring. The island is rich in cultural and natural attractions, including a pristine environment, beautiful scenery, dense pine forests, and historical monuments. (updated Sep 2025) 3 Geogeumdaegyo, Shinchon-ri, Geumsan-myeon. Geogeumdaegyo Bridge is the bridge that connects Geogeumdo Island, the tenth largest island in Korea, to the mainland, and is one of the three major bridges representing Goheung. This bridge connecting Geogeumdo and Sorodo Islands is nicknamed Geumbitdaegyo, meaning “Golden Bridge,” because it sparkles in gold. The bridge, which turns golden at dusk, is truly a spectacular sight. (updated Sep 2025) 4 Neunggasa, 21, Palbong-gil, Jumam-myeon, ☏ +82 61-832-8090. A thousand-year-old temple where you can feel the magnificent energy of Palyeongsan Mountain.This place is known as a historic temple built by Adohwasa named Bohyeonsa Temple during the reign of King Nulji of Silla in 417. Unfortunately, it was all burned down during the Imjin War, but was reborn as today's "Nungsa Temple" when