The FULLEST Jeollanam Do travel guide: How to get there, best time to visit, top things to do in Jeollanam Do & MORE

Jeollanam Do is a province of Korea, famous for thousands of beautiful islands, wide coastline and rich seafood cuisine. This article summarizes the latest Jeollanam Do travel guide, detailed instructions on how to get there, suggestions for the best time to go, must-see attractions, top things to do in Jeollanam do and attractive dining tips. Read now with Living Nomads with the article below!

Jeollanam Do tourist paradise with countless interesting experiences will definitely bring you the best trip. Let’s follow Living Nomads to explore the most bustling and bustling entertainment spot in Korea today.

Jeollanam Do travel guide: Brief introduction about Jeollanam-do

Jeollanam Do (South Jeolla Province) is located in the southwest of Korea, with the administrative center being Muan district. Jeollanam-do is famous for its rolling hills, towering Sobaek Mountains, and 2,000 offshore islands in the vast ocean. Of these, about 300 islands are inhabited by people. In addition, the province also attracts many tourists every year with local festivals such as the Myeongnyang Festival, Namdo Food Festival, Gangjin Pottery Festival, etc.

At the same time, the province is an attractive destination with sacred temples, traditional pottery kilns, tea fields, and thousands of Megaliths (Dolmen) scattered throughout the area. It can be said that the beauty of Jeollanam-do is simple, strange, and strangely attractive to tourists.

Jeollanam-do has become a wonderful tourist destination with majestic natural landscapes, rich traditional culture, and unique cuisine. With long beaches, towering mountains, lush forests and countless ancient villages, Jeollanam promises to bring you memorable experiences.

From smooth white sand beaches to majestic mountains, every destination here will leave you with many unforgettable memories. You can hike, camp, climb mountains, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the fresh air when traveling to Korea and exploring Jeollanam.

What to prepare when traveling to Jeollanam Do?

If you plan to go to Jeollanam Do, Korea, careful preparation before departure will help the trip go smoothly and with less risk. Below are important items you should complete to make your journey in Jeollanam Do comfortable and complete.

1. Passport: Passport is a required document when entering Korea. Please check to make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has blank pages for stamps.

2. Korean tourist visa: Vietnamese citizens are exempt from a 15-day visa when traveling to Jeollanam Do, if you travel with a group tour from a Vietnamese travel company recognized by Korea. If you want to travel to Jeollanam Do on your own, you can consider applying for a Korean tourist visa for the most comfortable trip.

Korea Visa Application Service For Vietnamese

3. Specific travel itinerary: Because Jeollanam Do province is quite large, planning a tour schedule in advance will help you optimize your time and not miss your favorite destinations. You should also consider combining visits to neighboring cities in the province for a richer experience!

4. Personal items to bring: Don’t forget to prepare warm clothes if you go in the cold season, a Korean-standard power adapter, basic skin care products, a spare phone charger, and some common medicines. These small items are often very useful during your trip!

5. Air tickets and hotel reservations: Round-trip air tickets and hotel reservations are two essential things. Since costs in Korea can be high, book air tickets early or use Klook discount codes from platforms like Klook to optimize your budget.

6. Travel insurance: Travel insurance is a necessary factor for overseas trips. You will protect your finances and feel secure against risks that may arise during your trip such as accidents, illness, flight delays, etc.

7. Currency and payment methods: The main currency is WON with the symbol KRW. Visitors should exchange some cash in advance for small expenses and bring an international credit card such as Visa or Mastercard to pay at shopping malls, restaurants and convenience stores.

8. SIM or eSIM for traveling to Korea: To stay connected to the Internet and communicate conveniently, you can buy a physical SIM or eSIM for Korea, activated right at the airport when arriving in Jeollanam Do.

9. Immigration and customs declaration: Before entering the country, visitors need to declare information online via the Korea Electronic Arrival Card KETA system within 3 days before the trip. Declaring in advance helps speed up immigration procedures at the airport.

The best time to travel to Jeollanam Do

The best times to visit Jeollanam-do are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). In spring, the weather is pleasant and cherry blossoms and native flowers are in full bloom, making it perfect for picnics and festivals. Autumn brings cool, dry air, and the brilliant red and yellow leaves in the forests and mountains will immerse you in the poetic scenery here.

However, Jeollanam-do is also beautiful in summer and winter. In summer, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, and fishing. When winter comes, you can ski on Jirisan Mountain or participate in traditional winter festivals.

How to get to Jeollanam Do from Vietnam?

Travel by plane

If you depart from major cities in Vietnam such as Saigon, Da Nang, Hanoi,… you can land at Muan International Airport. Some airlines operating flights from Vietnamese cities to Jeollanam Do are Jeju Air, Jin Air, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air,…

After landing safely at the airport in Jeollanam Do province, you can arrange your own transportation to get to the central area. Depending on your needs and travel budget, you can consider choosing the airport bus, taxi or car rental for your upcoming Jeollanam Do exploration trip.

Note: Muan Airport is temporarily closed until January 2026 (expected).

However, you can fly to Seoul or Busan and then transfer to a train or bus to Jeollanam-do.

Fly to Seoul: There are many Vietnamese and Korean airlines that offer direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Seoul. In Seoul, you can transfer to a KTX train or bus to Jeollanam-do.

Fly to Busan: Some airlines offer direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Busan. In Busan, you can transfer to a KTX train or bus to Jeollanam-do.

KORAIL PASS – KTX Train Ticket

Travel by boat

If you want a unique and exciting travel experience, we recommend that you travel from Vietnam to Jeollanam by ship. Currently, there are a number of shipping companies that offer trains from Vietnam to Korea. However, the travel time by ship is quite long, usually taking 2-3 days.

Means of transport in Jeollanam Do

Travel to Jeollanam Do through many cities with popular means of transport such as:

Train

Rail in Jeollanam Do is operated by Korail and provides convenient connections between the province and major cities in the country. Main lines such as Honam and Jeolla pass through important stations in this area (e.g. Mokpo, Suncheon, Yeosu). In addition, the KTX or ITX express train service will help shorten the travel time to Seoul and other centers.

Bus

Buses in Jeollanam Do are convenient and popular public transport, allowing visitors to easily travel within the province or between neighboring provinces. The network includes inter-provincial bus routes (serving cities and rural areas) and inter-provincial buses (express) connecting Jeollanam with major centers such as Gwangju, Busan or Seoul. In addition to the two popular means of transportation mentioned above, visitors to Jeollanam Do can still take a taxi or rent a car to travel to attractive tourist destinations.

Where to go and what to do: Suggestions for famous tourist attractions and top things to do in Jeollanam Do

A trip to Jeollanam Do will not be interesting if you miss the super famous check-in tourist destinations below.

Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve

• Address: 513-25, Suncheonman-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 순천시 순천만길 513-25)

Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve is located in Suncheon, a mudflat complex and has the largest reed forest in Korea. Every autumn, Suncheonman’s reed forest turns into a vast and immense golden carpet, creating a beautiful natural scene.

Because of its high ecological value, it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage in 2021. This wetland is an important habitat for many rare bird species such as the black spoonbill crane, the crowned crane, and the oriental stork.

Hanwha Aqua Planet Yeosu (Yeosu Aquarium)

• Address: 61-11 Odongdo-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 여수시 오동도로 61-11).

Hanwha Aqua Planet Yeosu is the second largest aquarium in Korea and the first aquarium built entirely above ground. In 2012, the aquarium officially opened in the joyful atmosphere of the opening of the Yeosu World Expo.

Hanwha Aqua Planet Yeosu is a marine animal rescue and treatment facility located in Yeosu City, Jeollanam-do. It is home to thousands of marine species from small fish to sharks and dolphins. Every day, this destination attracts a lot of visitors to visit and check-in “virtual life”.

At Hanwha Aqua Planet Yeosu, you can visit large aquariums, watch dolphin and sea lion performances and even have the opportunity to touch some gentle marine creatures. This is also a suitable destination for families with young children so that they have the opportunity to learn about the world under the ocean in the most realistic and vivid way.

Yeosu Aquarium is home to about 55,000 individuals of nearly 300 marine species. Among them, there are rare species such as Beluga whales, Baikal seals, etc. Coming here to visit, you will not only admire the vast ocean world, but also understand the profound importance of these marine creatures.

Things to do in Jeollanam do: Yi Sunsin Square (Yi Sunsin Square)

• Address: 74 Jungang-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 여수시 중앙로 74).

Yi Sunsin Square is a space to commemorate the achievements of Admiral Yi Sunsin. This place is considered the starting point of the historical and cultural tourism route in the area. The square is notable for its life-sized turtle ship model, which visitors can visit both inside and outside. Every year in May, the Turtle Ship Festival is held with special art performances, creating a vibrant and memorable atmosphere for visitors.

Jeollanam is known as the culinary capital of Korea

Jeollanam is not only famous for its majestic natural landscape but also a culinary paradise of Korea. With fresh seafood, high-quality agricultural products and talented chefs, Jeollanam-do has created a diverse and rich culinary scene.

One of the most famous dishes of Jeollanam-do is kimchi. Kimchi has a characteristic sour and spicy taste and is an indispensable dish in Korean meals. In addition, Jeollanam is also famous for seafood dishes such as grilled squid, grilled shrimp, steamed sea fish and seafood soup.

Enjoy yourself at Jeungdo Island

Jeungdo Island is a small island located in the southwest of Jeollanam. On Jeungdo Island, you can enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, hiking, and exploring tourist attractions. One of the most famous attractions on Jeungdo Island is the beautiful Modo Beach with clear blue water and fine white sand.

Visit Suncheon Bay National Park

Suncheon Bay National Park is a nature reserve located in the southwest of Jeollanam. This national park is famous for its diverse and rich ecosystem, including rare plants and wild animals. If you are a nature lover, you definitely will not want to miss the beauty of this reserve.

At Suncheon Bay National Park, you can go hiking, visit mangrove forests, bird watching, and explore tourist attractions. Don’t forget to visit the vast Reed Marsh with its unique ecosystem when you spend time here to explore.

Experience the transparent glass bridge in Mokpo

Mokpo City is famous for its beautiful beaches, fresh seafood markets and countless attractive tourist attractions. Among them, the most famous attraction in Mokpo is the transparent glass bridge Skywalk. This glass bridge is built on the top of Samhak Mountain and is 35m above the ground.

From the glass bridge, you can see the whole view of Mokpo City and Gwangyang Bay. For those who love challenges and want a unique experience, the transparent glass bridge Skywalk in Mokpo will definitely be the best experience that you can hardly find anywhere else when traveling to Korea.

Yeosu Maritime Cable Car

• Address: 3600-1 Dolsan-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 여수시 돌산읍 돌산로 3600-1).
• Operating Hours: 09:30 – 21:30
• Fare: 14,000 KRW (~26,000 VND)/one way and 17,000 KRW (~316,000 VND)/round trip

Yeosu Maritime Cable Car is the first cable car across the sea in Korea, connecting Dolsan Island to the mainland and offering breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding islets. Passengers can choose from a regular cabin that can accommodate 8 people or a special crystal cabin for 6 people with a transparent glass floor, offering a thrilling experience of looking straight down at the sea. The one-way journey takes about 13 minutes and the round trip takes about 25 minutes, making it a worthwhile experience when visiting Jeollanam Do.

Mokpo Marine Cable Car

• Address: 240 Haeyangdaehak-ro, Mokpo-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 목포시 해양대학로 240).
• Operating Hours: 09:00 – 20:00 (Monday – Friday) and 09:00 – 21:00 (Saturday – Sunday)
• Ticket Price: 24,000 KRW (~446,000 VND) for a round trip

Mokpo Marine Cable Car is a cable car that crosses the sea connecting North Port, up to the top of Yudalsan Mountain and turns 90 degrees before crossing the Dadohae Sea to Gohado Island, creating a spectacular journey of seeing the sea and islands. The cable car is about 3.23 km long and takes about 40 minutes to travel. At North Port, Yudalsan Peak, and Gohado Stations, there are many cafes and restaurants with rooftop views to check in and relax. This is a suitable experience for families and couples who want to both enjoy the scenery and the sea air. Note, you should check the operating schedule and weather conditions before coming here!

Yeosu Romantic Carriage Street (Romantic Cart Bars)

• Address: 102 Hamel-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 여수시 하멜로 102).

Romantic Cart Bars is a street food area located right under the Geobukseon Bridge in Yeosu, which gathers about 18 mobile food stalls specializing in special seafood dishes. Visitors come here to enjoy grilled food and snacks in the bustling atmosphere, while watching the night view of the ocean and admiring the sparkling Geobukseon Bridge. This area is also famous for street performances, creating a romantic atmosphere and is an ideal stop after visiting Hamel Lighthouse or experiencing Yeosu Sea Cable Car.

Where to stay: Ideal Jeollanam Do hotels for your trip

Ideal accommodation options that tourists often choose include Yeosu hotels and Mokpo hotels. Two prominent cities in Jeollanam Do with a variety of room types and prices. Below are some Jeollanam hotels Due to the quality that you can refer to:

Sol Beach Jindo

• Address: 30-40 Songgun-gil, Uisin-myeon, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
• Room price for 1 night from: 2,517,260 VND

Sol Beach Jindo is a luxury resort located on the beautiful coast of Haenam city, providing a peaceful and relaxing space for visitors. The rooms are spacious, clean and modernly designed with a view of the sea, very suitable for those who want to enjoy a comfortable vacation. (klook, agoda)

Le Grand Bleu Hotel

• Address: 1273-9번지 Pyeongsa-ri, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
• Room rate for 1 night from: 3,025,595 VND

Le Grand Bleu Hotel is a 3-star hotel located in Pamplemousses, Mauritius, offering a comfortable resort space with an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and free wifi. The rooms are designed bright, comfortable and have airy balconies, suitable for those who want to enjoy a peaceful vacation near the sea. (klook, agoda)

Must-try dishes when traveling to Jeollanam Do

Jeollanam Do cuisine is also famous for many attractive dishes, one of which is:

Thin-legged Octopus

Thin-legged Octopus is a must-try specialty of the Jeollanam region, especially in Mokpo. This dish is considered the “capital of flavors” with a diverse seafood cuisine. Some famous restaurants in Jeollanam Do for long-legged octopus that you should try are 목포연희네포차 (목포항구포차9호점),목포연희네 낙지꼬막집 유달산케이블카점, 독천식당,…

Ganjang Gejang

Ganjang Gejang is a famous traditional Korean dish, made from fresh crab marinated in naturally fermented soy sauce. The dish retains the sweetness of crab meat, combined with the salty taste and characteristic aroma of soy sauce, creating an unforgettable delicate flavor. When enjoying, Koreans often eat with hot white rice and many side dishes, making each piece of crab melt in the mouth. Some restaurants that you must try are Crispy crab village (싱싱게장마을), Clean Crab Village (청정게장촌), Crab 1st Avenue kkotdol (꽃돌게장1번가),…

Haenam Sweet Potato Bun

Haenam Sweet Potato Buns are a sweet specialty of the Jeollanam Do region, made from Haenam sweet potatoes, famous for their sweet aroma and eye-catching purple color. The crust is made from soft dough or light flour, and the filling is made from soft mashed sweet potatoes, naturally sweet and moist in texture. Some variations are toasted on the edges or coated with butter/sugar for added flavor. This dish is often sold at local bakeries and typical market stalls such as Haenam Sweet Potato Bread Financier (해남 스위트포테이토 브레드 파인서), Green Tteok Sarang (그린떡사랑), Haenam Jungang Market (해남중앙시장),… It is both a warm snack and a specialty that is easy to buy as a gift when traveling to Jeollanam-do.

Important notes when visiting Jeollanam

When traveling to Jeollanam, you should bring the following items as well as a few important notes to make your journey of discovery more convenient:

• Jeollanam has a four-season climate, so you need to bring clothes suitable for the weather. In the summer, bring light, airy clothes. If you go in the winter, bring a warm jacket, woolen hat and gloves.
• Jeollanam has many natural tourist attractions, you need to bring walking shoes for convenience and to avoid sore feet when visiting.
• If you travel in the summer, remember to bring sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
• Jeollanam can rain suddenly. Therefore, bringing an umbrella will help you protect your health as well as avoid spoiling the fun.
• Although most places in Jeollanam accept credit cards, you should still bring some cash with you in case of emergency.

Jeollanam is a great tourist destination with majestic natural landscapes, rich traditional culture and unique cuisine. If you are looking for a place to relax, explore and experience new things, Jeollanam is a great choice. Pack your bags and go explore Jeollanam with your friends today!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Seoul you can refer to

• Incheon International Airport (ICN) Limousine Bus Transfers for Seoul (Gangnam District)
• Seoul Yeouido Eland Han River Cruise
• Alpaca/ Nami/ RailBike/ Morning Calm/ LEGOLAND/ Painters/ Wild Show
• [SALE] Instant Ticket! Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5 Days to travel around the cities in Korea
• [Limited Offer] AREX Incheon Airport Express Train One Way Ticket in Seoul
• Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, and Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour from Seoul
• Everland 1 Day Pass
• Lotte World Ticket in Seoul
• Discover Seoul Pass
• N Seoul Tower Ticket
• Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Ticket
• Coex Aquarium Admission Ticket in Seoul
• DMZ(Demilitarized Zone) Tour
• 4G Prepaid SIM Card (SK Airports Pick Up) for South Korea
• [Sale] Hanbok Experience (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store) with Korean Hairstyling
• [SALE] South Korea 4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airports Pick Up) from KT Olleh

Are you finding more top things to do in Seoul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.