Photo: Mobius6 / CC BY-SA 4.0Odongdo is a small wooded islet inside Hallyeohaesang National Park, tied to the mainland by a 768-metre breakwater. More than 3,000 camellia trees grow on it, and they flower from January to a March peak. A 25-metre lighthouse, in service since 1952, stands on the top, and a 2.5 km walkway loops the shore under the trees. The city says Yi Sun-sin trained soldiers here and cut arrows from the island's bamboo.
From the ship it is the nearest piece of nature. The breakwater begins a 37-minute walk from the terminal, or an eight-minute taxi. A small road train runs the breakwater for ₩1,000, free at 65 and over. The island itself is free and never closes. Everything on it is uphill and down; allow an hour for the loop.
Five things the plaques won't tell you
- The road train stops from 12:00 to 13:00. Arrive in that hour and you walk the breakwater, about 15 minutes each way in the open.
- The train is free at 65 and over with identification; the kiosk is thought to want cash, so carry a few thousand won.
- The walkway has steps and slopes throughout. Flat shoes, and give the loop an hour rather than thirty minutes.
- For the 8 March 2027 call the camellias should be at their peak. In October the island is green and quiet and the walk is the point.
- A free cruise shuttle has run to Odongdo on Chinese-market ship days. It is not confirmed for Western ships, so plan on the taxi or the walk.
Everything on it is uphill and down; allow an hour for the loop.
Guided days from Yeosu
Booked before you sail — there is no tour desk at the pier. Booking through these links supports the site.
Questions people ask here
How far is Odongdo from the cruise terminal?
The start of the breakwater is 2.8 km away, about 37 minutes on foot along the Expo waterfront. A taxi takes about eight minutes at about ₩4,900 (our estimate). The lighthouse at the top is 3.6 km from the ship, about 47 minutes walking.
When do the camellias bloom?
The city says buds open in January and the trees are in full flower in March; VisitKorea gives February to April. The Westerdam call of 8 March 2027 falls at the peak. October calls will see no flowers.
Is there a charge to visit Odongdo?
No. The island is open all day and free. The road train across the breakwater costs ₩1,000 one way and is free at 65 and over. Walking the breakwater costs nothing and takes about 15 minutes.