From Busan I headed out to Tongygeong, on the south coast of South Korea.

No trains this direction, but a bus was easy to find. I took the subway to the Intercity Bus Terminal and left again in five minutes. It was direct and 90 minutes.

Tongygeong is known for its ports that support ++ fishing, and ports to take people to the surrounding islands of Hallyeohaesang National Park.

The cable car gave a nice view.

The south port end of Tongyeong.

There was a whole other part of city to the north that I only saw because of the bus terminal.

There were harbours, canals and connected islands that made getting around a bit tricky.

There were car bridges

There were pedestrian bridges

And even a pedestrian Undersea Tunnel that was originally built in 1932 to connect Tongyeong and Mireukdo Island.

In 1998 it was closed to vehicles after a bridge was built.

A Geobukseon, a ‘turtle Joseon warship’, in the Gangguan Harbour.

A matching water fountain.

Hansan Daecheop Square had reproductions of a famous battle from 1532 (in the Joseon period) which had been led by Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

I headed out to Hansando Island for more Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

A busy ferry terminal.

Cars had to back on to the ferry.

During the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, the Tongygeong Naval Station was established on Hansando Island to protect the three southern provinces.

Admiral Yi Sun-sin lead the battle which sank 47 Japanese vessels, burned more than 20, and seized 12. It was a critical victory.

There were many statues and memorials to him in Tongyeong, as well as this shrine on the site of his watchtower and the military base.

Another contender in the best bathrooms of Korea.

A very nice couple from Busan.

One of local specialities was Chungmu kimbap with spicy squid.

Made by a little granny in one of many little shops with one menu item. I was poking my head in when a couple eating recommended it.

Then a hike up the hill past the wall painting village to a pavilion.

Nammangsan Sculpture Park

Another market. With something that looked like flaccid penis😊

Different sweets. I like the ones on the right with chewy rice and dried fruit.

And a giant pink sea squid selling another local specialty.

Honey Bread was stuffed with sweet bean paste or sweet potato. Two for 3000 won (Cdn$3).

Spicy Seafood Stew with mussels, clams and a generous layer of noodles in the bottom. 10,000 won (Cdn$10)

Tongyeong is still very much a fishing town, with industrial size operations. But as a testament to the freshness, there was no fishy smell.

My hotel had a self service breakfast with ramen cookers, but I did eggs for myself. I usually don’t buy the breakfast buffet because it’s quite expensive for what I want, but this was included.

But now I know to use these!

Then back to the bus station headed for Gyeongju.

Only a 2.5 hour trip because my route was bypassing Busan. Nothing is far away if you get the right connection. It’s a small country with lots of people, but no urban sprawl. These tall towers are common.

See you in Gyeongju!