Yeosu City Guide

Seafood is a highlight with dishes like Gejang and raw flatfish salad. Mostly Korean cuisine with some international options. Vegetarian and vegan choices are limited. Late-night food stalls and restaurants are common downtown.

Nightlife is relaxed with bars and pubs around the waterfront and downtown. No big clubs like in major cities.

Yeosu has many cafes, including local and chain shops, often with nice views. Specialty coffee is growing.

Tipping is not customary and often unnecessary. Service charges are included in bills.

SIM cards are sold at major airports and mobile shops. Main providers are SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+. eSIM options are growing. ID or passport is needed for activation.

The city is clean with organized waste management and recycling.

Convenience stores operate 24/7. Late-night food options are common. Few 24/7 pharmacies.

Supermarkets like E-Mart and Lotte Mart carry local and some international products. Yeosu Fish Market offers fresh seafood and produce. Most supermarkets open 10AM to 10PM, closed on some Sundays. Bargaining is rare except in traditional markets.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Mobile payment apps like KakaoPay and Naver Pay are common. Cash is only needed occasionally for small vendors or traditional markets.

ATMs are common in banks, convenience stores, and subway stations. Look for "Global ATM" signs for international cards. Withdrawal fees may apply from your bank and local ATMs.

No notable international schools in Yeosu; most local schools teach in Korean.

Limited digital nomad presence. Most nomad communities are in Seoul or Busan. Networking mostly through expat groups online.

Parks like Odongdo Island and Ungcheon Beach Park offer good green spaces and coastal walks.

Popular running routes include waterfront paths and Odongdo Island. Generally safe and scenic, though seasonal dust can affect air quality.

Gyms range from local gyms to some larger chains.

Tennis courts found in public sports areas and private clubs; booking rules vary.

Padel courts are rare and not common in Yeosu.

Yoga studios offer classes mainly in Hatha and Vinyasa styles; English-speaking instructors may be limited.

Traditional martial arts like Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Judo are available. Less common are BJJ and Muay Thai. English instruction may be rare.

Ski resorts are located far north, not near Yeosu.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are available near Ungcheon Beach and Yeosu Marina with rentals and tours.

Surfing spots are few and far from Yeosu, mainly on east and further south coasts.

Diving and snorkeling around nearby islands with local shops for gear and certification. Best in spring to autumn.

Yeosu Chonnam National University Hospital is the main facility. English-speaking staff are limited outside larger cities. Pharmacies are widespread with some English support. Emergency numbers are 119 (fire/medical) and 112 (police).

Tap water is generally safe to drink but many locals prefer filtered or bottled water.

Several parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly cafes, and family attractions like Aqua Planet and Ocean Railbike.

South Korea is generally conservative. Yeosu has limited LGBTQ+ spaces and less public acceptance than big cities.

Pet policies vary. Veterinary services and supply stores available. Some parks allow leashed pets. Import rules are strict.