-Remarkable progress with ‘Baekri Seomseomgil’ named Korea’s first Tourism Road and a KRW 1 trillion Musulmok tourism complex in development.

In October alone, approximately 1.37 million people visited Yeosu, a 34% increase from the same month last year, signaling that the city's tourism is in full swing.

According to the city, the cumulative number of visitors this year surpassed 10 million by the end of October, reaching over 10.7 million as of November 23. Building on this momentum, the city aims to achieve its goal of 12 million visitors by the end of the year.

Notably, with the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo on the horizon, a series of remarkable achievements, including the designation of the Musulmok Tourism Complex and the nation's first Tourism Road, are once again highlighting Yeosu as a leading marine tourism resort city in Korea.

■ ‘Baekri Seomseomgil’ Designated as Korea’s First Tourism Road Alongside a KRW 1 Trillion Integrated Tourism Complex
Recently, tourism in Yeosu has been shifting from simple sightseeing to immersive, stay-and-experience tourism. A virtuous cycle of infrastructure expansion, unique content development, and on-site quality improvements is establishing the city as a sustainable tourist destination.

On the 10th, the Musulmok area in Yeosu was officially designated as a tourism complex by Jeollanam-do. A private investment of KRW 890 billion will be injected into an approximately 1.19 million-square-meter site in Dolsan-eup. The development of this large-scale integrated tourism complex, which will include accommodation, leisure, and cultural facilities, is expected to form a new tourism axis in the eastern region. It is anticipated to create significant ripple effects, such as revitalizing the local economy and creating jobs, by synergizing with existing attractions like Odongdo Island and Hyangiram Hermitage.

Most recently, ‘Baekri Seomseomgil,’ a route of six sea bridges connecting Yeosu and Goheung, was designated as Korea’s first official Tourism Road. Baekri Seomseomgil is known as a representative scenic drive along the South Coast, featuring majestic sea bridges and breathtaking views of the Dadohae from spots like Jeokgeumdo Observatory Park, Nangdo Dulle-gil Trail, and the Yeojaman Sunset Observatory. The ‘2025 Yeosu Eleven Bridges Marathon’ is already scheduled to take place there on the 29th.

he completion of the four bridges currently under construction is expected to provide a new catalyst for enhancing Yeosu's tourism competitiveness.

Mayor Jung Gi-Myoung has previously emphasized the need to complete the 'Eleven Bridges,' including Baekri Seomseomgil, before the Island Expo to maximize synergy.

■ Yeosu: A City of Year-Round Festivals and Events
Yeosu City is strengthening stay-over tourism by expanding its year-round content. A variety of large and small seasonal festivals, including the Yeongchwisan Azalea Festival, Geobukseon Festival, and Fireworks Festival, add continuous vitality to the city. The 'International Web Drama Film Festival' has also expanded the connection between tourism and cultural content.

Especially after being selected for the ‘K-Tourism Island Development Project’ in 2023 and the ‘Night Tourism Specialized City Development Project’ in 2024, the city has introduced a series of new and diverse tourism offerings such as the Candlelight Concert, Korea Night Festa, private dinner parties, and an EDM festival, all of which have received enthusiastic responses.

In addition, Jinnamgwan Hall, Yeosu's sole National Treasure, has reopened after a decade-long restoration and successfully hosted events like the Jeolla Jwasuyeong Dukje Festival & Naval Fleet Departure Ceremony and the National Heritage Night Tour. The city is also committed to expanding its historical and cultural tourism content through initiatives like the construction of the Municipal Museum.

Furthermore, a Tourism Comprehensive Task Force, composed of 14 departments, has been operating from March to October to improve visitor convenience and the quality of tourism services. Continuous on-site improvement efforts include joint public-private campaigns for friendly tourism, service training for accommodation and restaurant businesses, and enhanced hygiene inspections.

■ Leaping Forward as a Sustainable Global Tourist Destination with the Island Expo
The upcoming 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo is an international event that will showcase Yeosu's islands and marine resources to the world, serving as a catalyst for promoting Yeosu's tourism on a global stage.

Accordingly, the city is accelerating its efforts to build the necessary foundation for the successful hosting of the Expo, concentrating its capabilities on enhancing programs and strengthening convenience and safety.

Mayor Jung Gi-Myoung stated, "Our tourism content has been significantly upgraded in preparation for the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo. I am confident that these efforts, aimed not just at quantitative growth but also at becoming a high-quality ‘K-Representative Marine Tourism Resort City,’ will bear fruit."