Suncheon-man

Jeollanam-do


At this coastal estuary, inscribed on the Ramsar list of protected wetlands, you can follow walkways through rustling reeds up to an observation hut on a neighbouring hill – a popular sunset viewing spot. Birdwatchers should be on the lookout for hooded cranes, black-faced spoonbills and swans, all of which stop by during their migrations.

If you’d like to get closer to the wildlife, take a birdwatching boat (adult/child ₩8000/4000, 35 minutes, six daily Sunday to Tuesday). There's also a museum with exhibitions on the local ecology.

Buses (₩1200, 20 minutes) leave every 25 minutes from Suncheon bus terminal. This is also a popular place to visit from or on the way to Songgwang-sa.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Jeollanam-do attractions

1. Naganeup-seong Folk Village

9.69 MILES

Among Korea’s many folk villages, Nagan is unique for its setting, surrounded by 1410m of Joseon-period fortress walls, built to protect the inhabitants…

2. Seonam-sa

12.75 MILES

Seonam-sa is a quiet hermitage dating back to AD 529, where the monks study and try to preserve the old ways. Below Seonam-sa is Seungseongyo, one of…

3. Songgwang-sa

15.37 MILES

Songgwang-sa is considered one of the three jewels of Korean Buddhism (along with Tongdo-sa and Haein-sa, in Gyeongsangnam-do). Featured in the Little…

4. Fish Market

16.16 MILES

Like any port town worth its salt, Yeosu has a bustling fish market.

5. Jinnamgwan

16.26 MILES

In the centre of town stands this national treasure, Korea’s largest single-storey wooden structure (75m long and 14m high). The beautiful pavilion, first…

6. Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea Memorial Hall

16.74 MILES

Originally the Korea Pavilion for Yeosu's 2012 World's Fair International Exposition, this museum showcases the latest in Korean maritime technology, such…

7. Odongdo

17.53 MILES

This small, craggy island, a favourite destination for locals, is covered in bamboo groves and camellia trees. Walking paths wend round the island in…

8. Ssanggye-sa

25.48 MILES

The visual imagery of this temple is a feast for the eyes and, like any exquisite dinner, should be savoured with deliberation. Stone walls supporting…