Ringed by sandy beaches and fringing forests of Korean hornbeam, Yeongheung Island lies just off the coast of Incheon in the Yellow Sea. It’s renowned for its freshly-caught seafood and newly-built bridge, as well as being home to one of South Korea’s quirkiest landmarks.
Things to do in Yeongheung Island
Spend a day relaxing on the pebbly beach at Simnipo, which appears in the shape of a seahorse. Alternatively, head to Janggyeongni Beach, which is backed by a strip of 100-year-old pine trees and is particularly atmospheric at sunset.
One of the most unique architectural landmarks on Yeongheung Island, the Pottery Pension is a collection of six beach houses designed like giant, traditional pottery vases. Each is beautifully painted with murals depicting natural scenes from across South Korea, making for a quirky photogenic setting.
Yeongheung Island is renowned for its oysters and clams, and the best place to purchase them is at the Marine Products Direct Sales Market. Everything from freshly-caught fish to crustaceans is hawked by local fishermen and there’s a cluster of restaurants where can feast on your preferred catch.
The Yeongheung Grand Bridge connects the island to neighbouring Seonjae-do and was designed to represent Goryeo celadon in its diamond-shaped appearance. It’s particularly impressive at night when it’s illuminated by lights in all colours of the rainbow.
Getting around Yeongheung Island
Yeongheung Island is around three hours’ drive from Seoul or a three-hour train ride from Incheon International Airport. Buses depart from Oido Station on mainland South Korea for the journey to Yeongheung and also travel to most of the island’s attractions.