Nine Scenic Sights of Mokpo City
Located on Korea’s southwestern coast, Mokpo City has long served as a key port city and gateway to the Dadohae (Sea of Islands; 다도해). Blending nature, maritime heritage, and historical significance, Mokpo’s Nine Scenic Sights showcase its most breathtaking landscapes and cultural landmarks.
- Yudal Mountain – Mokpo’s iconic peak, offering panoramic views of the city and Dadohae (Sea of Islands).
- Mokpo Bridge Sunset – A stunning sunset backdrop, with the bridge’s silhouette glowing against the sea.
- Gatbawi Rock – A unique natural formation, rich in legends and folklore.
- Dancing Sea Fountain – The world’s largest floating music fountain, dazzling with synchronized light and water shows.
- Nojeokbong Peak – A historic site tied to Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s strategic wartime deception.
- Mokpo-jin Historical Park – A restored Joseon-era naval base, preserving Mokpo’s maritime history.
- Samhak Island & Lee Nan-young Park – A scenic parkland steeped in legend and dedicated to the singer of Mokpo’s Tears.
- View of the Dadohae – A breathtaking panorama of Mokpo’s offshore islands, best seen from Yudal Mountain or the marine cable car.
- Oedal Island – The “Island of Love,” featuring pristine beaches, saltwater pools, and peaceful walking trails.
Let’s explore each!
1. Yudal Mountain
Known as “a place even souls rest,” Yudal Mountain (유달산; map) is the highest peak in Mokpo, standing at 228.3 meters. This small but iconic mountain is part of the Noryeong Mountains (노령산맥), marking the range’s southernmost point. Yudal offers panoramic views of the city and the Dadohae (Sea of Islands).
The mountain features notable pavilions along with Korea’s first outdoor sculpture park, which displays over 100 pieces of art. The Tears of Mokpo monument and various historical sites, such as Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s Nojeokbong Peak, add historical depth. A 2.7-kilometer scenic road loops around the mountain, providing easy access to breathtaking views.
In spring, the Yudal Mountain Flower Festival attracts visitors with vibrant displays of forsythias, cherry blossoms, and magnolias.
2. Mokpo Bridge Sunset
Mokpo Bridge (목포대교; map) connects Bukhang Port and Goha Island, serving as both a functional roadway and an architectural landmark. Opened in 2012, the bridge is designed in the shape of a crane in flight, a nod to Mokpo’s city emblem. At sunset, it transforms into a picturesque scene as the horizon glows with warm hues.
The bridge is a popular spot for photography and sightseeing, especially from vantage points like Yudal Mountain or the shoreline near Shinan Beach Hotel. The Mokpo Marine Cable Car, which passes near the bridge, provides aerial views of the structure and the sea.
At night, Mokpo Bridge comes alive with LED lights on the bridge, complementing lights on the nearby Goha Island shoreline, creating a colorful display reflected on the water’s surface.
3. Gatbawi Rock
Designated as Natural Monument No. 500, Gatbawi Rock (갓바위; map) is known for its unique formation that resembles two figures wearing traditional Korean satgat hats.
Gatbawi Rock is located at the confluence of seawater and freshwater from the Yeongsan River. This rock formation resulted from centuries of weathering and erosion, making it a rare example of a natural tafoni structure.
A pedestrian boardwalk extending over the water encircles and provides a close view of the rocks. The surrounding area includes Mokpo’s museum district, featuring attractions like the Natural History Museum (map) and the National Maritime Heritage Museum (map).
Rich in folklore, Gatbawi Rock has several legends tied to it.
- One tells of a devoted son who, overwhelmed with grief and guilt after failing to care for his ailing father, turned to stone while wearing a satgat in shame.
- Another story describes a Buddhist sage leaving his hat behind, which transformed into the rock formation seen today.
4. Dancing Sea Fountain
The Mokpo Dancing Sea Fountain (목포춤추는바다분수; map), located off the Peace Square waterfront near the end of the Yeongsan River, is the world’s largest floating music fountain. Its water jets reach heights of 75 meters, synchronized with vibrant lights, laser shows, and music. This unique attraction represents Mokpo’s maritime heritage, with fan-shaped rear nozzles symbolizing the port and three circular nozzles inspired by Samhak Island.
Performances include story-driven visuals, laser projections, and musical choreography. Visitors can participate by submitting song requests or personal stories, which are featured during the shows. Seasonal schedules run from spring through fall, with multiple evening performances.
Renovated in 2024 with upgraded nozzles, LED lights, and projection technology, the fountain offers a more captivating experience. Whether viewed from the boardwalk or nearby cafes, the Dancing Sea Fountain is a blend of artistry and innovation.
5. Nojeokbong Peak
Nojeokbong Peak (노적봉; map) is a section of Yudal Mountain that holds a historic legend.
During the Imjin War (1592–1598), as Japan sought to invade the Korean Peninsula, Admiral Yi Sun-sin was charged with protecting Korea’s southern coast. When Japanese forces approached Mokpo, Admiral Yi found himself short on men and supplies, but not on ideas.
He ordered his men to cover Nojeokbong’s rocky outcroppings with straw mats, making it appear as though the peak was piled high with military provisions. Then Yi had his forces stir white clay into nearby waters, creating the illusion of rice washing downstream, suggesting his forces had an abundance of food.
This led the invading Japanese army into believing that Admiral Yi’s forces were prepared for a prolonged engagement and withdrew without a fight.
This victory at Nojeokbong was not an isolated feat but part of Admiral Yi’s larger legacy as a master tactician. His ability to turn the tide with minimal resources is echoed in other famous battles, such as the Battle of Myeongnyang, where he triumphed against overwhelming odds with just 12 ships.
Nojeokbong’s story is a testament to clever strategy and symbolizes resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.
Visitors to Nojeokbong today can reflect on Admiral Yi’s legacy and enjoy the peak’s distinctive shape, often called the “Great Stone Face.”
6. Mokpo-jin Historical Park
Mokpo-jin Historical Park (목포진역사공원; map) was once a vital naval base during the Joseon Dynasty (1392 ~ 1910). Today’s restored site celebrates Mokpo’s strategic role in defending Korea’s southern coast.
Historical Significance
Established in 1439 during King Sejong‘s reign, Mokpo-jin was one of Jeolla Naval Command’s five bases. Located at the Yeongsan River‘s mouth, it safeguarded vital grain transport routes and Korea’s southern coastline. Fortified with stone walls and garrisons, Mokpo-jin played a key role in military defense before being decommissioned in 1895. The site fell into disrepair during the Japanese colonial era.
Revitalization and Restoration
Restored in 2014, the park features a traditional Gaksa guesthouse, Hong Salmun gate, and a pavilion, reconstructed using original and locally sourced stones. A viewing platform offers expansive views of Mokpo’s harbor, Yudal Mountain, and nearby islands, connecting visitors to the landscapes this outpost once protected.
Visitor Highlights
- Gaksa Guest House: Formerly used by officials and naval commanders.
- Viewing Platform: Provides sweeping views of Mokpo’s maritime landscape.
- Historical Monuments: Commemorative markers detail Mokpo-jin’s military importance.
- Traditional Architecture: Restored gates and walls reflect Joseon-era design.
7. Samhak Island & Lee Nan-young Park
Once a group of three isolated islets, Samhak Island (삼학도; map; Samhakdo) is now a connected park featuring scenic walking paths, bridges, and cultural landmarks. Urban development and restoration efforts have transformed the area into a recreational and cultural space while preserving its natural and historical significance.
Legend and History
The name Samhakdo originates from a legend in which three women, transformed into cranes, fell into the sea, forming the three peaks of the island. Historically, the islets provided firewood for Mokpo-jin, a naval defense post and now Mokpo-jin Historical Park.
In the 1960s, reclamation efforts connected the island group to the mainland. Although industrial development once diminished its beauty, revitalization projects have restored Samhak into a cultural and leisure destination.
Lee Nan-young Park
Located within Samhakdo, Lee Nan-young Park (이난영공원; map) honors Lee Nan-young (이난영), the legendary singer of Mokpo’s Tears (목포의 눈물). The park features a tranquil setting with walking paths, green spaces, and a monument inscribed with the song’s lyrics. Lee’s remains are interred beneath a 20-year-old crape myrtle tree.
What to See and Do
- Scenic Walks – Strolling paths and bridges offer picturesque views of Mokpo Harbor and Yudal Mountain.
- Cultural Landmarks – The park includes the Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall, a children’s marine science center, and a yacht marina.
- Night Views – Illuminated trails and water reflections create a peaceful evening atmosphere.
8. View of the Dadohae
The Dadohae (다도해; map), or “Sea of Islands,” stretches along Korea’s southwest coast, encompassing more than 1,400 islands. This vast archipelago includes notable spots like Gohado and Oedaldo near Mokpo. For the best panoramic views of this breathtaking seascape, head to Yudal Mountain or take a ride on the Mokpo Marine Cable Car, which offers a sweeping perspective of the islands scattered across the horizon.
At the heart of this coastal expanse lies Dadohaehaesang National Park (다도해해상국립공원; map), Korea’s largest national park and a sanctuary of marine biodiversity. Its protected waters and countless islands form a striking mosaic of jagged coastlines, sandy beaches, and forests. From sheer cliffs to hidden coves, each island holds a distinct landscape shaped by centuries of wind and waves. The park also includes fishing villages, historic temples, and centuries-old maritime traditions woven into its shores.
Best Viewing Points
- Yudal Mountain – A 360-degree panoramic viewpoint overlooking Mokpo’s harbor, coastline, and the distant islands of the Dadohae.
- Mokpo Marine Cable Car – Korea’s longest and highest over-water cable car, soaring 155 meters above the sea for a dynamic view of the islands—especially stunning at sunset.
Highlights
- Goha Island (고하도; map) – A crescent-shaped island rich in history, with scenic coastal trails and a deep connection to Mokpo’s maritime past.
- Oedal Island (외달도; map) – Known for its lush scenery and pristine beach, this island is often called the “Island of Love.”
- Night Views – As the sun sets, the islands fade into shadow, creating a dreamlike seascape against the twilight sky.
9. Oedal Island
Nicknamed the “Island of Love,” Oedal Island (외달도; map; Oedaldo) lies 6 kilometers southwest of Mokpo. Known for its pristine beaches, natural saltwater pools, and scenic walking paths, the island is an ideal destination for relaxation and recreation.
Oedaldo is accessible by ferry from the Mokpo Coastal Passenger Terminal (map), with a trip taking around 50 minutes and passing nearby islands like Dalido and Yuldo. The ferry operates several times daily, though schedules may vary with weather conditions.
Key attractions include the Love Lighthouse where visitors can leave “love locks” and tidal paths connecting to small islands like Byeolseom during low tide. Visitors can immerse themselves in the island’s serene atmosphere, enjoying its natural beauty, traditional hanok accommodations, and local seafood.
