When I first learned we were placed in Gwangyang-eup, I was so relieved. All I wanted was to be in or near Yeosu, a semi-famous vacation spot for native Koreans. I haven't visited every weekend like I had anticipated, but I have gone two weekends in a row. I could practically be a Yeosu tour guide. Just kidding, of course, but I do plan on being well-versed in the "must see's" of this city by the end of my journey in Korea.
Here are some of the highlights I've seen so far (updates to come in the future):
Yeosu Arte Museum
This place isn't messing around when it comes to immersive experiences. Located in the Yeosu Expo Center (now I really sound like a tour guide), this museum is anything but conventional. You walk through the dark from room to room, each time entering a new themed world. From flower fields, to underwater marshes, to jungles, you never know what you're about to step into. Almost everything in the museum is merely projection, but it doesn't feel artificial. It feels like you're inside whatever dimension they've created for you.
2. Angel Alley
We weren't looking for a hike, but we got one on our way up to Angel Alley, a hilltop neighborhood freckled with picturesque wall murals. Apparently most people take a taxi to reach this popular tourist location, but we didn't get that memo. When we arrived sweaty and out of breath, we were greeted with a spectacular view of the city framed by the setting sun. Tinted orange with the afternoon light, the narrow alleyways that wove through the mountain were decorated with paintings of Korean landscapes, animals, and of course, angels wings.
While the murals were a sight to see, the real attraction were the eclectic bunch
of coffee shops freckling the hill, each one with a rooftop view overlooking the bay. Now, a coffee might run you 7,000 won (approx. $6.50 USD), but you're kinda paying for the coffee and view combo, so it's hard to complain. A buddy of ours who grew up in Yeosu said that most of these coffee shop gems have popped up in the last 5 years, so looks like we got here at the perfect time.
3. Resort Coffee
That's right; I haven't stopped talking about coffee yet. Can you tell I'm an addict? You'll be one too if you ever visit the seaside coffee shops that are peppered all throughout the city. Most notably, the Expo Sky Cafe, Cafe Moifin, and Cafe Rafik. Now I'll be honest, when you go to the Sky Cafe, you go for the views, not the coffee. For whatever reason, all three of our lattes tasted metallic. The giant tower is technically a water desalination plant, so maybe they're not fully desalinating their lattes. But the view is a solid 7/10.
If you're looking for views and good coffee in one place, Cafe Moifin is you're best bet. Buckle up and bring your wallet, because you're not gonna wanna walk up the hill it's on and you'll pay 8,000 won for a coffee. But oh my gosh. I truly can't describe how breathtaking this place is. Boasting of 3 stories and a rooftop, this resort-styled coffee shop feels like a little slice of heaven carved into the coast. It's difficult to
put into words the feeling you get when you're inside this tower of white stone and floor-to-ceiling glass. You think "this is what millionaires must feel like" when you're in a place like that, with everyone dressed so fashionably (as is the Korean way) sipping their $8 coffees and nibbling on macaroons. My friends and I were disheveled and covered in sweat (as is the American way) since we had hiked all the way up the steep hill as opposed to taking a taxi like intelligent human beings. But it didn't matter. The scenery was beyond incredible and the company of friends was even better. :)
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