The camellia forest
Red blooms in late winter.
Mobius6 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mobius6 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mobius6 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mobius6 — CC BY-SA 4.0
A small wooded island off Yeosu harbour, part of Hallyeohaesang Marine National Park, joined to the mainland by a 768-metre breakwater built in 1935. It is famous for its dense forest of camellia trees, whose red flowers bloom from late winter into March, which has earned it the name «camellia island». Visitors cross the breakwater on foot over the sea, or by a small road train for a modest fee. On the island, shaded paths wind among camellias and bamboo, climbing to a white lighthouse with a viewing deck over the sea and islands, and down to cliffs, rocks and caves on the shore. At the island's entrance is a musical fountain with shows at set times, and a broad plaza facing the harbour. Walking all the way round the island takes about an hour and is mostly easy. Entry is free. The best time is late February and March for the camellias, when the red flowers fall and carpet the paths. The island is close to the Expo 2012 site and the railway station.
Red blooms in late winter.
768 metres over the sea.
Views of sea and islands.
Sujeong-dong, Yeosu; about 15 minutes on foot from Yeosu Expo Station
From late winter into March, usually peaking in late February and March.