Understand

Jindo, previously known as Haeyangdo and Okjoo-gun, has a long and fascinating history. This beautiful island, located in Jindo County, is part of a stunning archipelago consisting of approximately 230 small islands. Out of these, only 45 islands are inhabited by a population of 4,855 people. Jindo has faced numerous invasions throughout its history, including attacks from the Mongols and the Japanese. One of the most significant events in Jindo's history is the Battle of Myeongnyang in 1597. This fierce battle took place in the Myeongnyang Strait, also known as "Uldolmok," due to its powerful tidal forces. Admiral Yi Sun-sin achieved a decisive victory against the Japanese in this historic battle. Crossing the Myeongnyang Strait is the impressive Jindo Bridge, which happens to be the longest suspension bridge in Korea. This incredible architectural feat was opened in 1984, and an additional bridge was added in 2005, connecting Jindo to the mainland.

Get in

Traveling to Jin-do can be an exciting adventure! While there aren't any non-stop public buses to the island, you can still reach it from Mokpo and Gwangju. Keep in mind that these buses may make stops in small towns along the way, adding to the charm of your journey. For those coming from Seoul, there are convenient cross-country buses available four times a day, with a travel time of six hours. If you're in Gwangju, you can hop on a bus that will get you to Jin-do in just 2.5 hours. Additionally, there are buses from Busan twice a day, taking around 6.5 hours. If you prefer a more comfortable ride, you can take a coach bus from Mokpo, which is well-connected to the KTX Honam rails and Muan International Airport. This shuttle service costs 6,000 won and takes just over an hour to reach Jindo's bus terminal. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

The first and perhaps most famous Korean dish is Kimchi Jjigae, a spicy stew made from fermented vegetables (most commonly napa cabbage), with sliced pork, tofu, and chilli peppers added for extra kick. It's a comforting yet fiery dish that showcases the depth of Korean flavours.

Bibimbap is another wildly renowned Korean dish which translates directly to 'mixed rice'. It's typically served as a bowl of warm, steamed white rice, topped with sautéed vegetables, sliced meat (often beef or chicken), a fried egg, and chilled gochujang (red pepper paste) sauce that's stirred into the dish just before eating. This versatile meal can be enjoyed with an array of side dishes, making it both hearty and customizable.

Jajangmyeon is a delightful noodle dish starring chewy somen noodles drenched in a savory black bean sauce, typically garnished with julienned cucumber, crispy seaweed, and sesame seeds. While it often features seafood like squid, octopus, or shrimp, there are also vegetarian versions available. This hearty meal is both filling and satisfying, reflecting its Chinese origin while embracing a uniquely Korean twist.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing