Travel Guide
A peaceful Yeosu island connected to the mainland by bridges, with coastal walking trails, dinosaur footprints, quiet villages and wide views across the South Sea.
An island you can
drive straight into
Nangdo Island is located in Hwajeong-myeon, Yeosu, and is now connected by road through the Yeosu-Goheung island bridge route. Unlike many islands in the area, you do not need a ferry to reach Nangdo itself.
The island is known for peaceful village scenery, coastal walking paths, beaches and dinosaur footprint fossils. The surrounding bridges also make the drive to Nangdo part of the travel experience.
Nangdo is especially suitable for a relaxed day trip. Walk along the coast, explore the old village roads, visit the fossil site and enjoy views toward nearby islands such as Mokseom and Sado.
How to Get to
Nangdo Island
Nangdo Island is connected to neighboring islands and the mainland road network by bridges. Travelers can reach the island by car without taking a ferry.
Drive from Yeosu
From Yeosu, follow the island bridge route toward Jobaldo and Dunbyeongdo before crossing Nangdo Bridge into the island.
Drive from Goheung
Nangdo can also be approached from the Goheung side through Jeokgeumdo and Jeokgeum Bridge. The route offers impressive views across the Yeosu archipelago.
Park and explore slowly
Once on Nangdo, combine short drives with walking around villages, beaches and coastal trails. Parking conditions vary by area, so avoid blocking narrow village roads.
Yeosu → Jobaldo → Dunbyeongdo → Nangdo Bridge → Nangdo → Jeokgeum Bridge → Goheung
Nangdo to Sado Ferry
Nangdo itself is accessible by road, but the island can also be used as a departure point for nearby islands such as Sado and Chudo. Check the latest ferry information if you plan to continue your island trip.
Places to Explore
on Nangdo
Nangdo combines coastal trails, beaches, geological scenery and traditional island villages. These are six places worth including in your trip.
Nangdo Coastal Trail
Nangdo’s walking routes follow the edge of the island through forest paths and rocky coastline. The trail is one of the best ways to experience the island slowly.
View on Google Maps →Nangdo Beach
Nangdo Beach offers a quiet stretch of coastline surrounded by island scenery. It is a good place to stop and relax during a day trip.
View on Google Maps →Dinosaur Footprint Fossil Site
Dinosaur footprints have been discovered in the coastal rock layers around Nangdo. The area is part of the wider fossil landscape that also includes Sado and nearby islands.
View on Google Maps →Yeosan Village
Yeosan Village preserves the relaxed atmosphere of a traditional South Sea island community. Walk through the narrow village roads and enjoy the contrast between old houses, fields and the sea.
View on Google Maps →Mokseom View
Mokseom is one of the distinctive small islands visible from Nangdo. The scenery is especially attractive when the tide is low and more of the shoreline is exposed.
View on Google Maps →Nangdo Bridge
Nangdo Bridge connects Nangdo with Dunbyeongdo and forms part of the spectacular island bridge route between Yeosu and Goheung. The surrounding sea views make the approach to the island memorable.
View on Google Maps →
Nangdo Island
Day Trip Itinerary
Nangdo works well as a relaxed road trip combined with a coastal walk. You can adjust the route depending on how much walking you want to do.
A good Nangdo day trip combines Nangdo Bridge → Yeosan Village → Coastal Trail → Dinosaur Footprint Site → Nangdo Beach → Mokseom View. You do not need to complete the entire trail to enjoy the island.
Getting Around
Nangdo
Because Nangdo is connected by road, combining a car with walking is one of the easiest ways to explore the island.
Car
Driving is convenient for reaching different parts of Nangdo and exploring the surrounding island bridge route.
Park in an appropriate area and explore villages and coastal sections on foot.
Walking
The coastal trail is one of Nangdo’s main attractions. Walking reveals views that are easy to miss from the road.
Choose only part of the trail if you prefer a shorter and more relaxed trip.
Tour Bus
Yeosu’s island bridge sightseeing routes may include Nangdo as part of a wider tour through the connected islands.
Check current tour schedules and operating days before planning your visit.
explore Nangdo?
Is Nangdo
Right for You?
Nangdo is especially suitable for travelers who want an easy island road trip with walking, coastal scenery and quiet villages.
Nangdo is a great choice if you want island scenery without depending on a ferry.
The island’s coastal trails combine sea views, forest paths and geological scenery.
Dinosaur footprint fossils add an unusual prehistoric element to a South Sea island trip.
Nangdo’s small villages and relaxed coastline are ideal for travelers who prefer a slower pace.
What to Check Before
Visiting Nangdo
Nangdo is easier to reach than many Korean islands, but a little preparation will make your road trip and walk more comfortable.
Remember that Nangdo is accessible by road and does not require a ferry.
Check the weather before starting a coastal walk.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the coastal trail.
Check tide conditions when visiting coastal rock areas.
Use designated areas and avoid blocking narrow village roads.
If continuing to Sado or Chudo, check the latest ferry information.
Want to continue
beyond Nangdo?
Nangdo itself is connected by road, but ferries from Nangdo can connect travelers with nearby islands such as Sado and Chudo. Check the latest sailing information before planning an additional island trip.
Explore more
Korean islands
If Nangdo is only the beginning of your island journey, continue with more English island guides from SEOMITTA. Compare different coastlines, travel styles and ferry-access islands before choosing your next destination.
Cross the bridge
and slow down by the sea
Nangdo feels like an island journey even before you arrive. The road crosses a chain of bridges above the South Sea, connecting one island after another.
Once on Nangdo, leave the car for a while and walk through Yeosan Village, along the coast and toward the dinosaur footprint rocks.
For your Nangdo Island trip, combine the scenic drive with a relaxed coastal walk and enjoy one of Yeosu’s easiest islands to explore by road.