Jindo, also known as "Jindo-gun", (Korean: 진도군) is an island in South Korea, in the southwestern province of Jeollanam. It is the third-largest island in the country, accessible from the mainland via the cities of Mokpo and Gwangju.
Understand
[edit]
Jindo got its current name in 1001, having been named "Haeyangdo" from the year 995, and "Okjoo-gun" as one of the 14 Korean states during the earlier Three Kingdoms period. Throughout its history, the island endured invasions by the Mongols in the 13th century and the Japanese during the Imjin War (1592-1598). Today, the island is part of Jindo County, an archipelago of around 230 small islands, of which only 45 are inhabited by approximately 4,855 people across these scattered communities.
Jindo is known to Koreans for three things:
- The Battle of Myeongnyang in 1597, where Admiral Yi Sun-sin achieved a decisive victory against the invading Japanese navy. The location was the Myeongnyang Strait (Korean: 명량해협), then known as "Uldolmok" for the roaring tidal forces in the channel separating Jindo from the mainland. The battle is the basis for the movie Roaring Currents. Today the strait is spanned by Jindo Bridge, opened in 1984, and a second bridge was added in 2005.
- The Korean Jindo (진돗개), a breed of medium-sized hunting dog that originated exclusively from this island. These intelligent and fiercely loyal dogs have been treasured for centuries, serving as guard dogs, hunting companions, and even military dogs. The breed is so deeply woven into Korean national identity that it was designated as Natural Monument No. 53 in 1962. Many Koreans take immense pride in the Jindo as a national symbol, and the breed's legendary loyalty is celebrated in numerous folklore tales, including stories of Jindos traveling hundreds of kilometers to return home. The South Korean government takes the breed's preservation seriously, certifying purebreds through rigorous genetic testing and maintaining samples of "legitimate" Jindos to ensure the bloodline remains pure. Visitors can learn more about these remarkable dogs at the Jindo Dog Theme Park in Jindo-eup.
- The tragic sinking of MV Sewol on April 16, 2014, remains one of South Korea's most devastating maritime disasters. Approximately 304 people—predominantly high school students from Danwon High School on a field trip—lost their lives when the ferry capsized during its voyage from Incheon to Jeju Island. The ship sank near Donggeochado Island, one of the islets in the Jindo archipelago. In the immediate aftermath, Jindo Port (진도항), then called Paengmok Port (팽목항), became the nerve center for rescue operations, serving as the base for emergency personnel, distraught families awaiting news, and international media coverage. For months following the disaster, the port remained a site of national mourning and hope as recovery efforts continued. While several crew members, including the captain, were convicted and sentenced for their negligence and abandonment of passengers, the tragedy continues to resonate deeply in Korean society, serving as a painful reminder of the importance of safety protocols and ethical responsibility. Memorial sites and tributes can still be found in the area.
Landscape
[edit]Jin-do is mountainous and coastal. The shores are mostly industrial or undeveloped.
Jindo is located off the southwestern tip of the Korean peninsula in South Jeolla Province and is surrounded by an archipelago of about 230 smaller islets. The terrain is a mix of steep coastal cliffs, tidal channels and forest-covered hills that rise directly from the sea.
The coastline of Jindo features narrow straits with strong tidal currents. For example, the Myeongnyang Strait between Jindo and the mainland reaches currents of up to 6 m/s at its narrowest section. The shores are mostly composed of erosion-resistant igneous rocks, giving them a dramatic, weather-scoured look.
Climate
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Jindo-gun experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), characterised by mild winters and hot, humid summers.
In January, the coldest month, the average high reaches about 6 °C while nighttime temperatures drop to around 2 °C. Winter months are relatively dry but can feel chilly due to coastal winds. August typically sees highs approaching 29 °C and lows around 22 °C, accompanied by high humidity levels that can make the heat feel more intense.
Rainfall is heavily concentrated during the summer monsoon season, with July receiving over 250 mm of precipitation—more than the entire winter season combined. The wet season extends from June through August, accounting for nearly half of the island's annual rainfall. Autumn months see a marked decrease in precipitation, while winter remains the driest period.
For visitors, the spring months (April-May) and autumn months (September-October) offer the most comfortable conditions with moderate temperatures ranging from 17-22°C, clearer skies, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall. These seasons are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking Jindo's mountains, exploring coastal areas, and attending local festivals. Summer visitors should be prepared for heat, humidity, and potential rain, while those visiting in winter should pack warm layers for the cool, dry conditions.
Get in
[edit]By bus
[edit]Jindo is well-connected to major cities on the Korean peninsula through an extensive bus network, though the island's relative remoteness means journey times can be substantial.
Express buses offer direct service from:
- Seoul: 4 departures daily, journey time approximately 4.5-5 hours depending on traffic. Buses depart from Seoul Express Bus Terminal.
- Incheon: 2 departures daily, journey time approximately 5-5.5 hours.
Intercity buses provide more frequent connections from regional hubs:
- Mokpo: Approximately hourly service, journey time 1.5-2 hours. This is the most common route for travelers, as Mokpo serves as a major transportation hub in South Jeolla Province.
- Gwangju: Approximately hourly service, journey time 2-2.5 hours. Gwangju is the largest city in the region and offers connections from other parts of Korea.
All intercity buses make multiple stops en route, with some routes having more stops than others, which affects total travel time. Buses arrive at the central Jindo Bus Terminal in Jindo-eup, the island's main town.
Travel tip: There is a flag stop at Nokjin, located immediately after crossing Jindo Bridge onto the island. This stop is significantly more convenient for travelers whose primary destination is the Myeongnyang Strait area or the northern part of the island, potentially saving 20-30 minutes compared to traveling to the main terminal and backtracking. Look for a corner store with a green sign where you can purchase tickets to other destinations. Note that express buses to and from Seoul do not stop at Nokjin—only intercity routes from Mokpo and Gwangju make this stop.
Get around
[edit]Transportation within Jindo can be challenging, and advance planning is essential for making the most of your visit.
Local buses operate on the island but with significant limitations. The busiest routes run approximately 10 times per day, while many areas see far fewer services. Unlike in larger Korean cities, bus routes in Jindo are not numbered, and schedules vary by location and time of day, making navigation particularly difficult for first-time visitors. Routes can be unpredictable except when departing from the main bus terminal, where you'll find posted timetables—this is the most reliable starting point for catching local buses.
Local buses operate on a cash-only basis at ₩1,000 per ride. You can either pay when boarding or purchase tickets in advance at the terminal. Official timetables for both local buses and island ferries are available at the county website.
Intercity buses that cross the island (such as routes from Mokpo) make stops at various points along their routes, which can be useful for reaching destinations between towns without relying solely on local services.
Taxis are available but limited in number across the island. The town center of Jindo-eup is compact and easily walkable for exploring local restaurants, shops, and nearby attractions. However, for reaching more distant sites like mountain trails, coastal viewpoints, or remote villages, a taxi may be necessary. Consider exchanging contact information with reliable taxi drivers for return trips.
Car rental provides flexibility and independence, especially when visiting multiple attractions or venturing to the smaller inhabited islands (accessible by ferry). Having a vehicle allows you to explore at your own pace and reach remote areas where public transportation is sparse or nonexistent.
Ferries service the larger inhabited islands in the Jindo archipelago, with schedules available at the bus terminal and online. These are essential for reaching attractions on islands like Modo and exploring the broader county.
For planning: The main bus terminal in Jindo-eup (Jindo Terminal) remains the most reliable location for viewing comprehensive timetables, purchasing tickets, and catching scheduled services. Many travelers find that a combination of rental car for the main island and ferries for island-hopping provides the best experience.
See
[edit]- 1 Unlim Mountain Room (운림산방), 315, Unlimsanbang-ro, Uisin-myeon, ☏ +82 061-540-6262. 09:00-18:00. The title of the studio where painter He Yu (1807-1892), from the late Joseon Dynasty, lived in his later years. ₩2000.
- 2 Jindo National Recreation Forest (국립진도자연휴양림), 1-92 Dongryeonggae-gil, Imhoe-myeon, ☏ +82 061-542-2346. 09:0- 18:00. It is adjacent to Jindo's tourist attractions such as Dadohaesang National Park, Jindo Mysterious Sea Road, Unlim Sanbang, and Sebang Nakjo, which are natural landscapes, so there are plenty of experiences and attractions. You can use a forest house, a forest culture resort, a visitor information center, a woodcraft experience center, a sea of grass, and a deck road, and there is a well-established trail where you can take a walk while looking at various trees and flowers.
- 3 Sebang Nakjo Observatory (세방낙조 전망대), San 27-3 Gahak-ri, Jisan-myeon. The observatory is known for its beautiful sunset view, especially with islands on the west coast and the sea in the background. Various islands are spread out around the area, making it spectacular to see the sun set between the islands, and it is also famous for being a good place to take pictures. The road to the observatory also has beautiful natural scenery, so visitors can enjoy walking or hiking.
- 4 Jindo Tower (진도타워), 112-41 Mangum-gil, Gunnae-myeon, Jeollanam-do Observatory, ☏ +82 061-542-0990. 09:00-18:00. It is located at the top of Manggeumsan Mountain near Jindo Bridge. You can provide convenience to tourists in cafeterias and restaurants and enjoy the beautiful scenery around you. ₩1000.
- 5 Gagye Beach (가계해수욕장), 153 Geumgye-ri, Gogun-myeon, ☏ +82 061-540-6605. The mysterious sea road where the sea water splits, or Ganjo Yukgye-do, is 1 km south, and there are many tourist attractions such as Unlimsanbang, Ssanggyesa Temple, and Yongjangsanseong Fortress. Offshore are islands such as Geumho Island and Modo Island.
- 6 Jindo Marine Ecological Museum (진도해양생태관), 64, Mysterious Sea Road, Gogun-myeon, ☏ +82 061-540-6268. 09:00-18:00. Samples of fish living at home and abroad are displayed in the ecological museum, and there is a large aquarium in the lobby where you can observe fish living off the coast of Jindo Island such as ash defense, sea bream, and sea bass. ₩1,500.
- 7 Jindo Island Jinseong Fortress (진도 남도진성), 149 Namdong-ri, Imhoe-myeon, ☏ +82 061-540-3428. It is a castle from the Three Kingdoms period in Namdong-ri, Imhoe-myeon, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do.
- 8 Jindo Dog Theme Park (진도개테마파크), 30 Seongjukgol-gil, Jindo-eup, ☏ +82 061-540-6308. 09:00-18:00. It consists of Jindo dog promotion center, race course, dizziness course, medical center, and children's sledding course, and you can see Jindo dog sports every day.
- 9 Cheolma Park (철마공원), Cheolma-gil 17, Jindo-eup, ☏ +82 061-540-3224. In the park, there are trails and various rest facilities, so many family visitors visit. It is known as a place where the surrounding natural scenery is beautiful and local residents can comfortably walk and heal.
- 10 Jindo Geumgolsan Five-story Stone Pagoda (진도금골산오층석탑), 58 Geumgol-gil, Gunnae-myeon, ☏ +82 061-540-3428. The stylobate and one-story pagoda body appear to follow the style of the three-story stone pagoda in Eunseon-ri, Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do, and it is interpreted that the Baekje style has spread to this place. It is said that there has been a temple called Haewolsa Temple since the Goryeo Dynasty, so the stone pagoda is also presumed to have been built around that time.
- 11 Mysterious Sea Road (진도 신비의 바닷길), Between Hoedong-ri and Modo Island, Gogun-myeon, ☏ +82 061-540-6000. Occurs during extreme low tides, typically 2-3 times per year. One of Jindo's most famous natural phenomena, this approximately 2.8-km-long and up to 40-meter-wide land bridge emerges from the sea during the year's lowest tides, connecting the village of Hoedong-ri with Modo Island. Often compared to the Biblical parting of the Red Sea, this remarkable tidal event is steeped in local legend. According to folklore, an elderly woman named Grandmother Ppong was left behind when her village fled from tigers to Modo Island. She prayed to the Sea Dragon King, who created a rainbow path through the waters for her reunion with her family. The phenomenon typically occurs during the second and sixth months of the lunar calendar. During the Mysterious Sea Road Festival, thousands of visitors walk across the exposed seabed, collecting shellfish and experiencing this natural wonder. The area around Gagye Beach offers excellent viewing points and access to the sea road when it appears. Free (festival attendance may have fees).
Mountains
[edit]- 12 Dongseok Mountain (동석산), Shimdong-ri, Jisan-myeon. It is about 255 meters above sea level. Although it is a relatively low mountain, the historical and cultural significance of the Jindo area is deep, and the surrounding natural scenery is beautiful. When you reach the top of the mountain, you can see the Jindo area and the sea at a glance, and the scenery that blends with the West Sea is particularly attractive.
- 13 Cheomchal Mountain (첨찰산), Sacheon-ri, Uisin-myeon, ☏ +82 061-544-0151. It is 485 meters tall. It is the highest rocky mountain in Jindo Island. There is a fortress that is believed to have been built during the Baekje period and the remains of Bongsudae that was installed during the Joseon Dynasty. At the bottom of the mountain are Unlim Sanbang (Jeonnam Monument 51) and Ssanggyesa Temple (Jeonnam Tangible Cultural Heritage 121) and the area around Ssanggyesa Temple and Unlim Sanbang is surrounded by evergreen forests (Natural Monument 107), which are designated as natural monuments.
- 14 Yeogwisan Mountain (여귀산), San 40, Sangman-ri, Imhoe-myeon. It is 457 meters high, and the top forms a rocky area that is difficult to climb, but the intelligent lines on both sides of the top are soft mountains. Starting from the Toprip bus stop and riding a rocky ridge to the top, you can see Heeyeosan Mountain, Buyongsan Mountain and Dadohae National Park at a cool glance. It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to get down to the Toprip Tourist Farm after passing through the small Yeogisan Mountain.
- 15 Geumgol Mountain (금골산), Deokbyeong-ri, Gunnae-myeon. Geumgol Mountain is 193 m above sea level and is called Geumgang ＂ in ＂, and it is said that there are three caves on the mountain made of strange rock cliffs, a five-story stone pagoda (treasure) and a seated statue (Jeonnam Cultural Heritage Data) are engraved in the cave in the middle of the mountain, and there was a temple called Haeonsa Temple.
Temples
[edit]- 16 Ssanggyesa Temple in Jindo Island (진도쌍계사), 299-30 Ssanggyesa Temple, Unlimsanbang-ro, Uisin-myeon, ☏ +82 061-542-1165. Located on Cheomchalsan Mountain in Jindo-gun, this temple, which was founded by Doseon State Temple during the Silla Dynasty, was named Ssanggyesa Temple because the valley flows on both sides of the temple.
- 17 Jindo Pharmaceutical Company (진도약사사), Jindo Pharmacist, 5, Jukyeop-gil, (5 minutes away from Jindo Public Terminal by taxi), ☏ +82 061-544-3690. 00:00 - 22:00. Located at the southwest end of Namsan Mountain, it is famous for the spiritual prayer of the Buddha.
Do
[edit]
- The Mysterious Sea Road Festival (Yeongdeung Festival (진도신비의 바닷길 축제)). Twice each year in early summer. Dates vary year to year due to tidal restrictions. Between the coastal village of Heodong-ri and the islet of Mo-do, southeast of Jin-do, some of the world's largest tides occur. During a few days in the spring (in the second month of the lunar calendar), a causeway appears, nearly 3 km long and up to 40 m wide. This natural phenomenon (translated as the Mysterious, Magical, Miracle or Mystic Sea Road or Sea Way) brings tourists interested in both the Christian parallel of the Moses Miracle, and the ancient Korean legend of Grandma Ppong, left behind when her people fled a tiger-infested Jindo for Modo, and reunited with them via this rainbow-shaped land bridge. Tourists can experience many traditional folk dances, cultural activities and dogs shows during the Mystic Sea Road Festivals. Expect to see thousands of visitors for this very limited time experience. If you plan to go to this event, it would be wise to arrive the night before, as transportation logistics to the island and then to the event from other locations in Korea can be quite challenging.
- 1 Jindo Tourist Boat (진도관광유람선), 411 West Coast-ro, Jindo-eup, ☏ +82 0507-1487-0314. Starting from Shimi Port, it returns to Shimi Port by surrounding Jugwangdo Island (Saja Island), Blood Island called 'Hole Island', Yangdeokdo Island (toe Island), Jujido Island (Finger Island), Buldo Island with a sea cave and a thousand-year-old Buddha Tower, and the sea in front of Sebang Nakjo, which is famous for the most beautiful sunset on the Korean Peninsula. ₩25000.
- 2 Jindo Arirang Cinema (진도아리랑시네마), 6-13 Dongoe 1-gil, Jindo-eup, ☏ +82 061-544-7790. 09:00-20:00. 2D: ₩7000, 3D: ₩9000.
- Mountain Hiking Trails (진도 등산로), Various locations across Jindo. Dawn to dusk recommended. Jindo offers several rewarding hiking experiences across its mountainous terrain. Cheomchalsan Mountain (485 m), the island's highest peak, provides the most challenging climb with spectacular panoramic views of the archipelago, the mainland, and the surrounding seas from its rocky summit. The trail passes historic sites including Baekje-era fortress ruins and Joseon Dynasty beacon towers. Dongseok Mountain (255 m) offers a gentler climb suitable for families, with excellent sunset viewing opportunities over the West Sea. Yeogwisan Mountain (457 m) features a rocky summit area and takes approximately 2.5 hours for a complete loop starting from Toprip bus stop. Most trails are well-marked but can be steep and rocky in sections, so proper hiking footwear is essential. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) provide the most comfortable hiking conditions with clear visibility and moderate temperatures. Many trails lead through forests designated as natural monuments, offering opportunities to observe native flora and fauna. Free.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Hanaro Mart's Advanced Agricultural Cooperative Branch (하나로마트 선진농협군내점), 7964 Jindo-daero, Gunnae-myeo, ☏ +82 061-542-4283. 08:00 - 18:00.
Eat
[edit]Jindo's culinary scene reflects its island heritage with an emphasis on fresh seafood and locally-grown specialties.
Local specialties include:
- Miyeok (미역) - A nutritious brown seaweed known in Japanese as wakame. Jindo's clean coastal waters produce particularly high-quality miyeok, which is used in soups, salads, and side dishes. Miyeok-guk (seaweed soup) is a Korean staple traditionally eaten on birthdays and by new mothers.
- Black rice (흑미) - Grown locally and prized for its nutritional content and distinctive nutty flavor. Often mixed with white rice or used in special dishes.
- Fresh seafood - As an island community, Jindo excels in seafood preparation. Local restaurants serve fresh-caught fish, octopus, abalone, and shellfish prepared in traditional Korean styles including raw (hoe), grilled, or in stews.
- Hongeo - While more famous in nearby Mokpo and Heuksando, some Jindo restaurants serve this fermented skate, considered a delicacy in the region (though its strong ammonia smell makes it an acquired taste).
Gugija tea (구기자차) - Chinese Matrimony Tea made from goji berries grown in Jindo's climate. This traditional Korean tea is believed to offer numerous health benefits and makes an excellent souvenir.
The main town of Jindo-eup has a surprising variety of dining options for its size, including numerous Korean fried chicken shops, fast-food outlets serving Korean-style Chinese food (jjajangmyeon, jjamppong), and traditional Korean restaurants. Many restaurants near the ferry ports and beaches specialize in fresh seafood meals.
Dining tips: Restaurants typically open for lunch (11:30-14:00) and dinner (17:30-21:00), with some closing in the afternoon. Weekend and festival periods can be busy, particularly during the Mysterious Sea Road Festival. Credit cards are widely accepted in town but bring cash for smaller establishments and rural areas.
Drink
[edit]- Modo Sanghoe, 416-15 Chosa-ri, Uisin-myeon. A cozy converted house style café near the coast, offering a relaxing ocean-view atmosphere. Often listed among top cafés in Jindo-gun for its unique setting. Parking available.
- Gureumsoop Atori Coffee House, 501 Sa-cheon-ri, Uisin-myeon. A hanok-style café tucked into a quiet area, offering hand-drip specialty coffees, with a tranquil lawn and garden setting away from busier tourist spots.
- Dream World Café, Greenjin-ri San 2-191, Gunnae-myeon. A scenic “ocean-view” café overlooking the sea and nearby bridge, with ample parking and comfortable décor.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Sol Beach Progress (쏠비치 진도), 30-40 Songgun-gil, Uisin-myeon, ☏ +82 02-1588-4888. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. This hotel is certified as a four-star hotel by the Hotel Grade Management Bureau of the Korea Tourism Association.
- 2 First Motel (퍼스트모텔), 43, Namsan 2-gil, Jindo-eup (if you use your car, there is a motel on the right side of the Jindo police station; if you use the intercity bus, it is a 4-minute walk from Jindo Terminal), ☏ +82 010-3497-3200.
- 3 Piano Motel (피아노모텔), 24, Nammun-gil, Jindo-eup (100 meters away from the Jindo public terminal, so you can see the piano motel as soon as you come out of the terminal exit), ☏ +82 061-542-1001.
- 4 Jindo Star Guest House (진도스타게스트하우스), Jindo Star, 5-1 Cheolma-gil, Jindo-eup, ☏ +82 0507-1352-2833. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 12:00. You can use the free public parking lot next to the parking lot.
Connect
[edit]- 1 [http:// http://jdlib.jne.go.kr/ Jindo Public Library] (진도공공도서관), 12, Cheolma-gil, Jindo-eup. archive room: 09:00~18:00, reading room: 08:00~22:00. Lbrary services such as book lending, reading rooms, and Internet material search.
Go next
[edit]The bus terminal is in the center of Jindo-eup, with regular coach buses returning to Mokpo running until 20:30 daily. However, Jindo's location in the southwestern archipelago makes it an excellent base for exploring other islands and coastal destinations in South Jeolla Province.
Nearby destinations include:
- Mokpo (목포) - 1.5-2 hours by bus. This port city serves as the gateway to the southwestern islands and offers excellent seafood markets, museums including the National Maritime Museum, and ferry connections to numerous islands.
- Wando (완도) - Accessible via Haenam. Another major island in the region famous for abalone farming, seaweed production, and the beautiful Cheongsan Island (accessible by ferry from Wando).
- Haenam (해남) - On the mainland adjacent to Jindo. Home to Mihwangsa Temple and Daeheungsa Temple, one of Korea's most important Buddhist monasteries. The southernmost point of mainland Korea is also located in Haenam.
- Dadohae Haesang National Park (다도해해상국립공원) - This marine national park encompasses much of the archipelago surrounding Jindo, including over 1,700 islands. Ferry services from Jindo connect to several islands within the park boundaries.
- Jangheung (장흥) - Northeast of Jindo, famous for its literature (birthplace of several renowned Korean writers), clean waters, and traditional festivals.
- Gangjin (강진) - Known for its celadon pottery tradition and beautiful coastal scenery. Home to the Gangjin Celadon Museum.
Planning your journey: Consider purchasing a Korea Tour Card or T-money card for convenient payment on buses and subways throughout your travels in South Korea. Most intercity buses from Jindo require reservations during peak travel periods (weekends, holidays, festival dates), which can be made at the terminal or through Korean bus booking websites.