Gangguan Port (강구안),[1] is a fishing harbour in Tongyeong, South Korea. The mountainous and maritime surroundings of the South Gyeongsang Province attract thousands of tourists.[1]

History

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Turtle Ships led by Admiral Yi Sun-sin during mid-Joseon times, played an important role in naval battles against Japanese forces during the Imjin War.[2] Battles included the 1597 Battle of Myeongnyang and the 1592 Battle of Hansando near Tongyeong. Following Yi Sun-sin's leadership, Tongyeong became a strategic naval hub, hosting the Tongyeong Samdo Sugun military district from 1604. This district served as a central naval station defending Gyeongsang, Jeolla, and Chungcheong provinces for Joseon.[3]

The Chungryelsa Shrine, build in 1606, commemorates Yi's historic deeds.[4] It houses Yi's spiritual tablet and tombstone, as well as records of his achievements as a naval commander. [5][6] A statue of him is located on top of the Nammang-san mountain. [7]

Tourism

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Gangguan tourism focuses on maritime culture, gastronomy and art. Many restaurants offer Chungmu-style gimbap, Tongyeong is famous for its honey bread stores, the restaurants serving seafood, like at the Joongang Conventional Fish Market, or for its korean coffee culture. [1][8][9] The surrounding mountains and the maritime climate, as well as the Hallyeohaesang National Park are important attractions.[4]

Tongyeong was designated as South Korea's first Night Tourism Specialized City in 2022.[10] Plans for night tourism in the region include the expansion of nighttime outdoor events, such as "Tonight Tongyeong!" at Gangguan Port.

 
Replica of a Turtle Ship in Hallyeo National Marine Park in Tongyeong, South Korea

At night, Gangguan Port and Tongyeong are illuminated. The Dongbaek, an illuminated seagull statue, plays a significant role in promoting with holding a large sign of the night tourism slogan "Tonight TongYeong". The Gangguan Bride, crossing over the port, offers a view of the illuminated city. [11]

Sight-seeing attractions include a restored turtle ship ("Geobukseon").[2] The port also serves as a point for harbor tours and trips to the neighboring islands, like to Sumaemuldo. [7]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Tongyeong - romantic port city with history". koreatimes. 2016-03-31. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  2. ^ a b Tours, This is Korea (2017-03-23). "Geobukseon (Turtle Ship)". This Is Korea Tours. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  3. ^ Service (KOCIS), Korean Culture and Information. "Cross-country exploration, part 1: Tongyeong, a city of military, music and the arts : Korea.net : The official website of the Republic of Korea". www.korea.net. Retrieved 2023-10-14.
  4. ^ a b KTO, Korea Tourism Organization. "VISITKOREA - Imagine Your Korea". VISITKOREA - Imagine Your Korea. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  5. ^ "Cross-country exploration, part 1: Tongyeong, a city of military, music and the arts". koreatourinformation.com. 2014-11-26. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  6. ^ "Tongyeong City Tour | TongYeong City". www.tongyeong.go.kr. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  7. ^ a b Planet, Lonely; Harper, Damian; Whyte, Rob; Tang, Phillip; O'Malley, Thomas; Morgan, MaSovaida (2019-02-01). Lonely Planet Korea. Lonely Planet. ISBN 978-1-78868-179-7.
  8. ^ "Conventional markets | TongYeong City". www.tongyeong.go.kr. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  9. ^ "Die Hafenstadt Tongyeong – Das Tor zu Südkoreas Welt der 1000 Inseln". Mein Weltbuch - Reiseblog & Overlanding (in German). 2018-04-05. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  10. ^ 정, 기환 (2023-06-12). "통영시, 강구안 초대형 갈매기 '동백이' 조형물.. 신 야간관광 명소 등극 (in Korean)". 디스커버리뉴스. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  11. ^ City, Tongyeong (2023-12-15). "Tongyeong, Korea's First City Specializing in Night Tourism, Reveals Representative Nighttime Venues". Accesswire. Retrieved 2024-01-08.

34°50′36″N 128°25′31″E / 34.84333°N 128.42528°E / 34.84333; 128.42528