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 edit
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 edit
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.
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 edit
- ^ a b c "Tongyeong - romantic port city with history". koreatimes. 2016-03-31. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
- ^ a b Tours, This is Korea (2017-03-23). "Geobukseon (Turtle Ship)". This Is Korea Tours. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b KTO, Korea Tourism Organization. "VISITKOREA - Imagine Your Korea". VISITKOREA - Imagine Your Korea. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
- ^ "Cross-country exploration, part 1: Tongyeong, a city of military, music and the arts". koreatourinformation.com. 2014-11-26. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
- ^ "Tongyeong City Tour | TongYeong City". www.tongyeong.go.kr. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Conventional markets | TongYeong City". www.tongyeong.go.kr. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
- ^ "Die Hafenstadt Tongyeong – Das Tor zu Südkoreas Welt der 1000 Inseln". Mein Weltbuch - Reiseblog & Overlanding (in German). 2018-04-05. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
- ^ 정, 기환 (2023-06-12). "통영시, 강구안 초대형 갈매기 '동백이' 조형물.. 신 야간관광 명소 등극 (in Korean)". 디스커버리뉴스. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
- ^ City, Tongyeong (2023-12-15). "Tongyeong, Korea's First City Specializing in Night Tourism, Reveals Representative Nighttime Venues". Accesswire. Retrieved 2024-01-08.