Yeosu

Yeosu is a coastal city located in South Korea with a population of 268,823 residents. Situated within the Jeonnam-Gwangju region, this locality functions under the Asia/Seoul timezone.

Coastal waters, local geography, and maritime traditions shape the culinary identity of this southern peninsula. Visitors exploring the local food culture encounter distinct regional preparations deeply tied to the surrounding marine environment.

• Gejang: A representative traditional Jeolla cuisine dish featuring marinated raw crab.
• Gat-kimchi: A specialty variety created from mustard greens originally developed in the Dolsan area of the city.
• Island Fare: Authentic rural dishes found by taking ferries from the mainland to nearby local islands.
• Beachside Dining: Numerous restaurants located along Manseongri Beach offering various seafood dishes at tables near the volcanic black sand shore.

Yeosu is a coastal city located in Jeonnam-Gwangju, South Korea. Situated at coordinates 34.76062 latitude and 127.66215 longitude, the municipality supports a population of 268,823 residents within the Asia/Seoul timezone.

The geography of the area is defined by its coastal positioning on a southern peninsula situated south of Suncheon and Gwangyang. The terrain includes local islands and marine environments well-suited for shellfish habitats, featuring bays protected from sea winds where shell pits developed historically. Manseongri Beach features volcanic black sand along its coastal setting, while the surrounding region encompasses various island locations accessible by ferry.

Administrative boundaries have shifted across historical eras. The current municipal structure was formed in 1998 through the merger of the old city of Yeosu, the city of Yeocheon, and Yeocheon County. Formerly administered under South Jeolla Province, the city became directly managed under Jeonnam-Gwangju following the dissolution and merger of South Jeolla Province with Gwangju on July 1, 2026.