Historical places #14 in Yeosu

Yeosu Seonso Historic Site

4.1 · 387 reviews
A quiet and reflective coastal historical site
Yeosu Seonso Historic Site, 708 Sijeon-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Interesting facts
1

The name 'Seonso' literally translates to 'ship depot' or 'shipyard' in Korean.

2

Admiral Yi Sun-sin used this specific site as a primary logistics hub to maintain his fleet between naval battles.

3

Archaeologists discovered historical wooden slipways used to haul heavy ships onto the shore for repairs.

4

The site layout includes a replica turtle ship that allows visitors to visualize the scale of Joseon-era warships.

5

Stone structures found at the site were utilized for tethering ships during high tide to facilitate hull maintenance.

Overview

Yeosu Seonso is a historic shipyard site used by Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the Imjin War for the repair and maintenance of Geobukseon (Turtle Ships). The site served as a strategic naval base where the Joseon Navy constructed and maintained its fleet. Archaeological excavations have identified the remains of ship-building workshops and anchor stones along the coastline. The area features a reconstructed turtle ship and displays explaining the maritime history of the region. It is designated as a significant cultural heritage site representing Joseon-era naval military engineering. The location integrates historical ruins with a coastal park environment along the Yeosu bay area.

Photo spot

The elevated viewing deck overlooking the replica Turtle Ship with the Yeosu bay in the background.

Insider tips

Walk the perimeter trail along the water for the best views of the original coastline.

Combine your visit with the nearby Yi Sun-sin Square to get a broader context of his naval legacy.

Visit during low tide to better observe the remains of the historic slipways near the shore.

What to avoid

Do not treat the site merely as a park for recreation; remember its status as a significant military heritage site.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor as this is a memorial site; refrain from touching historical stone relics.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45-60 minutes
Best time to visit
Late afternoon during spring or autumn for comfortable walking temperatures and sunset views over the bay.
Address
Yeosu Seonso Historic Site, 708 Sijeon-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
34.755, 127.663
Get directions
Details
Key ExhibitsReconstructed Turtle Ship, historical slipway foundations, and maritime naval artifacts

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45-60 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon during spring or autumn for comfortable walking temperatures and sunset views over the bay..

The elevated viewing deck overlooking the replica Turtle Ship with the Yeosu bay in the background.

Close by you'll find Ungcheon Beach Park, 여수망마경기장, 여수선사유적공원.