Tongyeong and the islands! Where to stay/must sees?

[v15ben]

Folks,

We're looking at somewhere different to go for the coming long weekend (4 days for me, woohoo!)

Tongyeong has been recommend by a friend and seems to fit our bill. Somewhere fairly quiet, on the coast, off the beaten track!

I've also been looking at islands you can visit from Tongyeong and Bijindo looks very nice.

My question is, always an issue in rural Korea I've found haha, where to sleep?

We don't mind love motels or hotels so does anyone have any recommendations that we can book in advance for Tongyeong and Bijindo?

Also any hidden gems in either place? Looking at the cable car, harbour, some hiking, relax on the island beaches and eat fresh seafood. Anything else I've missed out?

Thanks in advance :)

[Yu_Bumsuk]

We don't mind love motels or hotels so does anyone have any recommendations that we can book in advance for Tongyeong and Bijindo?

There must be a hundred love hotels in Tongyeong.

[v15ben]

Thanks for your detailed reply ;)

Was after some specific ones really. Would like to book in advance if we can.

[Yu_Bumsuk]

Thanks for your detailed reply ;)

Was after some specific ones really. Would like to book in advance if we can.

I think the one I stayed at was called Venus. Or maybe it was Adonis. Or Cleopatra? Anyways it was the one with the gawdy fake neo-classical exterior decor. It shouldn't be too hard to find. Expect to pay a bit more on Friday or Saturday night.

[v15ben]

Cheers for the motel information. I'll check those ones out :)

Does anyone know about finding accommodation on Bijindo?

[lukamodric]

When going to beach camping is the way to go, just bring and little stove and buy your food and drink there.

[DevilMogun]

If you're interested in visiting Namhae - the next island along - check out my website.  I'm going to post accommodation phone numbers later today as people have been asking me for places to book ahead.

http://namhaeisland.wordpress.com/

[richarquis]

Bijindo is gorgeous. From the ferry stop, walk about100-150 metres to the main section of the beach. Officially, camping is forbidden. We did it a few weeks back, 30-40 people, and had no trouble. We got a couple of shifty stares, but no more than that, and we cleaned up after ourselves, so gave no reason for grudges. We think. There are several pensions where you can stay, right on the edge of the beach. I slept on one of the picnic tables in the alcoves (much warmer than on the ground, my friends in tents on the sand all shivered all night, while I was warm) so I'm not sure of the price of the pensions exactly. Nothing outrageous though. There is a small store, but 12 cans of highest quality Hite cost W30,000 so maybe plan ahead and take your own if that's on the cards. The water was warm enough for swimming 2 weeks ago. There are a few nice hills for hiking. Sunset views over the islands was ridiculously beautiful. Ferry services are limited: If I recall correctly, from Tongyeong to Bijindo, the 3 daily departures were 9am, 11.30am, and 2pm. Something like that. Might pay to ask ahead. These islands are VERY popular, so tickets sell fast.