Catholic Mokpo Shrine (가톨릭 목포 성지) - Area information - Korea travel information

Catholic Mokpo Shrine (가톨릭 목포 성지)

1.1Km    2026-06-30

90-1 Sanjeong-dong, Mokpo-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Catholic Mokpo Shrine is not only the starting point of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gwangju, a central hub of Catholicism in Korea, but also the place where the first Legion of Mary (Lay Faith Community) headquarters in Korea was established. At the heart of the shrine stands the Sanjeong-dong Memorial Church, designated as a minor basilica in 2020, along with the Martyrs' Memorial Tower. It is a significant site where visitors can experience the history and culture of Korean Catholicism, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the blue sea and mountains.

Samhakdo Cruise (삼학도크루즈)

1.4Km    2026-06-30

104 Samhak-ro 92beon-gil, Mokpo-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Samhakdo Cruise offers sightseeing cruises around the major attractions of Mokpo on the sea. During the day, they operate the Seascape City Tour, and in the evening, they offer Sunset and Fireworks Tours. Departing from the old coastal pier of Samhakdo Island, the cruise passes by Mokpo Maritime Cable Car Tower, Mokpodaegyo Bridge, and the Dancing Ocean Fountain before returning to the departure point. There are also many food stalls gathered around the pier area, providing ample enjoyment for visitors.

Samhakdo Island (삼학도)

1.5Km    2026-06-30

Samhak-ro 92beon-gil, Mokpo-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Samhakdo Island is a small island off the coast of Mokpo that has been incorporated into the mainland due to silt accumulation. The island is now home to many family-fun attractions like the Marine Science Museum, a mini golf course, and a yatching marina. The walkway around the park also offers beautiful views of Mokpo by night.

Daebak Hongdo Agujjim (대박홍도아구찜)

2.0Km    2026-06-30

Daebak Hongdo Agujjim is a restaurant specializing in agujjim (spicy braised monkfish) and a well-known secret among Mokpo residents. Thanks to its fame, the restaurant has two buildings: the main building and the annex. It is located in Dongbu Market, Mokpo. Monkfish is a type of fish known for its tender and chewy texture and in Korea it is often cooked by braising. Monkfish, bean sprouts, and other vegetables are stir-fried with red chili paste-based sauce, creating a dish that brings alive the tender texture of the monkfish and the crunchiness of the vegetables. What elevates this restaurant above the others is their sauce. Dip the fish into a sauce made with chili pepper powder and it will open doors to a new world of flavor and taste.

Gohado Marine Theme Park (고하도 해상테마파크)

2.3Km    2026-06-30

234 Gohadoan-gil, Mokpo-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Gohado Marine Theme Park is a multi-faceted marine tourist destination in the southwestern part of Korea, home to historical sites related to Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Visitors can access the island via Mokpo Bridge or the Mokpo Marine Cable Car. The island features a botanical garden, island greenhouse, cotton experience exhibition hall and garden, and recreational facilities. From the observatory, tourists can enjoy a 360-degree view of both Mokpo and the scenic Dadohae waters. Walking along the coastal deck trail over the sea, visitors can appreciate the stunning views of Gohado Island.

Namnong Memorial Hall (남농기념관)

3.5Km    2026-06-30

119, Namnong-ro, Mokpo-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Namnong Memorial Hall is an art gallery dedicated to the works and memory of Namnong Heo Gun, a famous artist of the traditional Southern School of Painting. The hall was opened as an art gallery by Namnong Heo Gun (1908-1987) himself in 1985. The Southern School of Painting features natural scenes with accompanying calligraphy. The hall now features over 200 works of art by some of the most famous Korean paintings in history, as well as pottery from China and Japan.

Mokpo Culture & Arts Center (목포문화예술회관)

3.5Km    2026-06-30

102, Namnong-ro, Mokpo-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Mokpo Culture & Arts Center is in Yonghae-dong, Mokpo-si, Jeollanam-do. The center opened in July 1997 and has two buildings, an exhibition hall, which includes seven exhibition rooms and two special rooms, and performance hall, which has a 698-seat auditorium. Mokpo Culture & Arts Center was established to provide opportunities for the local community to enjoy cultural and creative arts.

Mokpo Natural History Museum (목포자연사박물관)

3.8Km    2026-06-30

135 Namnong-ro, Mokpo-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Mokpo Natural History Museum is located inside of Gatbawi Culture Town, one of the major tourist attractions in Mokpo. The museum consists of a natural history hall and local history hall. The museum features many rare dinosaur fossils as well as cultural artifacts and exhibitions.

National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage (국립해양문화재연구소)

3.8Km    2026-06-30

136 Namnong-ro, Mokpo-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage is located along Gatbawi Culture Street in Mokpo. Managed by the Cultural Heritage Administration, it is the only marine museum in Korea to display marine cultural relics. Opened in 1994 as the National Maritime Museum, the name was changed in 2009. The two-story institute houses over 2,000 relics excavated from the sea around Korea. There are four main exhibition halls as well as an outdoor exhibition space and one special exhibition hall. Through the exhibits, visitors can see ships from the past as well was learn about the lifestyle and culture of people living in coastal villages.

Mokpo Gatbawi Rock (목포 갓바위)

4.1Km    2026-06-30

166-1 Namnong-ro, Mokpo-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Located on the coast of Yonghae-dong in Mokpo, Gatbawi is a natural sandstone and tafoni formation near the mouth of the Yeongsangang River, where freshwater runs into the sea. Gatbawi is named after its shape, which is said to look like two men wearing traditional Korean hats called “gat” (“bawi” meaning “rock”). The rock is actually made of two individual formations: one measuring 8 meters tall and one 6 meters tall. Valued not only for its aesthetics, Gatbawi Rock is of high geological value as a “natural sculpture” that was formed as a result of years of weathering. The rock formation was officially recognized as a Natural Monument on April 27, 2009.