Yeosu Camellia Train - Walking vs. the Odongdo Breakwater Ride
A guide to the Odongdo camellia train route in Yeosu, how it compares to walking, and what to check before you visit.
At a glance
Odongdo in Yeosu is an island connected to the mainland by a 768-meter breakwater, with camellia trees lining both the breakwater and the forest paths inside the island — one of Yeosu’s signature sights. The Odongdo camellia train runs along this breakwater section to reduce the walking load, but since it’s also an easy walking distance, the key thing to decide before your visit is which way to go based on your time and stamina.
What the Odongdo camellia train is
The camellia train departs from near the parking lot at the Odongdo entrance and loops along roughly 1.2 km of the breakwater. Several train cars, each with a locomotive pulling carriages, run in rotation, and it’s popular with visitors who find the breakwater walk tiring, those carrying luggage, or families with young children or older relatives.
Walking vs. the train: how to choose
The breakwater itself is flat, so walking takes about 15 minutes to reach the Odongdo entrance. It’s scenic enough to have been named one of Korea’s 100 most beautiful roads, so if you have time to spare, walking and enjoying the view is a good option. On the other hand, if you plan to explore the paths inside the island as well, the round-trip walk plus time spent strolling can add up, so taking the train just for the breakwater section and saving your energy for the island itself is worth considering.
Camellias typically peak between late February and March, and during that period both the breakwater and the island tend to get crowded. If you’re visiting during the busy season, it helps to plan your route in advance.
Before you go
- Decide how to get across: walking the breakwater takes about 15 minutes; consider the train depending on your stamina
- Bloom updates: peak timing shifts slightly year to year, so check before visiting
- Crowds during peak bloom: parking and movement can be slower when camellias are at their peak
- Facilities: the paths inside the island have ups and downs, so it helps to know where restrooms and shops are
- Weather and wind: the breakwater can be windy, so bring a light jacket
Walking vs. train
| Option | Best for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Visitors who want to enjoy the sea view at a relaxed pace | Total time including the ~15-minute round trip |
| Camellia train | Families and older visitors who want to save energy | Service intervals and boarding point, per on-site signage |
Trip planning notes
If you’re timing your visit to peak camellia bloom, build in extra time for parking and getting around. Since the breakwater is an easy walking distance either way, choose your mode of travel based on your overall itinerary and the stamina of everyone in your group.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I board the camellia train?
You board near the parking lot at the entrance to Odongdo, and it runs across the breakwater to the plaza on the island. Check the on-site signage for the exact boarding point.
Do I have to take the train to reach Odongdo?
No. Walking along the breakwater takes about 15 minutes, so you can choose between walking and the train depending on your time and stamina.
When are the camellias at their peak?
In a typical year, they tend to peak between late February and March, though the exact timing shifts with the weather that year, so it helps to check bloom updates before visiting.
Is it manageable with kids or older family members?
The breakwater section is flat and easy to walk, but the paths inside the island have some ups and downs, so taking the train can help if stamina is a concern.