Things To Do
in Mokpo

Thinly sliced raw fish served with soy sauce, gochujang dipping sauce, or ssam (wrap) vegetables — widely available at fish markets and seafood restaurants near the harbor.

Must-Try!

Grilled freshwater eel, richly seasoned and often served with rice — a local specialty available at dedicated eel restaurants.

Spicy seafood stews and hangover soups made with mixed shellfish, fish, and vegetables — hearty options on colder days.

Various salted and fermented seafood (jeot) sold in markets — great to taste or bring home as a savory souvenir.

Central fish market where vendors sell live and fresh seafood; many stalls will prepare purchases on-site for a quick meal. Try sashimi, grilled shellfish, and skewered seafood.

Street vendors near the harbor serve tteokbokki, kimbap, fish cakes (odeng), and hotteok — perfect for snacking while exploring the waterfront.

Use polite greetings (a nod or 'annyeonghaseyo') and address people with respectful language. Bowing slightly is common in formal situations.

Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional guesthouses or restaurants; look for shoe racks and follow the host.

Wait for elders to start eating at communal tables, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, and use both hands when giving or receiving items in formal contexts.

Keep voices moderate in public transport and be mindful of personal space; recycling and proper waste separation are taken seriously.

Tipping is not customary in Korea and is generally unnecessary; good service is included in prices. In tourist-focused hotels or some upscale restaurants, small tips may be accepted but are not expected.

Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, but carry some cash (Korean won) for markets, street food, small vendors, and island services. T-money cards work for buses and taxis; reload at convenience stores.

Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and clearer skies make spring a pleasant time to visit; occasional windy or rainy days are possible. Ideal for hiking Yudalsan and island day trips before summer crowds.

Hot, humid weather with higher rainfall and possible typhoon influences in late summer; island beaches are busier and fresh seafood is abundant. Bring lightweight rain gear and plan indoor alternatives for stormy days.

Crisp, comfortable weather with clearer skies and vibrant foliage on hills and islands — arguably the best time for outdoor activities and photography. Sea conditions are generally calm, favoring ferry travel.

Cool and dry with chilly winds off the Yellow Sea; fewer tourists and lower prices but shorter daylight for activities. Dress warmly for coastal exposure and check ferry services during strong winds.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited in traditional seafood-focused restaurants. Look for vegetable bibimbap, tofu stews (request no fish stock), and side dishes; communicate clearly that you avoid seafood and fish sauce (use the phrase '생선/액젓 안 먹어요').

Vegan choices are more limited; better options appear in cafés or specialty restaurants in larger nearby cities. Carry snacks and ask about broths and banchan ingredients to avoid hidden fish or egg.

Halal-certified restaurants are rare in Mokpo; Muslim travelers should plan to eat seafood, vegetable dishes, or bring packaged halal food. Major cities like Gwangju have more halal options.

Many Korean dishes use soy sauce or wheat-based sauces. Request tamari or ask for dishes prepared without soy sauce when possible; rice-based dishes like plain grilled fish or bibimbap (with caution) are safer.