Gatbawi, one of the eight scenic spots of Mokpo, is named because it looks like two monks wearing traditional bamboo hats (satgat). Jungbawi is said to be where a great ascetic monk once lived. There are various legends about Gatbawi, including one where a highly enlightened ascetic monk, resting briefly while crossing the Yeongsan River on his way to Nakbudo’s Dak Island, placed his satgat and staff down, which then became Gatbawi. Another legend tells of a young man in ancient Mokpo who, neglecting his sick father to earn money, returned too late and deeply regretted it, fasting for days in apology while wearing a satgat, eventually turning into the rock. A maritime pedestrian bridge along the Yeongsan River allows visitors to enjoy views above the water. The bridge rises about 1 meter at high tide and lowers following the tide, offering beautiful night scenery. It also serves as a natural learning site demonstrating rock erosion by waves and currents, making it highly educational.
A place where you can experience Mokpo culture at a glance, Gatbawi Culture Town is a cultural space where you can see, hear, and experience Mokpo's art and history. It is also famous as a drive course with dazzling night views. At the foot of Ipamsan Mountain, known for its bare rock formations called Mindungmeori, are the National Maritime Cultural Heritage Research Institute, the Culture and Arts Center, the Natural History Museum, the Literary History Museum, the Mokpo Living Ceramics Museum, the Mokpo Literature Hall, and the Namnong Memorial Hall, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in cultural and artistic atmosphere all day.
Located in Sang-dong, this park was created by reclamation over 7 years and 5 months from February 1994 to July 2001 on land that was originally public water. The park covers an area of 21,207㎡ and features 20,642 landscaping trees, an outdoor stage, sculptures, and walking paths around the park. Originally named Migwan Square, it was renamed Peace Square in 2001 to commemorate President Kim Dae-jung's Nobel Peace Prize award. At the center of the park is the Dancing Sea Fountain, which offers multimedia fountain shows using video and laser performances at certain times, popular among tourists, with gardens on both sides. Peace Square also operates a marine leisure sports experience program, free of charge, available to anyone aged 7 and above. This program, co-hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Jeollanam-do, and Mokpo City, includes activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, rafting boats, jet boats, banana boats, and jet skis, creating enjoyable summer experiences accessible to all ages by utilizing Mokpo's geographical characteristics. Nearby Peace Square, there are many restaurants and cafes, and well-maintained seaside walking paths provide excellent convenience.
Mokpo Dancing Sea Fountain is a sea-based musical fountain that embellishes the night sea in front of Mokpo Peace Plaza. It spans 150 meters in length and can shoot water up to a maximum height of 70 meters. Shaped like a fan representing Mokpo Port, it serves as a symbolic sculpture of the port city. The fountain presents dynamic performances synchronized with music, showcasing various formations in harmony with the rhythm and melody.
Located in the sea in front of Mokpo Peace Square, this world’s first ultra-large floating sea music fountain has a basin length of 150m, height of 13.5m, and maximum spray height of 70m. Designed in a fan shape representing Mokpo Port with rear nozzles, three circular nozzles symbolizing Samhakdo, and an upper sculpture representing the harbor city of Mokpo, it boasts grandeur. The fountain features 87 rotating nozzles, 202 air nozzles, 289 LED lights, and 16 moving lights that create various shapes. Visitors can enjoy dynamic performances of music and fountain shows, water screen video performances, and laser shows. It offers programs for sharing stories with the audience, proposals, and the Mokpo Maritime W Show on the sea stage, making it a place to create precious memories.
Before the 2000s, Mokpo's commercial district was concentrated around Mokpo Station in the modern area. In the early 1990s, apartments and shops began to appear in the Hadang area, gradually shifting the commercial center from Mokpo Station to here. Located in the center of Hadang, Rose Street became a new thriving area. The street is landscaped with large trees and roses, with shops lining both sides. It is a pedestrian-only street, making it safe and comfortable to stroll. Especially around Rose Street, movie theaters, clothing stores, and cafes have dramatically increased, attracting many young people. While the old downtown excels in traditional food, many restaurants satisfying the tastes of young people have emerged centered around Hadang and Rose Street.
