Tongyeong is spread over at least 3 different islands that are actually connected by small strips of land/fingers or bridges.  I live in "new Tongyeong" (TY, from now on), and the original city is across one of these fingers, only about 4 km away (a bit over one mile). What's amazing about NEW TY, is that a decade ago, it was under water!  They "reclaimed" the area, filled it in, and built it up! The area I live in, new TY, could be considered a suburb.  It's all new building, modern, with many shopping areas.  Again, think in terms of 1 square mile.  My school is ~1000 ft. from my house: 2 blocks (if bing.com is accurate).  It's a 5 minute walk, if I saunter... It is a 10 minute walk to the huge shopping center of EMart. 
(A side note: Emart is similar to WalMart, except they don't' carry items made in china, and it's not all cheap crap.  It's not inexpensive, and the items are of high quality or good quality.  One thing I've noticed in Korea, they do not make "cheap" goods.  Inexpensive, yes, but not the cheap stuff Americans have an affinity for,i.e, all the junk you can get at Walmart.)
Korea is small compared to the U.S., and it is densely packed with people.  And yet, all the mountains have been designated as "national parks" so those areas are not built up.  And of course the "countryside" has a smaller population density.  What is amazing is the speed with which they were able to build an entire second city of TY!  And it's not the cheap, quick fabrication you find in the States.  For instance, my apartment, although it must have been constructed rather quickly, ti has not been built cheaply and shabbily!  I'm on the third floor, there is a busy street below, and I have many neighbors.  And yet, I never hear them!  I'm in a large complex and never hear anyone coming or going, water running, talking, music...nothing!  The cabinets, doors, frames, everything are made in a quality manner.  It's such a change from the quick, sub-par construction builders put together these days in the States!
Anyway, Old TY has a lot of character of what I consider (from my foreign perspective) "authentic" Korean:  traditional buildings, it's a fishing village, outdoor fish/veg markets, etc.  My new TY  is, like I said, a new suburb with a very modern feel.   And the wonderful thing is, it's only one mile away!  I will be there frequently when I get a bike and learn the bus system! 
Director and I had to go to Immigration, so I get to see Old TY, walk through the market, buy a tasty snack of squid, and have lunch!  More to come.... ciao for now!