VISIT JEJU

* Jeju Tourism Organization awarded a Commendation from the Minister of the Interior and Safety for the 6^th year of National Island Day *

The ocean around Jeju is home to so many small islands that it is even nicknamed the “Sea of Many Island” (“Dadohae” in Korean). These myriad islets, inhabited and uninhabited alike, surround the main island of Jeju like stars scattered through a midsummer night’s sky, many with their own special charm and unique attractions. Udo Island, Chujado Island, Gapado Island, and Marado Island are all within an easy 1–2 hour ferry ride from Jeju, making them ideal choices for a day trip. From fishing, to marine leisure, to trendy hotspots, these islands have a singular allure that can’t be replicated on the main island.

Among all of the smaller islands around Jeju, Udo Island is the largest in terms of area; its name, meaning “Cow Island” in Korean, comes from its shape, which many say resembles a cow at rest. Its steep coastal cliffs have been carved by the waves to create a unique landscape, with eight special “must-see” sites famous for their particularly stunning vistas. We recommend renting an electric car or scooter near the port before going off to explore these 8 views at your leisure, especially Udobong and Geommeolle Beach.

Another of these 8 views, Sanho Beach, also known as Seobinbaeksa, is designated as a natural monument for its dazzling white sand, formed of calcium carbonate from red algae. Past the beach are fertile farmlands enclosed in walls of basalt, where crops such as barley, garlic, green onions, and peanuts are grown.

The crop most closely associated with Udo Island is peanuts, and cafés all over the island serve peanut ice cream. Udo peanuts, grown in the bracing sea breezes, are usually small but bursting with flavor, a perfect match for ice cream. Another famous photo spot is Deuksaenggot Lighthouse, also called Mangru Lighthouse. Hagosudong Beach is great for kayaking and swimming, and also home to many fun and unique cafés. We also recommend trying out an Udo Olle Boat tour around Geommeolle Beach.

If you’re planning a visit, please keep in mind that the island’s typical restrictions on vehicle traffic will be partially lifted for one year starting in August, allowing 16-passenger charter buses, electric and hydrogen cars, eco-friendly rentals, and rental two-wheelers, motorcycles, and personal mobility devices (PM) to operate freely during this period.

* Udo Island can be reached by ferry from Jeju’s Dumunpo Port to Udo’s Haumokdong Port, or Jeju’s Seongsan Port to Udo Cheonjin Port or Haumokdong Port.

▶ Address: Udo-myeon, Jeju City, Jeju

▶ Check ferry schedules: http://udoboat.smart9.net/m/pages.php?p=1_1_1_1

▶ Recommended spots

Located between Jeju Island and South Jeolla Province, Chujado Island is named for its forests of walnut trees, called “chuja” trees in the local dialect. Chujado is actually made up of two connected islands, Sangchuja-do and Hachuja-do, with a further 4 inhabited islets and 38 uninhabited islets located nearby. It is most famous for anchovy fishing, but is also home to a number of premium fish such as rock bream, largescale blackfish, red seabream, and jack mackerel, making it something of a sacred site for fishing enthusiasts. As a result, guesthouses and other accommodations catering to fishermen are easily found across the island.

The island, located about an hour from Jeju by ferry, has a quaint and simple charm. The village is bursting with lovely and sentimental sights like the mural streets in Yeongheung-ri and Daeseo-ri, while following the Olle 18-1 course around the island will give a fuller appreciation of its natural beauty. 

When visiting Chujado Island, you won’t want to miss out on trying its signature fish, chamgulbi. Visit during the Chujado Chamgulbi Festival in October to experience the freshest, most delicious specimens.

* Chujado Island can be reached by ferry from the Jeju Port Coastal Terminal.

▶ Address: Chuja-do, Chuja-myeon, Jeju City, Jeju

▶ Check ferry schedules: http://jeju.ferry.or.kr/ 

▶ Recommended spots

Gapado Island, shaped like a stingray swimming in the sea, is small and flat, making it possible to tour the entire island in 1–2 hours. The island is closely associated with green barley, with waves of the crop encompassing the land from April to May. Barley makgeolli made from the local harvest is a specialty here, pairing well with the island’s fresh seafood dishes.

In summer, the waves of green across the island transform into gold, as yellow cosmos flowers reach their peak bloom. Photo spots are conveniently set up around the fields of cosmos to help you get that perfect shot. A stroll amidst the blooming flowers is the perfect way to make memories with friends, lovers, or family.

Gapado Island attracts numerous hikers as part of Olle Trail Route 10-1. The island is divided into two areas, Sangdong and Hadong; the area around Papogu in Hadong was once the residential center of the island, but many people now also live near Sangdong Port. While a leisurely stroll across the island has its merits, we recommend renting a bicycle to relish in the bracing sea breezes as you ride. This island is the perfect spot to relax and recharge amidst the beautiful natural scenery, or enjoy fresh seafood like conch and sea cucumbers.

* Gapado Island can be reached by ferry from Jeju’s Unjin Port.

▶ Address: Gapari, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju

▶ Check ferry schedules https://www.wonderfulis.co.kr/boarding_guide/time/
▶ Recommended spots

Marado Island, the southernmost location in South Korea, is well-known for its delicious jajangmyeon. The first Chinese restaurant serving the dish opened in 1997 and was quickly followed by many more, earning the island the moniker, “The Island of Jajangmyeon.” Marado Island is home to a number of unique variations on classic dishes, such as hijiki jajangmyeon with fresh hijiki seaweed (called ‘tot’ in Korean), and dol-seaweed jjambbong.

Marado Island can be reached by ferry from Moseulpo Port in southern Jeju and is small enough to tour in about 1 hour 30 minutes. The Marado Lighthouse, located at the highest point on the island, shines out to sea, guiding passing ships. A monument marking the southernmost point in South Korea is a popular photo spot for visitors.

Beyond its symbolism as Korea’s southernmost island, Marado Island was designated a natural monument in 2000 due to its beautiful natural vistas and diverse marine ecosystems. In autumn, the normally silver grass turns golden, creating a stunning effect as it ripples in the ocean breeze. We recommend a walk along the coastline, where you’ll encounter dramatic cliffs and basalt formations shaped like the backs of whales.

* Marado Island can be reached by ferry from Jeju’s Unjin Port or SongaksanPort.

▶ Address: 46, Mararo 101-gil, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju
▶ Check ferry schedules: https://www.wonderfulis.co.kr/boarding_guide/time/

▶ Recommended spots

In addition to these lovely islands we’ve introduced today, a number of islands float in the waters off Seogwipo, Jeju, each with their own unique attractions. Sae-seom, Mun-seom, Beom-seom, and Seop-seom are all designated as natural monuments, and all except Sae-seom are also UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Take a cruise or a submarine from Seogwipo Port and experience the beauty of these islands for yourself. Sae-seom is even connected to Seogwipo Port by the Saeyeon Bridge, making it particularly accessible. Mun-seom is famous for its well-preserved marine ecosystem and majestic cliffs made up of vertical columnar joints, while Beom-seom, whose shape is said to resemble a tiger, has flowing springs of clear, fresh water. Seop-seom is home to over 180 subtropical plant species, fully living up to its name, which means “forest island” in the local dialect. The myriad smaller islands surrounding Jeju call out to you, including Hyeongje-seom, famous for snorkeling and beautiful sunrises, and Biyang-do, home to gorgeous hiking trails.