Seongsan Ilchulbong

성산일출봉

A bowl-shaped volcanic cone formed by an undersea eruption about 5,000 years ago. A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, it takes 30 minutes to climb for sunrise and the crater grassland, Jeju's most iconic landmark.

Seongsan Ilchulbong sits at the eastern tip of Jeju Island, at an elevation of 182 metres. It is a tuff cone formed by a submarine volcanic eruption about 5,000 years ago. The crater is about 600 metres across. Its top is a bowl-shaped grassland surrounded by 99 rock peaks like city walls, which is how it got the name 'Castle Mountain' (Seongsan). It was inscribed in 2007 as part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site 'Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes.' The climb has steps and takes about 50–60 minutes round trip. The summit observation deck overlooks the crater and the East Sea, and sunrise is most spectacular then (around 5:30 in summer and 7:30 in winter). On the western side of the base is a free 'Sunrise Peak Viewpoint' where you can photograph the front of the peak. On the seaside to the south, the Haenyeo House stages haenyeo (female diver) demonstrations at 14:00 and 15:00 every day, free to watch, and you can buy freshly caught sea urchin and abalone on the spot. From March to April, the rapeseed fields around the peak, the black volcanic rock and the blue sea make Jeju's most classic spring scene. Admission for adults is 5,000 won. Nearby sights to combine with a visit include Seopjikoji (about 10 minutes by car), a boat from Seongsan Port to Udo Island (15 minutes), and the Light Bunker, an immersive art venue. Getting there: from Jeju city, take the 111 or 112 express bus, about 1.5 hours; by car from Jeju City it takes about 1 hour. Note: the wind on the summit is very strong. When it rains or fogs, visibility is poor, so you can switch to the haenyeo show instead. It is closed on the first Monday of each month.

Seongsan Ilchulbong

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