Udo Island

우도

A small island off Jeju's northeast coast, resembling a resting ox, with red coral-sand beaches and emerald waters. Rent an electric scooter or bicycle to ride around the island in about 3 hours.

Udo Island lies about 3.8 km northeast of Seongsan Port and covers about 6 square kilometres. It is named for its shape like a lying ox, and it is Jeju's most popular offshore island. Take the ferry from Seongsan Port, a 15-minute trip. A round trip costs about 10,500 won, with departures every 30 minutes, and you need to fill out an application form to purchase tickets. Once on the island, the most popular way to explore is to rent an electric tricycle, electric bicycle or bicycle and ride around the island, about 17 km, taking 2–3 hours. You can also take the island's sightseeing bus (8,000 won), which stops at the main attractions. The most worthwhile of the 'Eight Views of Udo' are: Coral Sand Beach, a shallow shore of white coral debris and red algae with emerald water; Hagosu-dong Beach, where you can swim; Udo Peak, the island's highest point, with a lighthouse and grassland, offering views of the whole island and Hallasan; and the Whale Cave on the east coast, a sea-eroded cave. Local specialties include peanut ice cream and peanut makgeolli (Udo peanut liquor), and the seafood noodles at the haenyeo restaurants are also famous. Getting there: the ferry from Seongsan Port departs from 08:00, and the last return ferry is around 18:30 in summer and 17:00 in winter. In peak season (July–August and weekends), it is recommended to take the boat before 9 a.m. Private car access is restricted, as rental cars from outside Jeju cannot board. Note: electric vehicles require a valid driving licence (international driving permit) to rent. Without one, you can rent a bicycle or take the bus. Ferries are suspended in rough seas, so check the weather before setting out. There are few toilets and little shade on the island.

Udo Island

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Places to eat nearby