Ulleungdo
A volcanic island in Korea's East Sea with clifftop coastal trails, Seonginbong Peak and the Nari Basin; squid and myeongiyp (ashitaba) are local specialties, and the island is reached by ferry from Pohang or Gangneung.
Ulleungdo lies in the East Sea (Sea of Japan), about 130 km east of Uljin in Gyeongsangbuk-do. This volcanic island covers about 73 km² and is administered as Ulleung County, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Steep sea cliffs surround almost the entire island; Seonginbong Peak rises about 986 m in the center, and to the north lies the Nari Basin, formed by a collapsed volcanic crater. The island is home to many endemic plants and its waters are crystal clear, earning it the nickname "the mysterious island."
Seasons: ferry service is more reliable from Apr to Oct, with fresh greenery in May–Jun, cool summer escapes in Jul–Aug, and autumn scenery and squid season in Sep–Oct the best times to visit. In winter, strong northeasterly monsoon winds often halt ferries, and heavy snow is possible. Whenever you go, build in a spare day in case of ferry cancellations.
Areas to explore: ① Dodong–Jeodong – the harbor, the Haengnam Coastal Trail, Chokdaeam Rock, Bongnae Falls, the Dokdo Museum and its observatory cable car; ② the northeast – Naesujeon Sunrise Observatory, Gwaneumdo Island, Samseonam Rocks and boat trips to Jukdo Island; ③ the north and west – the Nari Basin, Kokkiri Rock (Elephant Rock), Yerimwon Garden, Taeha Lighthouse and Daepunggam; ④ the south coast – Tonggumi Turtle Rock. Get around by round-island bus, on a half-day land sightseeing bus tour or by rental car; the round-island road was fully completed in 2019. You can also take a boat from the island to Dokdo.
Getting there: high-speed ferries run from Pohang (about 3 hr), Gangneung (about 3 hr), Mukho and Hupo (about 2.5 hr) to Dodong or Sadong Port; book ahead in peak season. Ulleung Airport is under construction. Allow 2–3 days. Cash in Korean won and bank cards are the main forms of payment, and accommodation is concentrated in Dodong and Jeodong. Specialties include squid, myeongiyp (ashitaba), yakcho beef (herb-fed cattle) and pumpkin taffy.
Top sights
- Haengnam Coastal Walk – A seaside boardwalk running from Dodong Port along volcanic rock cliffs, passing sea caves and rainbow bridges, with jade-green water below.
- Nari Basin – The only flat plain on Ulleungdo, a basin formed when a volcanic crater collapsed. It preserves traditional wooden-roofed houses and serves…
- Taeha Lighthouse & Daepunggam – Ride a monorail up to Taeha Lighthouse for views over the sea cliffs of Daepunggam, rated one of Korea's ten hidden gems.
- Gwaneumdo Island – An uninhabited island off the northeast tip of Ulleungdo, connected by a roughly 140-metre pedestrian bridge. A loop trail overlooks Jukdo…
- Dodong Port – Ulleungdo's main passenger port, with guesthouses and restaurants packed into a narrow canyon; it is the starting point for island tours, h…
- Jeodong Port & Chotdaebawi Rock – Ulleungdo's largest fishing port; the Chotdaebawi candle rock standing by the breakwater is a famous sunrise spot, and during squid season…
- Seonginbong Peak – Ulleungdo's highest peak at about 986 meters; its primeval forest is protected as a natural monument, and it can be crossed in a day down t…
- Bongnae Falls – A waterfall that drops about 25 meters in three tiers and supplies water to the Jeodong area, passing a natural wind cave that blows cool a…
- Samseonam Rocks – Three spire-shaped sea-stack rocks off Ulleungdo's northeastern coast, said to be three fairies turned to stone and regarded as the island'…
- Elephant Rock – A basalt islet off Hyeonpo Port that looks like an elephant drinking water, with clear columnar joints; a must-see on island cruises.
- Jukdo Island – The largest islet off Ulleungdo, about 20 minutes by boat; climb 364 spiral steps to the flat top and walk the island's loop trail.
- Naesujeon Sunrise Observatory – Ulleungdo's best sunrise viewpoint, overlooking Jukdo, Gwaneumdo, and Jeodong Port, with the Naesujeon–Seokpo Old Road nearby.
- Tonggumi Turtle Rock – A huge rock by the harbor at Tonggumi that looks like turtles climbing ashore, a landmark along the ring road on the south coast.
- Dokdo Museum & Observatory Cable Car – A territory-themed museum in Dodong's Yaksu Park, with a cable car next door climbing to Mangyeongbong for views over Dodong Port and the i…
- Yerimwon Garden – A private garden built into the hillside near Hyeonpo, with bonsai, calligraphy stone carvings, and a viewing platform overlooking Elephant…
- Dokdo – A volcanic island group about 87 km southeast of Ulleungdo, reached by a 1.5- to 2-hour boat ride, with a brief landing possible when condi…
Where to eat
- Bobae Sikdang – The original mussel rice restaurant in an alley by Dodong Harbor. Rice is cooked to order and served with Ulleung mount…
- Hyangwuchon – A Dodong specialist in Ulleung herb-fed beef (yaksso), serving charcoal-grilled beef wrapped with myeongi wild garlic a…
- Taeyang Sikdang Barnacle Kalguksu – A famous barnacle kalguksu spot by Namyang Port, with a thick, savory seafood broth and hand-cut green noodles.
- Arirang Sikdang – A good breakfast spot near Jeodong Port, serving island classics like squid guts soup and barnacle kalguksu under one r…
Itineraries
- Volcanic Ulleungdo Island: 5-Day Loop from Pohang – Take a ferry from Pohang to Ulleungdo Island to explore its coastal trails, round-island highway, and the scenic Nari B…