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When you go to Jeju Island’s well-known Sunrise Peak Seongsan Ilchulbong 성산일출봉, you’ll discover an island close by as you admire the ocean view round you – that island is Udo 우도, a preferred day journey possibility for these visiting the east coast of Jeju. I really like little islands and determined that I wished some sit back time on this journey, so I spent 2 nights on Udo which turned out to be fairly an fascinating expertise. Here’s my information to Udo and what you’ll be able to see, and whether or not you really want to remain in a single day to expertise the island totally.
Looking to see different elements of Jeju? Check out my information to Northwest Jeju the place Aewol and Hallim are, or try the island off its shore referred to as Biyangdo.
A bit about Udo
Udo is the biggest of Jeju’s 63 offshore islands. Its identify interprets into ‘Cow Island 牛 島’ as a result of the island’s topography with its squarish hill apparently makes it appear to be a sleeping cow. Other than that, Udo can also be fairly well-known for all issues peanut – as you discover the market locations in Jeju, you’ll discover a lot of meals stalls touting ‘peanuts from Udo’. In Udo itself, peanut ice cream is the factor to eat, advert you will get all kinds of fascinating peanut meals too together with peanut beer and peanut makgeolli!
How to get to Udo
Seongsan Ferry Terminal 성산포항
Udo is a brief 15-min ferry journey away from the mainland of Jeju. I took the ferry to Udo from Seongsan Ferry Terminal, which is a few quick 20 minute stroll away from Seongsan Ilchulbong. You may take a bus, however there’s truly fairly a pleasant path alongside the coast to get to the ferry terminal which I like to recommend testing.
Most individuals day journey to Seongsan so you may have the choice of leaving your baggage on the ferry terminal the place there are lockers. If your luggage are too massive, the individuals on the comfort retailer will preserve your luggage for you for a small price, however you’ll need to select them up earlier than they shut. The final ferry leaves at 530pm so all the things kinda shuts down after that.
Seongsan Ferry Terminal 성산포항 Seongsan pohang [Naver Maps]. Closest bus cease is Seongsanhang 성산항 (blue 211, 212, 295 / inexperienced 111 / pink 111, 112) is a brief stroll away. A taxi journey from Seogwipo to Seongsan price me about 46,000 KRW.
How to purchase ferry tickets for Udo
You should purchase your ferry tickets for Udo on the day itself. If you’re planning on doing a day journey, you should purchase your spherical journey tickets at one go. Since I used to be staying in a single day, I simply purchased my ticket a technique, and acquired my return ticket on the morning that I headed again to the mainland.
Step by step directions on find out how to purchase tickets – refill the boarding card together with your particulars, present your passport, then pay to your ticket (4,500 KRW one-way, 9,000 KRW return).
There are 2 ports in Udo that you may take a ferry to – Cheonjin Port 천진항 in southwest Udo [Naver Maps] or Haumokdong Port 하우목동포구 in northwest Udo [Naver Maps].
The timings are totally different for each ports, and in case you’re on a day journey it doesn’t actually matter the place you find yourself as a result of each ports have a bus station and bike rental outlets close by. Since I used to be staying in a single day and my guesthouse was proper on Haumokdong, in order that’s the place I made positive I purchased tickets for.
Jeju Seongsan to Udo Haumokdong
The boat journey from Jeju mainland to Udo is fairly quick – simply quarter-hour on a big ferry that may take automobiles as properly. Cars are parked on the primary stage whereas passengers sit on the second and third ranges.
Things to do in Udo
Most of Udo’s sights are alongside the coast – there mainly is one predominant street that goes throughout the island, and also you’ll barely cross inland (which is generally fields and farmland) except you want a shortcut throughout the island for some purpose. You can circle the island’s circumference (17km) on bicycle in about 1-2 hours in case you cycle continuous, however take the time to sit back out and benefit from the surroundings and cease within the many little outlets and eateries alongside the way in which.
I organised this information ranging from Haumokdong Port and going northwards, circling the island in a clockwise route.
Udo’s 8 nice sights 우도팔경
Udo additionally has 8 particular ‘must-see’ sights or Udopalkyeong 우도팔경 – I didn’t see all of them however I’ll level them out within the information.
- Juganmyeongwol (주간명월/晝間明月)
- Yahangabyum (야항어범/夜航漁帆)
- Chunjinguansan (천진관산/天津觀山)
- Jiduchungsa (지두청사/地頭靑莎)
- Jeonphomangdo (전포망도/前浦望島)
- Huhaesukbyeok (후해석벽/後海石壁)
- Dongankyeonggul (동안경굴/東岸鯨窟)
- Seobinbaeksa (서빈백사/西濱白沙)
Dapdanitap Lighthouse 답다니탑망대
On the northern finish of Udo you’ll most likely discover the white Dapdanitap lighthouse first standing tall alongside the shoreline. You can’t enter or climb it, however the tower is near the water and rocks and is general fairly picturesque.
But what’s of extra curiosity is subsequent to it – these mini pyramids of kinds constructed with stone are often called bongsudae 봉수대 (Jeju individuals name them mangru) or beacon mounds that have been used for navy communication way back to the Joseon dynasty.
Also close by is that this bronze statue of a haenyeo or conventional Jeju girl diver.
답다니탑망대 Dapdanitap Lighthouse and Bongsudae 봉수대 beacon are proper subsequent to one another on the northern finish of Udo [Naver Maps]
Hagosudong Beach 하고수동해수욕장
There is a pleasant stretch of white sand seaside at Hagosudong on the northeast finish of the island. The waters listed below are fairly shallow so it’s a preferred household seaside, but it surely was once the prime anchovy fishing seaside again within the day. In the summer season nights, you may have the ability to see the Udo Top 8 sight Yahangeobeom 야항어범 right here, which is when the fishing boats mild up the waters of Udo at night time.
I think about this seaside shall be extra crowded on sizzling summer season days, however because it was getting cool already, it was nonetheless good to sit down down and chill there for a bit. Lots of little outlets and eating places round this half, I might have spent extra time right here however they have been refurbishing part of the seaside so didn’t dangle round for too lengthy.
Hagosudong Beach 하고수동해수욕장 hagosudong haesuyokjjang [Naver Maps] is positioned on the northeast facet of Udo.
Biyangdo 비양도
Not removed from Hagosudong is the doorway to a different small offshore island referred to as Biyangdo – notice that that is NOT the identical Biyangdo I visited when exploring the Aewol/Hallim area in northwest Jeju. This is someway a good smaller island off the east coast of Udo. Because of its jap orientation, it was named for and well-known for lovely sunrises, and can also be the place you will discover haenyeo divers at work.
Biyangdo 비양도 [Naver Maps] on the east facet of Udo.
Geommeolle Beach 검멀레해수욕장
As you around the southeastern nook of Udo, you’ll discover the height Udobong and the headland jutting into the ocean. The street immediately begins sloping upwards and there’s a busy stretch of retailers right here the place you’ll discover a staircase main all the way down to the black sand Geommeolle Beach.
This seaside could be very small, barely 100m in size and the black sand is tremendous high-quality and gentle – I used to be sinking into it as I walked alongside. One of the issues you are able to do right here is take a ship journey the place you’ll be able to see one of many prime 8 sights referred to as Juganmyeongweol 주간명월, which mainly is when the reflection of the solar within the sea cave round 10-11am seems to be like a glowing moon – clearly it’s essential time it proper in case you actually wish to see this.
Also solely seen from boat throughout low tide farther from the shore is one other prime 8 sight referred to as Dongangyeongul 동안경굴, a cave that’s additionally nicknamed the Whale’s Nostril and was created by lava circulate. Apparently it’s large enough to carry 500 individuals and so they maintain live shows in there some instances!
Geommeolle Beach 검멀레해수욕장 gommolre haesuyokjjang [Naver maps] is positioned on the southeastern finish of Udo.
Udobong 우도봉
As you proceed alongside the street, there’s a staircase that leads up in the direction of Udobong 우도봉 – I wasn’t within the temper for an unknown size of hike so I stored biking on. As the street began sloping downwards, there was a turnoff that led to Udobong peak (which can also be the place the bus will cease you) which regarded like a a lot much less strenuous possibility, so I parked my bike there and took a stroll to discover the height space.
Udobong is also called Somori Oreum 소머리오름, with oreum being the identify Jeju offers the various volcanic cones discovered throughout the islands. The peak space is basically scenic and there’s a lot of open house to benefit from the view. Mostly good paved paths to stroll however anticipate a bit of little bit of a climb if you wish to climb as much as the place the lighthouse is.
The Udo prime 8 sight right here known as Jiducheongsa 지두청사, which is particularly the view of the sky, sea and grass from the highest of Udobong about 130m+ excessive.
You can truly go to the Udo Lighthouse from up right here – I missed the signal pointing to the lighthouse whereas mountaineering and thought it had been closed off to the general public, however apparently I simply missed the flip. Ah properly, gotta give myself one thing to come back again to in future 🙂
Udobong Lighthouse Park / Somori Oreum [Naver Maps] is on the southeast finish of Udo.
Tolkani 톨칸이해변
On the southern finish of the island on the other facet of Udobong is a bit of bay space referred to as Tolkani 톨칸이, which apparently has one thing to do with cholkani or a trough/manger used to feed cows. Can’t say I actually see something, but it surely’s a beautiful little stretch of shoreline and there’s a good pavilion to benefit from the view of Seongsan Ilchulbong from right here.
Tolkani 톨칸이 [Naver maps] is discovered within the southern finish of Udo Island. It’s a flip off the primary street close to Udo Donut – automobiles/trikes can’t go on this street although bicycles can.
Cheonjin Port 천진항
This port on the southwest nook of Jeju is the opposite port you may begin your Udo journey from relying on the ticket you purchase at Seongsan. Cheonjin Port 천진항 is much like Haumokdong in that there are many bicycle and tricycle rental outlets close by.
Also right here is the place you’re speculated to see one other Top 8 sight Cheonjingoansan 천진관산, which is the scenic view of Hallasan on the Jeju predominant island – the climate wasn’t nice the primary time I used to be right here so I skipped this.
Cheonjin Port 천진항 Cheonjinhang [Naver maps] is positioned on the southwest finish of Udo
Sanho Beach 산호해수욕장
There are a number of seashores on Udo island, however Sanho Beach on the west coast is arguably probably the most distinctive one. While it seems to be like a white sand seaside like Hagosudong, the ‘sand’ right here is definitely bits of coral referred to as Rhodolith. This is definitely a fairly uncommon factor and the seaside is protected and categorized as considered one of Korea’s nationwide treasures.
This lovely seaside can also be an Udo Top 8 sight often called Seobinbaeksa 서빈박사.
Sanho Beach 산호해수욕장 Sanho Haesuyongjang [Naver maps] is on the west coast of Udo
What to eat in Udo
Peanut Ice Cream 땅콩 아이스크림
Peanuts are one of many predominant exports and issues that Udo is legendary for, so considered one of its hottest snacks is peanut ice cream. I had a few totally different peanut ice lotions in my time there and these are my favorite.
Jimmy’s Natural Ice Cream [Naver maps] is prominently positioned close to Geommeolle Beach and the ice cream itself comes with a lot of crushed peanuts. The peanut ice cream prices 5,000 KRW.
PoYoYo Cafe 뽀요요 [Naver maps] close to Cheonjin Port was one other one I loved – as a substitute of sentimental serve, their model is precise ice cream and I feel it’s a mixture of peanut and vanilla? It comes with crushed peanuts and two cute cookies for six,000 KRW.
Bongkkeurang Bakery & Cafe 봉끄랑
While I used to be trying up data on Udo, I noticed a bunch of posts about this cafe with cute burgers, together with this very instagrammable rainbow burger. Would it style nearly as good because it regarded? I drove round and located Bongkkeurang Cafe 봉끄랑 on the west facet.
The predominant menu has simply 3 burgers – the aforementioned rainbow burger, a peanut burger which is a nod to Udo’s peanut obsession, and a black burger which has squid ink buns.
Since there is just one me, I made a decision to strive the rainbow burger, which had a extremely vibrant lovely buns sandwiching a hand-crafted Jeju black pork patty, bacon cheese, tomato and pickles with some salad on the facet. It was actually tasty! The burgers price 13,000 KRW every. I appreciated the skin seating (with umbrellas for shade from the solar) the place I may admire the ocean view on the similar time.
Bongkkeurang Cafe 봉끄랑 [Naver Maps] is on the west facet of Udo.
Udo Auntie Restaurant 우도이모네식당
Here’s the factor about Udo – as a result of most individuals solely go to for day journeys, virtually all the things shuts down concerning the time that the final ferry leaves at about 5-530pm. If you might be planning to remain in a single day, ensure your lodging has meal choices, that you’ve got your personal meals readily available or in accordance with one sort restaurant proprietor who was closing store informed me, head to the primary city space (inland) the place there are like, 3 eateries open for dinner.
Luckily the city is simply up the street from my guesthouse so I biked up the street and located the primary native eatery that was open, however as rural locations go there was completely no English to be discovered by any means. Having to order with out with the ability to converse or learn Korean positively isn’t a primary for me, however I knew sufficient to see the phrases ‘jiggae’ (stew) on the menu so I simply pointed to the very first thing proper on prime. That normally is their greatest merchandise… proper?
That jiggae did develop into kimchi jiggae, a pleasant spicy bowl of stew served with rice and naturally a lot of banchan facet dishes. Most of the opposite individuals consuming there have been Koreans.
Udo Auntie Restaurant 우도이모네식당 Udo imone sikdang [Naver maps] is in Udo’s predominant city space, about 10 minutes away from Haumokdong.
Staying in a single day on Udo
Given the quick ferry journey from Seongsan, most individuals go to Udo as a day journey and to be trustworthy, the island just about shuts down at night time so it’s not such as you’ll miss out on any nightlife right here.
The predominant causes to remain in a single day in Udo can be to do some mountaineering or exploring of the island earlier than the primary ferry arrives at about 8am. In common, it’s fairly quiet within the morning and issues begin getting extra crowded in the direction of lunch time and after.
I stayed for two nights however I feel 1 night time would even have been enough, but it surely was good to only relax and loosen up.
Where I stayed: Jonwon Minbap 전원민박 (Airbnb)
I discovered a guesthouse on airbnb which was proper at Haumokdong Port. It’s a fairly easy guesthouse that’s clear and comfy and really conveniently positioned. The guesthouse has a number of room choices, mine was room #5. There’s a kitchen downstairs the place you are able to do some cooking and there’s free breakfast in hte morning! I had Jeonbokjuk (abalone porridge). It’s run by a household who stay on the first stage and although I didn’t see them a lot, they have been pleasant and really responsive on the app messenger.
전원민박 jonwon minbap [Naver maps] See the Airbnb itemizing right here. They have three different rooms obtainable that you may try. I paid S$175 for two nights ($87/night time).
How to get round Udo
Udo is a smallish island and you could possibly technically stroll it in about 4-5 hours – the entire island makes up Jeju Olle Trail 1-1, it’s positively simpler to hire a mode of transport or hop on the bus. Here are your choices.
Electric bicycle
I rented a motorcycle for about 1.5 days to get round Udo Island independently. Most of the outlets close to Haumokdong port solely had the e-scooters, however a bit additional down I discovered a bicycle store and rented an electrical bicycle for 30,000 KRW (from about 3pm on Day 1 and returning the bike at 5pm on day 2).
I extremely advocate renting an electrical bicycle as a result of Udo can get fairly windy, and also you do want the additional energy when using in opposition to the headwind or upslope when you find yourself at Udobong on the southeast facet. The beauty of a bicycle is you don’t have to fret about parking or site visitors, however you might be topic to the wind and rain so be ready for that.
Udo Treasure Island Leisure 우도보물섬레저 udo bomulssomnejo [Naver maps]. 5-min stroll from Haumokdong port. Usually prices 20,000 KRW to hire for a full day.
Electric Tricycle/Motorbike
The main means most individuals get across the island is by way of these cute little coated trikes, but it surely’s actually solely open to Koreans as they solely require a Korean driving license to hire considered one of these cute little trikes. For foreigners, guidelines are further strict and also you’ll require an International Driving Permit (IDP) with the A category for motorbikes particularly. I’ve a regular automobile driving license so I solely had B class so this was fully out for me – they’re very strict and outlets gained’t even trouble speaking to you with out the suitable license.
The tricycle is beneficial in case you’re a pair or have one small child with you maybe, and in addition it’s sheltered from the weather, however you do should park extra responsibly.
Electric Car
Another possibility I thought of was renting an electrical automobile, however woo boy this was an costly possibility. was quoted about 130,000 KRW for 1.5 days which was simply… nope. Might make sense when you’ve got 4 pax to separate the prices, but it surely’s additionally probably the most cumbersome possibility in my view as you’ll want to search out parking and fear about the remainder of the trikes/bikes on the street.
The automobile rental place is positioned a brief stroll north of Haumokdong port
Public bus
If you’ll be able to’t drive or cycle, no worries as a result of Udo has a fairly good public bus that you may take across the island. The route brings you across the circumference of the island and stops at main factors – it goes counterclockwise on odd dates and clockwise on even dates, however in any other case there’s actually just one route. There are buses each 15-20 minutes so it’s not a foul possibility in case you don’t wish to stroll, journey or drive.
The public bus station the place you should purchase bus tickets will be discovered at Haumokdong and Cheonjin ports. General tickets price 6,000 KRW per pax.
Looking for extra issues to do in Jeju? Check out my Jeju posts or see all my South Korea posts for extra.