Udo – 9 Apr 2024

Must-go in Jeju!

Udo island was formed by basaltic lava due to volcanic activities occured about 11,000 years ago. The name “Udo” means “Cow Island” because the island, with sufficient imaginations, resembles a lying cow if you look from a certain angle.

Located just 3.5 km off the eastern coast of Jeju, it’s sort of a mini-Jeju with various kinds of beaches, lighthouses, flower fields, etc.

Getting to Udo:

• From Pyoseon where we stayed, it took about an hour to arrive at Seongsan Port. We reached there at 8:15am. The bus terminal is just a short walk to the port. 
• Remember to bring your passport as it’s required for buying ferry tickets. Fill out your personal details before making payment. Return ferry tickets 10,000 won per person.
• Departures are frequent so there is no need to hurry. We boarded the 8:30am ferry from Seongsan Port and returned at 3:30pm from Haumokdong Port.
• The ferry ride from Jeju to Udo Island takes about 15 minutes. Apart from Seongsan Port, ferries are also available from Jongdal Port and they go to either Cheonjin or Haumokdong Port. The most frequent ferry services run between Seongsan and Cheonjin.

Getting around Udo:

By bus, bicycle, electric car, electric scooter or on foot. We rented a cute looking electric “car” with two seats (international driving permit is required) for 30,000 won a day. It is more flexible to go around with our own transportation. The traffic had to go clockwise around the island, so we were told. We did witness some vehicles go counter-clockwise though.

Places Worth Visiting:

• Geommulle Beach (검멀레 해변):
  • A beach with black sand and rocks, formed by weathered volcanic rocks. There is a huge sea cliff next to it and a sea cave can be seen at low tide.
• Seobinbaeksa Beach (독생이코지):
  • A beautiful white corals beach. It’s been a popular location in many Korean dramas and films. The sea around the beach showcases different colours at different water levels. 
• Jugan Myeongweol (주간명월):
  • Apparently the mid-morning sun reflection in this sea cave under Udobong (Udo Peak) looks like a moonlight glow.
• Soemeori Oreum / Udobong (쇠머리오름):
  • There is a lighthouse and a spacious park on this highest point (132.5m) of the island. It offers panoramic views of the entire island and even Seongsan IIchubong across the channel.
• Udo Coastal Road:
  • The island is surrounded by a beautiful coastal road. Renting an electric car is the best way to explore and experience Udo’s diverse sceneries along the route.

Food to try:

Udo islanders really take pride in their main agricultural product: peanut. As the saying goes: if you’ve never tasted Udo’s peanuts, you’ve never been to Udo! Well, we’ve tried their peanut ice-cream so it should count.

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