Jeju island's hidden gem
Everyone knows and loves Jeju, but did you know that the island has a small, cow-shaped neighbor? Udo Island has under 2,000 residents and is known for its sparkling emerald waters, pristine beaches, and delicious peanut treats. The best part is that Udo can be fully explored in a single day!
Exploring Udo is like stepping into a miniature, slow-motion version of Jeju; it offers all the coastal charm and volcanic beauty of its larger sibling, but in a compact loop that feels like your own private playground for the afternoon.
Fun fact: The island's name actually translates to "Cow Island" because it is said to resemble a cow lying on its stomach. 🐄
Best time to visit
Udo Island in December
To avoid the peak summer crowd and the biting winter wind (which can sometimes cause ferry cancellations), the best times to visit are Spring (March to June) and Fall (September to November).
That being said, Udo is still worth visiting even during the early winter month of December, just be sure to dress warmly!
Getting to the island
View from the ferry
To start your adventure, you’ll need to head to Seongsan Ferry Terminal or Jongdal Port in Jeju. Seongsan is the more popular choice due to more frequent departures.
- Duration: The ride is roughly 15 minutes one way.
- Cost: A round-trip ticket is approximately 9,000 KRW.
- Timing: Ferries generally run every hour, but be mindful that the last ferry typically leaves around 5:30 PM.
- Essential tip: You must bring your passport or ID to purchase tickets and board the ferry. You will also need to fill out two declaration forms, one for the trip there and one for the return.
Seongsan Port is quite close to one of Jeju's most popular attractions: Seongsan Ilchubong. We visited Seongsan Ilchubong after spending most of the day at Udo. This is great if you're just planning on taking in the sights and posing for pictures!
However, we recommend visiting Seongsan Ilchubong first if you're interested in hiking to the peak. Another alternative is to leave Udo earlier to ensure that you have ample time (and daylight) to hike and admire the view.
The walk to Seongsan Port from Seongsan Ilchubong is a pleasant 20-25 minutes, but you can opt to take the bus or taxi instead.
Navigating Udo: How to get around
While you can pay a fee to bring a rental car onto the ferry, most visitors find it easier to use local transportation once they arrive. As soon as you step off the ferry, you'll be greeted by several different rental shops.
Here are a few easy ways to travel the perimeter of Udo:
- Electric small cars and scooters: These are the most popular options, but do note that you must have a valid Korean or International Driving License to rent these.
- Electric bicycles: If you don't have an international license, electric bikes are a great alternative and often do not require specific documents.
- Tour buses: For a more relaxed experience, you can buy a bus pass that allows you to hop on and off at main tourist attractions and coastal stops all day.
Things to do and see
1. Beaches
As you ride or cycle around the island, one of the first beaches you may notice is Sanho beach, also known as Seobinbaeksa. It's famous for its white "sand" which is actually red algal nodules that have been washed ashore.
Other beaches you should look out for include Hagosudong Beach and Geommeolle Beach. The former is famous for its soft sand and crystal clear waters, while the latter (located under Udobong Peak - we'll get to this in a bit) features striking black sand and volcanic cliffs.
2. Udobong Peak
Udobong Peak represents the "head" of the cow and is a must-see when in Udo. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the highest point, offering sweeping views of the islands.
3. Mangru Lighthouse
Credits: Linda Yuan (Unsplash)
Also called Deuksaenggot Lighthouse, this pure white structure is a popular photo spot for visitors!
4. Taste the specialties
Udo may be small, but its culinary landscape is mighty. From seafood noodles to burgers, you might be surprised to see all the cosy restaurants that line the coast.
If there's one thing you have to eat before leaving Udo, it's peanut ice cream. The island produces peanuts, so you'll be tasting the stuff straight from the source!
5. Haenyeo show
Credits: john ko (Unsplash)
Last but not least, be sure to catch a performance by the famous haenyeo, the female divers of Jeju. For centuries, these women have been diving in the ocean without oxygen tanks to harvest seafood.
Other articles you might like:
What is Klook?
Klook is a world-leading travel activity and service booking platform, covering over 3,400 destinations and over 100,000 travel services! Klook’s mission is to empower travellers around the world to discover, book, and experience the best things to do anywhere, anytime, including attractions, activities, car rentals, tours, local transfers, wifi, and SIM cards. 🧡
Follow us for more travel inspiration and the latest deals:
💡 Klook Tip 💡 Install the Klook app now to get the latest updates on the best travel deals made just for you! You'll also get 10% off your first app booking when you use the promo code <NEW2KLOOKMY>. T&Cs apply.
Available for download on both the App Store and Play Store. Already on your mobile device? Click here to download 📲
