How do I get to Udo Island from Jeju?

Ferries to Udo Island depart from two terminals: Seongsan-ri Port and Jongdal-ri Port. The Seongsan-ri crossing is the most commonly used - it takes approximately 15 minutes and costs KRW 12,000 return for adults (as of 2026). Ferries run from approximately 07:30 to 18:00 (last return to mainland varies seasonally). No advance booking required for the basic ferry - turn up and buy a ticket at the terminal.

Do I need to bring a vehicle to Udo?

No. Private vehicles are restricted on Udo to reduce environmental impact. Most visitors walk, rent a bicycle (KRW 15,000–20,000 per day from rental shops near the port), rent an electric scooter/golf cart (KRW 20,000–30,000 per day), or take the island's tour bus. The island is small enough (approximately 11 km in circumference) to circle by bicycle in 3–4 hours. Walking the full Olle Route 1-1 circuit takes about 4 hours.

Is one day enough for Udo Island?

Yes for most visitors. Udo is 5.9 km² - a day covers the main beaches, the lighthouse, and a meal of sea urchin bibimbap. If you want to take the Olle trail circuit slowly with stops for food and photographs, a relaxed pace fills 6–8 hours including the ferry crossings. An overnight stay is possible (guesthouses from approximately KRW 50,000 per night) but not necessary for most people's itineraries.

What is the best food to eat on Udo Island?

Sea urchin (성게, seongge) is the island's specialty - Udo is one of Korea's main sea urchin harvesting areas. Sea urchin bibimbap (성게비빔밥) and sea urchin miyeok guk (seaweed soup) are the most commonly served dishes. Per-bowl prices range from KRW 12,000–18,000 (USD 9–13). Sea urchin ice cream cones (a novelty item, not as strange as it sounds - lightly savoury, sweet) are sold at stalls near the ferry terminal.

What are the best beaches on Udo Island?

Udo has several distinct beaches. Seobinbaeksa (서빈백사), on the island's west side, is the most unusual - white coral sand beach, unusual for Korea. Haebin Park (해빈공원) on the north shore has calmer water and is popular for swimming. Geommeoreuae Black Sand Beach (검멀레 해변) is volcanic black pebble beach, scenic for photographs. The turquoise water around the island is genuinely striking compared to the mainland's typical grey-green coastal water.

Udo Island Day Trip | The South Korea Guide

Udo Island (우도) sits 3.5 km off the northeast coast of Jeju, a 15-minute ferry ride from Seongsan-ri. The island is small - 5.9 km² - but distinct enough from Jeju’s main island to make the crossing worthwhile. Private vehicles are restricted, which keeps the pace slow and the roads quiet. Most people come for the sea urchin, the white coral beach, and a slow circuit by bicycle or on foot.

Getting There

By ferry from Seongsan-ri Port: The main departure point for most visitors. Seongsan-ri Port is adjacent to Seongsan-ri village, within walking distance of Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak).

Journey: Approximately 15 minutes
Adult return fare: KRW 12,000 (USD 9), as of 2026. This covers the ferry only - bicycle or vehicle rental on Udo is separate.
Frequency: Ferries run every 30 minutes or more frequently during peak season. First ferry approximately 07:30, last return from Udo approximately 18:00 (times shift seasonally - confirm at the terminal or at seongchobogo.haesoo.go.kr).
Booking: No advance booking required. Purchase tickets at the terminal window on arrival. Busy periods (public holidays, peak summer) can mean short waits for ferry capacity.

By ferry from Jongdal-ri Port: An alternative departure point on the northeast coast, closer to Jeju City (approximately 40 minutes drive from Jeju City vs 1 hour 10 minutes for Seongsan-ri). Less crowded than the Seongsan crossing. Journey time to Udo: approximately 15 minutes. Same fare structure.

Getting to Seongsan-ri from Jeju City: Bus 110-1 from Jeju City Intercity Bus Terminal to Seongsan-ri (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes, KRW 3,000). A taxi from Jeju City takes approximately 55 minutes and costs KRW 45,000–60,000.

Getting to Seongsan-ri from Seogwipo: Bus 701 (approximately 1 hour). Or combine with Hallasan: drive or bus via the Seongpanak trailhead area.

On the Island: How to Get Around

Private cars are not permitted on Udo without a special permit (residents only). Options:

Bicycle: The most popular choice. Rental shops line the road from the ferry terminal. Prices: approximately KRW 15,000–20,000 per day for a standard bike, KRW 20,000–30,000 for an electric bicycle. The island’s roads have one significant hill (approaching the lighthouse), manageable on an electric bike or with a steady push. The full circuit by bicycle takes 2.5–4 hours depending on how many stops you make.

Electric scooter / golf cart: Available to rent at the terminal area for approximately KRW 25,000–40,000 per day. No licence required for the island’s electric scooter category. Coverage mirrors the bicycle route.

Tour bus: A circular island bus runs from the ferry terminal with stops at the main sites. Good for those who prefer not to cycle. Unlimited hop-on-hop-off: approximately KRW 7,000–10,000 per person.

Walking (Olle Route 1-1): The Jeju Olle Route 1-1 is an 11.3 km circuit of Udo Island, fully walkable in 3.5–4.5 hours at a relaxed pace. This is the best way to see the island if you prefer hiking to cycling. No reservation or trail fee required.

What to See

Seobinbaeksa White Coral Beach (서빈백사)

The island’s most distinctive feature. The sand here is composed of Halimeda coral fragments - white, coarser than typical sand, and visually unlike any other Korean beach. The water in front is pale blue-green in calm weather. The beach is on the west side of the island, a 15–20 minute ride from the ferry terminal.

This is not a swimming beach - the coral sand is rough on feet and the current is unpredictable. It is primarily a photography and walking beach.

Udo Lighthouse (우도등대)

The historic lighthouse at the island’s highest point (132m elevation, though the hill is not this high - the lighthouse adds altitude above sea level). Built in 1906 during the Japanese colonial period, the lighthouse area has been developed into a small park with viewing decks. On clear days, Seongsan Ilchulbong and the outline of Jeju’s coast are visible from the top.

Entry to the lighthouse park: KRW 1,000–2,000 (nominal fee). 20 minutes by bicycle from the ferry terminal, uphill for the final stretch.

Haebin Park and North Beach (하우목동 해변)

The north-facing beach with calm, shallow water. Better for swimming than Seobinbaeksa - the north shore is sheltered from the main ocean swell. Facilities include beach showers and some food stalls. Popular with families and day swimmers in summer.

Geommeoreuae Black Sand Beach (검멀레 해변)

On the east side of the island, this volcanic black pebble and sand beach contrasts sharply with Seobinbaeksa’s white. The cliff backdrop and darker coastline create a different visual register. Adjacent to a small sea cave accessible at low tide. Less visited than the west-side beaches - the path is slightly rougher.

Udo Peanut Products

Udo is also known for its peanut cultivation - the volcanic soil is well-suited to peanut growing. Udo peanut ice cream, peanut cookies, and peanut-based snacks are sold across the island as local produce. Prices for ice cream cones: approximately KRW 3,000–5,000.

Where to Eat

Sea Urchin Bibimbap (성게비빔밥): Available at most restaurants near the ferry terminal and along the main road. Mix the roe with the rice, seaweed, and vegetables before eating. Price: KRW 12,000–18,000 (USD 9–13) per bowl.

Sea Urchin Miyeok Guk (성게미역국): Sea urchin seaweed soup, lighter than the bibimbap. Often served alongside a set meal. KRW 10,000–15,000.

Sea Urchin Ice Cream: A notable novelty - the soft-serve contains a small amount of sea urchin extract, resulting in a faintly savoury, oceanic ice cream. Sold at multiple stalls near the ferry terminal. KRW 3,000–4,000.

Haenyeo (해녀) Fresh Catch: Jeju’s haenyeo (female free-divers) operate around Udo. Some sell or prepare freshly caught seafood at the beach - abalone, sea cucumbers, and shellfish. Prices vary; a haenyeo seafood plate runs KRW 15,000–30,000.

Combining Udo with Seongsan Ilchulbong

The most efficient itinerary: arrive at Seongsan-ri by 08:00, climb Seongsan Ilchulbong for sunrise or morning views (KRW 5,000 entry, 40 minutes up), return to the ferry terminal, take the 09:30 or 10:00 ferry to Udo. Spend 4–5 hours on the island, return by 15:00 ferry. Both activities fit in one day without rushing.

An alternative approach: take the first ferry to Udo (07:30) for an uncrowded morning, return by 13:00, then climb Ilchulbong in the afternoon.

For guided day trips combining Udo and Seongsan Ilchulbong, browse Jeju tours and activities on GetYourGuide - several half-day excursions from Jeju City include the ferry crossing and a guided island circuit.

Udo Practical Notes

Crowds: Udo is busy on Korean public holidays and peak summer weekends. Mid-week visits in spring and autumn are significantly quieter.
Cash: Most rental shops and smaller food stalls accept cash only. Bring KRW 50,000–70,000 (USD 37–52) for a comfortable day covering ferry, bicycle rental, and two meals.
Sunscreen: The island offers limited shade, and the sea reflection adds UV exposure. Even on overcast days, the sun-through-cloud burns.
Overnight stays: Several minbak (guesthouses) and pensions operate on Udo. Book ahead for spring or summer stays via Naver or Airbnb - prices from approximately KRW 50,000 (USD 37) per night at a basic guesthouse.
Ferry last departure: Do not miss the last ferry back to the mainland (typically around 18:00). The schedule shifts seasonally - check the posted times at the terminal on arrival.

Udo Island Day Trip from Jeju: What to See and How to Get There

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