Udo Island

Udo Island's dock

Udo Island (우도) is a small island off the coast of Jeju Island in South Korea that is quite popular with day-trippers visiting from Jeju.

Understand

Udo Island as seen from Jeju Island

Udo is the northeast of the village of Seongsan-ri on Jeju Island and is 3½ km off its coast. After Jeju Island, it is the second largest island in Jeju-si. It only has a population of 370 people. Udo means "Cow Island" in Chinese and the island probably has this name because it looks like a cow lying down. The whole of Udo Island is a lava plateau with some fertile, flat land where the major agricultural products are sweet potatoes, garlic, and peanuts. There's a parasitic volcanic cone, called shoi meori oreum, in the southeast.

Get in

By ship

You can take the Dohang Line ferries from Seongsan Port and Jongdal-ri to two ports (Haumokdong Port and Tianjin Port) on Udo every 30 minutes from 9:00 - 17:00. You will need a Korean ID or a passport to use the ferry.

Get around

By sightseeing bus

In Udo Island, Udo Village Bus and Udo Tourist Bus are operated for tourists. It is divided into a tourist route and a resident route, and the tourist rout go straight from Hagosu-dong to Haumok-dong Port, and the resident route is a route that goes around the coast. The bus interval is 30 minutes. The village bus fare is 1,000 won per trip when using a transportation card, and you can purchase a round trip ticket at the ticket office for 6,000 won.

By three-wheeled electric vehicle

These are cheap and provide shelter from the sun and rain, so they're convenient for tourists to rent and explore the island. However, in the peak season, parking lots may be full.

By bicycle

It is easy and simple to rent a bicycle, including electric bicycles. These are more than capable of taking you across the entire island, although you may need to return them before 16:00.

See

Seobin Baeksa Beach

• Seobin Baeksa. A white sandy beach that's been a popular scene in many Korean dramas and films. 
• Udobong Peak. At 132 m, it is the highest point on Udo island and offers great views of the national park. Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak is clearly visible, making it quite convenient to take pictures. There are horse droppings everywhere because there is a horseback riding course, so be careful when climbing.
• Gummule Beach. Black sandy beach. It is a black sandy beach formed by weathering volcanic rocks. There is a huge sea cliff next to it, and you can also see the sea cave at low tide.
• Mam Oreum (Mam Peak): The highest peak on Udo, Mam Oreum offers panoramic views of the entire island. There is a hiking trail along the coast that attracts many tourists.
• Seondol: Seondol is a legendary rock formation where it is said that heavenly maidens bathe. It is renowned for its picturesque views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
• Udo Sunrise Peak: This is a popular spot to enjoy the sunrise, offering a breathtaking view of the morning sun and the surrounding landscape.
• Udo Horse Riding Park: Visitors can explore the island's beauty by horseback. The park offers various trails, catering to both beginners and experienced riders.
• Udo Coastal Road: The island is surrounded by a beautiful coastal road. Renting a bicycle and exploring Udo's diverse scenery along this route is a great way to experience the island.
• Udo Sausage Street: Sausage Street is a famous food street on Udo, offering a variety of sausage flavors made with local ingredients.
• Udo Sea Fan Path: This path runs along the coast with stone walls creating a scenic walkway. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride.

Udo is known for its stunning natural landscapes and distinctive culture. With various activities and attractions, it's a great destination to include in your travel itinerary for a memorable experience.

Do

• Bike Tours, ☏ +82 64 783-0516. Udo island is small enough that a 13-km bike ride will cover most of it. ₩2,000/hr, ₩5,000/3 hr. 
• Lighthouse Park, ☏ +82 64 710-3312. This lighthouse is right in front of a dramatic sea view in the Udo Provincial Maritime Park. It was built by the Japanese during the occupation of Korea. ₩1,000. 
• Udo Museum, 1457 Seogwang-ri, Udo Island. 09:00-18:00. Exhibits of marine and insect life on the island of Udo, including a fossil collection. ₩4,000, children ₩2,000. 

Buy

• Udo Yuja Tea: Made from locally grown yuja (citron), this tea offers a clear and refreshing taste, popular for its unique flavor.
• Udo Tangerine Products: Various products made from the fresh tangerines grown on Udo are available.
• Processed Seafood Products: Processed items made from coastal fish like scallops, sea cucumbers, and abalone are quite popular. These include scallop pickles, sea cucumber-based goods, and abalone salt.
• Udo Handicrafts: Handcrafted items by local artisans, including unique pottery or handicrafts.

Eat

Udo-grown delicacies include:

• Peanuts (roasted, in rice wine, or peanut ice cream)

• Conch (sea snail)

• Freshly caught seafood including scallops, sea cucumbers, and abalone

Drink

• Udo Green Tea Latte: Jeju is renowned for its green tea production, and on Udo, you can savor a green tea latte made from fresh, local green tea.
• Hallabong Ade: Hallabong, a special citrus fruit native to Jeju, is known for its refreshing taste.

Udo boasts a variety of drinks made from local specialties and fresh ingredients, so be sure to explore the offerings at local cafes and beverage spots to savor the unique flavors of the region.

Sleep

The island is really set up for day trips. You will typically sleep on Jeju island.