Not many foreigners find their way to Uso Island, which is hardly surprising. This postage stamp of a place floats off the coast of Jeju Island, itself off the coast of South Korea — which is, in many ways, an island in its own right. Paradise three times removed.
“Cow Island”, as it is named, is well worth a visit, though.
Condensed into its small area are white and black sand beaches, epic sea caves, and dramatic cliff scenes. Add laid-back Korean holidaymakers on fleets of scooters and tandems, and you’ve got an eccentric and beautiful scene on your hands
Read on to make the most of your trip to Udo Island, whether you’re staying for a day or a little longer.
How to get to Udo Island?
Ferries to Udo Island depart from Seongsan Port on the east coast of Jeju Island. You’ll arrive at either Haumokdong Port or Udo Cheonjinhang Daehapsil Port. Since Udo is a small island, it doesn’t really matter which port you land at—everything is easily accessible from both.
You can buy ferry tickets right before departure, either at the ticket counter or using the self-service machines at the terminal.
A round-trip ticket costs around 20,000 KRW (approximately $15 USD).
If you’re bringing your own bicycle, you’ll need to get a separate ticket for it at the counter. Make sure to allow extra time for this, especially during peak travel periods when the terminal can get quite busy.
During high season, ferries depart every hour on the half-hour (e.g., 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, etc.).
What to do in Udo Island?
Udo Island is a place for classic seaside activities: enjoying blissful sandy beaches, exploring dramatic coastlines, and drinking cocktails while watching the world go by.
Rent a bike, or a scooter, and take part in the wacky races
Udo Island is just under four kilometers across at its widest point, so it’s not a big place. You can easily get around on foot or hop on the public bus that runs a circular route along the coast.
The most fun way to explore, however, is by renting a scooter or bike. Everyone’s doing it, so the coastal road often feels like something out of Wacky Races. Just keep in mind—most people are in full tourist mode. They might step into the road without looking, and other vehicles can be unpredictable too. Take it slow, and it becomes part of the fun.
Enjoy Udo Island’s Stunning Beaches
You can’t leave holiday island without setting foot on a beach, and Udo has a unique selection to chose from, or hop in between.
White shell beach – Seobinbaeksa
A strip of perfectly white beach, and a sea of vivid shades of turquoise and blue. Tons of Korean dramas and films where shot here. As well as indecent amounts of selfies. It trully looks like tropical paradise. Rather than soft white sand, its shells underfoot, so you might prefer keeping your sandals on.
White Sand Beach- Hagosudong Beach
Better for bare feet, hagosudong beach is soft sand next to shallow water. This one is perfect for swimming, especially if you are traveling with kids. There are some cool statues of Hanyeo, the freediver women of Jeju.
Black Sand Beach – Geommeolle Beach
The dark color of the sand comes from the volcanic rocks that make up the island of Udo. Looks especially dramatic next to the turquoise sea and at the foot of the emerald green headland behind it. You can hop on a speed boat from here to explore the nearby sea cave, but only at low tide.
Watch the Haenyeo at work
Haenyeo literally means women of the sea. They are traditional freedivers who dive for shellfish, seaweed, abalone, and other seafood. It’s a fascinating culture, that you can learn about at the Haenyeo museum in Gujwa-eup on Jeju island.
All around the coast of Udo island, you can see the women swim out with bright orange buoys, called tweak.
Biyangdo Island
An island off an island off an island off an island? It’s all getting a bit ridiculous, really. But still, go check out the views from this one. It’s connected by a bridge from Udo, and has some beautiful grassy meadows overlooking the sea.
Udobong peak
Udo Island’s highest point has sweeping views over the island and back toward Jeju. A short hike takes you past coastal cliffs and windblown grasslands to the summit, where you can enjoy a refreshing sea breeze and take some great pics.
Gorilla rock
Some of my friends insisted this lumpy rock beneath Udobong Peak looked more like a dog’s head than a gorilla. You won’t find it from the summit itself—you have to approach it from the other side. Follow a set of rocky steps down to a hidden cove, where the formation comes into view.
Mangru Lighthouse
This pretty white lighthouse on the north side of the island is especially striking at sunset, when the light hits the waves and the white structure glows orange.
Try Peanut Ice-cream, Peanut Coffee, Peanut Anything
Udo is famous for its locally grown peanuts, and you’ll find them in just about everything—from creamy ice cream to nutty lattes. Pick your favorite, or try them all.
Venture Inland for Quiet Villages and Peanut Farms
Most tourist attractions in Udo are on the coast, but head inland for quiet village vibes, and lots of beautiful peanut fields.
Udo Botanical Garden
This small but charming garden is filled with native and tropical plants, and makes for a peaceful break from the coastal loop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Udo Island
How to get to Udo island?
Ferries to Udo Island leave regularly from Seongsan Port on Jeju Island. The crossing takes about 15 minutes.
What is the Udo island ferry schedule?
Ferries depart roughly every hour, usually at 30 minutes past the hour. Service may vary slightly depending on weather and season, so check locally or online before your trip.
Where to find Udo Island Bike Rental?
You’ll find several bike rental shops near both ferry ports on the island—right where you disembark. Rentals include standard bikes, electric bikes, and tandems.
Where to find Udo Island Scooter Rental?
Scooter rentals are widely available around both Udo ferry terminals. You’ll need a valid motorcycle license to rent one, even electric scooters.
Is Udo Island Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Udo is not about big sites, but pretty views and laid back vibes.
Where is Udo Island?
Udo Island is a small volcanic islet off the eastern coast of Jeju Island, South Korea. Jeju is South Korea’s largest island, and its top tourist destination, famous for its nature, beaches, and hiking.
Where to stay on Udo Island?
Since most people visit Udo on a day tour, staying on the island means you get to enjoy it without the crowds, and there are particularly beautiful sunrises from the eastern side.
If you do decide to stay the night, a great option is Udo Pension Haeyeon, which has gorgeous wooden cabins by the sea, or Green Jeju Udo Pension, located close to the port.
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15+ Things To Do On Jeju Island, Korea
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