Dreamy 4 Small Islands Around Jeju Island — As if Stepping Into a Fairy Tale Wonderland!

Text & Photos / Excerpted from "A Once-in-a-Lifetime Private Journey – Heartbeat Jeju: Seven Thematic Experiences, Discovering Jeju’s Wonders Through the Five Senses!" by Kim Tae-yeon, published by Orangesi Culture

Island-Hopping Inspiration from Jeju – Heartbeat Jeju 05

Around Jeju Island, there are charming small islands such as Udo, Gapado, Marado, and Feelyongdo that are just as beloved as Jeju itself. If you think the islands near Jeju aren’t special, you’re mistaken. The appeal of these "islands within an island" lies in their limited access to outsiders, making them cleaner and more pristine than Jeju, with each offering its own unique charm. Most of the islands can be reached by boat in just 15 minutes, with Marado being the farthest among the four, taking about 30 minutes to arrive — all are easily accessible.

The Most Popular Island — Udo

Among the islands around Jeju, Udo is undoubtedly the most popular. Around 1.5 million tourists visit Udo every year. It features rare red algae mounds (seaweed accumulations that look like coral) rarely seen elsewhere in the world, the beautiful grassy fields atop Udo Peak, the white sandy shores of Haengnok-ri Beach, the black sands of Hyeopjae Beach, and the Dongdae Whale Cave — all must-visit spots. Buses on Udo have stops at these four locations. The fun of a bus tour around Udo includes the drivers’ humorous commentary. While it’s better to drive if you’re traveling with children or seniors, taking the bus is also highly recommended. Udo is famous for its peanuts, so don’t miss trying peanut ice cream. Boat tours at Hyeopjae Beach are also one of the popular activities.

Ferry Schedule: First departure from Udo at 06:30, first departure from Seongsan at 08:00 / Last departure from Udo at 17:00, last departure from Seongsan at 17:00
Ticket Price: Adults round trip 5,500 won / Elementary & middle school students 2,200 won / Light vehicles 21,600 won / Medium & small vehicles 26,000 won
Phone: 064-782-5671
URL:http://www.udoship.com

Admire the Rolling Barley Waves — Gapado

The awe you feel upon your first visit to Gapado is beyond words. While marveling that such a place exists in our country (Jeju has many such spots), you’ll happily stroll along the Olle Trail. Endless fields of barley rolling across the horizon, with picturesque paths winding through the crops, can be explored in just three hours. The Green Barley Festival from mid-April to May draws the most visitors. When walking the island during low tide, you can also try catching sea snails on the beach — a fun experience. Ferries depart from Moseulpo Port 6–7 times daily.

Ferry Schedule: First departure from Moseulpo Port at 09:00, first arrival at Gapado at 09:20 / Last departure from Moseulpo Port at 17:00, last arrival at Gapado at 17:00 / Operates 3 times daily, more frequent on holidays / 15-minute crossing
Ticket Price: Adults & teens round trip 12,400 won / Children 6,300 won / Light vehicles 21,600 won / Medium & small vehicles 26,000 won
Phone: 064-794-5490 / 064-794-3500
URL:http://wonderfulis.co.kr

The Windy Island at the Southern Tip — Marado

Marado is a small island located at the southernmost tip of South Korea. You can circle the entire island in just 30–40 minutes, and not long into your walk you’ll spot the sports field of Gapado Marado Branch School. Be sure to try the island’s seafood-scented jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles). There are no forests on the island, so walking around gives you the sensation of racing through the wind. It’s a good idea to bring windproof clothing. There are two ways to reach Marado: take a “passenger ferry” from Songak Mountain or a “cruise ship” from Moseulpo Port.

Ferry Schedule: Passenger ferry to Marado — First departure from Songak Mountain at 09:40, first arrival at Marado at 10:20 / Last departure from Songak Mountain at 15:20, last arrival at Marado at 16:20 / 30-minute crossing / 7 round trips daily. Cruise ship — First departure from Moseulpo Port at 09:50, first arrival at Marado at 10:25 / Last departure from Moseulpo Port at 15:10, last arrival at Marado at 15:45 / 4 round trips daily
Ticket Price: Adults 17,000 won / Children 8,500 won
Phone: 064-794-6661
URL:www.maradotour.com / www.wondefulis.co.kr

Across the Sea Lies…?