KR · North Gyeongsang Province · 37.50°N 130.86°E

ulleungdo

Remote volcanic island of sea cliffs, squid boats and coastal walking trails.

Best time
May to October, when the sea is calmer and ferries run more reliably. Winters bring heavy snow and frequent ferry cancellations.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Seoul (about 6.5 hours). Take the KTX to Pohang or Gangneung (about 2 to 2.5 hours), then a ferry to the island, about 3 hours. Ferries don't sail in rough seas.
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KR · North Gyeongsang Provinceulleungdo37.50°N 130.86°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Remote volcanic island of sea cliffs, squid boats and coastal walking trails.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingUlleungdoKR, North Gyeongsang Province
KLulleungdo
≈ 4,840 km from KL, as the crow flies
Ulleungdo, or Ulleung Island, may not be as famous or popular as Korea’s most well-known resort island of Jeju or Jejudo. Yet when it comes to beauty and charm, Ulleungdo can still compete.

Photo: Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service · CC BY-SA 2.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A volcanic island about 120 km off Korea's east coast, with steep cliffs dropping into very clear water. Life revolves around fishing, and squid hang drying in the sun all over the island. It feels far from everything, which is the point.

Makan

  1. SquidFresh in season, or dried and grilled all year. You'll see it everywhere.Map ↗
  2. Yaksoe bulgogiBeef from cattle raised on the island's wild herbs, grilled at the table.Map ↗
  3. Myeong-i namulPickled wild garlic leaves, used as a wrap for rice or meat.Map ↗
  4. Pumpkin taffyHobakyeot, a chewy sweet made with local pumpkin, the island's classic souvenir.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Dodong coastal walkwayA path clinging to the sea cliffs from the main port towards a lighthouse.Map ↗
  2. Nari BasinThe island's only flat land, an old volcanic crater with farms and traditional log houses.Map ↗
  3. SeonginbongThe island's highest peak, at 984 m. A steep half-day hike with views over the whole island.Map ↗
  4. Bongnae FallsA waterfall in the hills above Jeodong, an easy walk from the road.Map ↗
  5. DokdoBoats run to Dokdo, the rocky islets Korea administers and Japan also claims. Landing depends on the weather.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Build a spare day into your plans. Ferries are often cancelled or delayed by rough seas.
  • Take seasickness tablets before the ferry, even on a calm-looking day.
  • Book ferries ahead in summer and on public holidays, when they sell out.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.