A Guide to Exploring Ulleungdo Island

This shoreline, that snakes around the periphery of Ulleungdo, features steep cliffs and pebble beaches. There is, perhaps, no better way to experience the views of the island’s stunning scenery than by taking a walk along the Haengnam Coastal Walking Path. Take in stunning rock formations, walk through a lush forest and cross paths with fisherman dressed in wetsuits as you make the journey to the end, where the picturesque Haengnam Lighthouse awaits you. If you’re feeling really adventurous, go for a dip in the clear, blue waters, but do so at your own risk.

Ulleung-eup Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

The three-tiered, 25-meter-tall Bongnae Waterfall is not only a beautiful sight to see, it’s also the main source of drinking water for the residents of the surrounding area. Worked up a sweat on your trek to the falls? Then check out the nearby Punghyeol, an attraction that many locals refer to as “Mother Nature’s air-conditioner.” During the peak of summer, cool, subterranean air blows from these rock openings, providing a refreshing stream of wind that cools off passersby.

Jeodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, +82 54 790 6422

The Nari Basin is a volcanic depression that lies in central Ulleungdo. Surrounded by rolling hills and punctuated by stalks of sunflowers, this rustic village appeals to visitors not only thanks to its natural beauty, but its tumakjip, traditional houses built with wood and soil. While many of the island’s residents earn a living in the fishing industry, those living in the Nari Basin farm medicinal plants. Sample the local produce at one of the area’s small but tasty restaurants.

550, Nari-gil, Buk-myeon, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, +82 54 790 6396

The Dokdo Island Observatory Cable Car, from which one can get a bird’s eye view of Ulleungdo Island, is a must-do on any visit to the island. Nestled within the Dodong Yaksu Park, the cable car transports visitors to Manghyangbong Peak where, on clear days, they can see as far as Dokdo Island, located some 92 kilometers away. Consider taking an early morning ride, and find yourself in awe of the impressive sunrise that illuminates the coastal skies.

581-1, Dodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, +82 054 790 6427

Locals and visitors alike flock to 99 Sikdang to delight in fresh seafood dishes, including its famous ojingeo bulgogi, a spicy concoction of grilled squid – the island’s specialty – and vegetables. Taggaebibap, shellfish with rice, is another popular item worth trying.

150-6 Dodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, +82 54 791 2287

Characterized by cool summers and warm winters, Ulleungdo has a marine climate that is favorable for many medicinal herbs. As a result, the island is home to over 700 of them, which Ulleung Yakso Sutbul Garden makes use of in many of its dishes. It’s bulgogi (roast beef), for example, is made from cows that grazed on the island’s herbs, which are both fragrant and flavorful.

556, Ulleungsunhwan-ro, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, +82 54 791 0990

Grab a seat with a view of the shore, dig into a platter of raw fish and wash it down with ice cold soju at this charming hole-in-the-wall. Mr. Jeong (who speaks adequate English) and his brother serve up some of the freshest seafood on the island, catching it themselves every day on their morning dives. Located approximately 500 meters from the ferry terminal on the seaside walking trail, it’s easily accessible.

San4 Dodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea +82 54 791 7989

Situated within the tourist resort area in Hubakgol, Sadong-ri, the Ulleung Marina Tourist Hotel is nestled 150 meters above sea level, and 500 meters away from the sea. This location ensures that it is protected from strong winds. Here, guests can unwind and enjoy a relaxing walk in the nearby forest all year round. Furthermore, the hotel features Western and Korean restaurants, as well as a number of facilities, for added convenience.

44-28, Sadong 2(i)-gil, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, +82 54 791 0020

Located just below Songgotsan Mountain in Chusan-ri, Buk-myeon, the Chusan Ilga Pension boasts a fascinating landscape of the Sea of Japan (known by Koreans as the East Sea), as well as unique rock formations such as Kokkiri Bawi, or Elephant Rock.

43, Sadong 1(il)-gil, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, +82 2 518 5000

Punctual local buses link the two main towns of Dodong and Jeodong, and stop at popular attractions such as Bongnae Falls, Nari Basin and Gwaneum-do Island. Up-to-date bus schedules can be found at the tourist information booths in Dodong and Jeodong, as well as on the island’s City Hall website (in Korean). Bus fare is affordable, at about 1,500 SKW (1.50 USD) per ride. Be mindful that the buses do stop running much earlier than they do on mainland Korea.

Taxis are another good option to get around the island and can easily be hailed at Dodong Port. Using a taxi to get around the island should set you back around 90,000 SKW (roughly 80 USD) per day.

It’s also possible to rent a car, though you may need some translation/interpretation assistance to do so. For a list of car rental businesses on the island, click here.

From Seoul, take a bus to Gangneung from the Express Bus Terminal (21,000 SKW/19 USD, every 20 minutes) or Dongseoul Terminal (15,000 SKW/14 USD, 2½ hours, every 40 minutes). From the Gangneung Intercity Bus Terminal, take bus 202 or 303 or a taxi (6,000 SKW/5.30 USD, 15 minutes) to Anmok Ferry Terminal.

From there, catch a ferry to Ulleungdo (54,000 SKW/48 USD one-way or 108,000 SKW/95 USD round-trip). Services depart at 8:40 am or 9:00 am daily (2½ hours).

Ulleungdo, Ulleung-gun, Buk-myeon, South Korea, +82 1330