Saeseom Island: The Island You Can Walk To From Seogwipo via Saeyeongyo Bridge
Last Updated on August 25, 2025
Seogwipo on Jeju’s southern coast is famous for its waterfalls, seafood, and vibrant portside atmosphere, but if you head just a few minutes from the bustle, you’ll find one of my favorite peaceful escapes: Saeyeongyo Bridge (새연교) and Saeseom Island (새섬). Recently, my daughter has been taking a class in the city for a couple hours each week, and this has become our go-to spot for a quiet walk that fits perfectly into that window of time.
You’ll spot the bridge to the island first with its striking sail-shaped design, Saeyeongyo is the longest pedestrian bridge in Jeju. At night, it lights up in colorful illuminations that shimmer against the water, making it one of Seogwipo’s most photographed landmarks. But don’t just stop at the bridge (as so many people do for some reason). Cross over, and you’ll land on Saeseom Island, a tiny uninhabited islet turned park that’s perfect for a leisurely nature walk.
Find this island you can walk to from Seogwipo City:
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Basic Info
Address: 40 Namseongjung-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주 서귀포시 남성중로 40)
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, the bridge lights up in off season from 7:00pm ~ 10:00pm and in peak season from 8:00pm ~ 11:00pm.
Amenities: Parking lot, public restrooms near the parking lot
Admission: Free
Saeyeongyo Bridge
Completed in 2009, Saeyeongyo (새연교) translates to “a bridge creating new relationships.” Its design was inspired by the Teu, a traditional Jeju wooden fishing boat, giving it both symbolic meaning and architectural elegance. You can spot it from rooftops in Seogwipo too, so be on the lookout when you’re traveling.
During the day, it’s a pleasant stroll with views out to Munseom Island and Seogwipo Harbor. In the evening, it transforms, the bridge glows with lights until 10:00pm, and in the summer, you can even catch a musical fountain show near the harbor. Sunset here is especially spectacular, when the sail-like structure is silhouetted against the fiery sky.
Pro Tip: Saeyeongyo Bridge may get the Instagram spotlight, but it’s Saeseom’s loop trail that locals love. It’s never crowded, but atmospheric and family-friendly.
Saeseom Island
“Saeseom” literally means island of silver grass, and if you visit in autumn, you’ll see the tall grasses sway in the ocean breezes. The island itself is small, just 19 meters high and 1.2km in circumference, but that makes it perfect for a leisurely 30-40 minute loop walk, and a very family-friendly little jaunt.
Fun Fact: People used to live on the island but they abandoned it around 1965.
Follow the signs that direct people to head right so that everyone follows around in the same direction. The path around Saeseom winds through dense pine forest on a wooden decked walkway and then switches to pebble trails and clearings with views.
Lookout for the signs that let you know what fauna and flora to lookout for. Not only interesting for adults, but especially educational for the kids too. See what should be blooming when you visit.
Come around a bend and you can spot Munseom Island in the distance. In spring, canola flowers bloom along the path, while in summer, locals come here in the evenings to cool down in the breeze. It’s definitely windy out here, so be prepared with a windbreaker or sweater in the cooler months.
Need a walk after eating everything up at Seogwipo’s Maeil Olle Market? This is the spot. Want a break from the city streets of Seogwipo? Find this great area. There are a lot of things to do in Seogwipo, but there are also great places to get away and enjoy the ocean views.
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