Udo Island: Complete Day Trip Guide From Jeju with Things To Do, Food, and How To Get There

Last Updated on April 6, 2026

Jeju Island is much larger than you might expect which means you really need to know what you want to see before you go and stay near those things. If you’re staying on the west side of Jeju Island, for example, then you would really never have time to get to Udo Island (우도), which is off the eastern coast of the island.

Stay near the beautiful Seongsan Ilchulbong though, then Udo Island is not only doable, but it’s one of the best day trips you can take in Korea. We’ve visited four times now and it’s still one of our favorite adventures in Korea.

What you’ll find in this Udo Island guide:

• Plan Your Trip to Jeju Island
• How To Get To Udo Island
• How To Get Around The Island
• Where To Stay On Udo Island
• What To Know About Udo Island
• Best Time To Visit
• The Best Things To See
• What To Eat
• Extra Things To Do If You Have Time
• FAQ

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

---

---

How To Get To Udo Island

To get to Udo Island, you need to take a ferry which you can get from one of two ports: Seongsan Port or Jongdal Port. The ferries will drop you at one of two ferry ports on Udo Island: Haumokdong Port or Cheonjin Port. We departed from Seongsan Port and arrived at Cheonjin Port which is where the most frequent ferries are.

Ferry tickets are purchased at the port window on the day, no advance booking is needed for the ferry itself. As of our last visit, the round-trip fare is approximately W8,900 for adults and w4,900 for children. Prices can vary seasonally so confirm at the counter when you arrive.

Things to remember about the ferries to/from Udo Island:

• Note the return times when you buy your outbound ticket and do not miss the last one. Ferries generally start around 8:00am and the last return is around 5:00pm, but both times shift depending on the season, confirm at the port before you go.
• The ferry crossing takes about 15 minutes.
• The two ports on Udo Island are close to each other, but one doesn’t operate when the tide is low. If no one is waiting at one port, head to the other and you’ll find the active one easily.

---

How To Get Around The Island

When you disembark from the ferry, you’ll see all of your transport options in one place. Here’s what to know about each.

By Bus

A shuttle bus loops around the island and stops at all the major sights. It’s a hop-on-hop-off service, you don’t have to get off at every stop, but you can. Buses come around approximately every 15 minutes, so let that guide how long you linger at each place. This is the best option if you don’t have a driver’s license, prefer not to cycle, or are visiting in hot weather.

By Scooter

The option most tourists go for. You do need a driver’s license to rent a scooter on the island, this is enforced, so have one with you. Scooters are generally built for two people. On one visit, we had a child in tow and the rental shop initially said the maximum was two people, a friendly conversation in Korean resolved it, but keep in mind the standard is two adults per scooter.

By Bicycle

Electric bicycles are available for rent, which makes the one hilly section of the island far more manageable than it would be on a standard bike. We’ve also taken our own bikes over on the ferry, which was straightforward, just make sure you add a bicycle to your ticket when you purchase it at the port.

By Car (Exceptions Only)

Rental cars are not permitted on Udo Island as a general rule. The roads are narrow and only locals may bring cars. There are specific exceptions:

• When accompanied by someone born before 1954 (ID card required)
• When accompanied by a pregnant woman (pregnancy diagnosis document required)
• A disabled person using a wheelchair
• When accompanied by a child under the age of 6 (Family Relation Certificate, copy of Resident Registration, or Medical Insurance Card required)
• When you have pre-booked accommodation on Udo Island (booking confirmation required)

If none of these apply, leave the rental car at Seongsan Port and use the island’s transport instead.

---

Where To Stay On Udo Island

Most often, we’ve taken daytrips to Udo Island, but we have stayed on the island during the Sora Festival and that was fantastic. Because the last ferry is in the early evening, once night falls, it’s just the locals for the most part making the island very quiet and pleasant.

Stay at Hundert Hills

The best hotel on Udo Island is Hundert Hills. It has a convenient location on the island and the rooms are spacious. We stayed in a suite with two rooms and a main area with a kitchenette which made for a great time on the island. It was very comfortable and the staff is very helpful.

---

What To Know About Udo Island

Udo Island is a lava plateau formed after volcanic eruptions, sitting 3.8km off the coast of Jeju Island. It is said to look like a cow lying down when viewed from the water, which is where the name comes from, as “udo” means cow island. People didn’t begin inhabiting it until the Joseon Dynasty, when the Korean government built a horse ranch there in 1697. It has been a popular destination for Koreans and visitors alike ever since.

---

Best Time To Visit

Spring brings canola flowers across Jeju and the island is beautiful from March through April. The Sora Festival (우도소라축제) in spring is a very local event with performances, food, and cultural experiences, visiting during it is a great way to see a side of Udo that most tourists miss.

Summer is the most popular season for the beaches. Autumn is when Udo Botanical Garden’s pampas grasses and pink muhly peak, and the light across the island is at its best. Winter is quiet, uncrowded, and surprisingly atmospheric, just confirm that the facilities and restaurants you want are open before you go, as some reduce hours in the off-season.

---

The Best Things To See

Having visited the island numerous times now, we’ve gone clockwise around, crisscrossed, and went around the other way too. There’s no right way…. or wrong way. If you are only going over for a daytrip though, have some places that you want to stop in mind.

Seobinbaeksa (서빈백사)

Also called Sanho Beach, this is the famous white shell beach, and it is shells, not sand, so bring sandals or water shoes if you want to walk along the waterline or get in the water. The shells underfoot make it less comfortable than a sandy beach but the visual effect is stunning, particularly on a clear day when the white shells, blue water, and blue sky all blur together. Even in late summer the water is refreshingly cool and the beach is ideal for shell hunting.

• Address: 2565-1 Yeonpyeong-ri, Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju (제주 제주시 우도면 연평리 2565-1)

Udo Botanical Garden (우도정원)

A newer garden on the island, this botanical garden was started by one of the locals who didn’t want to grow peanuts like everyone else. We were lucky to find a beautiful pink muhly field and pampas grasses as well as palm trees and more. It’s a beautiful site and it’s just a little road in from Seobinbaeksa.

• Address: 1964 Yeonpyeong-ri, Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju (제주 제주시 우도면 연평리 1964)
• Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm
• Admission: W3,000

Hagosudong Beach (하고수동해변)

Fine sand rather than shells, and the same crystal clear blue water. This is often cited as the most beautiful beach on the island. The water is shallow, making it a good choice if you have young children who want to wade. There are cafes and restaurants along the beachfront which makes it a natural lunch stop if you’re timing your circuit around midday.

• Address: 1200-11 Yeonpyeong-ri, Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju (제주 제주시 우도면 연평리 1200-11)

Geommeolle Beach (검멀레해변)

Smaller and more dramatic than the other beach areas, Geommeolle is a black sand beach framed by volcanic cliffs on both sides. The visual contrast with the white shell beach is striking. A popular activity here is the cave boat — a speedboat that takes you out around the cliffs and into the sea caves. The boats can only access the caves at low tide, so if the tide is against you, sit back, take in the cliffs, and eat some peanut ice cream while you wait or move on to the next stop.

• Address: 1132 Udo Haean-gil, Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju (제주 제주시 우도면 우도해안길 1132)

Udobong Peak (우도봉)

If you’re looking for a bit of a hike, then head a few hundred meters up to Udobong Peak, also called Someori Peak (소머리오름) which means Cow’s Head Peak. The peak is just at 130 meters so it’s not too strenuous but does provide views out over land and sea and one of the five lighthouses of the island is at the top.

When I say not strenuous, I mean it’s really quite easy so you can take the trip up if you have the time. The entrance is near Geommeolle Beach mentioned above. You’ll need an hour to get up and down again. Keep that in mind.

• Address: 47 Udobong-gil, Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju (제주 제주시 우도면 우도봉길 47) (This is the road to get to the entrance to the path up Udobong. You should be able to see it from this address.)

Biyangdo Island (비양도)

This even smaller island is connected to Udo Island by a narrow bridge. There are some horses here that kids can get a little ride in a circle on if you want them to live out some of their equestrian dreams too. One of the five lighthouses of the island is on the tip here too.

• Address: 920 Udo Haean-gil, Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju (제주 제주시 우도면 우도해안길 920) (This is the address for a 7/11 right where the bridge to the island is.)

Mangru Lighthouse (망루등대)

The most northern of the island’s five lighthouses. The lighthouse itself is striking, but what I found more interesting was the Bongsudae (봉수대), the beacon mound just in front of it that most photos don’t feature. This mound was a military communication station during the Joseon Dynasty, where teams of five people manned the post at all hours to send signals via smoke.

These beacon mounds were a major part of Korea’s military communication system until 1895. You can climb up to the top of the mound, check out the nearby pavilion, and sit with the views for a while. On our visit this is where we settled in for the afternoon.

• Address: 602 Udo Haean-gil, Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju (제주 제주시 우도면 우도해안길 602)

Hundertwasser Park (훈데르트바서파크)

Friedensreich Hundertwasser was an Austrian artist and architect who spent his career pushing one central idea: humans are guests of nature, not its owners. He believed the modern world had become obsessed with straight lines to its own detriment, and he dedicated decades to paintings, building designs, posters, and stamps that pushed back against that obsession.

The entire Hundertwasser Park from entrance and through is art. Three onion domes rise gently from the landscape. Seventy-eight ceramic columns glow in colors inspired by fruit and soil. There are 130 windows with no two alike, and the building facades curve in ways that feel intentional and playful at the same time. Every angle is a photograph.

• Address: 32-12 Udohaean-gil, Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (제주특별자치도 제주시 우도면 우도해안길 32-12)
• Hours: Every day: 9:30am ~ 6:00pm
• Admission: Adults: W9,900; Children 4-13: W6,000; Under 3: Free
• Pre-purchase Tickets: You can get tickets in advance on Trazy.

---

What To Eat

Udo Island has its own distinct food culture built around what grows and lives here. Keep an eye out for peanuts, garlic, chives, agar, and sea snails as you move around the island, and expect abalone on most restaurant menus.

Peanut Ice Cream

Udo Island is well known for growing peanuts so a local dish that is a must eat for every visitor is peanut ice cream. Yes, you heard that right. The peanut ice cream is delicious and there are a few popular places to get it.

• Jimmy’s (지미스): Near Geommeolle Beach, this is a popular peanut ice cream spot for people that want to take their ice cream down to the beach to enjoy.
  • Address: 1132 Udo Haean-gil Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju (제주 제주시 우도면 우도해안길 1132)
  • Hours: Every day: 8:30am ~ 6:00pm

• Dennis Cafe (대니스카페): This spot is known for making fresh peanut ice cream every day and uses fresh Jeju milk.
  • Address: 1128 Udo Haean-gil, Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju (제주 제주시 우도면 우도해안길 1128)
  • Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm

• Udo Prince Story (우동왕자이야기)
  • Address: 1148 Udo Haean-gil, Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju (제주 제주시 우도면 우도해안길 1148)

Abalone

You’re on an island so seafood is pretty much what’s on order. I LOVE abalone porridge, abalone soup, and well… abalone so I dig this one. We had a fantastic meal that brought together abalone, pork (another specialty in Jeju) and they had THE best ganjang gejang, raw crab marinated in soy sauce) I’ve ever had.

SoSeom JeonBok (소섬전복): I highly recommend this restaurant. We all enjoyed our meal. We actually enjoyed it so much, we even ordered some of their ganjang gejang to be shipped up to our house in Seoul. So worth it.

• Address: 1158 Udo Haean-gil, Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju (제주 제주시 우도면 우도해안길 1158)

---

Extra Things To Do If You Have Time

I’ve already told you all of the things you should see and where you should eat, but there are a few other things that you can do on Udo Island. Here are just a few more things not to overlook when you head to Udo for a daytrip or a couple of days even.

Geommulle Udo Cave Boat

A popular activity is to hop on a speed boat to take a trip out to the other side of the cliffs and see the inside of the caves. It’s pretty fun, just hold on! The boats get going pretty fast to add some thrill to the adventure before heading into the caves.

You can follow the steps down from Jimmy’s natural ice cream to the docks to get on a boat. You can just hop on the next boat when you arrive. If you plan to spend the whole day on the island, look into getting the Jeju Udo Tour Pass which provides discounts on things like the cave boat.

Complete Olleh Trail 1-1 (제주올레 1-1코스)

Olleh Trail is a giant circuit of trails that go around the perimeter of Jeju Island as well as the smaller islands nearby. Olleh Trail 1-1 goes around Udo Island and it’s 11.3km. It follows the main road around the island mostly and it’s where you’ll be going anyway, so why not try to do it and get the stamps to prove it!

See The 8 Views Of Udo Island

Like many destinations in Korea, Udo Island has a designated set of viewpoints worth seeking out. You’ll pass most of them naturally as you circle the island. Here are the eight:

1. Jugan Myeongweol (주간명월): This is one of the caves that is a popular spot to see. This cave has a hole in the top that is shaped like a moon so when the light flows in, it creates beautiful patterns.
2. Yahang Eobeom (야항어범): This is a spot you’ll only really be able to catch if you stay the night on the island. From this spot, you can see the night fishermen out on boats that light up the night sky as they catch fish, squid, and other seafood treats.
3. Cheonjin Gwansan (천진관산): From this spot in Dongcheonjin-dong on Udo Island, you can get a great view of Mt. Halla.
4. Jidu Cheongsa (지두청사): This is the view you can get of Udo from Udo Peak. See the Udo Lighthouse and maybe see the horses that wander through the fields here.
5. Huhae Seokbyeok (후해석벽): This is the popular rocky cliffside that was created by volcanic activity 2 million years ago. You’ll catch site of this when you’re headed to Geommeolle Beach.
6. Dongan Gyeonggul (동안경굴): This is the cave that you can get to on a boat tour from Geommeolle Beach area. But you can only get there during low tide.
7. Jeonpo Mangdo (전포망도): Catch this view as your own on the boat from Jeju Island to Udo Island. This is when you catch site of the cow laying down that the island is said to look like.
8. Seobin Baeksa (서빈백사): The white seashell/coral beach that we first stopped at and loved. This is near the ports so while it’s last on the list, it’ll likely be the first thing you see after you figure out how you’ll be traveling around the island.

---

FAQ

What is the best itinerary for Udo Island?

For a full day, start at Seobinbaeksa (the white shell beach) after you disembark, it’s close to the port and a beautiful first impression of the island. Work clockwise from there: Udo Botanical Garden, then Hagosudong Beach for lunch (there are cafes and restaurants along that stretch), then Geommeolle Beach for the cliffs and cave boat if the tide cooperates. End with Udobong Peak in the late afternoon for the lighthouse views before catching the last ferry. Hundertwasser Park sits naturally in the middle of the route and makes a good mid-afternoon stop. For a half-day trip, prioritize Seobinbaeksa, Geommeolle Beach, and peanut ice cream, those three cover Udo’s most distinctive experiences.

How do I get to Udo Island from Jeju?

Take a ferry from Seongsan Port or Jongdal Port on the east coast of Jeju Island. Seongsan Port has the most frequent sailings and is the more convenient option if you’re also planning to visit Seongsan Ilchulbong. Buy your ticket at the port window on the day, no advance booking is needed for the ferry. The crossing takes about 15 minutes. The first ferry is around 8:00am and the last return is around 5:00pm, though both times shift by season. Confirm the schedule at the port before going out.

What is the Udo Island shuttle bus?

The shuttle bus is a hop-on-hop-off loop that circles the island and stops at all the major sights, Seobinbaeksa, Udo Botanical Garden, Hagosudong Beach, Geommeolle Beach, Udobong Peak, and more. Buses come around approximately every 15 minutes. It’s the best option if you don’t have a driver’s license for scooter rental, prefer not to cycle, or are visiting in very hot weather. Tickets are purchased on the island.

Can I take my rental car to Udo Island?

Generally no, rental cars are not permitted on Udo Island. The roads are narrow and only local vehicles are allowed. Exceptions exist in specific circumstances: if you are accompanied by someone born before 1954 (with ID), a pregnant woman (with a pregnancy diagnosis document), a person in a wheelchair, or a child under six (with a family relation certificate or medical insurance card).

Pre-booked accommodation on the island is also grounds for an exception, with booking confirmation. If none of these apply, leave the car at Seongsan Port and use the island’s shuttle bus, scooter rental, or electric bicycles.

Is Udo Island worth visiting in winter?

Yes, though the experience shifts. Crowds thin significantly, the island feels calmer and more atmospheric, and the ferry still runs. Some restaurants and rental shops reduce hours or close during the off-season, so check before you go. The coastal walks and Udobong Peak are worth doing in any season. Cave boats may not operate in rough winter weather, confirm at the dock on the day.

Is one day enough for Udo Island?

A full day is ideal. A half-day is enough to cover the highlights, the white shell beach, Geommeolle Beach, peanut ice cream, and one or two other stops, but you’ll be moving at pace. If you want to do the cave boat, climb Udobong Peak, visit Hundertwasser Park, and sit with the island for a while rather than racing through it, give it a full day. Staying overnight turns it into a completely different trip and is worth it at least once.

---

Udo Island is a trip worth making more than once, we’ve done it four times and still found something new each visit. If you’re planning a trip to Jeju and haven’t built Udo Island in yet, stay near the east coast around Seongsan. The ferry is a 15-minute ride, the island rewards an unhurried day, and the peanut ice cream alone justifies the trip.

When you’re back on the main island, the guide to the best cafes in Jeju has the best coffee stops on the east coast worth knowing about. And if you’re visiting in autumn, the complete guide to tangerine picking on Jeju is worth reading alongside this one.

Did you like this post? PIN IT!