Ulleungdo Guide: Korea’s Remote Volcanic Island and How To Get There

Last Updated on April 12, 2026

Set 120 kilometers off the eastern coast of South Korea, Ulleungdo is about as far off the typical tourist path in Korea as it’s possible to get. Plenty of Koreans know the island and many have it on a list of places they want to visit someday, but the journey can be demanding and most foreign visitors never consider it at all.

There are no airports. The only way on or off the island is by ferry, and the seas can be rough enough to cancel sailings for days at a time. What you find when you make the effort: karsts rising from emerald water, mountain peaks covered in dense forest, a coastal walk widely considered the best in Korea, canola flower fields that rival anything on Jeju, and squid fishermen whose boats light up the night water like moving constellations.

Often called the “mysterious island”, Ulleungdo is a trip that most Koreans wish they could take at some point in their lives. Plan to go there with some flexibility and just a bit of whimsy.

• Ulleungdo Quick Guide
• How To Get To Ulleungdo
• Getting Around Ulleungdo
• Where To Stay On Ulleungdo
• Quick History
• What To See & Do On Ulleungdo
• What To Eat On Ulleungdo
• FAQ

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Ulleungdo Quick Guide

Location	120km off Korea’s east coast, North Gyeongsang Province
How to get there	Ferry only
Ferry ports	Pohang, Gangneung, Mukho (Donghae), Hupo
Ferry duration	2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on port and vessel
Weather warning	Ferries cancel in storms, sometimes for multiple days
Best time to visit	May through September (summer best for weather)
Getting around	Local buses, taxi, or day hire
Must do	Haengnam Coastal Walk: free, described as best in Korea
Must eat	Squid dishes, knife cut noodles with barnacles, bibimbap with mountain greens

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How To Get To Ulleung-do

There are easier islands to visit in Korea. Ulleungdo is not one of them, and that is largely the point.

The only way to reach the island is by ferry. There are four departure ports on the mainland, each served by different operators. Ferry schedules, vessel names, and company details change regularly, treat everything below as a starting framework and verify all current departure times, operators, and booking options before you travel. The official Ulleungdo ferry information is available through the operators’ websites listed below and at the port terminals.

• Pohang Port: Typically the most popular departure point with the most frequent sailings. Journey time approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. Arrivals at Dodong Port or Jeodong Port depending on vessel. One car ferry option historically available from Pohang if you want to bring your own vehicle. Operator: Daezer Marine Corporation (www.daezer.com).
• Gangneung Port: Journey time approximately 3 hours. Arrivals at Jeodong Port. Operator: Sea Spovill (www.seaspovill.co.kr).
• Mukho Port: Journey time approximately 3 hours. Arrivals at Sadong Port or Dodong Port. Operator: Sea Spovill (www.seaspovill.co.kr).
• Hupo Port: Shortest crossing at approximately 2 hours 20 minutes. Arrivals at Sadong Port. Operator: JH Ferry (www.jhferry.com).

Before you book, read this carefully.

Ferries to Ulleungdo are highly weather-dependent in a way that most Korean island ferries are not. The open sea between the mainland and Ulleungdo can be rough enough to cancel sailings for multiple consecutive days. A planned two-night trip can extend to a week if a storm moves in. This is not an exaggeration, it happens regularly.

The locals on the island are always aware of incoming weather. If your host, concierge, or a local tells you a storm is coming and asks whether you want to leave early, take the ferry. Unless you actually have the time and flexibility to stay, treat that advice as an instruction rather than a suggestion.

On our trip, our departure time from Pohang was moved an hour earlier due to high winds, which meant rescheduling the KTX from Seoul to arrive in time. Book train or bus tickets to the port with enough flexibility to change them if ferry times shift.

Sea sickness: The crossing can be very choppy on some sailings. Come prepared with medication. It’s also available at the ferry terminal if you forget. On our outward journey, more than half of our group were sick during the crossing. I thought I had a strong stomach, but this trip was the closest I’ve ever come to being sick. It’s rough to say the least.

The crew distributes bags immediately on departure, they are fully prepared. On the return we took a larger vessel and the crossing was significantly more manageable. Book the larger ship when possible.

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Getting Around Ulleung-do

Stop at the tourist information booth at the dock as soon as you arrive. Get the current local bus schedule. Buses connect the two main areas, Dodong and Jeodong, and stop at the major attractions. Buses do stop running earlier than on the mainland, so check schedules carefully and don’t rely on a late evening bus that may not exist.

Get the phone number or business card of a local taxi driver at the docks. Taxis are easy to find at Dodong and Jeodong, and drivers know when ships arrive so they’ll be waiting. For a full island loop by taxi, expect to pay approximately W100,000. If you want to see the island’s coastal roads and stop at viewpoints as you go, a day taxi hire is the most comfortable option.

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Where To Stay On Ulleung-do

Book accommodation before you go. Do not rely on finding something when you arrive. If you can’t find a room once you’re there, there is no way to simply turn around and leave, you’re on an island. Festivals and holiday weekends fill up quickly.

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Quick History

Archaeological evidence suggests habitation since the 1st millennium BC. The first historical references in Korean records appear in 512, when the Silla general Kim Isabu conquered the island, which had previously been an autonomous state. Due to its remoteness, the island was difficult for mainland rulers to hold and suffered devastating pirate raids in the 11th and 14th centuries.

During the Joseon Dynasty, leaders attempted an “empty island” policy, effectively depopulating it to remove the administrative burden. This proved impossible to enforce and was officially abandoned in 1881, at which point the government reversed course entirely and began actively encouraging settlement. Today roughly 10,500 people live on the island. The isolation has made residents notably kind and helpful toward visitors, most of them seemed entirely unsurprised to find wandering foreigners and went out of their way to assist.

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What To See & Do On Ulleung-do

Once you’ve made it to the island, there are plenty of things to see and do and even a weekend is a good amount of time to see a lot of it. Get ready to explore.

Haengnam Coastal Walk (행남해안산책로)

This is said to be the “best coastal walk in Korea” and I couldn’t agree more. Walk from Dodong Port along the waters rocky edge, through caves and under trickling water all the way to Dodong Lighthouse and get a magnificent view out over Jeodong Port. This was my favorite part of our trip.

The crashing waves that sometimes crashed high enough to make us wet and the views out to the sea with nothing to see but blue waves touching the blue sky was calming. For the parents wondering, this was also definitely kid friendly. All paths have railings and there were a couple flights of stairs that were a bit steep up and then down again but overall, kids would love this walk and the views.

The full walk out to the lighthouse and back, with a stop at the last restaurant on the trail for pumpkin sikhye and squid pajeon, took us about three hours. The walk itself without stops takes around one hour. Stop often. The views are worth it.

The ideal time to do this walk is late afternoon, arriving at the far end around sunset. On the way back, stop at one of the seaside restaurants for fresh catch and live music from whoever has gathered. After dark, you can watch the squid fishermen’s lights moving across the water.

• Address: Haengnam-gil, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 울릉군 울릉읍 행남길 (일대))

Dokdo Observatory Cable Car (독도전망대 케이블카)

Stop into a museum that showcases the history, natural environment, and vegetation that is found on Dokdo Island. From there, take a cable car to the top of Manghyangbong Peak in the Dodong Yaksu Park for a bird’s eye view of the island as well as catch a glimpse 92 kilometers out to see Dokdo Island on clear days. There are numerous peaks and views to be had on the island, but this is probably one of the easiest to access with the cable car to ride up and you get a view of the infamous Dokdo Island.

• Address: Do-dong, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 울릉군 울릉읍 도동리 도동 약수공원 내 위치)
• Admission: Adults: W7,500; Children: W3,500 – W5,500 depending on age
• Hours: April – October: 8:00am ~ 6:00pm; November – March: 8:00am ~ 5:00pm

Canola Flower Field

Visit in the spring and you will be rewarded with a gorgeous field of canola flowers. While the canola flower fields on Jeju Island are often promoted as the most beautiful in the country, I think Ulleungdo is a definite rival.

The yellow canola flowers spill down the hillside and look as though they are going to spill through a hole in the mountains ahead to fall into the ocean. It’s all sorts of gorgeous and the perfect way to welcome spring.

• Address: Near Ulleung County Sports Complex in Taehari & Nanyang High School, Ulleung Island

Seonginbong Mountain (성인봉 (울릉))

Ulleungdo’s highest peak is 984 meters and hiking up is one of the must-do activities while visiting. Avid hikers head to the island to reach the peak and get amazing views. There are four different routes up the mountain and you can either start from Dodong, the KBS station, or Bongnae Waterfall which are all on the southeastern side, or from Nari Basin on the northern side.

The mountain is steep and there’s no way around that but locals will tell you the easiest route, though still steep, is to start at the KBS Station and work your way up. Bloggers over at Peaks and Penguins also suggest that this is a mountain that you should go point to point, so start in the south and go up and over to the other side, or vice versa. Since we didn’t have time to do the hike on my recent trip, I’ll leave it to them to show off the mountain.

Check out their post for more information about hiking Seonginbong and how to prepare.

• Address: Namyang-ri, Seo-myeon, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 울릉군 서면 남양리)

Jukdo (죽도(울릉))

This is the largest islet off the coast of Ulleung-do and is known as “Bamboo Island”. It can be spotted from various view points on Ulleung-do but for the really adventurous, you can take a ferry from Dodong Port. Ferries run irregularly so it’s best to check the schedule with the tourist office as soon as you arrive. If you do catch the ferry, take it out to the island that is only accessed via a 365 step snail-shaped spiral staircase. Climb the steps and have all of the views.

Hyangmok Observatory & Taeha Lighthouse (태하향목 관광모노레일) 

This is one of the “Top 10 Scenic Spots in Korea” and the panoramic views will leave you breathless. Take the monorail up and then enjoy a walk in the forest to get to the observatory. On the way you’ll pass by the Taeha Lighthouse so might as well stop there too, right?

• Admission: W4,000
• Hours: April – October: 9:00am ~ 5:30pm; November – March: 9:00am ~ 4:30pm
• Address: 236 Taeha-gil, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 울릉군 서면 태하길 236)

Samseonam Rocks

Considered one of the most beautiful views of Ulleungdo, according to folklore, three beautiful angels came down to earth and became these three rocks off the coast of the island. These are just some of the rocks you can see as you drive around the road that circles the island.

Hire a taxi to make the loop around the island so you can see all of the views or take a bike ride. There are stop offs all around Ulleungdo so be prepared to get out and in your vehicle or other mode of transport and take in all of the rocky views.

Cheonbu Underwater Observatory

Walk out along a pier into the water and take an elevator six meters below the surface to watch fish and sea creatures move around you. A strong option for families with children and an unusual experience, underwater observatories are rare anywhere and this one puts you directly in the sea surrounding a volcanic island.

• Admission: W4,000
• Hours: April – October: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm; November – March: 9:00am ~ 4:00pm

Nari Basin (나리분지)

Visit this traditional village that you’ll easily spot with rocks topping roofs of traditional homes built of just wood and soil. The village is surrounded by lush green farm fields that are fertilized by the ash soil left behind from volcanic eruptions 9,000 years ago.

While most islanders earn a living by fishing, the residents here farm medicinal plants. When you visit this remote and untouched area of Korea, stop into Mountain Village Restaurant (산마을식당) for a bite to eat and enjoy the tasty and healthy greens farmed right in the area.

• Address: Nari-gil, Buk-myeon, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 울릉군 북면 나리길 (북면))

Bongnae Waterfall & Wind Cave (봉래폭포) 

A three-tiered 25-meter waterfall that doubles as the primary drinking water source for the island’s residents. Trek up through a cedar forest on a wooden boardwalk built to protect the natural vegetation below. At the top, the water is clean enough to drink directly from the source. Continue to the nearby Punghyeol, nicknamed “Mother Nature’s Air Conditioner”, where subterranean air blows through rock openings to create a remarkable stream of cold air, used as a natural refrigerator by islanders before modern appliances.

• Address: Bongnae-gil, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbukdo (경상북도 울릉군 울릉읍 봉읍 봉래길 일원)

Gwaneum-do Island (섬목-관음도 보행연도교) 

Just off the coast of Ulleung-do, Gwangeum-do was inaccessible to people until rather recently which means there is well-preserved old-growth forest. In 2012, a 140 meter long pedestrian suspension bridge was installed connecting the island to Ulleung-do and now the island provides a great spot to take a hike and get great views of Ulleung-do from just off the coast.

Sillyeongsu Trail (신령수 가는 길) 

For those who want forest and mountain atmosphere without the demanding ascent of Seonginbong, this trail starting in Nari Basin and going to Albong Basin is the alternative. Relatively flat, covered by dense forest, and home to various rare protected plants. Good for families or anyone wanting a gentler day.

• Address: Nari Buk-myeon Ulleung-gun Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 울릉군 북면 나리)

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What To Eat On Ulleung-do

Ulleungdo is squid territory. Fresh catch is displayed in tanks outside restaurants throughout the island. If fish isn’t your preference, the island has an unexpected alternative in the mountain green dishes from Nari Basin.

Bibimbap with Mountain Greens (산채비빔밥): The specialty of the Nari Basin village. Medicinal plants grown in volcanic ash soil, served over rice. Go to Mountain Village Restaurant (산마을식당) in the basin for the version made with produce from the surrounding fields.

• Address: 136-2 Nari Buk-myeon Ulleung-gun Gyeongsangbuk-do (경북 울릉군 북면 나리 136-2)

Honghapbap (홍합밥): Mussels on rice with dried seaweed and sesame seeds. Mix everything together as soon as it arrives.

Knife Cut Noodles with Barnacles (따개비칼국수): This soup is a combination of barnacle meat, potatoes, seaweed and handmade noodles. After walking up and down and all around the island the soup is really filling and refreshing. A great hydrating soup that anyone can heat.

Osam Bulgogi (오삼불고기): If you like the spicy Korean eats, try this dish. Squid and pork belly slices are mixed in a spicy sauce and grilled right on the table. It’s eaten much like ssamgyeopsal and served with leaves to be wrapped in. It’s pretty spicy so get those taste buds ready.

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FAQ

Is Ulleungdo worth the journey?

For the right kind of traveler, absolutely. If you want remote volcanic island scenery, a coastal walk that stands up to comparison with anything in Korea, and the experience of being somewhere that most foreign visitors never reach, the journey is worth every complication. If you need reliability and convenience, other Korean islands are significantly easier. The ferry crossing alone selects for a certain kind of traveler.

When is the best time to visit Ulleungdo?

May through September, with summer being most reliable for ferry operations. Spring brings the canola flowers and milder crowds. Summer has the best weather certainty but attracts more Korean domestic visitors. Autumn offers dramatic scenery. Winter ferries are the most unpredictable and the island’s infrastructure scales back significantly.

How much time do you need on Ulleungdo?

A minimum of two nights, one day is not enough to see the island properly given how long the ferry crossing takes each way. Two nights and two full days covers the Haengnam Coastal Walk, Nari Basin, the cable car observatory, a coastal circuit by taxi, and the underwater observatory comfortably. Three nights adds time for a summit attempt on Seonginbong or a trip out to Dokdo.

Can I visit Ulleungdo without speaking Korean?

Yes, though with more difficulty than most Korean destinations. The ferry booking websites are primarily in Korean, using the Wonderful concierge service can help with this. The tourist information booth at the dock has some English materials. Most guesthouses listed on Booking.com and Agoda have enough English to communicate.

What should I do if a storm comes while I’m on Ulleungdo?

Ask your host or the locals. The island residents are always aware of incoming weather, even when official alerts haven’t gone out, the knowledge circulates through the community. If they advise you to leave early, take the ferry while it’s still running. If you have flexibility in your schedule, waiting out a storm on the island is a genuine option and many visitors find the experience memorable in its own right.

Can I bring my car to Ulleungdo?

Historically, one car ferry has operated from Pohang Port. Verify current availability and booking procedures before your trip as car ferry capacity is limited and this is not guaranteed to be operating on your travel dates.

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Ulleungdo does not make getting there easy. That is, in some ways, the point, it’s one of the few places in Korea where the journey itself functions as a filter, ensuring that what you find when you arrive is largely unchanged by mass tourism. The coastal walk, the squid boats in the night water, the canola fields, the barnacle noodle soup, these are rewards proportional to the effort of reaching them.

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