
South Korean island in the Sea of Japan
Photo: NASA Landsat7 image, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Ulleungdo is an island to the east of the Korean peninsula, part of North Gyeongsang province in South Korea.
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나리분지
Nari ‘Bunji’ Basin is the largest flat caldera basin on Ulleungdo, formed by volcanic collapse beneath Seonginbong. It is the only extensive plain on the island and supports settlements and cultivation of medicinal and other plants. Traditional “tumakjip” houses are still seen there, built in distinctive styles integrating local materials. The basin is surrounded by ridges and steep slopes, giving it a sheltered, enclosed feel. It is a popular hiking destination and offers a contrast between its gentle interior and the rugged terrain above.
죽암몽돌해변
Jugam Mongdol Beach is a pebble beach on Ulleungdo, where sand is absent and the shoreline is composed entirely of rounded stones. It spans roughly 500 m in length and about 20 m in width. The waves and rocky coastline have smoothed the pebbles over time, creating an aesthetic black pebble seashore. Nearby natural attractions include the Samseonam (Three Fairy Rocks) and views toward Gwaneumdo Island. The beach is open year-round and draws visitors for its rugged coastal beauty and serene atmosphere.
송곳봉
Songgot-bong is a sharp, pointed peak on the northwestern coast of Ulleungdo known for its dramatic cliffside appearance. Its name literally means “awl peak,” reflecting its needle-like silhouette rising from the sea. The summit offers sweeping views of the East Sea and the island’s rugged coastline. Hikers often approach via coastal trails and paths that skirt cliffs and rock formations. Songgot-bong is also recognized as a geosite within the Ulleungdo-Dokdo Global Geopark.
독도 박물관
To mark the 50th anniversary of liberation in 1995, Ulleung-gun provided the site, and the Samsung Cultural Foundation built the building was based on data collected and donated by Lee Jong-hak at home and abroad for more than 30 years. It was opened as the only territorial museum in Korea on August 8, 1997 by adding materials such as the remains of the late leader Hong Soon-chil and the Dokdo Guards' Solidarity and the Blue Dog Cultivation Group
봉래 폭포
25 metres high, it is the only source of drinking water for the island. Next to it is Punghyeol, natural air vents that blow cool subterranean air.
관음도
It is an annexed island about 100m away from Ulleungdo Island.
Ferry and bus tours are available. The bus tour costs around ₩15,000 and last about 4 hours. But the timetables vary depending on the company. Contact Ulleungdo Tourism at +82 54-791-0066 for more information. The high speed ferry takes about 2 hours to go around the island. There are two to four rides daily. For the exact times contact the Ferry Association at +82 54-791-4477.
Directly translated, 'yak' means medicine and 'su' means water. The mineral spring is supposed to have healing properties. It is a short 10 minute walk from the ferry terminal and is also where you can find the Dokdo Museum and ride the cable car.
This is a must-do activity. From the car you can get a panoramic view of the island. It goes up to the nearby Manghyang Peak and on a clear day, you can see Dokdo.
The large mountain in the middle of the island. At the foot lies rare plants found only there. It is a good 5 to 6 hour (coming and going) hike from Dodong-ri or a similar 5 hour hike back to the Nari 'Bunji' Basin.
also called the Haengnam lighthouse
On a clear day you can see Dokdo from the top. You can have a leisurely one hour walk up a staircase from the ferry terminal.
Here you'll get a great view of Dodong from above, and the southern parts of the island. The island of Dokdo is also visible on a clear day. You can see the platform when you arrive at Dodong harbor. To get here, take the cable car (₩7,000 return) from the Dokdo Museum.
Offers yakso bulgogi and honghap bab.
Here you will find ojing-eo bulgogi (spicy grilled squid mixed with veggies) and another island specialty, taggaebibap (shellfish with rice).
Ulleungdo's first ever airport is scheduled for completion around 2025, but for time being access is only possible by ferries, operated by Dae-A Express and Seaspovill.
Read in the guideThere are local mini-buses that carry about a dozen passengers at a time.
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