- Udo Island is a 15-minute ferry ride from Seongsan Port — last ferry back departs at 18:00.
- Tourist cars are not permitted; rent a bike, electric scooter, or golf cart on the island (from 10,000 KRW/hr).
- The island loop is 17.7 km and takes 2–3 hours by bike or 1 hour by electric scooter.
- Best combined with a morning visit to Seongsan Ilchulbong: arrive by 07:00, summit by 08:30, catch the 10:00 ferry to Udo.
- Don't miss Udo's famous ttang kong (peanut) ice cream — a local specialty sold island-wide for 3,000–4,000 KRW.
Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Jeju's eastern coast, Udo Island is one of South Korea's most rewarding and easily accessible island day trips. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, four distinct beaches, dramatic black lava cliffs, and an unhurried pace that feels worlds away from Jeju City, Udo rewards visitors who build it into their itinerary. This guide covers everything you need for the perfect Udo Island day trip from Jeju — ferries, transport on the island, the best beaches, food, and how to combine Udo with nearby Jeju's top attractions in a single unforgettable day.
Getting to Udo Island: Ferries from Seongsan Port
The only way to reach Udo Island is by ferry from Seongsan Port (성산항), located at the base of Seongsan Ilchulbong on Jeju's eastern tip. The crossing takes approximately 15 minutes. Two ferry companies operate the route — Seongsan Udo Ferry and Udo Haewoon Ferry — with departures roughly every 30 minutes.
| Detail | Information (2026) |
|---|---|
| First ferry from Seongsan | 07:30 (summer Mar–Oct); 08:00 (winter Nov–Feb) |
| Last ferry from Seongsan | 17:30 (summer); 17:00 (winter) |
| Last ferry back from Udo | 18:00 (summer); 17:30 (winter) |
| Crossing time | ~15 minutes each way |
| Adult round-trip ticket | 7,700 KRW (~$5.70 USD) |
| Child round-trip ticket | 3,850 KRW (~$2.85 USD) |
| Ticket purchase | At the port ticket office; no advance booking needed for foot passengers |
| Port address | 21 Ilodongseo-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo |
Pro Tip: Arrive at the port 20–30 minutes before your intended ferry. During peak season (July–August and Korean public holidays), queues for tickets can be long and boats fill quickly. The 08:00–09:00 departures are the least crowded.
Getting to Seongsan Port from Jeju City
- By bus: Bus 201 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal takes approximately 1 hour to Seongsan Port (1,850 KRW).
- By rental car: About 55–65 minutes via Route 12. Paid parking is available near the port (2,000–3,000 KRW/hour).
- By taxi: Approximately 45,000–55,000 KRW one way.
For the full transport picture across Jeju, see our Jeju transportation guide.
Getting Around Udo Island
Private tourist cars are not permitted on Udo Island — which is a big part of what keeps it peaceful. Your options are:
| Transport Type | Cost (2026) | Island Loop Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycle (standard) | 10,000–12,000 KRW/hr | 2.5–3.5 hours | Active travelers, budget option |
| Electric bicycle | 15,000–18,000 KRW/hr | 2–2.5 hours | Moderate fitness; easier on hills |
| Electric scooter (2-person) | 20,000–25,000 KRW/hr | 1–1.5 hours | Couples; fastest island loop |
| Golf cart (4-person) | 50,000–60,000 KRW/hr | 1–1.5 hours | Families; accessibility needs |
| Tour bus (scheduled) | 5,000 KRW flat | Fixed stops only | Convenience; no riding required |
Rental shops are clustered at both ferry ports — Cheonjin Port (main) and Haumok Port (secondary). Most shops open at 08:00 and require a photo ID for electric vehicles. The full island loop road is 17.7 km and is clearly signed.
The Four Beaches of Udo Island
Udo has four distinct beaches, each with a different character. Visiting all four in a day is easily achievable by bike or scooter.
1. Seopjikoji Beach (서빈백사) — Coral Sand Beach
The island's most photographed spot, Seopjikoji is remarkable for its white coral sand — not typical sand, but crushed coral fragments that give it an almost pure-white appearance and soft texture underfoot. The beach faces northeast toward the open ocean and the silhouette of Seongsan Ilchulbong across the water. Swimming is generally safe here in summer. For more on Jeju's natural wonders, see our guide to exploring Jeju's natural beauty.
2. Wujido Beach (우도봉 해안) — Black Lava Coast
On the island's eastern edge, Wujido contrasts dramatically with the white coral beach. Black volcanic rocks form natural tide pools teeming with small marine life. It's better for exploration and photography than swimming. The adjacent lighthouse hill (Udo Peak, 132 m) offers the best panoramic view of the entire island.
3. Hamaengi Beach (하고수동 해수욕장)
The most popular swimming beach on Udo, with calmer, shallower water than Seopjikoji. This beach has full facilities — changing rooms, showers, and food stalls — making it the best choice for families. Water visibility is excellent: 5–8 metres on calm days during peak season.
4. Bibyang — Sunset View Point
A smaller, quieter beach on the western side of the island. Less visited than the others and best experienced in the late afternoon when the light turns golden. No swimming facilities, but ideal for a final peaceful stop before catching the return ferry.
Udo Island Food: The Peanut Everything Guide
🌟 Local Expert Tip: Get the most out of your Seoul visit with guided tours!
Udo Island is synonymous with ttang kong (땅콩, peanuts). The island's volcanic soil produces exceptionally sweet, earthy peanuts, and local vendors have transformed them into an entire food culture.
- Peanut ice cream (땅콩 아이스크림): Served in a cone with crushed peanut topping. Approximately 3,000–4,000 KRW. Every second stall sells this.
- Peanut makgeolli (막걸리): A milky rice wine brewed with peanuts — nutty, lightly carbonated, and unique to Udo. Around 5,000 KRW per bottle.
- Peanut noodles (땅콩 국수): Cold noodles in a peanut-based sauce. A full meal for 8,000–10,000 KRW.
- Fresh seafood: Haenyeo-caught abalone (전복) and sea urchin (성게) served raw or in bibimbap at restaurants near the port. Abalone bibimbap runs 15,000–20,000 KRW.
For a broader guide to eating in Jeju, our Jeju culinary guide covers must-try dishes island-wide.
The Seongsan + Udo Combo: One-Day Itinerary
The most popular way to experience both Seongsan Ilchulbong and Udo Island in a single day. Here's the timing that works:
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Arrive at Seongsan Ilchulbong | Entry gate opens at 07:00; beat the crowds |
| 07:00–08:30 | Hike Seongsan Ilchulbong | 30-min ascent; allow 1.5 hrs total |
| 08:30–09:30 | Breakfast near Seongsan Port | Multiple cafes/restaurants open from 08:00 |
| 10:00 | Ferry to Udo Island | Buy tickets at the port 20 min early |
| 10:15–14:30 | Explore Udo Island | Rent bike or scooter; visit all 4 beaches |
| 14:30–15:30 | Lunch on Udo (peanut specialties) | Restaurants near Cheonjin Port |
| 15:30–16:00 | Udo Peak optional hike | 132 m; 20-min walk for panoramic views |
| 16:30 | Return ferry to Seongsan | Allow buffer; last ferry 18:00 |
| 17:00+ | Drive west or return to Jeju City | ~60 min to Jeju City |
This combo is one of the highlights featured in our guide to Jeju's top must-see attractions, and works perfectly as Day 2 of a longer Jeju trip.
Best Time to Visit Udo Island
Udo is a year-round destination, but each season has trade-offs. For full seasonal guidance across all Jeju activities, see our Jeju seasonal highlights guide.
- April–June: Best overall. Comfortable temperatures (15–23°C), manageable crowds, yellow canola flowers near Seongsan in April.
- July–August: Peak summer. Water warmest for swimming (24–27°C) but expect heavy crowds, especially on Korean public holidays.
- September–November: Second-best window. Crowds thin, light is golden, peanut harvest peaks in September. Slightly cooler for swimming but ideal for cycling.
- December–February: Quietest period. Average temperatures 6–10°C. Most rental shops remain open; ferry schedule slightly reduced. Peaceful and uncrowded.
Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 4–6 hours on the island; full day with Seongsan combo |
| Admission to island | Free (ferry ticket only) |
| ATMs | Available near Cheonjin Port; bring cash for smaller stalls |
| Accessibility | Tour bus available for those who cannot cycle; beach access is uneven in places |
| Wi-Fi | Limited on the island; download offline maps (Naver Maps or KakaoMap) before boarding |
| Luggage storage | Lockers available at Seongsan Port (2,000 KRW) — leave bags before taking the ferry |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do Udo Island as a day trip from Jeju City?
How long is the ferry from Seongsan to Udo Island?
Can I bring a car to Udo Island?
What is Udo Island famous for?
How much does an Udo Island day trip cost?
Is Udo Island worth visiting?
An Udo Island day trip from Jeju is one of the simplest and most rewarding additions to any Jeju itinerary. With a 15-minute ferry crossing (7,700 KRW round-trip), no cars on the island, and a 17.7 km loop you can complete by bike in under 3 hours, Udo punches well above its size. Pair it with an early morning at Seongsan Ilchulbong, fuel up on peanut ice cream, and you'll have one of the best days of your South Korea trip. Ready to build the rest of your Jeju adventure? Create a custom Jeju itinerary with our free planner.