Ulleungdo: Korea’s Emerald Isle

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As the crystal-clear turquoise waters swirled below, I continued to follow the path. Ahead of me, the serpentine trail clung precariously to the mountain side, twisting and turning along the rocky coast. Water droplets streaming down my brow, I looked up at the mountains above. Like a shy child scared to show her face to a stranger, the peaks hid themselves behind a thick veil of fog.

It had only been a few rain-soaked hours since I had arrived on the island of Ulleungdo, a small speck of land off of the east coast of South Korea; however, when you have come so far, you can’t let a little rain stop you. So onward I trudged, following the coastal path until it disappeared into the forests of Ulleungdo.

Ultimately, the trail ended at Dodong Lighthouse. Standing on the peak looking over the village of Haengnam, I was able to finally appreciate the magic of Ulleungdo. Peering down through the afternoon fog at the village far below, the forested peaks awash in various shades of green, I felt truly fortunate to arrive on this Emerald Isle.

Ask any Korean what they know about Ulleungdo, and you are likely to hear one of two words in response: Dokdo or cuttlefish. Travel to Ulleungdo, however, and you will discover that there is so much more to the island.

Unlike Jeju Island, Ulleungdo has yet to be heavily changed by tourism. Outside of the main village and port of Dodong, the island consists of numerous small fishing villages that occupy the tiny parcels of land between the sea and the mountains. While Ulleungdo may be overshadowed by Jeju’s recent selection as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the smaller island is every bit as unique and enchanting.

Things to See and Do

Beautiful scenery on the ocean-side trail from Dodong Village to Dodong Lighthouse on Ulleungdo.
Beautiful scenery on the ocean-side trail from Dodong Village to Dodong Lighthouse on Ulleungdo.

When visiting Ulleungdo, there are several ways to see the sights: public mini-bus, taxi, or rental car. By far the cheapest option is the local mini-buses, and with bus stops at every village, getting around this way is likely the best option for budget travelers.

In general, the sights consist of offshore rocks jutting out of the water that more or less resemble various animals. Some of these formations are quite impressive, including the Three Angels. Located near the far end of the road, this trio of rocks emerges from the water and reaches toward the sky as if longing to return to the heavens. Also worth seeing is Elephant Rock, which, if viewed from a nearby pier, looks eerily similar to an elephant dipping its trunk into the ocean for a nice long drink.

Other attractions require a trip into the mountainous heart of the country. Nari Basin sits at the end of an impossibly steep and windy road. Created by a volcanic eruption many thousands of years ago, Nari Basin is the only inhabited volcanic crater in all of Asia. After climbing so high into the mountains of the island, it’s amazing to see such a large, flat area. Filled with farms, as well as replicas of traditional houses, the basin is definitely worth a brief stop.

It’s also possible to take a trip to the well-known island of Dokdo from Ulleungdo. Leaving daily from the ferry terminal in Dodong, the 3-hour tour allows you to get a glimpse of the islands that are so highly coveted by both South Korea and Japan. You may even get to step foot on the islands if the sea is calm enough.

Top 5 Things to Taste on Ulleungdo

Nari Basin, an inhabited volcanic crater high in the mountains of Ulleungdo.
Nari Basin, an inhabited volcanic crater high in the mountains of Ulleungdo.

1. Pumpkin Makkgeolli (호박막걸리)

Served at only one restaurant, which sits on the second floor of the building facing the port’s tourism kiosk, Ulleungdo’s famous pumpkin adds a distinct taste to the rice wine. This is worth trying even for non-pumpkin lovers.

2. Mussel Rice (홍합밥)

Available at many local restaurants, mussel rice looks very similar to bibimbap but is sweeter. It’s an excellent way to get some of the island’s seafood on a budget.

3. Dried Cuttlefish (마른오징어)

Available at nearly every store, Ulleundgo’s dried cuttlefish is famous throughout Korea. Like most dried fish, it has a very strong flavor and tough texture.

4. Pumpkin Candy (호박엿)

Also available at most stores on the island, this pumpkin-based candy has a taffy-like consistency. If you are eating this, make sure that you don’t lose any dental fixtures as it tends to be very sticky and hard.

5. Spring Water (생수)

Just below the entrance to the cable car and the Dokdo Museum in Dodong is a small park that features Ulleungdo spring water. Naturally carbonated and tasting slightly fruity, you’ll either love it or hate it.

Getting To Ulleungdo

Getting to Ulleungdo is quite time-consuming. Unless you begin your journey close to the ferry departure points of Pohang or Mukho, you will need at least three days to visit the island. The three-hour ferry ride leaves in the morning from the mainland and in the mid-afternoon from Ulleungdo. Motion sickness medicine can be purchased in the convenience store at the harbor and is recommended if you are at all prone to seasickness. Also, keep in mind that ferries can be cancelled in the event of poor weather, leaving you stranded on the island until the weather improves.

See more great places to visit!

7 thoughts on “Ulleungdo: Korea’s Emerald Isle”

  1. Pingback: Ulleungdo | The Korea Blog
  2. This is a fantastic write-up! Ulleongdo is somewhere I’ve always wanted to go to in Korea but, sadly, I won’t have the time to go there before my contract finishes in March, mainly due to the amount of time it takes to get there and back. Pesky small vacation allowance.

    I had no idea that the island was famous for pumpkin makkeolli! I’m a makkeolli fiend, so that sounds mighty tempting! Also, the volcanic basin that is inhabited actually sounds pretty cool, too 🙂

    Reply
    • I’m not sure that I would say that it is famous for pumpkin makkolli, so much as it is sold in one restaurant. That being said, it was a very interesting, but good variation. I too am a big fan of the makkolli. It is one of the things I miss most about not living in Korea anymore. Thanks for the comment.

      Reply
    • Sarah, Truthfully, it’s been several years since I visited Ulleungdo, so I’m not sure that I could accurately recommend somewhere. However, there are plenty of small, Korean-style hotels on the island. Unless you are visiting during a peak travel time, I wouldn’t think you’d have an issue finding lodging. Sorry I can’t be of more help.

      Reply

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