Korea is a peninsula with almost 3300 islands, some bigger than others, and more prone to visit on vacation, but most of them are amazingly beautiful.
Below we made a TOP 10 list of the islands that we think you MUST visit if you come to Korea.
Jeju Island - 제주도
Jeju Island is the most well-known South Korean Island and is considered the most amazing one. It is home to Halla-san, Korea's tallest mountain. This location is breathtaking; you will not be bored. It's the ideal place to get away from the mainland's skyscrapers.
The scenery in Jeju is absolutely lovely, and the beaches are equally so. It is the largest of the islands and offers a wide range of activities, including rock climbing, trekking, natural waterfalls, scuba diving, snorkeling, and more.
Both Busan and Seoul have direct flights to Jeju Island. There are many ferries leaving major coastal cities every day. Jeju Domestic Ferry Terminal, Jeju International Ferry Terminal, and Seongsanpo Ferry Terminal are the three terminals.
2. Muuido Island - 무의도
This island is located just off the coast of Incheon, which is west of Seoul. Muuido is a wonderful area to escape the rush and busyness of Incheon, with sandy beaches, hiking paths, and great eateries. Although getting to the island is difficult, you will not be disappointed once you are there.
Take city bus No. 306 heading towards Eurwang-ri from Incheon station or Dong-Incheon station (Seoul Subway Line 1) and get out at Geojampo. Yeongjongdo Island's Jamjinnaru Ferry Terminal is a 10-minute walk away. Then, for around 12 minutes, board a ferry to Muuido Island.
3. Ulleungdo Island - 울릉도
Ulleungdo Island, located 120 kilometers off the east coast of South Korea, is noted for its tranquil blue seas, rejuvenating mountain landscapes, and magnificent sunsets. This famous vacation spot is a significant fishery on the eastern coast that attracts visitors with its excellent seafood.
Ulleungdo island can only be reached by ferry. On the South Korean mainland, there are now three terminals (Gangneung, Donghae, and Pohang), all of these are easily accessible from Seoul.
4. Udo Island - 우도
Udo Island, located on the eastern coast of Jeju Island, has a unique local heritage as well as a number of natural beauties worth visiting. It's no surprise that Udo is a beloved Korean vacation, featuring Seobin Beach, South Korea's only coral beach, black lava cliffs, and a lighthouse with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Udo Island is accessible from Jeju through a 15-minute ferry ride from Seongsan Port.
5. Nami Island - 나미나라
The Nami Island, renowned for its spectacular views which served as background for countless scenes in k dramas, is situated only 2-3 hours away from Seoul, in the Gangwon province. It is a man-made island in the shape of a crescent, as a result of the isolation of a big portion of land from the Northside of the Han River after its swelling, as a consequence of the construction of the Cheongpyeong dam.
The magical Nami Island hosts cultural events, concerts, and expos during the whole year, as well as thousands of tourists come to visit it. Its main cultural facilities are the Music Museum, the Picture Book playground, crafting boutiques, and the UNICEF Expos Hallroom.
Nami Island is accessible from Seoul or Chuncheon by metro, ITX train, private van, or shuttle bus. Daily shuttle buses to Nami Island depart from Seoul (Namdaemun, Myeongdong, or Insadong). That's by far the simplest and quickest method of reaching the island. You can take the ITX rail to Nami Island from a variety of sites in Seoul. Yongsan station and Cheongnyangni station are the most popular stations.
6. Jindo Island - 진도
Jindo, Korea's third-largest island, is recognized for the Jindo dog, a beautiful breed famed for its unwavering love, and the song "Jindo Arirang," Korea's most well-known folk song.
Visitors may watch as the sea magically "parts" and stroll down the revealed 2.8-kilometer-long path from Jindo to nearby Modo Island during the yearly celebration, that takes place for a few days in the spring. The incident is actually a natural tidal phenomenon, as mystical as it appears.
The island is connected to the mainland via a bridge or a bus from Mokpo, a nearby city. Jindo also has a large number of ferries that travel to other Korean peninsula islands, such as Jeju. As a result, it's a great place to visit.
7. Seonyudo (Seoul Island) - 선유도공원
It's a lovely island at the Han River, dominated by the Seonyudo Park ecological reserve. It's a mesmerizing retreat and a welcome respite from Seoul's hectic existence. There are various wonderful gardens on the island where you may relax and appreciate nature.
The best way to get to Seonyudo Island is via public transportation. You can take the bus and get down at the 선유도공원 station, or take Subway Line 9, Seonyudo Station, Exit 2 then walk 700 m on foot.
8. Dokdo Island - 독도
Dokdo has historically been at the center of a Korean-Japanese custody dispute. Dokdo is made up of two main islands, Seodo and Dongdo, and is largely made up of volcanic rock. This is only inhabited by two permanent residents. The currents around Dokdo, on the other hand, make the surrounding waters ideal for fishing, and it's thought the location may sit over substantial natural gas deposits, adding to the island's ownership conflict.
It would be best if you first traveled to Ulleungdo in order to reach Dokdo. There is only one charter operator that will take you there and back. Pohang in North Gyeongsang-do and Mukho in Gangwon-do are the two ports on the Dae-A-Express. Although Dokdo is not easily accessible, if your timetable allows, it is worth visiting for its cultural value. Ferries leave Ulleung-do, and tours only give you about 20 minutes off the boat, but it's plenty of time to stretch your legs and say you've seen the contentious island.
9. Yeongjong Island - 영종도
This is an island in the city of Incheon. Aside from being the country's entry and exit point, the island has beaches within an hour's drive of Seoul, all of which are easily accessible by road over the spectacular Yeongjong Grand Bridge: The most popular place is Eulwangni Beach. Be aware of the high tides in the area surrounding Yeongjong Island. They retreat dramatically, revealing vast mudflats.
You can get to the island by bus towards Wolmido to Dongincheon Station or of course by ferry with Yongju Shipping which operates a car/passenger ferry to Yeongjong.
10. Daebudo Island - 대부도
It is an island in the Yellow Sea, within the municipal borders of Ansan city, Gyeonggi province. Because of its stunning environment, Daebudo is regarded as the "Hawaii of Ansan," which is well-deserved. You'll be greeted with views of beaches, mudflats, and Daebudo's renowned five windmills if you hike the Daebudo Haesolgil hiking trail.
To get to Choji Station, use the subway from Seoul Station. To get to the island, exit at exit 1 and take Bus 123.
Comments