Named after its resemblance to a cow, Udo Island has attracted many Korean filmmakers looking to capture its alluring natural beauty. It forms part of the Jeju Island archipelago, home to soaring peaks and fertile volcanic soils, as well as fascinating underwater landscapes.
Things to do in U-do
Make the short hike up to the summit of Udobong Peak to find sweeping panoramas of Udo Island’s verdant landscapes and the surrounding turquoise waters. A whitewashed lighthouse sits atop the peak to create what is one of Udo Island’s most photogenic areas.
Udo Island is ringed by beautiful beaches, including the tempting white sands of Seobinbaeksa Beach and the black-sand beach of Geommeolle. Keep an eye out for Jeju’s iconic female divers who are known as “haenyeo” and have long been a symbol of the island’s determination and independent spirit.
Udo Maritime Park protects the waters surrounding Udo Island and is best explored on a submarine boat trip from the Udo Cheonjin Port. Discover more about local marine life at the Udo Museum, which features an impressive collection of locally-sourced fossils.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try Udo’s peanuts, believed to be crunchier and tastier than anywhere else in South Korea. They are particularly delicious when crafted into peanut ice cream. The seafood caught in Udo Island’s waters is also renowned, with the spicy rock octopus stew called “dolmuneo haemultang” a popular local specialty.
Getting around U-do
There are regular ferries from the port at Seongsan-ri on Jeju Island to Udo Island, with the journey taking around 15 minutes. Udo Island is relatively small and can easily be explored by bicycle, while a local bus travels around the island.