Udo is a small island off Jeju's east coast, a one-day loop by bicycle or electric car. Its coral-sand beach, Geommeolle black-sand beach, Udobong peak and peanut treats (ice cream, macarons) are the draws.
- Area: 6.18 km²
- Coordinates: 33.51, 126.96
- Population: About 1,800
- Access: Ferry from Seongsan or Jongdal port, about 15 minutes
- Ferry return fare: Around 10,500 won (check when you buy)
- Time needed: 4 to 6 hours
Getting around the island
- Bicycle: about 15,000 to 20,000 won a day; a loop takes about 2 hours.
- Four-wheel electric car: about 50,000 to 100,000 won a day; relaxed and good for families.
- Three-wheel electric ATV: about 40,000 to 60,000 won.
- Village bus: about 1,500 won for a loop of about an hour.
- On foot: Udobong and Geommeolle Beach are 10 to 30 minutes’ walk in places.
Key spots
- Seobin Baeksa (Hongjo Dangoe beach): pale pink sand of red algae nodules
- Geommeolle Beach: black sand and a sea cave
- Udobong (132 m): about 30 minutes to the top for views
- The lighthouse near Cheonjin port
- Biyangdo: a small islet off Udo
Peanut treats and food
- Peanut ice cream, Udo’s signature snack (about 1,500 to 2,500 won), sold around Cheonjin port and Seongsan port
- Peanut macarons, lattes and cookies made with local peanuts
- Abalone porridge (from about 10,000 won), steamed turban shell and seafood bibimbap at haenyeo restaurants near Cheonjin port
- Raw fish and seafood
Ferries
From Seongsan port, ferries run frequently through the day, roughly 8:00 to 17:00, about every 30 minutes, and you can take a bicycle. From Jongdal port sailings are less frequent, and you can take a car (limited in the summer peak); bring your driving licence and vehicle registration. Tickets are bought at the port, no reservation needed, and you need ID.
Staying over
There are more than ten guesthouses and pensions on Udo; book about two weeks ahead for July and August. A day trip of 4 to 6 hours is enough for most visitors.
Tips
- Take an early ferry around 8:00 and head back before about 15:00 to avoid afternoon crowds and queues for the last boats.
- A loop is about 2 hours by bike or 1.5 hours by e-car; with photo stops allow 4 to 5 hours.
- Summer sun is very strong: hat, sunscreen and water.
- Strong winter winds can cancel ferries; check with the Jeju passenger ferry association (+82-64-758-4234) or at the port.
- Cars can come over from Jongdal, but roads are narrow and parking limited, so bikes or e-cars are better.
- Do not take stones or sand from Seobin Baeksa; damaging it is fined.
FAQ
Do I need to book the ferry?
No, buy tickets at the port. Taking a car from Jongdal can mean long waits in peak season; on foot, just queue and board. Bring ID.
Can I see Udo in a day?
Yes. In 4 to 6 hours you can cover the main spots (Seobin Baeksa, Geommeolle Beach, Udobong, Cheonjin port); a bike loop takes about 2 hours, 5 to 6 hours with photos and a meal.
Where can I rent a bike?
Around Cheonjin port, where ferries from Seongsan arrive, and Haumokdong port. Standard bikes about 15,000 to 20,000 won a day, e-bikes 30,000 to 40,000 won, e-ATVs 40,000 to 60,000 won and four-seat e-cars 80,000 to 120,000 won.
Can I visit in winter?
Yes, but strong winds often cancel ferries from November to March. Check sailings that morning. Off-season weekdays are very quiet.
How do I get to Seobin Baeksa?
About 10 minutes by bike or e-car from Cheonjin port. The pale sand is made of red algae nodules and you can swim in summer, but taking any stones or sand is strictly forbidden.
Sources
- Visit Jeju · Jeju Tourism Organization · accessed 2026-10-30
Weather controls, fares, hours and ferry services change often on Jeju, so check official information before you go.
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.