Ultimate Island-Hopping Guide to South Korea's Stunning Islands
South Korea conjures images of its North-South divide, the dynamic Seoul (global home to Samsung, Hyundai, and more), and Psy's electrifying 'Gangnam Style.' Lesser-known are its hundreds of islands (do, pronounced 'doe'). Many are UNESCO-protected marine national parks, vibrant fishing hubs, or serene beach retreats. For an authentic, off-the-grid adventure, island-hop beyond Seoul.
View of Hongdo harbour. Image by Tim Draper / Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images.
Jeju-do
South Korea's largest and most popular island, Jeju-do draws beach enthusiasts and honeymooners. Skip the July-August crowds; visit in early September for perfect weather. Spend a week exploring: hike Hallasan, the nation's highest peak, or follow the Jeju Olle Trail's 26 routes (5km-22.9km; www.jejuolle.org). Discover the world's largest lava-tube caves at Manjanggul and unwind on white- or black-sand beaches. Fly direct from Seoul or take ferries from Incheon, Mokpo, Wando, or Samchunpo.
Don’t miss: Udo, a rustic islet off Jeju-do, features black-lava cliffs and a lighthouse with sweeping views over fields and town.
Late afternoon light on hibiscus flowers in Heuksando. Image by PREVOST Vincent / hemis.fr / Getty Images.
Dadohae Haesang National Park
Encompassing 1,700 islands along Jeollanam-do's coast, this marine park is a natural wonder. From Mokpo (former Formula 1 host), ferries reach Hongdo and Heuksando. Hongdo's 6km length boasts dramatic cliffs, unique rock formations, and forested ravines. Heuksando's trails culminate at Bonghwadae peak, revealing the 'marine archipelago' namesake.
Don’t miss: Hongdo's two-hour boat tour showcases cliffside rocks; it ends memorably with fresh sashimi from a passing vessel (Korean narration included).
No horizon (Hongdo island), by Arnaud DG. CC BY-SA 2.0
Jindo
South Korea's third-largest island, Jindo, hosts the miraculous 'Sea Parting' (Ganjuyuk Gyedo). Spring tides reveal a 2.8km-long, 40m-wide path to Modo-ri, drawing 300,000+ for the festival. Bridge-connected to the mainland; buses from Mokpo.
Jeollanam-do, by Mark & Emma Hambleton & Dolan. CC BY-SA 2.0
Ulleungdo
Ulleungdo's volcanic drama – misty cliffs, jagged shores, traditional villages – shines (www.ulleung.go.kr/English). Peaks offer sea-mountain vistas; ride the Mineral Spring cable car or Taeha-ri monorail. Savor seafood shacks. Ferry from Pohang (4.5-hour bus from Seoul).
Don’t miss: A 1.5km trail from the ferry terminal leads to a lighthouse amid crashing waves on rocks.
Ulleung-Do (169), by Bryan Dorrough. CC BY 2.0
Seonyudo
From Gunsan (explore its colonial architecture and Modern History Museum), ferry 43km to tropical Seonyudo – three bridged isles with sunsets, peak hikes, sandy beaches, and fresh seafood.
Don’t miss: Rent a bike near the terminal; low-crime vibes let you hike freely, bike unattended.
Ganghwado
Once a 13th-century refuge from Mongol invasions, bridge-linked Ganghwado boasts Bronze Age roots. Visit UNESCO-listed dolmens at Ganghwa Dolmen Park and restored Goryeogungji Palace walls/gates.
Don’t miss: Bomun-sa temple's ornate art in Seongmon-do's pines; ferry from Oepo-ri.
Ganghwa-do 3, by David Serrault. CC BY 2.0
Where to Stay on the Islands
Jeju-do offers resorts, boutique hotels, and guesthouses. Elsewhere, expect modest yeogwan (motels), pension (guesthouses), or minbak (homestays) with traditional ondol floor-heated mats and quilts.
Getting Around South Korea
Efficient rail/buses link cities; local buses reach villages. KTX high-speed trains are fastest (www.korail.com/en). Rent a car for flexibility, though GPS is Korean-only (learn Hangul's 24 letters). Islands: Jeju-do has airport/ferries; others via regular ferries (weekends busier), some car ferries. Check english.visitkorea.or.kr or Lonely Planet's Korea guide. Language tip: Carry a phrasebook; get destinations in Korean script.
Plan your trip with Lonely Planet’s Korea guide. Book expert-reviewed Jeju resorts or island guesthouses.
