Ulleungdo Island

Address: Ulleungdo (Ulleung County), North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea

Admission: No formal admission (ferry/tour costs apply to reach the island)

Ulleungdo is a volcanic island in the East Sea administered as part of North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, notable for steep sea cliffs and forested interior. The island covers roughly 73 square kilometres and its highest point is Seonginbong at 984 metres.

Steep coastal cliffs, rocky bays and a compact network of hiking trails are the main attractions. Expect marked routes to the summit, coastal roads with lookout points and short boat excursions to nearby islets such as Jukdo; the island’s main settlement and ferry hub is Dodong.

The island is volcanic in origin and was formed by repeated eruptions creating a central peak and surrounding cliffs. Over centuries it has been used for fishing and small-scale agriculture and is now settled year-round with modern harbour facilities.

Ulleungdo sits in the East Sea about 120 kilometres east of the Korean mainland. The island is isolated by open water and rises sharply from the sea, giving it a compact, mountainous profile surrounded by several small offshore islets.

• Size and summit: The island covers roughly 73 square kilometres and its highest summit, Seonginbong, reaches 984 metres.
• Access: Access is by scheduled passenger boats and ferries from the mainland; the main arrival point on the island is Dodong Port.

What to See#

• Dodong Port: The main harbour and settlement on the island, serving as the arrival point for ferries and the base for most services, shops and accommodation.
• Seonginbong (984 m): The island’s highest point at 984 metres, reached by marked trails that offer panoramic views over the island’s cliffs and the surrounding sea.
• Jukdo (islet): A small offshore islet just off the northeast coast, known for seabird colonies and short boat excursions from the main island.
• Nari Basin: A low-lying agricultural basin on the west side of the island characterised by terraced fields and a distinctive concave landscape.

Ulleungdo is an island in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) reached by passenger ferry from mainland Korean ports. Regular ferry services operate from ports such as Pohang and Mukho (Donghae) - crossings are weather-dependent and timetables vary seasonally, so check operators for current schedules. Ferries arrive at Ulleungdo’s main port (Dodong), which is a short walk into the island’s main village and lodging areas.

• Ferries to Ulleungdo arrive at Dodong Port; popular departure points include Pohang and Mukho (Donghae), and sailings are seasonal - book your ferry tickets and on‑island transport in advance during summer.
• Start hikes early (pre‑morning) to get the best mountain‑top views from Seonginbong and to avoid late‑afternoon sea fog and returning ferry crowds; also sample the seafood stalls around Dodong, which many day‑visitors miss.