Ulleungdo Travel Guide: Why Timing is More Important Than…

Due to its unique topography, the quality of your trip to Ulleungdo depends heavily on the weather and the angle of the sun. Simply checking off famous landmarks won’t allow you to fully experience the true essence of Ulleungdo—the sheer precipitous cliffs and the profound depth of the endless horizon. From the intense energy of sunrise at dawn to the soft afternoon light dancing along the crashing waves, and finally, the quiet solitude of the night, you need a strategy optimized for each time of day. This guide is not just a list of attractions; we have carefully selected 5 must-visit spots that offer the most stunning visual experiences by considering light direction, crowd density, and geographical characteristics.

1. Nari Basin (나리분지)

The Nari Basin is a land that evokes a cozy and peaceful atmosphere, completely different from the rugged coastal terrain of Ulleungdo. Located within a caldera formed by volcanic eruptions beneath Seonginbong Peak, this plain maintains a unique ecosystem. Many travelers ask, “Is it okay to visit on a rainy day?” While fog rolling in during rain can look incredibly dreamy, visibility may be limited, so we recommend visiting on clear days for the best views.
The highlight here is the experience of walking along the trails. As you walk through the sunlight filtering through the lush canopy, you might feel as if you’ve stepped onto another planet. The area is surrounded by restaurants serving local specialties like ‘Barnacle Kalguksu’ (mussel noodles) or ‘Wild Vegetable Bibimbap,’ making it the perfect place to satisfy your hunger before or after a hike.
The best photo spot is from a slightly elevated point overlooking the entire basin; capturing the harmony between the primeval forest and the small village houses is the key. However, since popular restaurants can have wait times during peak weekends, we recommend arriving early in the morning. (Please check official websites for specific operating hours.)

2. Gwaneumdo Island (관음도)

Gwaneumdo is a small island adjacent to Ulleungdo’s main island, now connected by a bridge so you can walk across. If you are wondering, “Is it good for kids?”, the answer is yes. While well-maintained wooden decks make walking easy, there are some steep sections, so please be careful if traveling with young children or strollers.
The reason to visit in the afternoon is all about the color of the ocean. Between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, as the sun begins to descend, light penetrates deep into the water, creating a dramatic contrast between the emerald sea and the surrounding coastal cliffs. Surrounding these sheer cliffs are breathtaking natural structures, including the famous Samseonam Rocks (삼선암), standing like a magnificent screen.
The observation decks along the island’s walking trails are the highlight of a Gwaneumdo trip. However, please check the weather before visiting, as access to the boardwalks may be restricted on very windy days. Don’t forget to try ‘Hobak-yeot’ (pumpkin candy), one of Ulleungdo’s famous local souvenirs, sold nearby.

3. Haengnam Coastal Walkway (행남해안산책로)

The Haengnam Coastal Walkway is undoubtedly the best place to feel the raw power of Ulleungdo’s waves. To answer the question, “When is it less crowded?”, mornings are relatively quiet, but if you want to avoid the crowds gathering for sunset, we recommend heading out just before dusk.
This walkway is the ultimate course for enjoying both the magnificent rock formations created by volcanic activity and the crystal-clear ocean at once. Since the path itself is narrow and features many steps, wearing sneakers is a must. Also, please note that access may be restricted on days with high waves for your safety.
Near Jeodong Port, which marks the end of the coastal walk, you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving ‘Squid Sashimi’ and ‘Barnacle Rice.’ Enjoying local food while soaking in the lively atmosphere of the harbor is a classic Ulleungdo experience.

4. Dokdo (독도)

Dokdo, the final destination for many travelers to Ulleungdo, holds a meaning that goes far beyond being just a tourist spot. “Will the boat run?” is the common worry for all Ulleungdo travelers. Since landing on the island is impossible if waves are high or visibility is low, you must plan your itinerary flexibly and pick the clearest day in your schedule.
A Dokdo trip consists of ‘landing’ (stepping onto the island) and ‘sightseeing from the boat.’ While the emotion of successfully landing on the island is indescribable, keep in mind that waiting times can be long and travel time is significant. The waters around Dokdo contain deep sea trenches rarely seen anywhere else in the world; even just viewing the ocean’s color from a boat is worth the trip.
After visiting Dokdo, it’s highly recommended to wrap up your journey with fresh seafood on the main island. Because weather variables are huge and reservations are essentially required, we recommend scheduling this for the beginning of your trip to allow for flexibility in case of cancellations.

5. Jeodong Port Night View (저동항 야경)

For your final evening, we recommend the night at Jeodong Port, which captures the unique atmosphere of Ulleungdo rather than flashy city lights. It offers a humble yet deeply moving scenery that is quite different from urban nightscapes filled with large-scale lighting.
Sitting near the Jeodong Port breakwater and watching the silhouettes of distant islands and the flickering lights of the harbor is enough to wash away the day’s fatigue. Especially in winter, enjoying the view with a warm cup of fish cake soup in the crisp air is truly sublime.
Please be careful, as many areas have few streetlights at night and the coastal walkways can be slippery. Many cafes near Jeodong Port stay open relatively late, making it easy to visit either before or after checking into your accommodation.

Recommended Itinerary

Travel Tips

• Best Season: We recommend May–June and September–October when the weather is most stable. Summer can be affected by typhoons, and winter often brings very high waves.
• Transportation: Since Ulleungdo has many steep slopes and tunnels, using buses or taxi tours is much easier on your eyes and body than driving yourself. If you are comfortable driving, a rental car offers the most freedom, but watch out for narrow sections of coastal roads.
• Weather Variables: The key to an Ulleungdo trip is “weather.” Always keep the possibility of ferry cancellations in mind; being flexible with your schedule and securing extra budget/time will save you from a lot of stress.

Preparation Tips

• Use City Tours: If driving feels too burdensome, you can conveniently move between major spots using the Ulleungdo City Tour buses.
• Transport Passes & Reservations: Ferry tickets to Dokdo have a high chance of being canceled on the day due to weather. It is essential to make online reservations in advance and double-check them at the pier.