During the 2023 hot summer, we decided to visit Ulleungo-do ( named 울릉도 in Korean ) from Hupo.
We will explain you why this beautiful island in the middle of the East sea ( 동해 ) is a must place to visit in South Korea. The neighborhood of the controversial island name Dokdo.
How to go in Ulleungo-do ?
We took the ferry in Hupo using jhferry company where you can take the boat to go to Ulleung-do. You can also takes ferry from Pohang, Gangneung or Donghae using different company. You can book online or your can visit the port terminal to book a ticket for you ( and you car if you want to bring it ). In our case we decided to bring our car ( and we recommend ) to be able to enjoy the whole island. You can choose the ticket depending on your budget, they are 3 kinds of ticket accommodation ( basic, regular and VIP ). We took the regular one because it is just 4 hours to travel. But before we decided to get a ticket, we search some hotel, resort or pension for our accommodation in the island. And it’s a must because it’s usually fully booked during summer. Luckily we where able to get an hotel near in the downtown port and it was also affordable.
After 4 hours of cruising in a big ferry boat, where you can enjoy traditional Korean food, Karakoe (노래방) and of course the convenience store but sadly no more ramen. You can also roaming around the ferry to takes picture and enjoy the see views and if you’re lucky you can see some dolphin. Or if you want relax or sleep you can just stay in your room. But for us we love to do discover, we went to the roof deck of the ferry we sight behind the clouds, the mysterious island of Ulleung-do.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
Our journey began with the excitement of a ferry ride, the anticipation palpable among the passengers. As we disembarked, we wait few minutes to get our car get out from the ferry, ready to take us on an adventure around the island.
The road trip around Ulleung-do was a feast for the eyes. Every turn revealed a new vista, each more breathtaking than the last. We found ourselves frequently stopping to capture these moments in photographs, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
One of the unique aspects of Ulleung-do is its accessibility to the sea. At any given moment, you can park your car and dive into the clear blue waters. We saw several people snorkeling near the shore, exploring the underwater world that lay beneath the surface.
Our first major stop was at the cable car station. Despite the cloud cover, we decided to take a ride and were rewarded with a stunning view of Dokdo. We also visit the Dokdo museum that explains the long story of Dokdo.
From there, we made our way to 연도교, a famous bridge that connects 관음도 island to Ulleung-do. The weather was perfect – hot and windy – a welcome change from the mainland.
We continued our journey, passing by the iconic Samseonam (삼선암) rocks and continue on the coastal road to explore all the part of the island. As the sun began to set, we found a cozy spot on the shore to relax and swim. The day ended with a delicious dinner in downtown Dodong port. We savored local delicacies like ttagaebibap (rice with sea shelves) and Dokdo shrimp, recommended by a friendly local person.
The night was filled with laughter and music as we watched elderly locals sing and dance. The island was peaceful and beautiful even at night. Exhausted but content, we retired for the night in a traditional pension.
Day 2: Sunrise and Farewell
The next morning, we woke up early to catch the sunrise at Haengnam Coastal Walking trail. The path led us to a lighthouse and further on to Jeodong.
After a quick taxi ride back to Dodong, we decided to visit Bongnae waterfall. The 30-minute hike along the river was worth it as we stood in awe of the cascading water.
Before boarding our ferry back to mainland, some of us took one last dip in the sea – a refreshing end to an unforgettable trip.
Ulleung-do offered us an experience unlike any other. The kindness of its people, especially towards foreigners, left a lasting impression on us. If you’re looking for peace and tranquility for a few days, Ulleung-do should be on your list of places to visit in South Korea. Despite its small size, this island is packed with beauty that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
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