Ulleungdo Volcanic Island Coastal Trail

Ulleungdo Haenam Coastal Trail, connecting the bustling gateway harbor of Dodong with the fishing port of Jeodong, is celebrated as South Korea's most dramatic and pristine volcanic coastal walk. Known formally as the Dodong-Jeodong Coastal Walking Path, this pedestrian trail was meticulously engineered along the vertical marine cliffs of a dormant oceanic shield volcano. Suspended directly over surging turquoise waters and hugging natural sea caves, the trail brings walkers face-to-face with raw pillow lavas, basalt columns, and the untamed power of the East Sea.

The geological and engineering highlights of the trail are legendary. Beginning behind the Dodong Passenger Terminal, the path winds through sea caverns formed by marine erosion, over colorful arched footbridges spanning surging ocean clefts, and past freshwater coastal springs. Midway through, a tranquil forested fork ascends to Haenam Lighthouse (Dodong Lighthouse), perched on a cliff edge commanding panoramic views where the uninhabited volcanic rocks of Dokdo can be seen on clear days. Descending toward Jeodong Port, travelers navigate a breathtaking 57-meter-tall vertical spiral staircase clinging to a sheer cliff wall, culminating at the iconic Chotdaebawi (Candlestick Rock) in Jeodong Harbor.

The trail offers awe-inspiring nature throughout the year. Spring (April to June) brings mild temperatures, blooming wild sea aster and yellow coastal flowers, and crystal-clear visibility through the azure waters. Summer (July to August) offers refreshing sea spray and cooling ocean breezes beneath towering basalt canopies. Autumn (September to November) cloaks the upper cliffs in fiery mountain colors while squids dry in the sun at Jeodong Port. Winter showcases snow clinging to dark volcanic sea rocks and crashing white surf. Evening walks are especially magical: the entire cliff trail is illuminated with soft LED lanterns until 22:00, with squid fishing boats (Ojingeo-jabi-bae) glowing like a floating city of fire on the offshore horizon.

The coastal trail is open 24 hours daily without charge. However, because the path is suspended directly over the open ocean, it is subject to immediate closure by the Ulleung County safety authorities during gale-force winds, typhoons, high tidal surges, or after heavy rainfalls when rockfall inspections are conducted. Walking the entire 2.6-kilometer section from Dodong to Jeodong takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace. Always check the current trail status at the Dodong Port Tourist Information Center before setting out.

Access to the entire Haenam Coastal Trail, the Haenam Lighthouse observation deck, and the 57-meter vertical spiral staircase is completely FREE of charge. High-speed passenger ferries from Pohang, Gangneung, or Mukho to Ulleungdo range from 65,000 to 90,000 KRW each way for standard seating. Island public buses connect Jeodong Port back to Dodong Port in 10 minutes for 1,400 KRW.

To reach Ulleungdo from mainland South Korea, take a high-speed passenger ferry from Pohang Passenger Terminal (Pohang to Sadong/Dodong, approx. 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes aboard the El Dorado Express or Sunflower Cruise) or from Gangneung/Mukho Harbor (approx. 3 hours). Upon arriving at Dodong Port, the coastal trail trailhead begins immediately to the left of the passenger ferry terminal. If arriving at Sadong Port, take local Island Route Bus 1 or 2 to Dodong Port (approx. 15 minutes).

Due to the rugged topography of coastal volcanic cliffs, the trail includes steep flights of wooden stairs, suspended marine catwalks with open grating, and the towering 57-meter vertical spiral staircase near Jeodong. Consequently, it is physically inaccessible for wheelchairs and baby strollers. Travelers with vertigo, severe knee ailments, or very young children should proceed with caution and may prefer walking only the flat first 500 meters from Dodong Port to the coastal sea caves. Public restrooms are located at Dodong Port, Haenam Lighthouse, and Jeodong Port.

Recommended 2.5-Hour Volcanic Coastal Adventure: Begin at Dodong Passenger Terminal → Step onto the marine boardwalk suspended over the crashing waves → Pass through the echoing Sea Cave Arch and admire the columnar jointing overhead → Cross the arched Rainbow Bridge over the emerald sea chasm → Climb the forested pine trail up to Haenam Lighthouse → Stand at the clifftop observation deck gazing out toward Dokdo Island → Descend toward the coast and navigate the thrilling 57-meter vertical spiral staircase clinging to the sheer rock wall → Arrive at Jeodong Harbor to photograph Candlestick Rock (Chotdaebawi) → Savor fresh squid sashimi or spicy squid bulgogi at Jeodong waterfront market → Catch local Bus 1 or 2 back to Dodong.

Ulleungdo is a treasure trove of exclusive island delicacies that exist nowhere else on Earth. Savor Dokdo Saewoo (legendary Dokdo Shrimp—wild flower prawns and tiger prawns caught at depths of 300 meters, prized for intense natural sweetness), Honghap-bap (fragrant steamed rice cooked with wild, fleshy island mussels and sesame oil), Ojingeo-bulgogi (thick, tender fresh squid stir-fried with spicy chili paste and wild garlic), and Ulleung Yakso (succulent Korean beef raised entirely on wild medicinal island herbs). Don't miss sampling wild Myeonginamu (pickled mountain garlic leaves) and sweet Ulleung Pumpkin Makgeolli.

Vegetarians can dine on Ulleungdo's unique mountain foraging bounty: enjoy Sanchae Bibimbap loaded with fresh wild fernbrake, deodeok root, and seasoned wild chives, accompanied by seasoned tofu and acorn jelly. Try Ulleung Pumpkin taffy (Hobak-yeot) and pumpkin jelly pastries. Halal and pescatarian diners will find Ulleungdo an absolute seafood paradise: fresh squid sashimi, grilled local sea bream, mussel rice, and wild barnacle rice porridge (Ttogaebi-bap) are prepared fresh from the ocean without pork or meat broths.

Unforgettable photo opportunities: standing on the curved footbridge with the churning turquoise ocean swirling directly beneath your feet and towering vertical basalt cliffs above; looking down through the open metal mesh of the 57-meter vertical spiral staircase clinging to the volcanic rock; panoramic sunset views from Haenam Lighthouse overlooking the East Sea; and night shots of the glowing green LED lights of squid fishing boats floating like a glittering city across the dark horizon.

Trail safety rules: wear a safety helmet (provided free in kiosks along rockfall-prone sections) during periods of high wind. Stay strictly on designated metal catwalks and boardwalks; never climb onto wet, algae-covered sea rocks where sudden rogue waves can sweep you into the ocean. If warning sirens sound or weather suddenly deteriorates, exit the trail immediately via the nearest harbor access. Do not harvest wild mussels, barnacles, or wild cliff plants, as the area is protected under coastal conservation laws.

Sturdy athletic sneakers or light hiking shoes with non-slip rubber soles are mandatory, as the metal catwalks and stone steps can be damp and slippery from sea spray. Bring a windbreaker jacket, as maritime breezes along the coastal headlands can be brisk. Carry a small water bottle. For daily ferry sailing status, trail access conditions, and weather alerts, contact the Ulleung County Tourism Division at 054-790-6454 or call 1330.

Combine your coastal walk with other volcanic marvels on Ulleungdo: take the Dokdo Ferry from Sadong or Jeodong Port for a once-in-a-lifetime voyage to Dokdo Island (the easternmost territory of Korea), explore the volcanic caldera basin of Nari Basin (Nari Bunji) to sample wild mountain greens, ride the Dokdo Observatory Cable Car in Dodong, or tour the sea arches of Gwaneumdo Island via its pedestrian suspension bridge.

Q: Can you walk between Dodong and Jeodong in either direction? A: Yes! The trail is completely connected; you can start at Dodong Port and finish at Jeodong Port, or vice versa. Most travelers prefer starting at Dodong so they descend the 57-meter spiral staircase rather than climbing it. Q: Can you really see Dokdo from the Haenam Lighthouse? A: Yes! On extraordinarily clear days (roughly 40 to 50 days per year), the distinctive twin peaks of Dokdo Island (87.4 kilometers away) are visible with the naked eye from the Haenam Lighthouse viewing deck, matching historic records in the ancient *Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam*.

Ulleungdo Volcanic Coast & Island Life Day Tour: Morning arrival at Dodong Port via high-speed ferry from Pohang → Savor Honghap-bap (wild mussel rice) for lunch at Dodong harbor → Embark on the Haenam Coastal Trail right from the port → Marvel at volcanic sea caves and cross over the turquoise ocean bridges → Climb to Haenam Lighthouse for panoramic East Sea views → Descend the thrilling 57-meter spiral staircase to Jeodong Harbor → Photograph Candlestick Rock → Feast on Dokdo Shrimp and spicy squid bulgogi for dinner → Stroll the night-illuminated coastal boardwalk to watch glowing squid boats → Overnight in Dodong/Jeodong.