Turquoise coves, green headlands and little harbours. Follow the coast to a different side of Korea.
Our selection brings together 33 islands, from places reached by road to remote ferry trips. The numbers help you browse by region; they are not a ranking.
Ganghwa Island waterside sceneryPhoto credit & licenceNt · CC0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
01
강화도
Ganghwado
History beside the tidal flats
Ganghwado brings together mountain scenery, historic sites and rural roads near the capital. Choose a focused day around its dolmens or a walk on Manisan, rather than trying to cover the whole island.
Getting thereRoad bridges from the mainland.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Pair one historical stop with a market lunch and a coastal viewpoint. Allow more time if you add a hike.
Before you go
The island is large: check local bus connections or plan a driving route before setting out.
Seokmodo autumn salt marshPhoto credit & licenceDltjrrb1122 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
02
석모도
Seokmodo
A quieter neighbour to Ganghwa
West of Ganghwado, Seokmodo is a good choice for a gentle coastal outing. Its shoreline, wooded slopes and village roads suit travellers who want a slower change of scene.
Getting thereRoad connection through Ganghwado.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Choose a short shore walk and a village meal, with an unhurried return across Ganghwa.
Before you go
Confirm the opening hours and access arrangements of any temple or paid attraction you add.
Gyodong coast at WolseonpoPhoto credit & licenceChongDae · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
03
교동도
Gyodongdo
A rural island near the northern border
Gyodongdo offers a different side of the Incheon islands: farmland, village streets and a sense of distance from the city. Give yourself time to look around the village and its small shops.
Getting thereRoad connection through Ganghwado; access checks may apply.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Plan a village walk, a simple lunch and a look at the surrounding farmland from public roads.
Before you go
Carry identification and confirm current visitor access requirements before travelling to this border area.
Muuido from the ferry dockPhoto credit & licenceKen Eckert · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
04
무의도
Muuido
Beach and woodland near the airport
Muuido combines beach scenery with forested hills near Yeongjongdo. It works well for a coastal day when you have more time than an airport stopover but do not want a long ferry journey.
Getting thereRoad access via Yeongjongdo and the connecting bridge.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Choose Hanagae Beach and one manageable walk; leave time for the journey back.
Before you go
Shore paths and beaches can have separate access notices. Do not use an outgoing tide as an invitation to enter deep mudflats.
Crossing Seonjae BridgePhoto credit & licenceLandAndTree · CC BY 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
05
선재도
Seonjaedo
The coast changes with the tide
Seonjaedo lies on the road between Daebudo and Yeongheungdo. Tidal scenery is part of the attraction, and the changing shoreline gives even a short stop a different character through the day.
Getting thereRoad bridges via Daebudo or Yeongheungdo.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Enjoy the coastline from an established viewpoint and stop for a relaxed meal on the island.
Before you go
Mokseom is a nearby tidal islet, not an extra island in this list. Cross only where local signs and safe conditions permit; tide tables alone are not permission.
Yeongheung Bridge and fishing harbourPhoto credit & licenceJpbarrass · Public domain · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
06
영흥도
Yeongheungdo
A beach break reached by road
Yeongheungdo is a useful choice for visitors who want island scenery without booking a ferry. Simnipo Beach and its distinctive woodland make a natural focus for a short coastal visit.
Getting thereRoad access through Seonjaedo.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Spend time at Simnipo, then choose a second coastal stop if transport and daylight allow.
Before you go
Weekend road traffic can be heavy. Check beach facilities and swimming notices locally.
Neungdong pebble coast on DeokjeokdoPhoto credit & licenceLT sfm · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
07
덕적도
Deokjeokdo
Sand, reeds and a hilltop view
Deokjeokdo rewards a longer stay with beaches, reed scenery and the walking routes around Bijobong. It is better enjoyed as a small island holiday than as a hurried photo stop.
Getting therePassenger ferry; confirm the departure terminal and return sailing.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Stay overnight if possible, choosing either a beach-focused day or a hill walk according to conditions.
Before you go
Arrange island transport and accommodation before departure; distances are too great to assume every stop is an easy walk.
Iille Beach on SeungbongdoPhoto credit & licenceIncheon Metropolitan City (인천광역시) · KOGL Type 1 (Attribution) · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
08
승봉도
Seungbongdo
Coastal walks and sea-shaped rocks
Seungbongdo is known for shoreline walking and rock formations such as Namdaemunbawi and Buchaebawi. Its appeal is in taking your time with a small stretch of coast.
Getting therePassenger ferry; the route depends on the sailing booked.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Choose a coastal walk and a village stay, allowing spare time around the ferry.
Before you go
Some shore sections depend on the tide. Ask locally which paths are open and use marked routes.
Sea cliffs on BaengnyeongdoPhoto credit & licenceKorea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Jeon Han) · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
09
백령도
Baengnyeongdo
A remote island of dramatic cliffs
Baengnyeongdo is a substantial journey into the northwestern Yellow Sea. The Dumujin cliffs and the island’s unusual coastal landscapes make it a destination to plan around, rather than an add-on.
Getting thereLong-distance passenger ferry, subject to sea and access conditions.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Allow several days, arrange local transport and group nearby sights to reduce backtracking.
Before you go
Build in a weather buffer and carry the identification required by your carrier. Confirm any restrictions on photography or access.
Jiduri Beach on DaecheongdoPhoto credit & licence백 선 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
10
대청도
Daecheongdo
A quieter far-west island escape
Daecheongdo suits travellers interested in coastal scenery and an island stay away from the main tourist circuit. Its distance from the mainland calls for a flexible itinerary.
Getting therePassenger ferry on the northwestern island routes.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Plan an overnight visit with a locally advised coastal route, rather than attempting every viewpoint in a single day.
Before you go
Book accommodation and transport ahead. Sea conditions may change both outward and return sailings.
Sunset at Kkotji Beach, AnmyeondoPhoto credit & licenceHiHoHo · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
11
안면도
Anmyeondo
Pine woods and a long western shore
Anmyeondo makes a useful base for exploring the Taean coast. Choose between a forest outing, beach time and the changing light along the western shoreline.
Getting thereRoad access from Taean and the connected coastal road network.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Keep a forest-and-coast day simple: one woodland walk, a meal and a beach sunset if the weather cooperates.
Before you go
Check the precise destination in your map app; coastal sights are spread over a large area.
Ongdo lighthousePhoto credit & licenceOsidaj · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
12
옹도
Ongdo
A small lighthouse island off Taean
Ongdo is a small island off the Taean coast, with a lighthouse reached by an uphill path. The approach by sea and the walk toward the white lighthouse are the heart of the visit.
Getting thereBoat excursion from the Taean coast; confirm the operator’s actual departure port and landing plan.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Book an excursion that explicitly includes an Ongdo landing. If landing is permitted, follow the designated route up toward the lighthouse and return within the crew’s boarding deadline.
Before you go
A sightseeing cruise is not automatically a landing tour. Weather, operating arrangements and site access can change; confirm before payment and again before departure.
Gauido’s rocky coastlinePhoto credit & licenceJjw · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
13
가의도
Gauido
A small island beyond the Taean shore
Gauido offers a quieter island setting off Taean. Come for village-scale exploration and coastal scenery, with a flexible plan that respects the everyday life of residents.
Getting thereBoat access; confirm the current Taean departure port and service.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Plan a modest walk near the village and ask your accommodation or boat operator about accessible shoreline routes.
Before you go
Do not assume a day cruise to nearby islands also serves Gauido. Check the destination on the ticket.
Wonsando from the seaPhoto credit & licenceChungcheongnam-do · KOGL Type 1 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
14
원산도
Wonsando
An island stop on a coastal road trip
Wonsando sits between the Boryeong and Anmyeondo coasts. Its beaches and shoreline make it an appealing place to slow down during a west-coast journey.
Getting thereRoad access through the Boryeong undersea tunnel and the bridge toward Anmyeondo.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Choose a beach stop and an island meal, leaving plenty of time for the next stage of the drive.
Before you go
Confirm access for your vehicle and route; do not assume tunnels and major roads are suitable for walking or cycling.
Seonyudo and its connecting bridge, GunsanPhoto credit & licenceAlbam · CC BY 3.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
15
선유도
Seonyudo
Island roads in the Gogunsan archipelago
This is Seonyudo near Gunsan, not the park of the same name in Seoul. Its beach and surrounding island scenery make a rewarding focus for a coastal road trip.
Getting thereRoad connections through the Gogunsan island bridges.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Explore the beach and one nearby viewpoint, then allow time for a meal before returning to Gunsan.
Before you go
Use “Gunsan Seonyudo” in map searches. Check where you can park and walk, and keep out of working harbours.
Sunset over HongdoPhoto credit & licenceSteve46814 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
16
홍도
Hongdo
Rock formations in the open sea
Hongdo in Sinan is celebrated for its rocky coastline. Boat views and a small harbour settlement shape the experience, with sea conditions playing a large part in what you can do.
Getting therePassenger ferry; confirm the current mainland connection.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Stay overnight if possible and ask about a local coastal sightseeing boat when conditions allow.
Before you go
A ferry ticket and a sightseeing boat trip may be separate bookings. Follow protected-area and trail restrictions.
Heuksando’s sheltered coastal bayPhoto credit & licenceGaël Chardon · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
17
흑산도
Heuksando
A larger island journey in the southwest
Heuksando combines settlements, roads and coastal scenery in the waters beyond Sinan. It offers more room for an island stay than a quick harbour stop suggests.
Getting therePassenger ferry; services and intermediate stops vary.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Use a village base and arrange a local drive or tour to see several coastal viewpoints without rushing.
Before you go
Do not promise yourself a same-day multi-island connection until every sailing is confirmed.
A quiet beach on JeungdoPhoto credit & licenceKorea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
18
증도
Jeungdo
Salt fields, tidal flats and slow afternoons
Jeungdo is a good introduction to the quieter landscapes of Sinan. Salt-making scenery, mudflats and the coast around Ujeon give the island a distinct west-coast character.
Getting thereRoad connection through the Sinan island network.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Combine a salt-field visit with a beach or designated boardwalk, keeping the day deliberately light.
Before you go
Salt fields are workplaces and mudflats are sensitive habitats. Join organised activities where available and stay on permitted routes.
Spring fields on CheongsandoPhoto credit & licence라성민 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
19
청산도
Cheongsando
An island for walking slowly
Cheongsando’s village paths and agricultural landscapes invite a slower pace. Its established walking culture is a reason to choose a short, rewarding route instead of treating the island as a checklist.
Getting thereFerry access from the Wando area; check the current route.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Stay overnight, walk one suitable section of the Slow Walk routes and leave time to enjoy a village meal.
Before you go
Farmland is private working land. Keep to paths and ask before photographing residents.
Nakseojae on BogildoPhoto credit & licenceWando County Office (완도군청) · CC BY-SA 2.0 KR · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
20
보길도
Bogildo
A gentle escape off Wando
Bogildo is a southern island choice for travellers who prefer a village stay and a flexible coastal itinerary. Give the journey enough time to enjoy the island after the boat trip.
Getting thereBoat connection via the Wando-area island network; confirm the final connection to Bogildo.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Choose a coastal outing and one cultural stop recommended by the local visitor centre.
Before you go
Check the exact arrival island and onward road connection when booking: the name of the harbour may differ from your final destination.
Jindo from abovePhoto credit & licenceAndrzej Otrębski · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
21
진도
Jindo
A road trip with a strong island identity
Jindo works well for an extended exploration of the southwestern coast. Village stops and sea views are best enjoyed with time between them, rather than as a rushed circuit.
Getting thereRoad access over the Jindo bridges.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Pick one part of the island for the day, allowing time for a cultural visit and a coastal stop.
Before you go
The famous sea-parting phenomenon is not a daily walking route. Attend only under current official event and safety arrangements.
The Bireong coastal trail on GeumodoPhoto credit & licenceKorea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (photo by Ministry of Public Administration and Security) · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
22
금오도
Geumodo
Coastal walking off Yeosu
Geumodo is an appealing island for walkers looking beyond the city of Yeosu. A day can be built around one suitable section of the coastal walking routes.
Getting thereFerry connection in the Yeosu area; confirm the port serving your route.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Ask for current trail advice and choose a section that fits your fitness, daylight and return sailing.
Before you go
Cliffside paths can be steep or exposed. Carry water, use proper footwear and check closures before leaving.
South Sea from Windy Hill, GeojePhoto credit & licenceChoi2451 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
23
거제도
Geoje
A substantial island holiday
Geoje is large enough to be a destination in its own right, with coastal roads, beaches and departures for smaller island excursions. Gujora Beach is one possible starting point.
Getting thereRoad connections from the mainland.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Use a two- or three-day base to explore one coastal area at a time, with a separate day for a boat excursion.
Before you go
Compare the actual departure ports for any excursion; travelling across Geoje can take longer than a map glance suggests.
Oedo Botania from abovePhoto credit & licenceNabinMewahang · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
24
외도
Oedo
A garden island excursion from Geoje
Oedo is a small island visited for its landscaped garden setting. Treat it as an organised boat outing with a defined visit window, rather than an island where you can arrive freely by road.
Getting thereExcursion boat from the Geoje area; confirm a landing-inclusive ticket.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Allow a half-day or more around the boat trip, with time to walk the garden at a comfortable pace.
Before you go
Confirm current garden admission, landing time and accessibility with the operator before booking.
Lighthouse island from SomaemuldoPhoto credit & licenceMobius6 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
25
소매물도
Somaemuldo
A lighthouse landscape in the southern sea
Somaemuldo is known for its rocky coast and the view toward the neighbouring lighthouse islet. The walk itself and the changing sea are as memorable as the lighthouse scene.
Getting therePassenger boat from a currently operating Tongyeong or Geoje route.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Choose a day with enough time for the hilly walk and a relaxed return to the harbour.
Before you go
The crossing toward Deungdaeseom depends on tides and official access. Never cross a submerged route or ignore closure signs.
Coastal rice terraces on NamhaePhoto credit & licenceKorea Heritage Service (국가유산청) · KOGL Type 1 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
26
남해도
Namhae
A slow drive around the southern coast
Namhaedo, usually called Namhae, is a large island connected to the mainland by bridges. The island is a rewarding base for a slower coastal journey.
Getting thereRoad bridges from the mainland.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Stay for two or more days and explore one area at a time, with room for short walks and village stops.
Before you go
Namhae County also includes other islands. Check whether a sight is on Namhaedo itself when grouping stops.
Taejongdae cliffs on YeongdoPhoto credit & licenceChristophe95 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
27
영도
Yeongdo
An island woven into Busan
Yeongdo is part of Busan’s urban waterfront, combining neighbourhood life with coastal views. It is an accessible way to add an island day to a city stay.
Getting thereRoad bridges and city transport from central Busan.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Pair a neighbourhood walk with a coastal viewpoint and a café stop, using buses for longer stretches.
Before you go
Residential alleys are living spaces. Keep noise low and avoid blocking doorways when taking photographs.
Hyeopjae Beach and BiyangdoPhoto credit & licenceLcarrion88 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
28
제주도
Jeju
An island that deserves its own trip
Jeju offers enough variety for a full holiday: volcanic landscapes, coastal villages and inland scenery. Use it as the main destination, then choose smaller-island excursions that fit the weather.
Getting thereFlights or passenger ferries; check the route suited to your starting point.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Base yourself in one part of the island, or split a longer stay between two areas to reduce daily travel.
Before you go
Allow spare time around flights and ferries. Check trail reservations and closures directly before planning a mountain day.
Udobong cliffs above the blue seaPhoto credit & licence제주영상문화산업진흥원 · KOGL Type 1 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
29
우도
Udo
A smaller island off eastern Jeju
Udo is a popular change of pace from Jeju’s main island. Its coast is the focus, with short stops that work best when you allow time between the busy harbour and quieter stretches.
Getting thereFerry from the eastern Jeju area; confirm the operating port and return timetable.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Choose a manageable coastal circuit using an appropriate local transport option, with walking stops along the way.
Before you go
Vehicle carriage and rental rules can change. Confirm what is allowed before taking a car or booking an island vehicle.
Open grassland on MaradoPhoto credit & licenceGrapesurgeon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
30
마라도
Marado
An open-sea outing south of Jeju
Marado is a small island to the south of Jeju, well suited to a focused boat excursion when conditions permit. The compact setting rewards an unhurried walk.
Getting therePassenger boat from southern Jeju; confirm the departure port.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Plan a simple island walk and a meal if time permits, keeping the return boarding time firmly in mind.
Before you go
Exposed sea crossings may be cancelled. Bring sun and wind protection and keep the following day flexible.
Barley fields on GapadoPhoto credit & licenceJjw · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
31
가파도
Gapado
A low-lying island for a gentle outing
Gapado offers a smaller-scale island experience off southern Jeju. Village lanes and open coastal views make it a useful choice for a relaxed day.
Getting thereBoat from the southern Jeju area; confirm the correct Gapado service.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Explore at walking pace and keep the visit comfortably within the booked ferry schedule.
Before you go
Field colours and seasonal scenery vary. Respect crop boundaries and do not enter fields for photographs.
Biyangdo off western JejuPhoto credit & licenceGrapesurgeon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
32
비양도
Biyangdo
A small island off Hallim
This Biyangdo is the island off Hallim on Jeju’s western coast. It is a different place from the similarly named spot beside Udo, so check your map and ticket carefully.
Getting thereBoat from the Hallim area; verify the current service.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Choose a village and coastal walk, adding an uphill route only if it is open and conditions are suitable.
Before you go
Search for “Hallim Biyangdo” to avoid the namesake near Udo. Confirm the return sailing before setting off.
Ulleungdo coastal pathPhoto credit & licenceRaki_Man · CC BY 3.0 · Photo sourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
33
울릉도
Ulleungdo
A volcanic island far into the East Sea
Ulleungdo combines steep volcanic terrain, coastal settlements and forested mountain scenery. The island rewards several days and a willingness to adjust plans around the sea and weather.
Getting therePassenger ferry; confirm the current mainland port and sailing.
Plan your visit
Our suggested approach
Allow several nights, alternating coastal sightseeing with a suitable forest walk. The Seonginbong area offers a very different view of the island from the shore.
Before you go
Keep a weather buffer before any fixed onward flight. Check hiking conditions locally and never depend on a same-day ferry connection to an international departure.
Twelve carefully credited landscapes from across the collection. Select a photograph for the full composition and licence.
Udobong cliffs and lighthousePhoto credit & licence제주영상문화산업진흥원 · KOGL Type 1 · SourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.Seongsan Ilchulbong at blue hourPhoto credit & licenceBasile Morin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · SourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.Spring fields on CheongsandoPhoto credit & licence라성민 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · SourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.Oedo Botania from abovePhoto credit & licenceNabinMewahang · CC BY-SA 4.0 · SourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.Coastal rice terraces on NamhaePhoto credit & licenceKorea Heritage Service (국가유산청) · KOGL Type 1 · SourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.Hongdo sea and rocksPhoto credit & licencejustinjfj · CC BY 2.0 · SourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.Ulleungdo coast from JukdoPhoto credit & licenceGupdaal · CC BY 4.0 · SourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.Sea cliffs on BaengnyeongdoPhoto credit & licenceKorea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Jeon Han) · CC BY-SA 2.0 · SourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.Sunset at Kkotji Beach, AnmyeondoPhoto credit & licenceHiHoHo · CC BY-SA 3.0 · SourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.Somaemuldo and the lighthouse isletPhoto credit & licenceShene81 · CC BY 3.0 · SourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.Windy Hill on GeojePhoto credit & licence최광모 (Kwangmo) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · SourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.Neungdong pebble coast on DeokjeokdoPhoto credit & licenceLT sfm · CC BY-SA 4.0 · SourceFull photograph retained. Select to enlarge.
MAKE IT YOUR OWN JOURNEY
Start with one island.
Choose the coast, the journey and the pace that suit you. Suggested visit lengths are our planning ideas; confirm current routes, opening arrangements and conditions with local providers.
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