Udo Island Exploration: A Hidden Gem in Jeju!

Hello, everyone! Today, we're going to explore Udo, a hidden gem in Jeju Island that you absolutely cannot miss. Udo is a small island located east of Jeju Island, and it's beloved by many travelers for its beautiful natural scenery and the relaxed charm unique to islands.

There are mainly two ways to get to Udo. You can take a boat from Seongsan Port or Jongdal Port in Jeju Island, or you can drive across the Udo Bridge. While taking a boat is a great experience, driving across the Udo Bridge is also special. The Udo Bridge, a 790-meter suspension bridge, opened in 2018. As you drive across the Udo Bridge over the blue sea, you'll inevitably fall in love with its charm, which is different from that of Jeju Island.

Upon arriving at Udo, the first thing that catches your eye is the white lighthouse, the Udo Lighthouse. It's like the landmark of Udo. Built in 1984, this lighthouse continues to guide ships visiting Udo safely. Just sitting on the wide lawn in front of the lighthouse and gazing out at the sea is incredibly healing.

The highlight of a trip to Udo is undoubtedly the Udo Eight Scenic Views (Udo Palgyeong). Udo Palgyeong is a selection of the eight most beautiful spots on Udo. Shall we take a closer look at each one?

The first of the Udo Eight Scenic Views is Udobong Peak. Udobong Peak is the highest oreum (volcanic cone) on Udo, standing at 132 meters above sea level. From the top of Udobong Peak, you can get a panoramic view of the entire island. The breathtakingly beautiful scenery of the blue sea and Udo's landscape stretching out in a 360-degree panorama is truly remarkable.

The second is the Hongjodanggae Beach. Hongjodanggae Beach is located on the west side of Udo, and it boasts a unique appearance compared to other beaches. It's characterized by its red gravel. Hongjodanggae Beach gives you the feeling of being on Mars. As you watch the red gravel and sea dyed red by the sunset, time seems to stand still.

The third is Hagosudong Beach. It's a beautiful beach where the emerald sea and oddly shaped rocks come together. The clear and transparent seawater is healing just to look at. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach and savor the beauty of nature.

The fourth of the Udo Eight Scenic Views is the Udo Coastal Road. The Udo Coastal Road is a roughly 16km road that circles Udo, making it an ideal driving course. Enjoy a drive while taking in the expansive ocean views, and before you know it, you'll have completed a loop around Udo.

Fifth is Soemori Oreum. Soemori Oreum got its name because it resembles a cow lying down. From the summit, you'll get a view that feels like the entire Jeju Island is laid out before you. The wide grassland that stretches out below Soemori Oreum is also a sight to behold.

The sixth of the Udo Eight Scenic Views is Neolmunhwa Beach. As the name 'Neolmunhwa' suggests, which means 'wide' in the Jeju dialect, it's a wide and beautiful beach. The scenery of the vast white sand beach and the waves is truly picturesque. How about relaxing on the beach while watching the sunset?

The seventh is the Herb Land. Located on the green grasslands of Udo, Herb Land is a theme park filled with various herbs. You can see and smell various herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and peppermint. It's a great place to take a stroll with your lover or family.

The final scenic spot of the Udo Eight Scenic Views is Seobinbaeksa Beach. Seobinbaeksa Beach, with its characteristic Jeju black sand, is quiet and peaceful, making it ideal for relaxation. Take a walk along the sandy beach and experience a different atmosphere from Jeju Island.

Besides the Udo Eight Scenic Views, Udo has plenty of other attractions and things to enjoy. At the Udo Peanut Makgeolli (Korean rice wine) Experience Center next to the Udo Bridge, you can taste makgeolli made with Udo peanuts, a local specialty. You can also purchase health products made with Udo peanuts, another local specialty.

Udo Soramaen (noodle soup with whelk) is something you can't miss when visiting Udo. Made with fresh whelk from the clean waters of Udo, Udo Soramaen is a representative dish of Udo that you must try. You can savor it at restaurants scattered around Udo.

While touring Udo, you can also enjoy the thrill of cycling. Bicycle rental shops are conveniently located throughout Udo, making it easy for anyone to rent a bike. As you cycle along the night roads of Udo, you might encounter a star-studded night sky unlike anything you've seen in Jeju Island.

Udo also has various cafes and accommodations. From cafes brimming with a sentimental atmosphere that let you fully enjoy the natural beauty of Udo to comfortable accommodations for a relaxing stay, you can find a place that suits your style.

This beautiful and charming Udo is a must-visit destination when traveling to Jeju Island. Why not create unforgettable memories amidst Udo's stunning scenery? Embark on your Udo journey right now. It's sure to be the best trip ever!