Top 3 Korean Islands Foreign Travelers Should Visit – Jeju, Ulleungdo, and Geoje

When planning a trip to South Korea, many travelers naturally think of Seoul, Busan, or other major cities. However, Korea also has many beautiful islands where you can experience spectacular scenery, unique local culture, fresh seafood, and a more relaxing atmosphere.

For foreign travelers looking for something beyond the typical city tour, an island trip can be a wonderful way to discover another side of Korea.

Today, let’s take a look at three Korean islands that I highly recommend to foreign visitors: Jeju Island, Ulleungdo, and Geoje Island.

1. Jeju Island – Korea’s Most Famous Island

When people think about Korean islands, Jeju Island is probably the first place that comes to mind.

Jeju is one of Korea’s most popular tourist destinations. The island offers much more than beautiful beaches. Visitors can enjoy volcanic landscapes, mountains, waterfalls, forests, coastal roads, and traditional villages.

One of Jeju’s most famous attractions is Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak. This volcanic crater rises dramatically from the sea and offers spectacular views of the surrounding coastline. Visiting early in the morning is especially recommended for travelers who want to see a beautiful sunrise.

Another major attraction is Hallasan Mountain, the highest mountain in South Korea. The scenery changes dramatically depending on the season, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

Food is another important part of the Jeju experience. Visitors should try Jeju black pork, fresh seafood, abalone, mackerel, grilled hairtail fish, and Jeju tangerines. These local specialties allow travelers to experience the unique flavors of the island.

Renting a car is also a popular way to explore Jeju. Driving along the coastal roads allows visitors to discover beautiful beaches, small villages, cafes, and hidden viewpoints at their own pace.

Recommended for: First-time visitors to Korea, nature lovers, food enthusiasts, and families.

2. Ulleungdo – A Unique Island for an Unforgettable Adventure

If you are looking for a more unusual Korean travel experience, Ulleungdo is an excellent choice.

Ulleungdo is a volcanic island located in the East Sea. Its dramatic cliffs, steep mountains, crystal-clear water, and unique geological formations create scenery that is very different from Jeju Island.

One of the best ways to experience Ulleungdo is to travel along its coastal roads. The combination of rugged cliffs and deep blue ocean creates spectacular views, making the island particularly attractive to photographers.

Nari Basin is another interesting destination. Located in the interior of the island, it has a distinctive landscape and provides visitors with an opportunity to experience Ulleungdo’s natural environment and traditional culture.

Ulleungdo is also closely associated with Dokdo, another important Korean island. Depending on weather and transportation conditions, visitors may be able to take a boat trip to Dokdo. Because weather conditions can affect boat schedules, travelers should check transportation information carefully before planning their trip.

Food is another highlight of Ulleungdo. Visitors can enjoy fresh squid, seafood, mountain vegetables, and other local specialties that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Compared with Jeju, however, Ulleungdo can be more difficult to reach. Travelers should arrange transportation and accommodation in advance.

Recommended for: Nature lovers, photographers, adventure travelers, and visitors looking for a less-touristy Korean experience.

3. Geoje Island – Discover the Beautiful Southern Coast of Korea

Our third recommendation is Geoje Island, located in Gyeongsangnam-do in southern Korea.

Geoje is famous for its beautiful coastline, beaches, islands, gardens, and spectacular ocean views. It is an excellent destination for travelers who want to enjoy Korea’s southern coastal scenery.

One of the most popular attractions is Windy Hill. The green hill overlooks the sea and provides a peaceful place to walk and enjoy the scenery. Because the landscape combines the ocean, grass-covered hills, and open skies, it is also a great location for photography.

Another popular attraction is Oedo Botania, a beautifully landscaped island garden. Colorful gardens and the surrounding blue ocean create a relaxing atmosphere that can remind visitors of a Mediterranean resort.

Geoje also has several beautiful beaches. Hakdong Mongdol Beach is particularly interesting because, unlike traditional sandy beaches, it is covered with smooth, rounded black pebbles called “mongdol.”

The sound of the waves rolling over the pebbles creates a unique and relaxing experience.

One of Geoje’s biggest advantages is its location. Travelers can easily combine a Geoje trip with nearby destinations such as Tongyeong or Busan, creating a wonderful southern Korea itinerary.

Of course, food is also an important part of the experience. Fresh seafood, sashimi, grilled fish, and other southern coastal dishes are highly recommended.

Recommended for: Travelers visiting Busan, beach lovers, photographers, couples, and visitors looking for a relaxing coastal getaway.

Which Korean Island Should You Visit?

Each of these three islands offers a different experience.

Jeju Island is the best choice for first-time visitors to Korea. It has excellent tourist infrastructure and offers a wide variety of attractions, activities, and local foods.

Ulleungdo is ideal for travelers who want to experience Korea’s more remote and dramatic natural landscapes. It is especially appealing to people who enjoy nature and adventure.

Geoje Island is a great choice for travelers who want to explore Korea’s beautiful southern coastline. It can also be easily combined with a trip to Busan or Tongyeong.

A trip to Korea does not have to be limited to busy cities such as Seoul and Busan. By visiting one of Korea’s beautiful islands, travelers can experience peaceful beaches, spectacular landscapes, fresh seafood, and local culture.

So, if you are planning your next trip to South Korea, consider adding an island destination to your itinerary.

Jeju, Ulleungdo, or Geoje – which Korean island would you like to visit first?