Island Hopping in Korea: Complete Guide to Jeju, Nami, and Ulleungdo

Korea’s geography is defined by its peninsula nature, but its true scenic diversity lies in its islands. For international travelers, "island hopping" in Korea doesn't typically mean a single boat ride connecting archipelago points; rather, it involves distinct journeys to three radically different environments: the river-bound romance of Nami Island, the volcanic vacation capital of Jeju Island, and the mysterious, rugged frontier of Ulleungdo.

The short answer: Nami Island is an easy day trip from Seoul accessible by train/zipline (1.5 hours); Jeju is a fly-to destination requiring at least 3-4 days (1-hour flight); Ulleungdo is an adventurous remote island requiring a 3+ hour ferry from the east coast, best suited for experienced travelers.

1. Nami Island (Namiseom): The Accessible Day Trip

Located just 63 kilometers from Seoul in the middle of the Han River, Nami Island is technically a river island formed by the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam. It is the most accessible "island" experience for travelers based in the capital. Famous as the filming location for Winter Sonata, it has rebranded itself as the "Nami Republic," complete with its own passport and currency, adding a whimsical layer to the visit.

Getting There: The Journey is Half the Fun

To reach Nami Island, you first need to get to Gapyeong Station. The most efficient method is the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan Station in Seoul.

What to Do and See

Nami Island is small enough to walk around in about 2-3 hours. The central Metasequoia Lane is the iconic photo spot. In 2026, entry fees (called "Visa Fees") are ₩16,000 for general admission, which includes the round-trip ferry.

If you visit during October or November, the foliage is spectacular. For those interested in seasonal changes, check our guide on autumn colors and hiking spots.

Dining Near Nami

You cannot visit this region without eating Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken). The wharf area is packed with restaurants.

For a deeper dive into this dish, read about the Chuncheon Dakgalbi Street, located just a few train stops away.

2. Jeju Island: The Hawaii of Korea

Jeju is Korea’s largest island and a semi-autonomous province. Unlike Nami, this is a full vacation destination. It boasts a distinct dialect, cuisine, and volcanic landscape recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

Getting There: The World's Busiest Air Route

The route between Seoul (Gimpo Airport - GMP) and Jeju (CJU) is consistently the busiest air route in the world. Flights depart every 5 to 10 minutes.

• Average Cost: ₩45,000 (weekday budget) to ₩140,000 (weekend premium).
• Flight Time: 60-70 minutes.
• Ferry Option: You can take a ferry from Mokpo or Wando (southern mainland), which allows you to bring a car, but for most international travelers, flying is far more time-efficient.

Navigating the Island

Jeju is massive—73 kilometers from east to west. Public transport exists but can be slow. Renting a car is highly recommended. If you don't drive, consider hiring a taxi for a day (approx ₩150,000 - ₩180,000 for 8 hours).

Where to Stay: North vs. South

Jeju is generally divided into Jeju City (North, near airport, urban) and Seogwipo (South, resort vibes, warmer, nature-focused).

Must-Visit Spots on Jeju

1. Hallasan Mountain: The center of the island. Hiking to the summit requires a reservation (free, but mandatory) made weeks in advance.
2. Seongsan Ilchulbong: The "Sunrise Peak" in the east.
3. Udo Island: An island off the east coast of Jeju. Famous for peanut ice cream and electric bikes. This is "island hopping within island hopping."

For those interested in exploring on two wheels, check out our guide on bicycle rental systems.

Food Scene

Jeju is famous for Black Pork (Heuk-dwaeji) and fresh seafood. A meal of premium grilled black pork will cost approximately ₩60,000 - ₩80,000 for two people.

3. Ulleungdo: The Mysterious Frontier

If Jeju is Hawaii, Ulleungdo is Iceland or the Faroe Islands of Korea. Located 120km off the east coast, it is a stratovolcano rising steeply from the sea. Until recently, it was very difficult to access, preserving its pristine, rugged beauty. It attracts hikers, adventure seekers, and those looking for "raw" Korea.

Getting There: The Challenge

There is no airport yet (one is under construction, slated for late 2026/2027 opening). You must take a ferry.

• From Pohang: The New Santa Monica (fast ferry, 2.5 hrs) or the Ulleung Cruise (large cruise ship, 6.5 hrs, overnight).
• From Gangneung/Mukho: Fast ferries (approx 3 hours).
• Cost: One-way tickets range from ₩65,000 to ₩90,000 depending on the vessel and seat class.

Why Go? The "Dualism" of Comfort and Wildness

Ulleungdo offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in East Asia. The seaside walking paths cut directly into cliffs.

The Seasickness Factor

The East Sea can be rough. The smaller fast ferries are notorious for causing seasickness (locals call it the "vomit comet" in bad weather). Recommendation: Take the Ulleung Cruise from Pohang if you have a weak stomach. It is a massive ship (nearly 20,000 tons) that barely rocks, even in choppy water. It usually departs Pohang around midnight and arrives at 6:00 AM.

Connectivity

While remote, LTE/5G works well in towns but can be spotty on hiking trails. Ensure you have a reliable connection. See our guide on best Korea SIM cards.

Comparative Analysis: Choosing Your Island

For travelers with limited time, choosing between these three is difficult. Here is a direct comparison to help you decide.

Sample 10-Day "Grand Island" Itinerary

If you are determined to see all three (or at least Nami and Jeju), here is a feasible schedule. Note that fitting Ulleungdo in requires dropping Seoul time significantly.

Essential Travel Logistics

Booking Tools

• Flights: SkyeScanner or Naver Flights (often cheaper for domestic).
• Trains: Korail Talk App (English available).
• Ferries: "Googoizing" (requires Korean skill usually) or purchase at terminals. For Ulleungdo, agencies like Wonderful Islands cater to foreigners.
• Navigation: Naver Map is mandatory. Google Maps does not work well for walking or driving directions in Korea.

Seasonal Considerations

• Summer (July-Aug): Nami is hot; Jeju is crowded and expensive; Ulleungdo is beautiful but ferries may cancel due to typhoons.
• Fall (Oct-Nov): The best time for all three. Stable seas, cool air, red leaves.
• Winter (Dec-Feb): Nami is snowy and romantic; Jeju is windy (flights often delayed); Ulleungdo gets massive snow (sometimes 1 meter+) and ferries often stop running for days.

For a month-by-month breakdown, refer to our guide on the best time to visit Korea.

Pros and Cons of Island Hopping in Korea

Final Thoughts

"Island Hopping" in Korea is less about jumping on a boat for a day and more about experiencing distinct chapters of Korean geography. Nami offers a curated, bite-sized taste of nature near the city. Jeju provides a world-class resort and road-trip experience comparable to any major global destination. Ulleungdo remains the prize for the dedicated traveler—a place where the jagged cliffs meet the deep blue East Sea, offering a solitude that is hard to find on the mainland.

Whether you choose the quick romance of Nami or the multi-day expedition to Ulleungdo, ensure your digital connectivity is sorted and your navigation apps are installed.