Oedolgae Rock

A 20m rock pillar standing alone on the sea as if guarding the open ocean — this is Oedolgae in Seogwipo.

About 1.5 million years ago, lava that flowed out during a volcanic eruption hardened, and over ages the waves and wind wore away everything around it until only this hard pillar remained standing alone. True to its name — "the rock (dolgae) that stands apart, alone (oe)" — its solitary figure on the wide sea is striking.

Walking the coastal path that loops around Oedolgae, the black cliffs lined up like a folding screen, the deep-blue sea, and the lone rock upon it make a different picture from every angle.

For Koreans, Oedolgae is a symbol of Seogwipo's coastal scenery and widely known as a location for popular dramas and variety shows.

Honestly, though, you can't climb the rock itself or go right beneath it — you view it from the path — and on the cliffside trail, windy days can feel a bit precarious.

The loveliest time is at sunset, when the rock's silhouette rises against the backlight, so visit in the late afternoon, and walking on to the connected Dombenang-gil coastal path lets you take in the Seogwipo sea in full.

The coastal path is open at all times, and admission is free.