Udo Island

A satellite island off Jeju said to resemble a lying cow — this is Udo Island, long known as "Cow Island."

With its gentle slopes, fertile soil, and rich fishing grounds, it draws around 2 million visitors a year as one of Jeju's premier island destinations. It's easy to reach too, just a 15-minute ferry ride from either Seongsan Port or Jongdal Port.

The island stretches 3.8km with a 17km coastline — walking it non-stop would take 3-4 hours, but most visitors get around by bus, bicycle, or mini electric cart, focusing on the sights known as the "Eight Scenic Views of Udo." The standout is Seobinbaeksa Beach, where emerald water meets white coral sand, often seen as the symbol of Udo itself.

Honestly, though, ferry service can be cancelled depending on weather, so checking conditions and ferry schedules on the day of your visit is essential.

For a relaxed visit, taking the morning ferry in and the afternoon ferry back for a full day on the island is recommended, and during peak season, arriving at the port with time to spare is wise since ferries can get crowded. The island itself is open at all times, with no separate admission fee beyond the ferry fare.