Ulleungdo travel info
Ulleungdo is a volcanic island rising out of the middle of the East Sea. It covers just 72.86 km², and cliffs drop straight into the water with a nearly 1,000 m peak right behind. When the ferry docks at Dodong, buildings cling to the cliff above the harbour and squid hang in rows on the drying racks along the road.
Ships are the only way in, so the waves set your schedule. When the wind picks up, sailings stop and you stay another day or two, which is why most people leave slack in the plan. By day you ride a bus or taxi along the coast road to Gwaneumdo, Bongnae Falls and Nari Basin, and on a calm day take a boat toward Dokdo. Dinner is mussel rice, barnacle noodles or yakso bulgogi.
An airport is under construction, targeted for 2027. For now it is 2-3 hours by ferry from Pohang, Gangneung or Mukho, and a full day from Seoul. Prices run higher than on the mainland.
From Seoul (KTX)
- KTX-Eum (Seoul to Gangneung) + ferry: About 2h by train + ~3h by ferry · Train ~₩27,000 + ferry in the ₩60,000s
- Bus (Dong Seoul to Donghae/Gangneung) + ferry: About 3h by bus + 2h20-3h by ferry ·
From Pohang (POH)
- Sunrise / El Dorado Express (Pohang to Dodong): About 3 hours · One way in the ₩60,000s
- New Sea Dao Pearl (Pohang Yeongilman to Sadong): About 6h30 overnight ·
From Gangneung / Mukho (MUK)
- Sea Star 1 (Mukho to Dodong): About 2h20-3h · One way in the ₩60,000s
- Sea Star (Gangneung to Jeodong): About 3 hours ·
- From Seoul: Via Gangneung/Pohang, ferry ~3h
- Best time to go: May-Jun, Sep-Oct; winter sailings cancel
- Transit card & payment: Cards mostly OK; cash for small shops
- SIM & Wi-Fi: OK in town and coast; weak on trails
- Emergency: 119 · 112 · tourist line 1330
- Budget: Return ferry ~₩180k; noodles ~₩15k
- Tourist info: Info desk at Dodong; 1330 for languages