Seongsan Ilchulbong
Seongsan Ilchulbong
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










Top ways to experience Seongsan Ilchulbong
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
51 within 5 kms
Attractions
13 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,029 reviews
Excellent
1,245
Very good
659
Average
114
Poor
8
Terrible
3
Musings_MJ
Singapore, Singapore299 contributions
Nov. 2022
This is a UNESCO Heritage site and offers breathtaking views. Best part is the hike is easy and takes about 30 - 40 mins to reach the peak. Free binoculars at various points allow you to view the beautiful surroundings. Although this is known as the sunrise peak, we went at sunset and the orange glow of the setting sun makes it even more beautiful. Note that the trail to the peak is closed on first Monday of every month. Must see attraction on Jeju!
Written December 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Louis Chia
Singapore, Singapore49 contributions
Oct. 2022
Going before sunrise to catch the early morning light was one of the highlights of my trip. Lots of locals as well as tourists hike up the trail for the wonderful sight. There is a trail up and a separate way down
Written November 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shubhra Jyotsna S
Singapore, Singapore103 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Family
The walk up to the summit took about 20 mins. No words to describe the beautiful view of the ocean from there. The winds were strong! Worth the climb
Written October 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brittany B
Shinjuku, Japan145 contributions
Sep. 2022
Beautiful scenery, a must visit in Jeju. Some cute shops and nice cafes/restaurants around as well. Plenty of parking available.
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bonnie C
Corona, CA1,560 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Couples
This is a nice Korean hike, meaning lots of stairs. If you have mobility issues then this isn't for you. You can make it to the summit and you will be rewarded with fabulous views though. I recommend this stop on your visit to Jeju.
Written October 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AnLil
889 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Family
Driving to Seongsan ilchulgong at 4:00 along Jeju’s coast, we saw the crater like I hadn’t expected before. It was the most lush and astonishing sight, unlike other craters in the tropics. One person compared it to the Bay of Fundy and Anne of Green Gables (of romantic coasts); Tobermory-like rock formations also added to a colourful touch of Nova Scotian Lunenburg—all-in-one, above a Korean vista like no other. The large “flowerpot” attributed to Sulmundaehalmang (Korean goddess) and General Tong-Jeong was revered—recalling their coupled defeat of the Chinese or Yuan forces at one time. Jeju retains here a relic of its matriarchal and colonized yet nativist past. Up to 360 volcanic crater “oreums” exist in Jeju; this sacred remnant constitutes a UNESCO-awarded site. (Similarly, U.S. Army-restricted Mt. Halla from the McCarthy/Cold War era is regarded with value for its Korean heritage.) Just as locals still leave offerings of carrots /cucumber or food to honour the lost and departed at Aewol harbour—brutally colonized by the Japanese and now Qingdao-commercialized, on the sites of ancient burial mounds; traditionally, locals climbed Jeju heights up to four times daily to pay proper homage to the spirits. Views are spectacular above Seongsan, where many foreign seniors likely could not reach the pinnacle or complete the climb up winding staircases. However, Seongsan Ilchulgong also features grassland with grazing Jeju horses; delightful sights of multicoloured rooftops, and the sandy beach wrapping around the coast, surrounded by gleaming sea. Down the path that forks to the left, at 1:30 and 3:00 are traditional women divers at the water’s edge. Boats depart with up to 8 passengers paying $10 each (or horseback riding is available for the same price), so comfortable shoes should be worn. The sunset at around 6:00 was spectacular—offering glints of sunlight that made the rock cliff (“cone”) shine and brighten the seaside—with Udo island’s oreum-face in the background. In the cove below were seashells and raw abalone on display or on sale with beer for cash. At breakfast, lunch or suppertime on the street or at the base of Seongsan Ilchulgong, affordable “godungah” fish, stews and shellfish congee (“juk”) are also sold at the diner or intersection—kitty-corner to Starbucks. Plan to spend 3-4 hours, on your visit to the depths and heights of famed Seongsan Ilchulgong. Downloading Kakao Maps is recommended. Admission may be paid by credit card, and expect at least an hour’s drive to reach your destination if you are planning an afternoon visit with departure from other areas of the island.
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amy S
Belper, UK38 contributions
Aug. 2022
I am not the fittest of people but still managed this climb with no problems in the heat of August. There are rest seats on the way and spectacular views to enjoy. The peak was well worth the climb - you can't walk all the way around the rim but this protects the crater from human influence which is all-important for photography of nature at its best. I thoroughly recommend this experience as does my 17 year old daughter who was stunned by the magnificence of nature.
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cheam T
Singapore, Singapore249 contributions
Jul. 2022 • Friends
Stunning landscape and views. The climb down to the sea was worth it to see the unique landscape. There are two routes - one of which is free. We walked the free route. Got to see the Haenyeos (female divers) in action too. There are daily shows so be sure to check them out.
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TG
Seoul, South Korea38 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Always happy when I’m here. I want to share my feelings with people who will be coming here. Climbing is a bit challenging
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shermaine C
15 contributions
May 2022
It was really nice and we took a lot of pictures there. you can even enjoy fresh seafood from hanyeo. There's performances from time to time, do check the schedule. You will only need to pay 5000won if you plan to climb all the way to the top
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fiona N
7 contributions
Hello, are there any bike rental shops available around the Seongsan Illchulbong area? We are stationing ourselves in Seongsan and thinking to cycle up and back down the eastern coast.
Hi, is there any fees here? Is it free entrance
Mwef
Orange County, CA18 contributions
Free parking, fee for admission. There were no fees during the end of year 12/30-1/1.
dianatan
Singapore, Singapore60 contributions
you mentioned "Not recommended for parents and young children, because the trip to the peak". So can they still see the women divers performance?
Nurfarhanah
5 contributions
Of course can... But u need to walking with care step.
Mugenboy
Singapore293 contributions
Hello Friend,
We are planning to go in Dec 2019. How would be the weather like & possible go in winter period (Dec 19)? I t would take how long to reach the peak & do we need any special types of shoes?
Kieu N
Hoi An, Vietnam148 contributions
All you need is comfortable shoes. The path is very easy to follow but can be a little tiring if you do not exercise. It's manageable though.
Do make sure there is a part where you will be at a beach area to watch a few ladies dive without gear to catch abalone. So there is a chance your shoes might be sandy and wet.
377simonl
Hong Kong, China
May I know are there festivals on new year eve and 1st sunrise on 1/1 around Seongsan Ilchulbong. Seems theres one or two know from web, but not sure the schedule and details.
Hotel_Shepherd
Yokohama, Japan424 contributions
Hi 377simonl
Yes every year end to begin festival will be held
Count down for new year and fireworks
Some traditional band and dance
You can get free mochi-soup
Pls Enjoy and keep yourself warm
John Lim
Singapore, Singapore
May I know if there's ski resort in Busan?
Rob B
London, UK34 contributions
Hi, there is a ski resort near Busan although it is around 1 hour by public transport to get there.
I is around $27 from Busan and one other station which gives you a return ticket for the day. You can book online. Just search for Eden Valley Ski resort transport and you will find many links to the transport.
Good luck and enjoy
John Lim
Singapore, Singapore
May I know if there's snow ski in Jeju during winter?
Tohmatohs
Singapore, Singapore140 contributions
There are no ski resorts in Jeju as the weather there is generally warmer than Mainland Korea. Most areas do not snow during winter except for the mountain areas such as Hallasan.
You may want to go over to Korea Mainland if you want to ski. Some resorts such as Yongpyong Ski Resort provides shuttle services from the airport to the resort direct so you can easier get a flight from Jeju to Seoul and get on the shuttle buses.
marco r
Milan, Italy6 contributions
Hi, I would like to know if you think that a day trip to Jeju Island in winter (30/12) it's worthly or not.
thanks
regards
JBJ
Wichita, KS440 contributions
One day is better than nothing, especially if you like rugged sea shores. It's a beautiful island and not really very big.
Liyana M
3 contributions
The women diver show is twice a day.
How long do I need to buffer from the carpark to the location of the performance? Half an hour? An hour? How long would the walk be to the performance location?
Thanks.
azlina n
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia15 contributions
From main entrance to the performance will take abt less 10 mins walking.
SEONGSAN ILCHULBONG (Seogwipo) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Seongsan Ilchulbong
- We recommend booking Seongsan Ilchulbong tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 45 Seongsan Ilchulbong tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Seongsan Ilchulbong:
- Jeju Island East Bus Tour with Lunch included Full Day Trip Tours (From C$128.38)
- Jeju Island Private Taxi Tour : 2 Full days (From C$597.89)
- UNESCO Small Group Day Tour of Jeju Island - East Course (From C$171.46)
- Jeju Island Private Taxi Tour : UNESCO Day Tour (From C$305.63)
- Jeju Private Full day tour of UNESCO Day Tour (From C$182.17)
- Hotels near Seongsan Ilchulbong:
- (0.58 km) Seongsan Flow
- (0.65 km) Nice View Guesthouse
- (0.68 km) Domingo Guesthouse
- (0.68 km) Hae Noli Pension
- (0.76 km) Yellow Submarine Guesthouse
- Restaurants near Seongsan Ilchulbong:
- (0.62 km) Sikeul Tamhada
- (0.51 km) Starbucks Seongsan Ilchulbong
- (0.48 km) Greenroof
- (0.47 km) Mango Six
- (0.49 km) Ilchulbong Deunggyeong Stone Restaurant
- Attractions near Seongsan Ilchulbong:
- (0.40 km) Dongamsa Temple
- (1.65 km) Gwangchigi Beach
- (3.77 km) Seopjikoji
- (3.15 km) Aquaplanet Jeju
- (4.67 km) Udo