Seongsan Ilchulbong & Umutgae Coast: Eastern Jeju's Must-Visit Gems 2026

Hello, explorers!

I'm Nabongsun, your travel influencer.

#SeongsanIlchulbong

#JejuSeongsanIlchulbong

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#EasternJeju

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#UmutgaeCoast

Visit Date: 2026.09.10

​1. Starting Our Seongsan, Jeju Journey

Even for us, a local family living in Jungmun, Seogwipo, Seongsan Ilchulbong is quite a trek, making it a destination that really requires us to set our minds on an adventure!

Though the journey is quite long, as one of eastern Jeju's most iconic must-sees, the moment you step out of the parking lot and are greeted by the wide-open sea and the majestic crater, you'll find yourself exclaiming, "It was absolutely worth the journey!"

Even in early September, as the crisp early autumn breeze began to whisper, Seongsan Ilchulbong still offered lush, beautiful scenery. I'll share its real-time hidden gems, along with diving into Umutgae Coast, right next to Ilchulbong, covering its location, breathtaking views, and fun activities in detail!

2. Seongsan Ilchulbong Location and Nearby Must-Visits

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Jeju Seongsan Ilchulbong

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Address

1 Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si

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Opening Hours

Nov-Feb

06:00 - 18:00

Mar-Apr / Sep-Oct

05:00 - 19:00

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Regular Closing Day

First Monday of every month

(If the first Monday falls on a public holiday, the next public holiday will be the designated closing day.)

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Admission Fee for Regular Individuals (Main Trail)

Adults ~$4

Youth, Military, Children ~$2

Free entry for Jeju residents upon ID verification

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Public Parking

Free

A spacious public parking lot is conveniently located right in front of the entrance, making parking easy. However, as one of eastern Jeju's most popular destinations, spots closer to the entrance can fill up quickly.

This spot is famously known for its magnificent sunrises, so an admission fee is only applied to the trail leading to the summit, which opens early in the morning.

The Umutgae Coast, right next to Ilchulbong, and the observatory promenade with views of Udo Island are free to visit, so there's no pressure!

After parking, as you exit the parking lot, you'll find a delightful array of Udo peanut ice cream shops, various Jeju snack stores, restaurants, and souvenir shops stretching out to your left – perfect for a relaxing break.

These delicious Udo peanut ice creams are around ~$3-4 each, and their unique nutty flavor is absolutely irresistible – a must-try!

Once you proceed onto the free walking paths or past the ticket booth for the paid summit trail, you won't find any restrooms. So, make sure to use the facilities near the parking lot or ticket office before you head up!

You can also spot the stairs leading up to Dongamsa Temple on Ilchulbong from the parking lot, but I didn't quite dare to tackle those steps!

From the entrance, head straight up, and at the ticket booth, if you take the path to the left, it leads to the free sightseeing course. Follow the path to the right, and it will take you to the paid sightseeing course.

The signposts are very clear, so you won't get lost.

You'll find major Seongsan attractions connected here, like Sopjikoji, perfect for a leisurely walk with its expansive coastal views. Then there's Gwangchigi Beach, where you can snap some 'life-shot' photos with the emerald sea and Jeju's Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak creating a stunning backdrop. It's a fantastic area to explore as a scenic drive course!

3. Umutgae Coast and Udo View Observatory

Seongsan Ilchulbong was formed about 5,000 years ago by an underwater volcanic eruption, making it a hydromagmatic volcano. If you ascend to the peak, which takes about 20-30 minutes, you can witness the awe-inspiring scenery of its massive bowl-shaped crater.

There are rest stops along the way, making it good for taking breaks as you climb. However, the incline is quite steep, so it might be challenging for the elderly or those with mobility issues.

Recognized for its geological value, it's a renowned tourist destination, even listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

Since we were visiting with my 70-year-old mother-in-law, we opted for a stroll along the free sightseeing course.

First, we encountered Umutgae Coast. Since the stairs leading down are steep, we had my mother-in-law rest and enjoy the view from above, while my husband and I briefly went down.

Umutgae Coast, a hidden gem worth visiting near Seongsan Ilchulbong, is a small beach characterized by its black sand, created by basalt, and offers a magnificent cliff face sculpted by hydromagmatic volcanic activity and prolonged erosion.

The rocky shore blends beautifully, allowing you to enjoy diverse landscapes depending on the tide. It's called Umutgae Coast because of the abundance of 'umutgasari' (a type of red seaweed) found here.

This coast offers a glimpse into a rugged yet resilient marine ecosystem. While subject to weather conditions, you can watch the Haenyeo (female divers) Sea Diving Performance at 2:00 PM, where they dive into the water themselves.

Right next to the stairs leading down to the beach, at the Haenyeo's House, you can also savor fresh seafood caught directly by the Haenyeo.

As befits a popular spot to visit in eastern Jeju, you'll find even more exciting activities at Umutgae Coast!

Taking a jet boat, which slices through the emerald waters at exhilarating speeds, offers a unique perspective of Ilchulbong Peak, including its sea caves, a completely different view than from the walking trails.

There's a small pier at Umutgae Coast, and the courses are divided into two options:

Course A: An approximately 8-minute ride circling halfway around Seongsan Ilchulbong for ~$7 per person.

Course B: An approximately 15-minute ride circling all the way around Seongsan Ilchulbong for ~$15 per person. Please keep this in mind!

Climb back up the stairs and walk a little further along the promenade, and you'll discover the expansive Udo View Observatory.

4. Wrapping Up Our Seongsan Adventure: A Must-Visit in Eastern Jeju

While a summit climb, greeted by the magnificent crater, is truly spectacular, simply exploring the leisurely walking paths and Umutgae Coast – which anyone of any age can easily visit and stroll along without burden – is more than enough to fully experience the charm of Jeju's Seongsan Ilchulbong.

If a full summit hike feels a bit much, you can still soak in the allure of a Seongsan trip by simply exploring the easily accessible Umutgae Coast or the Udo View Observatory, enjoying the sea breeze at your own pace. They're both fantastic spots to visit near Seongsan Ilchulbong.

In early autumn, with its pleasant, cool breezes,

if you're planning a trip to Jeju, you might want to plan a comprehensive itinerary

including nearby tourist spots as part of a fulfilling driving course.

Depending on the weather,

indoor attractions like Aqua Planet or Bunker de Lumières would also be good additions to your itinerary.

As you soak in the majestic, hidden beauty of this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site,

enjoy the healing and create unforgettable

memories to take with you. We hope you have an incredible time!