Udo (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Udo?
What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: Scooter and bike rentals, short hikes, cliff views, and friendly cafes give solo travelers a full day of flexible, low-cost activities. Ferries run often and island paths feel safe even alone.
![[Jeju travel] An island within an island, a trip to Udo](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9YfQDl6F9yE/hqdefault.jpg)
![우도 [제주] Udo Island [Jeju-do, Republic of Korea]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/--Ql0xGMhZE/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Easy Self-guided Routes: Flat roads and clear loops let you explore independently by bike or scooter.
- Free Natural Attractions: No entrance fees for beaches, trails, and viewpoints.
- Local Flavors: Try unique peanut ice cream and fresh seafood in small cafes.
Challenges:
- Ferry Weather Delays: Windy or foggy conditions can change ferry times on short notice.
- Limited Public Wi-Fi: Mobile signal can drop at remote coastal spots—download maps before you go.
- Tide-Dependent Access: Cave entry only at low tide—plan your schedule around tide times.
What is Udo?
- A small offshore island east of Jeju, nicknamed Coral Island, Haenyeo Island and Lighthouse Island, accessible by regular ferry service
- A mostly flat landmass shaped like a reclining cow, dominated by Udobong (Niutou Peak) and crowned by a white lighthouse atop its central hill
- A coastal terrain of coral-sand beaches, black-sand bays and steep sea cliffs interspersed with fishing settlements and rental shops
What is so special about Udo for solo trip?
- Bike Udo’s flat 11 km loop past beaches and cliffs
- Hike to Udobong Peak for panoramic island views
- Taste signature peanut ice cream at waterfront cafes
- Explore tide-dependent Whale Cave on the east coast
- Enjoy free beaches, trails, and local seafood stops
Recommended visit duration: 1 day
Why 1 day visit duration is ideal for solo trip: A day lets you bike the island loop, hike Udobong Peak, and sample local cafes at a relaxed pace.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Udo
Cycle the 11 km island loop:
Rent a bike and ride along Udo’s coastal road past beaches and farms.
Tip: Pick up your bike at Haemokdong Port and start early to avoid midday heat.
Hike Udobong Peak:
Climb to the island’s highest point for a 360° view of Udo and Jeju.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and go at sunrise for softer light and fewer hikers.
Sample Udo peanut ice cream:
Try soft-serve topped with local peanuts at waterfront cafes.
Tip: Compare flavors at two shops to find your favorite twist.
Explore Whale Cave:
Walk into the sea cave on the east coast at low tide.
Tip: Check tide tables and wear water-resistant shoes for slippery rocks.
When is the best time to visit Udo (Jeju, South Korea)?
Spring (Mar–May) brings wildflowers around Udobong. Summer (Jun–Aug) offers calm seas for boat tours. Fall (Sep–Nov) has mild temperatures for biking. In winter, pack windproof layers for cold coastal winds.
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Reviews of Udo (Jeju)
CS Chai
Udo Island, also known as Cow Island, is a nice place to visit in Jeju. It is clean, peaceful and beautiful. Visitors without a rented car, can take the public bus from Jeju City (north) or Seogwipo City (south) to Seongsan Ferry Terminal. From there, take a short 15 minute ferry ride to Cheonjin Port in Udo Island. Remember to bring your international passport along. In Udo Island, we can rent...
JJ
Loved the peaceful ride around the edge of this stunning island.
Pui Yu Chan
This is probably my favorite place in Jeju, if not the entire South Korea. This small island is packed with adventures suitable for all ages, ranging from cycling and sightseeing to speed boating and cafe hopping. The only downside is that the ferry to Udo is suspended when there are strong winds; as a result, I only visited this beautiful island on my third try. Many tourists explore the island...
Shalom
If Hallasan is the most recommended place to visit in Jeju, the second would definitely be Udo. Udo is a beautiful island with stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit destination. There are two harbors on the island, so it’s important to check the time and plan your trip accordingly. When buying tickets for the ferry, remember to purchase round-trip tickets. Also, you’ll need to fill out two ...
Rachel F
It was probably a little overrated for the island. But to get here, it’s pretty straightforward. You can only get here by the ferry (no cars allowed unless you’re traveling with seniors and young kids). There’s a parking lot right next to the port, so if you’re driving it’s quite unlikely that they’ll run out of parking space. Once we’re here we bought the shuttle bus ticket to go around the isla...
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Ferry round-trip | KRW 8,500 |
| Bike rental + ferry surcharge | KRW 8,000 |
| Lunch or cafe meal | KRW 10,000 |
| Peanut ice cream | KRW 3,500 |
| Total Estimated | KRW 30,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Udo
- Book Early Ferry: Catch the first ferry from Jeju City to maximize daylight on Udo.
- Use Naver Map Offline: Download the route in advance to navigate without signal.
- Start at Haemokdong Port: Rent bikes there to begin the coastal loop clockwise and finish near Cheonjin Port.
Map of Udo
Address: Udo, Jeju-si
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