A must-visit destination when traveling in Eastern Jeju.
About four years ago, I came to Jeju for a trip. The moment I arrived, a typhoon was approaching.
Still, my son insisted that we had to try the famous octopus bread at Seopjikoji, so we went. Despite the strong winds and crashing waves, there were still quite a few people around. I vividly remember the sight of a bird struggling against the fierce waves, unable to find a place to rest.
The octopus bread shop was open, so we enjoyed it. I later heard a rumor that it’s no longer there.
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Coming back to Seongsan Ilchulbong after so long, the cool breeze reminded me of that moment, and I reflected on it again with my family.
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Seongsan Ilchulbong
Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as “Sunrise Peak,” was designated as a Natural Monument of Korea and listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2007. In 2010, it was also recognized as one of the Global Geopark representative sites.
This volcanic tuff cone, formed about 5,000 years ago by hydrovolcanic eruptions in shallow seawater, is a classic example of its kind.
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Rising 182 meters high, Seongsan Ilchulbong sits majestically on the eastern coast of Jeju like a giant fortress. Its crater, shaped like a large bowl, remains well-preserved, and the coastal cliffs display remarkable cross-sections of volcanic structures. These features provide important insights not only into Seongsan Ilchulbong’s volcanic history but also into hydrovolcanic eruptions and sedimentation processes worldwide.
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Because it was a holiday, the parking lot was very crowded. Cars moved slowly up the narrow road to the lot. From there, Seongsan Ilchulbong is already in full view, naturally creating a sense of duty to climb to the very top.
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There is an admission fee.
Good news: If you only want to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and view from outside, it’s free!
But: To hike up and see the crater and surroundings from above, you need to pay the entrance fee.
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On the path up, there’s a ranch on the right where horses roam freely. You can try horseback riding, but since we were already enjoying Seongsan Ilchulbong itself, we skipped it.
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The climb is gentle and perfect for walking and chatting along the way. Even if you stop to catch your breath, the cool wind and scenery refresh your spirit instantly.
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Deung-gyungdol (Jingyeongdol) Rock
Locals in Seongsan call the rock below “Deung-gyungdol” or “Jingyeongdol.” Traditionally, villagers bowed four times when passing in front of it—two bows for Seolmundae Halmang, the legendary goddess said to have created Jeju Island, and two bows for General Kim Tong-jeong, who defended Korea against the Yuan Dynasty during the late Goryeo period.
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According to legend, Seolmundae Halmang carried soil in her skirt during the day to create the island and, at night, sat on this very rock sewing the torn fabric by lamplight. The lamp’s low height led her to place another stone beneath it, creating the rock’s current shape.
General Kim Tong-jeong also trained his body and spirit here, sometimes leaping onto the rock and leaving behind a large footprint-shaped mark still visible today. Villagers once performed rituals at this rock for prosperity, family well-being, and the safe return of young men who went off to war.
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At the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong is an open viewing platform. From there, you can only look out across the vast landscape—it feels like a place where one could live freely, surrounded by nature.
Originally, our plan was to hike up Hallasan’s Baengnokdam crater. However, entry was restricted that day due to visitor limits, and we hadn’t made reservations in advance. So instead, we chose Seongsan Ilchulbong. It turned out to be the perfect alternative, as we also celebrated my eldest son’s birthday at the peak.
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The Changing Coastal Landscape of Seongsan
Seongsan Ilchulbong was formed by volcanic eruptions in shallow water about 5,000 years ago. At first, it was an isolated island. Over thousands of years, waves eroded the rock, shrinking its size, while the eroded material accumulated along the eastern shore, eventually connecting it to the mainland. That’s how today’s unique coastal landscape was created.
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The hiking trail going up differs from the one going down. Descending along the eastern side, you can see a beautiful bay, home to the famous Haenyeo’s House—a cultural spot celebrating Jeju’s legendary women divers.
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If you want to enjoy Seongsan Ilchulbong without hiking all the way up, visiting the Haenyeo’s House is a great alternative. They also hold performances, so timing your visit with their schedule makes it even more worthwhile.
When we came down, we saw a long line of visitors waiting there, but we headed straight back to the parking lot.
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On the way back, I tried casting a fishing line near the entrance, but didn’t catch anything. For better luck, I’d recommend the Seongsan breakwater.
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Souvenirs & Memories
No trip is complete without a small keepsake. From Jeju, I brought back a refrigerator magnet featuring Seongsan Ilchulbong.
I feel grateful that such a breathtaking natural treasure exists in Korea.
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Jeju is truly wonderful ~
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