Seongsan Ilchulbong
A UNESCO World Heritage volcanic crater offering stunning sunrise views and a glimpse into Jeju's unique Haenyeo diving culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds & catch sunrise
Seongsan Ilchulbong
Best Time
Beat the crowds & catch sunrise
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage volcanic crater offering stunning sunrise views and a glimpse into Jeju's unique Haenyeo diving culture.
"The hike is tiring but the view from the top is totally worth it!"
🎟️ Summit Ticket Required
A small entry fee is required to hike to the summit. The free path leads to a black sand beach.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike involves many steps. Comfortable footwear is essential for the ascent and descent.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Crater Summit
Peak of Seongsan Ilchulbong
Hike to the top of this UNESCO World Heritage volcanic crater for breathtaking panoramic views of Jeju Island.
Haenyeo Performance
Base of Seongsan Ilchulbong
Witness the incredible skill of Jeju's legendary female divers as they showcase their traditional harvesting techniques.
Black Sand Beach
Base of Seongsan Ilchulbong (free path)
Enjoy a scenic walk along the unique black sand beach, offering stunning coastal vistas without the summit climb.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Haenyeo Show & Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Summit Ticket Required
A small entry fee is required to hike to the summit. The free path leads to a black sand beach.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike involves many steps. Comfortable footwear is essential for the ascent and descent.
🌬️ Brace for Wind
It can get very windy at the peak, even on warmer days. Bring a jacket or windbreaker.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months. The climb can be strenuous and humid.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Summit Ticket Required
A small entry fee is required to hike to the summit. The free path leads to a black sand beach.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike involves many steps. Comfortable footwear is essential for the ascent and descent.
🌬️ Brace for Wind
It can get very windy at the peak, even on warmer days. Bring a jacket or windbreaker.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months. The climb can be strenuous and humid.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is stunning from the top. Allow ample time for photos and enjoying the panorama.
⏰ Check Haenyeo Showtimes
The Haenyeo performances have specific daily schedules and can be canceled due to weather.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Seongsan Ilchulbong for its breathtaking views and unique volcanic landscape, calling it a UNESCO World Heritage must-see. The hike is described as tiring but rewarding, with the Haenyeo show adding a significant cultural draw. Some find the climb challenging in heat and humidity, and weather can impact the Haenyeo performances.
"The walk up to the summit can be tiring, but it is easy to manage with plenty of rest points along the way. Complete the walk by sunset to get amazing views at golden hour."
Shawn Lim
"There’s an entry ticket 🎫 to climb the summit. It’s bit tiring but there are multiple rest points, washrooms on the way. The weather was extremely hot so it became bit difficult 😞 to climb but once you reach the top, tge view is totally 💯 worth it!
This peak is actually called the centre of Jeju which divides it in 2 parts.
Definitely recommended but do carry sunglasses 🕶️ and pther heat protectant 👍🏻"
Anchal Garg
"One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. Unfortunately, the sky wasn’t clear on the day I went, so I couldn’t see the sunrise but it was still an incredible experience. We started the hike early in the morning, hoping to catch the sunrise. I believe that’s the best time to do the hike, though I’m sure it would be a memorable experience at any time of day. We came down after sunrise, and as the sun rose, the entire hill lit up beautifully. Watching the clouds drift past the hilltops was another breathtaking moment."
Waqas Rahman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Jeju City Intercity Bus Terminal to Seongsan Ilchulbong. Buses like the 701 or 101 are common routes. Taxis are also available but more expensive. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Yes, there is a dedicated parking lot available for visitors. It's usually sufficient, but can get busy during peak seasons.
Depending on your hotel's location, it might be walkable. Many accommodations are situated in the Seongsan area, making it convenient.
Walking is feasible for exploring the immediate area. For longer distances or to reach other attractions, consider local buses or taxis.
Absolutely! Public buses are a popular and economical way to reach Seongsan Ilchulbong from various parts of Jeju Island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee to hike to the summit of Seongsan Ilchulbong. However, you can access the black sand beach area for free.
Seongsan Ilchulbong is generally open from early morning until sunset. Specific hours can vary slightly by season, so it's best to check closer to your visit.
The entrance fee for the summit climb is typically a few thousand Korean Won. It's a small price for the incredible views.
Tickets are usually purchased on-site at the entrance. There isn't widespread information about online booking for general entry.
Information on specific discounts is limited, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket booth for any available concessions.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
The hike to the summit typically takes about 25-30 minutes, with additional time for rest stops and enjoying the view. The descent is usually quicker.
It's considered a moderate hike with many steps. While tiring, it's manageable for most fitness levels, with rest points available.
The Haenyeo show features Jeju's female divers demonstrating their traditional sea harvesting skills. It's a free performance held twice daily.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and breathable clothing. A light jacket is recommended due to potential winds at the summit. 
Yes, there are restrooms available along the hiking trail and at the base, making the visit more comfortable.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers panoramic views, perfect for landscape shots. The black sand beach provides a unique foreground. The Haenyeo performing also make for compelling photos.
Absolutely! It's renowned as one of the best spots in Korea for sunrise photography, hence its name 'Sunrise Peak'.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. However, midday provides clear views of the crater and surrounding landscape.
Drone usage may be restricted in protected natural areas like Seongsan Ilchulbong. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for the Haenyeo show. Don't forget a polarizing filter for the sea.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you plan to tackle the summit, ensure children are up for the many steps and bring plenty of water and snacks. The Haenyeo show is also a captivating experience for all ages, showcasing a unique cultural tradition. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Volcanic Marvel: Seongsan Ilchulbong
The hike to the summit is a popular activity, offering rewarding panoramic views. The trail is well-maintained with numerous rest stops, making it accessible for many visitors. The journey up is often described as tiring but ultimately worth the effort for the breathtaking scenery.
Beyond the summit hike, the area around Seongsan Ilchulbong offers other attractions. Visitors can explore the unique black sand beach via a free path, providing a different perspective of the volcanic formation. The proximity to the sea also means opportunities to witness marine life and enjoy coastal walks.
The Legendary Haenyeo of Jeju
Visitors have the opportunity to witness the Haenyeo in action through scheduled performances held near Seongsan Ilchulbong. These shows are a fascinating glimpse into their demanding profession and resilience. After their dives, the Haenyeo often sell their fresh catch directly to visitors, offering a unique culinary experience.
It's important to note that Haenyeo performances are weather-dependent. Rough seas can lead to cancellations. However, even if a show is canceled, the cultural significance of the Haenyeo is palpable in the region, and their stories are an integral part of the Seongsan Ilchulbong experience.
Navigating the Trails and Views
For those seeking a less strenuous experience or simply wanting to enjoy the coastal scenery, there's a free path that leads to a beautiful black sand beach. This route offers stunning vistas of the tuff cone from a different angle and is a great option for a more relaxed exploration.
+1Regardless of the chosen path, visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for windy conditions at the higher elevations. The views from both the summit and the coastal areas are consistently praised for their beauty, making Seongsan Ilchulbong a must-visit for its natural and geological wonders.
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