Top 10 Korean Islands to Visit

A remote volcanic island rising dramatically from the East Sea 130 kilometres from the mainland, Ulleungdo is inhabited year-round by 10,000 people who produce wild greens, squid, and pumpkin makgeolli that are unavailable anywhere else in Korea. The circumnavigation ferry route reveals sheer basalt sea cliffs and sea caves of extraordinary geological drama.

Korea's second-largest island, connected by bridge to the mainland near Tongyeong, is home to the historic Okpo naval base, the spectacular Windy Hill panorama, and the filming location of the Korean drama Descendants of the Sun. The southern tip's Haegeumgang sea cliffs, best seen from a sunrise cruise boat, are among the most beautiful coastal formations in Korea.

Connected by the Namhae Bridge to the South Gyeongsang coast, Namhae Island is famous for its German Village — a community of Korean returnees from West Germany built in European style — and its terraced rice paddies carved into steep seaside hillsides. The Coastal Road 3 circuit by bicycle is one of the finest cycling routes in southern Korea.

A South Jeolla island whose surrounding waters produce the finest seaweed in Korea — abalone, kelp, and sea mustard from Wando's cold currents are considered premium ingredients by Korean chefs. The island's ferry connections to the surrounding archipelago of uninhabited islets make it the ideal base for exploring the less-visited southern island chain.

An accessible island just 20 minutes by ferry from Incheon Airport, Muuido offers mudflat tidal walks, Silmi Beach's dramatic rock formations, and the sense of complete escape from Seoul that is extraordinary given its proximity. Local crab and clam restaurants serving tidal flat seafood are the essential culinary experience.

Part of the remarkable Shinan Archipelago, Imjado hosts the Purple Island project — a community painted entirely in shades of purple from the lavender fields to the bridges and buildings — that won the United Nations Public Service Award for community arts revitalisation. The purple lavender season in June is the most spectacular single seasonal spectacle on any Korean island.

A tiny Tongyeong island famous for the rare plant species found only in its micro-ecosystem and for the rope-pulling festival that takes place over its two hamlets each Chuseok holiday. The island's connection to mainland Tongyeong by just one daily ferry preserves an atmosphere of Korean island life unchanged since the 1970s.

The most remote inhabited island in the Dadohae Marine National Park, accessible by ferry from Mokpo, is home to a forest of ancient camellia trees that canopy the mountain trails in flowering red in February. The island's fishing village of just 200 residents operates the most sustainable abalone aquaculture operation in Korea.

A pair of volcanic rocks 87 kilometres east of Ulleungdo that are the easternmost territory of the Republic of Korea, Dokdo's designation as a natural protected area for seabirds has made it the most politically charged and emotionally significant island in Korea. Visitor permits are limited and the coast guard presence is constant, making arrival one of the most memorable experiences in Korean travel.

A remote volcanic island rising dramatically from the East Sea 130 kilometres from the mainland, Ulleungdo is inhabited year-round by 10,000 people who produce wild greens, squid, and pumpkin makgeolli that are unavailable anywhere else in Korea. The circumnavigation ferry route reveals sheer basalt sea cliffs and sea caves of extraordinary geological drama.

Korea's second-largest island, connected by bridge to the mainland near Tongyeong, is home to the historic Okpo naval base, the spectacular Windy Hill panorama, and the filming location of the Korean drama Descendants of the Sun. The southern tip's Haegeumgang sea cliffs, best seen from a sunrise cruise boat, are among the most beautiful coastal formations in Korea.

Connected by the Namhae Bridge to the South Gyeongsang coast, Namhae Island is famous for its German Village — a community of Korean returnees from West Germany built in European style — and its terraced rice paddies carved into steep seaside hillsides. The Coastal Road 3 circuit by bicycle is one of the finest cycling routes in southern Korea.

A South Jeolla island whose surrounding waters produce the finest seaweed in Korea — abalone, kelp, and sea mustard from Wando's cold currents are considered premium ingredients by Korean chefs. The island's ferry connections to the surrounding archipelago of uninhabited islets make it the ideal base for exploring the less-visited southern island chain.

An accessible island just 20 minutes by ferry from Incheon Airport, Muuido offers mudflat tidal walks, Silmi Beach's dramatic rock formations, and the sense of complete escape from Seoul that is extraordinary given its proximity. Local crab and clam restaurants serving tidal flat seafood are the essential culinary experience.

Part of the remarkable Shinan Archipelago, Imjado hosts the Purple Island project — a community painted entirely in shades of purple from the lavender fields to the bridges and buildings — that won the United Nations Public Service Award for community arts revitalisation. The purple lavender season in June is the most spectacular single seasonal spectacle on any Korean island.

A tiny Tongyeong island famous for the rare plant species found only in its micro-ecosystem and for the rope-pulling festival that takes place over its two hamlets each Chuseok holiday. The island's connection to mainland Tongyeong by just one daily ferry preserves an atmosphere of Korean island life unchanged since the 1970s.

The most remote inhabited island in the Dadohae Marine National Park, accessible by ferry from Mokpo, is home to a forest of ancient camellia trees that canopy the mountain trails in flowering red in February. The island's fishing village of just 200 residents operates the most sustainable abalone aquaculture operation in Korea.

A pair of volcanic rocks 87 kilometres east of Ulleungdo that are the easternmost territory of the Republic of Korea, Dokdo's designation as a natural protected area for seabirds has made it the most politically charged and emotionally significant island in Korea. Visitor permits are limited and the coast guard presence is constant, making arrival one of the most memorable experiences in Korean travel.