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Latest update: 15 January 2026
Hundreds of tiny islands lie scattered in the sea off the coast of Tongyeong in South Korea. Some inhabited, others completely untouched. Hallyeohaesang National Park stretches along the south coast and offers everything Jeju has: dramatic coastlines and hiking trails, but without the crowds of tourists. From Tongyeong, you can take a ferry to different islands. I choose Bijindo, a quiet island with a beautiful hiking route.
Hallyeohaesang National Park
The port city of Tongyeong is the gateway to Hallyeohaesang National Park. This maritime national park consists of hundreds of small and larger islands scattered along the south coast. Some are inhabited, others completely untouched. A number of them are easily accessible by ferry, which departs regularly from Tongyeong.
From Tongyeong, you can visit different islands. The closest ones are Hansando, Bijindo, and Somaemuldo. Further away are Saryangdo, Yeonhwado, and Yokjido. Each island has its own character: some with hiking trails, others mainly for a day at the beach and relaxation.
To and from the ferry terminals
You obviously reach the islands by boat. There are two terminals in Tongyeong, so check carefully which one you need.
Gangguan Ferry Terminal
This is the main terminal for islands like Bijindo, Hansando, and Somaemuldo. It’s located near the center of Tongyeong, within walking distance of the old harbor area. From the bus station, you can take a local bus.
Gaochi Terminal
For Saryangdo, you depart from Gaochi Terminal, which is northwest of the center. It’s best to go there by taxi or local bus from the center.
I recommend going to the ferry terminal the day before you want to leave to check the current departure times, or you can ask at your hotel reception.
Bijindo: hiking with views
I choose Bijindo because it’s accessible from the Gangguan Ferry Terminal and because I’m mainly looking to do a nice hike. The little island is unique because it has an interesting shape from above. It’s actually two small islands connected by a strip of beach and a road.
Watch out: if you’re going to Bijindo by ferry, you need to get off at the second stop, not the first. The first stop is in the village and the second is at the start of the hiking trail.
Bijindo is a quiet little island with a well-marked 2.8-mile (4.5-kilometer) hiking trail. It’s a loop with about 1,300 feet (400 meters) of elevation gain. Allow about 2 hours if you maintain a normal pace and stop regularly for photos.
The hike
The first part goes steeply uphill right away. The first drops of sweat appear quickly, but the view from the top is definitely worth it. You look out over the sea and the other small islands scattered in the water. The trail is easy to walk and clearly marked, so getting lost is virtually impossible.
The trail takes you through the forest, past rock formations, and over open sections with views of the coast. It’s wonderfully quiet on the island in mid-October. Well, it’s not very nice weather either, but still. We only encounter a handful of other hikers.
The harbor and the beach
At Bijindo’s harbor, there’s a small shop/restaurant where you can eat or drink something. There’s also a thin strip of beach, but it’s not really suitable for swimming when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Nice for sitting and resting, though.
On the other side of the beach, there’s another eating spot, and I think you can rent canoes, but the weather isn’t right for that when we’re there. I can imagine that in summer, this becomes a nice spot for a beach day. Now it’s deserted.
Missed the ferry!
Make sure you’re back at the ferry well in time, because it can easily leave earlier than planned. We had counted on catching the first afternoon ferry back, but we complete the hike faster than expected. And because there’s not much else to do on Bijindo in drizzly weather, we decide to walk the last part at a brisk pace so we don’t miss the ferry. The ferry was supposed to leave at 9:30, and we’re there at 9:20… only to see the ferry already sailing away. So unfair! Now we have to wait four hours for the next one!
Other islands near Tongyeong
Hansando
Hansando is the closest island and easily accessible. The island is historically significant for the Battle of Hansan, where Admiral Yi Sun-sin defeated the Japanese. There’s a museum and various monuments. Also suitable for a day trip if you want to travel less far.
Saryangdo
Saryangdo is known for one of Korea’s most beautiful hiking routes. That hike takes about 5 hours and is quite challenging in some parts. The ferry to Saryangdo departs from Gaochi Terminal, a different port from where you go to Bijindo. Count on about 30 minutes of sailing.
Somaemuldo
This small island is connected to Maemuldo via a pedestrian bridge. If you’re lucky, the two islands are connected, and you can walk through to the smaller island.
Yeonhwado and Yokjido
These islands are further away and less touristy. Ideal if you’re really looking for peace and authenticity. Do check ferry times carefully, as they sail less frequently.
Practical tips for island hopping
- Bring your passport. You need your passport to buy ferry tickets. So don’t forget it!
- Ferry prices. Prices vary by island and distance. Count on approximately ₩2,700 to ₩19,300 ($2-14) per person for a one-way trip. If you take a car along, you pay upwards from ₩8,000 ($6).
- Book ahead in high season. During high season (summer and weekends), some ferry routes can sell out. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Check ferry times carefully. Ferry services don’t run as regularly, and they can leave earlier than indicated. Arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure time.
- Bring enough cash. On the smaller islands, you can often only pay cash. There are no ATMs.
- Bring food and drinks. Although there’s often a small shop or restaurant at the harbors, the selection is limited. Bring enough water for the hike anyway.
- Wear good shoes. Even short hikes can be rocky and steep. Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are a must.
- Check the weather. In bad weather, ferry services can be canceled. Check in the morning if the boats are running.
More South Korea inspiration
Useful links for your South Korea trip
- Accommodation. Always handy is Booking.com, but compare prices. Trip is often much cheaper in South Korea. Rather stay in a hostel? Try HostelWorld.
- Activities. You can book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. You can book ‘free’ walking tours at Freetour and cool food tours at Secret Food Tours.
- Attractions and museums. For 5% off museums and attractions, use discount code KIMOPREIS22 at Tiqets.
- Car rental. Compare your options at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check Expedia, Kiwi and Trip.
- Guide books. I love the practical guides by Lonely Planet, for sale at Amazon.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Check out your options at Expedia and CheapOair for example.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high phone and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo. Use the code THISIS8469 for a discount.
- Train and bus. Buy your train tickets directly on the Korail site and intercity buses also directly via this site. Some trips can also be booked on
Klook or via12Go . For local transport in the city, you use a T-Money card.
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