A visit to Jeju would not be complete without visiting Mt Sanbangsan and Yongmeori Coast. These two attractions are located in the same area and can be easily accessed by car or bus. Being further from Jeju Airport and Jeju city it is less crowded compared to attractions in the North like Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) and Yongduam Rock.
Upon arriving I suggest visiting Mt Sanbangsan first before making your way down to the Yongmeori Beach.
Mt Sanbangsan
Mt Sanbangsan is a volcanic lava mountain formed about 800,000 years ago. At the entrance to the mountain are the Sanbangsa Temple and the Bomunsa Temple that hold relics of Buddha.
Outside the two temples lies the huge gold statue of Buddha rising more than two stories high. It provides an imposing presence guarding the sacred mountain.
The name ‘Sanbang’ means ‘cave within a mountain’. The cave is located about 150m above sea level and can be accessed by climbing a series of 470 stone steps. It is quite a steep climb up but there are rest stops for you to catch a breath.
The effort to climb these steep steps are rewarded by scenic views of Marado Island and Yongmeori coast. At the top of the steps you’ll arrive at the cave, the Sanbanggulsa Grotto. This is where the statue of the Bodhisattva of Compassion resides.
Clear water drips from the ceiling of the cave into a small pool inside. According to local folklore these are tears of Bodhisattva. Visitors are welcomed to have a few sips of the water and make prayers.
Yongmeori Coast
Yongmeori Coast is one the most scenic places along Jeju’s southern coastline. From Mt Sanbangsan it looks as if a dragon’s head is going underwater. It is made of stacks of sparse rock built up over millions of years providing a spectacular backdrop to the coastline.
Along the walk by the shore there are Korean women divers (Haenyeo) peddling their fresh catches (sea cucumbers, turban shells and abalones) of the day.
During low tides the walk along the Yongmeori Coast is an experience not to be missed. Check the tide times before you go.
Important Tips:
Yongmeori Coast is closed during high tide, strong winds, high waves and adverse weather conditions.
- Check tide times before you go.
- Ask your hotel concierge to call 064-760-6321 to check whether it is open.
Location
Getting There
If you are driving use this tel no for your GPS: 794-2940.
By Bus from Jeju International Airport:
Take bus 37(Jejudae, Beonde) (37 (제주대, 번데)) and get off after 6 stops at ‘Halla hospital(한라병원)’
(Bus 500 (Wolpyeong, Halladae) (500(제주대, 한라대)), or bus 500 (Yeongjugo, Oedo) (500 (제주대, 외도) also take you to ‘Halla hospital(한라병원)’) ; Transfer to bus Pyeonhwaro (Jeju, Hwasun, Daejeong) (평화로 (제주, 화순, 대정)) and get off at ‘Sanbangsan Mountain (산방산)’. (Travel time: 1hr 30 min).
By Bus from Seogwipo Intercity Bus Terminal:
Take intercity bus Seoilju (Seogwi, Sagye, Gosan) (서일주 (서귀, 사계, 고산)) and get off after 21 stops at ‘Sanbangsan Mountain (산방산)’ (Travel time: 50 min)
Operating Hours
Winter Season 08:00-17:00
Summer Season 08:00-18:00
These times are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
For more info please visit Korea Tourist Organization website
Affordable Accommodations in Jeju
Here are some recommended accommodations right in the heart of Seogwipo. These are in great locations with easy access to attractions in the Southern part of Jeju where all the major attractions are located.
1. The Island Blue Hotel, Jeju is a 4-star hotel right in the city center walking distance to great eateries.
2. Days Hotel Jeju Seogwipo Ocean – spacious and clean with valet parking facilities.
3. The Ocean Palace Hotel is a bit old but the rooms are huge and clean with recent renovation. Great location with views of the ocean from higher floors.
Related Posts on Jeju:
- 9-day Self-Guided Trip to Jeju
- Hiking the Seongpanak Trail to Hallasan
- A Day on Udo Island
- Driving in Jeju
- GPS phone numbers for driving in Jeju
- Jeongbang Falls, Jeju
- Jeju Ocean Palace Hotel Review
- Dalat | Vietnam Trip Part 3 - May 4, 2023
- Danang, Hoi An, Hue, My Son | Vietnam Trip Part 2 - May 1, 2023
- Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple | Vietnam Trip Part 1 - April 30, 2023
Hi KK Yong,
Thanks for the useful tips. Do you happened to know when is low tide at the Yongmeori Coast?
Hi YM, thanks for the compliment. Tide times change daily. You can refer to this chart of the tide times in Jeju.
https://www.tide-forecast.com/locations/Cheju-Cheju-Do-South-Korea/tides/latest
Hi, can I check do you know how long the low tide will last? for example , on 3dec, it indicate 1.59pm as low tide . How long will the low tide last? If I reached there about 3pm, do you think it is still low tide and I can still walk on the rocks? thank you very much!
Yes if 1.59pm is low tide, 3pm is excellent timing as the tide is still very low. Do call 064-760-6321 to check whether it is open. Enjoy your trip to Jeju!
Hi, KK, thank you so much!. Can I check if you remember were there many taxis there as I will be using taxi to go there and after the view to take a taxi back to my hotel. Would you know if there are plenty of taxis out there? Many thanks!!!
Yes there are many taxis there not to worry 🙂