Geoje Island Busan
South Korea's second-largest island, offering stunning coastal scenery, unique attractions like Windy Hill, and delicious seafood.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Geoje Island Busan
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
South Korea's second-largest island, offering stunning coastal scenery, unique attractions like Windy Hill, and delicious seafood.
"One of the best scenic islands after Jeju, great for weekend travel with delicious food."
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Public transport can be sparse. Renting a car or using taxis offers the most flexibility to explore Geoje's dispersed attractions.
🌬️ Embrace the Wind at Windy Hill
Be prepared for strong winds at Windy Hill! It's a popular spot, so visit early for the best photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Windy Hill
Nambu-myeon
Iconic windmill atop a hill offering breathtaking panoramic ocean views. A must-visit for stunning photos and fresh sea air.
Maemiseong Fortress
Geoje-si
A picturesque rocky islet with a charming fortress, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Perfect for exploration.
Oedo Botania
Haegeumgang
A stunning marine botanical garden with exotic plants and beautiful landscaping, accessible by ferry. A tranquil escape.
Hakdong Mongdol Beach
Geoje-si
A unique pebble beach known for its soothing sound of waves and clear waters. Ideal for a relaxing seaside experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Geoje Island
Best Way to Explore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Public transport can be sparse. Renting a car or using taxis offers the most flexibility to explore Geoje's dispersed attractions.
🌬️ Embrace the Wind at Windy Hill
Be prepared for strong winds at Windy Hill! It's a popular spot, so visit early for the best photos.
⛴️ Ferry to Oedo Botania
Access Oedo Botania via ferry from various ports. Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
🏖️ Relax on Pebble Beaches
Hakdong Mongdol Beach offers a unique experience with its smooth pebbles. Enjoy the sound of the waves.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Public transport can be sparse. Renting a car or using taxis offers the most flexibility to explore Geoje's dispersed attractions.
🌬️ Embrace the Wind at Windy Hill
Be prepared for strong winds at Windy Hill! It's a popular spot, so visit early for the best photos.
⛴️ Ferry to Oedo Botania
Access Oedo Botania via ferry from various ports. Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
🏖️ Relax on Pebble Beaches
Hakdong Mongdol Beach offers a unique experience with its smooth pebbles. Enjoy the sound of the waves.
💰 Budget-Friendly Alternative
Geoje Island is often considered a more affordable alternative to Jeju Island for a scenic getaway.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Geoje Island is praised for its outstanding natural beauty, clean air, and tranquil environment, offering a scenic escape comparable to Jeju but often more accessible and affordable. Visitors enjoy the diverse beaches, unique attractions like Windy Hill and Oedo Botania, and delicious local seafood. However, some find the public transport system challenging, recommending car rental or tours for easier exploration.
"Very nice countryside town with clean air, nice environment and locals. Loved it."
Lena
"This island is outstanding. It is easy to get to, has great beaches (both sandy and rock), nearby Island attractions like Windy Hill and Oedo Island and the food it delicious. You can take the bus from Seoul and enjoy everything. I will be going back!"
Shannon Lam
"One of the Best scenic island after Jeju and it’s good to use own vehicles compare to poor public transport. Many places roads are too narrow and frequent traffic jams can occur."
KRISHNA CHAITANYA SATISH
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Busan's Sasang Bus Terminal to Geoje Island. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs around 7,000 won.
Getting around Geoje Island can be challenging with public transport as buses may run infrequently. Many visitors opt for renting a car or using taxis for better accessibility to attractions like Windy Hill and Oedo Botania.
Yes, public buses are available on Geoje Island, but they might not run very regularly, and some routes can take a long time to reach attractions. Checking bus schedules in advance is recommended.
Yes, there are various tours available from Busan that can take you to Geoje Island, offering a convenient way to see the main attractions without worrying about transportation.
By bus, it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Geoje Island from Busan. If you are driving, it can take around 1 hour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Windy Hill itself is a natural landmark and generally free to access. However, any associated facilities or nearby attractions might have entrance fees.
Oedo Botania requires a ferry ticket to reach the island and an entrance fee for the botanical garden itself. It's advisable to check the latest prices and ferry schedules online before your visit.
Currently, there isn't a widely advertised 'Geoje Island Pass' similar to city passes. It's best to check individual attraction websites for any bundled deals or discounts. (Note: This TikTok refers to a Busan Pass, not specific to Geoje)
The Geoje POW Camp is a historical site and is generally open to visitors. It's recommended to check their official operating hours and any admission fees before planning your visit.
Booking ferry tickets to Oedo Botania in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include Windy Hill for its scenic views, Maemiseong Fortress for its unique charm, Oedo Botania for its beautiful gardens, and Hakdong Mongdol Beach for its distinctive pebble shore.
Activities include enjoying coastal scenery, visiting historical sites like the POW Camp, exploring botanical gardens, relaxing on beaches, and horse riding at places like Dasol Horse Riding Stables.
Yes, Geoje Island offers a good environment for families with its beautiful scenery, beaches, and attractions like horse riding stables.
The Geoje Island Panorama Cable Car offers stunning panoramic views of the island and sea. Windy Hill also provides spectacular coastal vistas.
While not extensively detailed in the provided content, the island's mountainous terrain suggests potential for hiking, especially around areas like Windy Hill.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Geoje Island is known for its fresh seafood. Dishes like 'ttukbaegi' (earthenware pot stew) and other local specialties are highly recommended.
Yes, Geoje Island is renowned for its delicious seafood. You can find many restaurants offering fresh catches, especially near coastal areas.
While seafood is prominent, Korean cuisine often includes vegetable-based dishes. It's advisable to inquire at restaurants about vegetarian options. (Note: This TikTok is about Busan food, but general Korean dining advice applies)
Restaurants are often located near popular sites like Windy Hill and the ferry terminals for Oedo Botania. Exploring local markets can also lead to authentic food experiences.
Compared to major cities, Geoje Island can offer reasonably priced meals, especially if you opt for local eateries and seafood markets.
📸 📸 Photography
Windy Hill with its iconic windmill and sweeping ocean views, Maemiseong Fortress with its unique rocky landscape, and the colorful gardens of Oedo Botania are highly photogenic.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for coastal shots, especially at Windy Hill. Golden hour can enhance the charm of Maemiseong Fortress.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone, especially in national parks or near sensitive areas.
Visitors often highlight the panoramic views from Windy Hill and the picturesque setting of Maemiseong Fortress. The unique pebble beach at Hakdong Mongdol Beach also offers interesting photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on Oedo Botania or distant sea views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The island's beaches, including the unique Hakdong Mongdol Beach, offer space for kids to play and explore. While public transport can be challenging, families might find it easier to manage with a rental car or by joining a family-friendly tour that covers key attractions. The open spaces and natural landscapes provide a good environment for children to connect with nature. 🚗 Road Trippers & Drivers
The scenic drives, especially along the coast, offer stunning views. Popular spots like Windy Hill and Maemiseong Fortress are easily accessible by car. Be prepared for potentially narrow roads and occasional traffic, particularly during peak times, but the flexibility to stop at viewpoints and hidden gems makes it worthwhile. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Maemiseong Fortress offers unique architectural and natural compositions, while Oedo Botania provides vibrant colors and intricate garden designs. +1 Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for details. Exploring the island during weekdays can help avoid crowds and allow for more unhindered shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Geoje Island's Coastal Wonders
+1Another must-visit is Maemiseong Fortress, a unique rocky islet that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Its rugged beauty and the surrounding azure waters make it a captivating sight. For a more curated natural experience, Oedo Botania is a stunning marine botanical garden accessible by ferry. It showcases a diverse collection of exotic plants against a backdrop of the sea, offering a tranquil and visually rich experience.
+1Beyond these highlights, Geoje boasts unique pebble beaches like Hakdong Mongdol Beach, where the sound of waves rolling over smooth stones creates a soothing ambiance. The island's natural beauty is complemented by historical sites such as the Geoje POW Camp, offering a glimpse into a different facet of Korean history.
Navigating Geoje Island: Transport and Accessibility
This makes it an accessible day trip or a short getaway from the city. However, once on the island, the transportation landscape shifts. While public buses do connect various points, their schedules can be infrequent, and travel times between attractions can be lengthy. Many visitors find that renting a car or utilizing taxis significantly enhances the exploration experience. This provides the flexibility needed to visit spread-out attractions like Windy Hill, Maemiseong Fortress, and Oedo Botania at your own pace.
It's worth noting that some roads on the island can be narrow, and traffic jams can occur, especially during peak seasons. Planning your travel times and understanding the transport options available will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable visit to Geoje Island.
Culinary Delights of Geoje Island
When exploring Geoje, be sure to try dishes like 'ttukbaegi' (earthenware pot stew), which often features a rich broth brimming with seafood and vegetables. The island's proximity to the sea ensures that the ingredients are of the highest quality. Beyond seafood, Korean cuisine generally offers a variety of side dishes (banchan) and rice-based meals, providing options for different palates.
While seafood is the star, exploring local markets and smaller eateries can lead to authentic and often more affordable dining experiences. It's always a good idea to ask locals for recommendations to discover hidden culinary gems on the island.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit