Seongsan Ilchulbong
Seongsan Ilchulbong
4.5
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- minSentosa Island, Singapore85 contributionsA good climb!A sense a satisfaction when you make it to the top. It’s not a long walk but it’s steep. We bought our tickets and went up around 12pm then came down and had a platter of seafood sold by the haenyeos by the beach. The seafood could be eaten raw or cooked. We also had abalone porridge. The haenyeo had their show at 2pm (one per day at the moment, subject to weather conditions).Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 9 March 2024
- Pauline C4 contributionsFantastic viewWe are it our 70s, fit, but not superbly so. It took us almost an hour, but we had no problem walking to the top. The view during the trail and all the way to the top is certainly worth the climb! It’s not only the natural scenery, but also the colorful houses in the town that add to the charmVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 March 2024
- We Travel the WorldMannheim, Germany2,873 contributionsHaenyeo and sea viewWe didn't walk up the mountain (it costs extra), but instead walked along the free path on the side, which gives you a good view of the beach, the sea and the mountain. There was also a Haenyeo exchange show by the older ladies there at 2 p.m., which is also very exciting to watch. If you walk up the mountain, you can see into the crater.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 29 March 2024
- HelenWanderlustSingapore, Singapore2,273 contributionsSpectacular and sensational scenic Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Heritage SiteSeongsan Ilchulbong is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can hike up to its crown-like summit for breathtaking views of the island's stunning landscapes. If time permits. We were in a tour group which did not accord us the luxury of time to hike all the way up. Nevertheless, even if you walk up the hill partway for around 20 minutes, you can still take beautiful pictures on the way up, and also on your walk down the shorter trail on the right side with scenic sea views. But if you have time and are able to, imagine that the view from uptop will be even more spectacular and paranomic.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 29 March 2024
- oak2wnOakland, California1,271 contributionsIncredible viewsTotally worth the climb. There are steps all the way up, and they were never too steep. I'm a pretty slow walker and did the climb in about 35-40 minutes. If I can do it, anyone can. There are many places to stop and rest and catch your breath (landings between sets of steps). Stop and check out the views behind you as you go up. When you head down, you go a different route and the steps are even easier (less steep than on the way up). You check out a haenyeo demo at 2:00 pm (I think there is a later time as well) if you go down even further. Near the parking lot, there is also a temple you can visit.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 12 April 2024
- SeokdoespilatesSingapore, Singapore227 contributionsIconic tuff cone only visible in good weatherGo early as the car park filled up very quickly from lunch time. Loads of tour coaches as well, so the place can get very crowded. There are charging stations in the car park for electric cars. There is a fee to go up to the top, but it is free to wander around the foot of the tuff cone and see the hanyeo divers below the cliffs. The paid portion is closed the first day of each month. Countless flights of steps up with some seats at each level for you to catch your breath. A hiking stick may be useful if you have knee issues. It was raining, windy and cloudy when we went so we did not have a good view of the tuff cone. We descended by another route (one way up and another way down). Definitely not accessible for anyone with issues climbing stairs, wheelchair bound or babies in strollers. There is no shade so wear a hat and bring your umbrella/raincoat depending on the weather.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 April 2024
- TadiaSainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon, France41 contributionsTo do one of the most famous attractions on Jeju IslandTo do early in the morning because it is packed with people. This is the attraction on the island where I saw the most people when we went up at 9 a.m. and came back down around 10:30 a.m. the parking lot was full of buses. Bcq of middle school students Quite a sporty climb my guide announced 20 minutes I put at least 40 on with recent time difference it was 2 a.m. in France Lots of people upstairs to take the photos but it was okayVisited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 April 2024
- HoadjieGisborne, Australia311 contributionsLots of stepsThere's a fair bit of free parking and they're quite a few toilets and shops in the area. if you wish to climb up you do have to pay there is a free walking path that gives you a nice view of it I walked up to the top there must have been about 500 steps it took me a bit of time but it was worth it I went as the sun was setting and I was able to see the sun setting on the east side of the island it was worth the walk up the walk down was a lot easier. still a lot of steps but also a lot of section of just down hill path which was nice on the legsVisited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 18 May 2024
- Soltari154 contributionsA lovely place and an easy climb.This is a beautiful place with fantastic views. This is one of the lower hills and therefore the climb is quite manageable. They say it will take you at most 45 minutes to get to the top, they are absolutely correct. My family is quite fit and we made it to the top, stayed there for about 10 mnintes taking pictures and got back down to the bottom....in less than 45 minutes. We didn't run up but just climbed up at the normal walking pace. The entire way to the top is stone paved with stone steps. Do come here and have a look. Little town where it is located also has restaurants with good food.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 22 June 2024
- Czar EmmanuelManila, Philippines10,439 contributionsA must visit place in JejuThis volcanic cone is probably the most iconic and postcard perfect image of Jeju Island. It really looks lovely, but the climb (which took us around 30mins) can be a bit challenging for some. However, the view not only of the crater itself but also of the surrounding environment is all worth it! There are many eateries, restaurants and souvenir shops by the main entrance. There's also a welcome area or a mini-museum and a temple with a lovely garden. Down the slope you may want to visit the house of some "haenyeos" or traditional female divers of Jeju and try their fresh catch, or even take a boat ride around the volcanic cone. It was a great experience visiting this place. Definitely not to miss! You may skip other places in Jeju but not this one!Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 26 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
2,089 reviews
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3
Anne_Rugby
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia40 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
The queue was long starting from midnight. The tag was given starting 2:30am. The limit was for 1300 first come first served. The waiting was in 2 celcius temperature. The trek up started at 5:30am in an orderly manner in a hushed procession like atmosphere. At the top of the plateau there were decks facing the direction of the sunrise. All was ready for the first sunrise of 2020. Unfortunately it did not happen. The clouds was too thick and we headed back an hour after the sunrise time.
Was I disappointed? Not really. The whole experience was exhilarating, the wait, the trek, the anticipation of the sunrise. It was a memorable experience which I hope to repeat one day.
Was I disappointed? Not really. The whole experience was exhilarating, the wait, the trek, the anticipation of the sunrise. It was a memorable experience which I hope to repeat one day.
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ka N
Hong Kong, China108 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We need to rent a car (包車)to get there. The driver said walking up there requiring 30 min, yet is quite easy to arrive the top. After reaching the top, you could enjoy the sunset of the seongsan city which is worth it !
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SiYauKai
Vancouver, Canada111 contributions
Dec 2019
It was a cold, sunny, windy day, visiting this mountain. Make sure you wear enough layers! Admission was 2,000won if you wanted to go all the way up to the crater, or free for just the lower level. Be prepared to climb many steps to get to the top, and see crater. On average, take 30-40 mins return to do this. Otherwise, the view is nice from all levels...definitely worth checking!
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ali Naqvi
Kyoto, Japan5 contributions
Feb 2020
I visited Seongsan Illchulbong at 7:30. It was sunrise time and it was my first time to see sun rising from such a height. The effect of sun rays on the ocean made everything so beautiful. I can guarantee one thing that it is much beautiful if you see in person than seeing in pictures.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelove58
15,589 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
It was early afternoon & very sunny, & super hot during our visit. Coupled with the long walk & return climb up from the bottom, it was terrible in the heat.
Perhaps if we had come in early morning or in spring climate, would probably have enjoyed it better.
The Jeju Women Divers Performance was a disappointment. With due respect to this fantastic women, the show was too commercialised.
Have read much about these tenacious women & was looking forward to something better than this.
However, our guide arranged for us earlier to meet up with these women not far away in another area.
Most are in their 70s & had been doing this job almost their whole lives. They are so fit even at this age.
Certainly respect them.
There are paid boat rides as well round the area & horse riding too.
Perhaps if we had come in early morning or in spring climate, would probably have enjoyed it better.
The Jeju Women Divers Performance was a disappointment. With due respect to this fantastic women, the show was too commercialised.
Have read much about these tenacious women & was looking forward to something better than this.
However, our guide arranged for us earlier to meet up with these women not far away in another area.
Most are in their 70s & had been doing this job almost their whole lives. They are so fit even at this age.
Certainly respect them.
There are paid boat rides as well round the area & horse riding too.
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy S
Belper, UK53 contributions
Aug 2022
I am not the fittest of people but still managed this climb with no problems in the heat of August. There are rest seats on the way and spectacular views to enjoy. The peak was well worth the climb - you can't walk all the way around the rim but this protects the crater from human influence which is all-important for photography of nature at its best. I thoroughly recommend this experience as does my 17 year old daughter who was stunned by the magnificence of nature.
Written 19 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anie Z
Singapore, Singapore31 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
This place has a magnificient view of sunset and it is definitely an instaworthy place for those who love nature.
We took our time to climb uphill, stopping at various points to snap photos. Although we didnt go up to the peak, the view where we were was astounding.
I will go here again if I ever go to Jeju. Lovely!
We took our time to climb uphill, stopping at various points to snap photos. Although we didnt go up to the peak, the view where we were was astounding.
I will go here again if I ever go to Jeju. Lovely!
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kpiddy
Brisbane, Australia14,538 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Described as a 'gigantic ancient castle', Seongsan Ilchulbong is a must see/climb when visiting the Eastern side of Jeju. Climbing to the peak is a very popular activity to do, people young and old make the effort to discover the beauty of this geological wonder. Because of the popularity of the site and being a World Natural Heritage Site (2007) this is a paid activity; at the time of our visit 5000 Won for adults and 2500 Won for children. The 180 metre stair climb to the peak is steep, one way traffic up and down, there were several vantage/rest platforms with stunning views over the region to enjoy. Once at the peak there was an elderly male guide keeping watch over the visitors even offering to take our group photos. We did not rush leaving the peak, taking a seat in the terraced viewing platform and looking over the crater of Seongsan Ilchulbong before descending fifteen minutes later.
Written 7 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hrothmir
Smyrna, GA226 contributions
Mar 2023
Seongsan Ilchulbong is a truly impressive geological feature, but the pictures you often see of it are taken from the air. When you view it from ground level or from the top after climbing to the near ridge, the view is far less impressive. The view back to the land is of not particularly attractive human development. The view out over the top from the ridge (up to which you climb) looks more like a nice field - than an amazing, dished volcanic caldera.
I'm glad I visited it - and am giving it a 4/5 rating. But key points here would be A) don't expect it to look as impressive as the tourist brochure aerial pics and B) you will live if you can't fit it into your time on Jeju.
The climb up is not technically difficult; it's mostly a long staircase. It took 15 minutes moving fairly steadily.
There's a haenyeo (Jeju women divers; "mermaids") show at the beach you'll see below Seongsan Ilchubong as you take the path down. There is no charge and I believe it takes place at 130pm and 3pm. The show felt a bit cheesy - with piped in music and piped in vocals.
I'm glad I visited it - and am giving it a 4/5 rating. But key points here would be A) don't expect it to look as impressive as the tourist brochure aerial pics and B) you will live if you can't fit it into your time on Jeju.
The climb up is not technically difficult; it's mostly a long staircase. It took 15 minutes moving fairly steadily.
There's a haenyeo (Jeju women divers; "mermaids") show at the beach you'll see below Seongsan Ilchubong as you take the path down. There is no charge and I believe it takes place at 130pm and 3pm. The show felt a bit cheesy - with piped in music and piped in vocals.
Written 3 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Felix
52 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Seongsan Ilchulbong is an essential stop when going to Jeju Island. A few things to keep in mind when visiting: there is a free path and a paid path. The free path will have a view from Seongsan Ilchulbong from afar; the paid path will allow you to climb to the summit and see the crater at the top. The hike is around 25-30 minutes to the top and the descent down is around 15-20 minutes. If hiking to the top, make sure to take breaks, especially in the summer heat. If you want to avoid the heat, the hike should be cooler during sunrise and sunset. In the case of a typhoon, Seongsan Ilchulbong will likely close the day after the typhoon clears due to slippery conditions.
Written 31 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, can we bring checked-in luggage on Bus 111 or 112 from Jeju Airport to Seongsan?
Written 21 April 2023
I saw recently a young couple bringing two big luggages on bus 201. I think it is all right to bring luggages up the express bus 111 or 112. Since u are starting from airport, you can go to the back of bus to avoid any obstruction. Enjoy yr trip.
Written 22 April 2023
Hello, are there any bike rental shops available around the Seongsan Illchulbong area? We are stationing ourselves in Seongsan and thinking to cycle up and back down the eastern coast.
Written 27 April 2022
you mentioned "Not recommended for parents and young children, because the trip to the peak". So can they still see the women divers performance?
Written 14 November 2019
Of course can... But u need to walking with care step.
Written 8 December 2019
Hello Friend,
We are planning to go in Dec 2019. How would be the weather like & possible go in winter period (Dec 19)? I t would take how long to reach the peak & do we need any special types of shoes?
Written 6 April 2019
All you need is comfortable shoes. The path is very easy to follow but can be a little tiring if you do not exercise. It's manageable though.
Do make sure there is a part where you will be at a beach area to watch a few ladies dive without gear to catch abalone. So there is a chance your shoes might be sandy and wet.
Written 26 April 2019
377simonl
Hong Kong, China
May I know are there festivals on new year eve and 1st sunrise on 1/1 around Seongsan Ilchulbong. Seems theres one or two know from web, but not sure the schedule and details.
Written 27 November 2018
Hi 377simonl
Yes every year end to begin festival will be held
Count down for new year and fireworks
Some traditional band and dance
You can get free mochi-soup
Pls Enjoy and keep yourself warm
Written 1 December 2018
Hi, there is a ski resort near Busan although it is around 1 hour by public transport to get there.
I is around $27 from Busan and one other station which gives you a return ticket for the day. You can book online. Just search for Eden Valley Ski resort transport and you will find many links to the transport.
Good luck and enjoy
Written 1 November 2018
John Lim
Singapore, Singapore
May I know if there's snow ski in Jeju during winter?
Written 31 October 2018
There are no ski resorts in Jeju as the weather there is generally warmer than Mainland Korea. Most areas do not snow during winter except for the mountain areas such as Hallasan.
You may want to go over to Korea Mainland if you want to ski. Some resorts such as Yongpyong Ski Resort provides shuttle services from the airport to the resort direct so you can easier get a flight from Jeju to Seoul and get on the shuttle buses.
Written 1 November 2018
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