Jeju’s symbol, Yongduam, a mysterious story created by waves and wind

Where rough waves tickle your ears as the dawn light paints the eastern sky of Jeju. There, a mysterious shape, carved by the sea and wind over many ages, lies dormant. This rock, gazing at the sea with its magnificent head as if ready to soar into the sky, is none other than Yongduam, a symbol of Jeju and a likeness of its indomitable spirit.

This is not just a rock. It is a work of art by nature, sculpted by waves and wind, and a magical landscape that stops countless people in their tracks. Shining even brighter amidst the waves, sometimes calm and sometimes fierce, Yongduam fully preserves Jeju’s living legends. What stories does this rock hold?

Jeju’s face, holding legends and gazing at the sea

Located on the north coast near Jeju Airport, Yongduam is a strangely shaped rock resembling a dragon’s head, as its name suggests. The shape, carved and sculpted by waves and wind over many years, looks as if a legendary dragon soared into the sky and then solidified. Thanks to this unique shape, it is considered one of Jeju’s representative natural landscapes and is loved by many.

Two mysterious legends of the dragon

• The Wrath of Hallasan’s Deity It is said that when a dragon stole the sacred pearl of the Hallasan deity and fled, the enraged deity shot an arrow, causing the dragon to fall to the seashore. Its body became submerged in the seawater, and only its head remained facing the sky, solidified.
• The Earnest Wish of a White Horse Another legend tells the sad story of a white horse whose wish was to become a dragon and ascend to heaven, but after being caught by a general, it solidified into a rock on that very spot.

These legends make Yongduam feel not just like a rock, but a mysterious and living entity. Especially at sunset, the rock, combined with the red glow, captivates visitors with an even more magnificent and dramatic appearance.

A delightful coastal road drive around Yongduam for eyes and taste buds

The Yongdam-Dodu Coastal Road, centered around Yongduam, is a fantastic drive course that follows Jeju’s beautiful coastline. It has become an essential part of a Jeju trip, offering various charms against the backdrop of the widely stretched sea.

The Charm of the Coastline that Satisfies All Five Senses

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• The Temptation of Jeju’s Cafe Village The coastal road from Yongduam to Dodu Port is lined with unique cafes that have emerged as Jeju’s specialties. You can spend leisurely time enjoying fresh coffee while gazing at the blue sea.
• Exploring Diverse Restaurants From seafood specialty restaurants to places where you can taste Jeju’s unique local dishes, a variety of eateries stop travelers in their tracks. You can enjoy a delicious meal whenever you get hungry during your drive.

Next Destination Along the Coastline

Further along the coastal road, beautiful beaches appear one after another. The coastal road in northern Jeju, which continues past Iho Beach’s red horse lighthouses and the tranquil Hagwi Beach to the trendy Aewol-eup, is also the most popular dating course for Jeju locals. Create unforgettable memories on this road that entices travelers with different charms each season.

Different Impressions Each Season, Yongduam’s Diverse Faces

Yongduam is wonderful to visit in any season, but it shows completely different appearances depending on the weather and time. On days with rough waves, the dragon’s grandeur is further emphasized, while on a calm sea, it offers a peaceful scenery. We introduce ways to appreciate Yongduam by highlighting the characteristics of each season.

Recommended Ways to Appreciate Yongduam by Season

Season	Recommended viewing method	Features
Spring/Autumn	Calm waves and leisurely strolls	It’s good for a relaxed stroll around, enjoying the sea breeze in mild weather.
Summer	Evening drive at sunset	A popular course is driving along the coastal road with a cool sea breeze and admiring the night view of Yongduam, bathed in red at sunset.
Winter	Grandeur amidst rough waves	The spray created by waves crashing against the rock and the magnificent sound offer a dynamic charm unique to Yongduam in winter.

As such, Yongduam offers various impressions depending on the time of visit. In particular, the sunset hour creates a spectacular feast of colors by the sky and the rock, so don’t miss out on enjoying it.

Practical Visiting Tips to Enjoy Yongduam More Fully

Here are some practical tips to make your visit to Yongduam even more special during your Jeju trip. Enjoy its essential beauty in a short time and discover its hidden charms nearby.

Checklist for a Pleasant Visit to Yongduam

1. Check parking information Parking lots near Yongduam often operate on a paid basis. It’s convenient to check parking fees in advance or refer to nearby available parking areas.
2. Utilize tide times The extent to which you can approach the rock changes depending on the high and low tides. If you check the tide table in advance and visit, you can observe the rock more closely or see its mysterious submerged appearance.
3. Visit a sunset spot Especially at sunset, the crimson sky and rock create a spectacular view. If you want to take once-in-a-lifetime photos, it is recommended to visit before the sun sets.
4. Wear comfortable shoes The rocky terrain around Yongduam can be somewhat slippery or uneven. It is advisable to wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes for safety.

Utilize these tips to make your time at Yongduam even more enriching. You will be able to fully feel the beauty and mystery that Jeju’s nature offers.

Gateway to Jeju, The Road to Yongduam

Located near Jeju Airport, Yongduam boasts excellent accessibility, making it perfect as a starting or ending point for your trip. It is a popular spot among many travelers as you can enjoy Jeju’s iconic scenery without complicated travel.

Please refer to the map below for the exact location.

Conveniently Getting to Yongduam

• When using a private car It is located just about 10 minutes from Jeju Airport. You can easily find it by searching for “Yongduam” on your navigation system, and using nearby paid parking lots is convenient.
• When using public transportation You can quickly arrive by taking a city bus or a taxi from Jeju Airport. It’s a short distance, so access is easy.

Experience the essence of Jeju at Yongduam, which marks the beginning and end of your Jeju trip. The legend of the dragon told by the sound of waves and wind will remain an unforgettable memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. I’m curious about the origin of Yongduam.
Yongduam is named after a rock, carved by waves and wind over many ages, which resembles a dragon’s head. Two legends are told: one about a dragon chased by the Hallasan deity and falling into the sea, and another about a white horse that wished to become a dragon.

Q2. What is the best time to visit Yongduam?
The sunset on a clear day is particularly beautiful. The crimson sky and rock create a magnificent view, making it the best time for photography. During the day, it’s good for admiring the dynamic movement of the waves.

Q3. Are there any good places to visit around Yongduam?
We recommend the Yongdam-Dodu Coastal Road, which extends from Yongduam to Dodu Port. Along the coastal road, there are many cafes and restaurants, making it good for enjoying a drive, a meal, and coffee. Iho Tewoo Beach is also nearby.

Q4. Is admission to Yongduam free?
Yes, Yongduam is a natural landscape and can be viewed freely without a separate admission fee. However, you may need to use nearby paid parking, so please keep that in mind.

Q5. Where is a good place to eat near Yongduam?
The Yongdam-Dodu Coastal Road is lined with numerous restaurants and cafes. You can choose from a variety of options, from fresh seafood dishes to Jeju’s unique local cuisine, and many places offer dining with a sea view, so you can choose according to your preference.