Dodubong Peak: The Famous Kisses Zone near Jeju Airport (K-Drama Filming Spot)
What is Dodu Peak?
Dodu Peak (도두봉) is a small volcanic crater sitting right on the coast of Dodu-dong, just north of Jeju International Airport. At only 63.5m above sea level, it's one of Jeju's most accessible oreum — but don't let the size fool you. From the observatory, you get an unobstructed view of planes taking off and landing at Jeju Airport, the Dodu Port lighthouse, Jeju city center, and Hallasan mountain — all in one panorama. The trail from the parking lot to the summit takes around 15–20 minutes, with a few steeper sections along the way. Comfortable shoes are a must.
K-drama fans will recognize this spot immediately — Welcome to Samdalri filmed its iconic opening scene right here, where young Samdalri and Yongpil sit together watching planes lift off from Jeju Airport, dreaming of making it to Seoul. Standing at the same spot, it's not hard to feel exactly what they felt.
Parking & Getting There
The parking lot is unpaved gravel but spacious enough that you won't have trouble finding a spot. From there, head toward the entrance and you'll see the trail map right away.
☀️ Sunny's Tip
Search 제주시 도두일동 1741-4 (Jeju-si Dodu-il-dong 1741-4) in your navigation app for the exact parking location. Searching "Dodu Peak" alone sometimes leads you to the wrong spot. Weekday mornings are quiet, but weekend mornings can fill up — arrive early to be safe!
The Loop Trail — Walking the Coast Through Pine Forest
Before heading straight to the summit, I'd strongly recommend doing the loop trail first. Well-maintained wooden deck paths run through the trail, making it easy and comfortable even in regular sneakers. As you walk, the ocean keeps peeking through the pine trees — one of those views that makes you slow down without realizing it.
Along the loop, the trail opens up to coastal views over volcanic rock and the ocean beyond. The red lighthouse at Dodu Port set against the deep blue sea is one of those views that stops you mid-step.
Volcanic rock coastline |
Dodu Port red lighthouse |
The Observatory — Jeju in Every Direction
From the trail junction, the climb to the observatory takes around 10–15 minutes, with a few steeper sections. Take it slow — the total time from the parking lot to the summit is about 15–20 minutes, depending on your pace. Once you're up, the deck opens onto a full panorama: two lighthouses, the yacht marina, and the endless blue of the Jeju sea stretching out in front of you.
🌸 May's Secret — The Donnaamu Flower Tunnel
On the way up to the summit, something completely unexpected stopped me in my tracks. Trees on both sides of the path had arched over to form a tunnel — completely covered in white blossoms. The flowers belong to the Donnaamu (돈나무), a plant native to Jeju that blooms white in May and June. The scent is strong and sweet, and the flowers are packed with nectar — bees absolutely love it.
Its name in Jeju dialect is actually "ddongnang" (똥낭) — meaning "poop tree" — because the fruit attracts so many insects. But in May, that name couldn't feel more wrong. Walking through this tunnel of white flowers feels like stepping into a completely different world. Every single person passing through stopped to take photos.
☀️ Sunny's Tip
The Donnaamu flowers peak between mid-May and early June. Miss it and you'll have to wait until next year — so if you're visiting Jeju in May, Dodu Peak is non-negotiable. The fragrance inside the tunnel is surprisingly strong and lovely. Slow down and breathe it in.💋 The Famous Kisses Zone Photo Spot
Dodu Peak has another claim to fame beyond the drama connection — the Kisses Zone. This photo spot has become one of the most talked-about spots on the peak, and you'll find it mentioned alongside Welcome to Samdalri in virtually every travel blog about Dodu Peak.
When you step inside and look outward, the branches naturally form a triangular arch — shaped just like a Hershey's Kisses chocolate. Through that arch, you get a framed view of the Jeju sea and sky that photographs beautifully from any angle. When I visited, there was actually a line of people waiting to get their shot.
📺 Watch the epilogue scene below — this is where young Samdalri and Yongpil sit together at Dodu Peak, watching planes take off from Jeju Airport and dreaming of the future.
☀️ Sunny's Tip
The key is to shoot from inside looking outward — that's the angle that captures the Kisses shape. There was a real queue when I visited, so arriving early in the morning is the move. You'll need someone to take the photo for you — it's nearly impossible to get the right angle alone.The Summit View — Jeju Airport, City & Hallasan
Past the Kisses Zone, the path opens onto the summit with a sweeping view of Jeju city, Hallasan mountain, and Jeju International Airport spread out below. Watching planes take off and land from this close — you can almost feel the rumble — is something you genuinely can't experience anywhere else in Jeju. Standing here, it's immediately clear why the drama chose this exact spot for that scene.
Essential Info
| 📍 Address | Dodu-il-dong 1741-4, Jeju-si (parking lot) |
| ⏰ Hours | Open 24 hours / Year-round |
| 💰 Entry | Free |
| 🚗 Parking | Free (unpaved, spacious) |
| 🥾 Time | Parking → Summit: ~15–20 min / Junction → Summit: ~10–15 min ※ Some steep sections / allow more time if going slowly |
| 🌸 Flowers | Donnaamu peak bloom: mid-May to early June |
| 🐕 Pets | Allowed (leash required) |
| ✈️ Airport | ~5 min by car |
📍 Search "Dodu Peak Jeju" on Google Maps / Dodu-il-dong 1741-4, Jeju-si
Honest Verdict
Free entry. Free parking. Summit in 15–20 minutes. And this view waiting at the top. Dodu Peak might be the best value nature spot in all of Jeju — and that's not an exaggeration.
If you're visiting Jeju in May, the Donnaamu flower tunnel and the Kisses Zone are not optional. And since it's just 5 minutes from the airport, it fits perfectly into the first or last day of any Jeju itinerary.
☀️ Sunny's Tip
Go if you: want a quick, rewarding hike near the airport / are a Welcome to Samdalri fan / are visiting in May for the flowers / are traveling with a pet 🐾Keep in mind: Some steep stair sections make it tricky for strollers. The path just before the summit is unpaved dirt — slippery after rain, so check the weather before you go!
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