Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, Jeju’s Dramatic Hexagonal Basalt Coast
What I Found When Yongmeori Coast Was Closed
I headed out toward Seogwipo for some fresh air, and since the tide happened to be right, I decided to stop by Yongmeori Coast first. Good weather and low tide lining up on the same day isn't that common — even living on Jeju, I don't get to visit Yongmeori Coast as often as I'd like.
I was looking forward to it, but the staff at the entrance told me the site was closed that day because of large swells. It was strange, since there was barely any wind, but there was nothing I could do. So I changed course and headed to Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff instead.
Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff is one of my regular spots, and honestly, it looks a little different every time I go. This time, missing out on Yongmeori Coast turned out to be a blessing in disguise — the rough sea made Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff even more dramatic than usual. The sky was clear, but the waves were rough. The water was a bright emerald, and watching it crash against the black rock and burst into white foam was honestly a sight to see. I ended up filming the waves too.
Visit Information
| 📍 Address | 36-30 Ieodo-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island |
|---|---|
| 🕖 Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:50 PM · Last admission 5:30 PM Hours can shift with sunset time or weather, so it's worth double-checking before you go. |
| 💰 Admission | Adults (25+) ₩2,000 · Teens (14–24) ₩1,000 · Children (up to 13) ₩1,000 Free for ages 6 and under, 65 and over, and Jeju residents Exact age/ID requirements for free entry are worth confirming on-site. |
| 🚗 Parking | Paid · Light vehicles ₩1,000 / cars under 15 seats ₩2,000 / 15+ seats ₩3,000, settled on your way out |
| 📞 Phone | 064-738-1521 |
Bring a Card — They Don't Take Cash
Once you park, it's a short walk to the ticket booth, and you'll see a sign reading "Jusangjeolli Ticket Booth" right away. Adult admission is ₩2,000, but here's the one thing worth remembering: they don't accept cash — only card or mobile pay, including Alipay. There's a sign right at the counter that says "NO CASH / CARD & MOBILE PAY ONLY," just in case you miss it.
Just past the ticket booth, there's a small visitor center that doubles as a souvenir shop, with a few snacks and drinks. There's also a place to pause for a moment before heading down to the coast, if you want a break before the walk.
Two Viewpoints, Two Very Different Views
Past the ticket booth, the path is flat and easy for a while, then drops down a set of stairs. You catch your first glimpse of the ocean while you're still walking down — and that first view gets me every time.
The viewpoints split into two once you reach the bottom of the stairs. The left path and the right path lead to completely different views. From the left viewpoint, you look out over low black rock and the shoreline; from the right viewpoint, you see Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff's signature vertical basalt columns.
The Left Viewpoint — Black Rock and Rough Water
The waves were unusually rough the day I visited. The water itself was a clear emerald, but watching the white foam explode against the black rock below was genuinely refreshing.
Clear skies, rough seas — that contrast was what made the visit memorable.
Rough waves from the left viewpoint
The Right Viewpoint — Hexagonal Basalt Columns
The walk to the right viewpoint runs right along the coast, so the path itself is worth enjoying. And once you arrive, this is really the main event. Tall black basalt columns rise along the cliff face, many with striking hexagonal cross-sections that look almost too geometric to be natural. It still catches me off guard every time — that nature can produce something this geometric.
Up close, each column looks almost machine-cut, which makes it hard to believe it's entirely natural.
Footage from the right viewpoint
Heading Back Out
After both viewpoints, the path loops back through a stretch lined with palm trees. There's a sign along the way marked "Jusangjeolli Trail," so there's no real risk of losing your way.
Between both viewpoints and stopping for photos, the whole loop took me under an hour. For me, nothing about the trail felt physically demanding, and the stairs weren't especially steep either. The loop ends at an exit gate that brings you back toward the parking lot.
Sunny's Take
I was disappointed to miss Yongmeori Coast that day, but Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff more than made up for it — the rough water gave the columns a different kind of drama I don't usually get to see. Even when your first-choice spot suddenly closes, Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff can turn into a surprisingly good backup plan. Rough-sea days in particular show you a side of this place that a calm day just doesn't.
☀️ One More Thing from Sunny
As a local resident of Jeju, I explore the island in person and share practical tips, honest experiences, and photos from my travels.
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