Somaemul-do
This tiny island is on the outer edge of Hallyeo Haesang National Park, but the view is worth the ride. To get to the peak of the island, Mangtae-bong, you'll take a 30-minute stroll through woods filled with 600-year-old camellias (flowering plants). From Somaemul-do you can get to its tiny neighbor Deungdae-sum (sometimes called "Haegeum-do"). This even-tinier island takes only 20 minutes or so to explore, but the scenery is beautiful. The only facility is a small lighthouse built by the Japanese during their colonization of Korea (1910-45). Twice a day, when the tide ebbs, the receding water reveals a gravel road between the two islands -- just be careful not to get stuck when the tide comes back in. Somaemul-do is a wonderful place to enjoy the sunrise or sunset, or to visit when the camellias are in bloom late October through early November. But be forewarned that there are no restaurants on the island, so you may want to pack a lunch.
This tiny island is on the outer edge of Hallyeo Haesang National Park, but the view is worth the ride. To get to the peak of the island, Mangtae-bong, you'll take a 30-minute stroll through woods filled with 600-year-old camellias (flowering plants). From Somaemul-do you can get to its tiny neighbor Deungdae-sum (sometimes called "Haegeum-do"). This even-tinier island takes only 20 minutes or so to explore, but the scenery is beautiful. The only facility is a small lighthouse built by the Japanese during their colonization of Korea (1910-45). Twice a day, when the tide ebbs, the receding water reveals a gravel road between the two islands -- just be careful not to get stuck when the tide comes back in. Somaemul-do is a wonderful place to enjoy the sunrise or sunset, or to visit when the camellias are in bloom late October through early November. But be forewarned that there are no restaurants on the island, so you may want to pack a lunch.
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