Windy Hill, Geoje

Just above Dojangpo village at the southern tip of Geoje Island, a treeless, grass-covered headland juts out into the sea. Wind blows in from every side, hence the name Windy Hill (Baramui Eondeok). Its close-cropped grass, a Dutch-style windmill and the island-studded sea beyond have made it one of Geoje's best-loved views, and the harbour below is where boats leave for Haegeumgang and Oedo.

From cogon-grass slope to Windy Hill

The headland's old name is Ttibatneul, roughly "the slope where cogon grass grows". Because it meets the sea on three sides and the wind is constant, the newer name Windy Hill has largely replaced it. The wind is so strong that grass and shrubs stay low, which is why the hill looks bare and open today.

The windmill on top was built in 2009 in Dutch style and has become the hill's emblem. Its sails really do turn when the wind blows.

What to see

• Sea views: The sea lies to the north, west and east. On a clear day islands and distant peaks stack up on the horizon.
• Haegeumgang and Oedo: Across the water you can see the rock islets of Haegeumgang and the island of Oedo, and watch the cruise boats coming and going below.
• Boardwalk: A trail of about 450 m leads from the entrance of Dojangpo village to the top. It is a gently sloping wooden boardwalk, so even at an easy pace you reach the summit in about 15 minutes.
• Camellias: Wild camellias grow around the hill and bloom red around February.
• Dojangpo harbour: The small port at the foot of the hill has a pier for cruise boats to Haegeumgang and Oedo.
• Sinseondae: Across the bay lies Sinseondae, a rocky shore where immortals are said to have played, an easy add-on walk.

Tripto tips

• Access: The hill is free and open at all hours. Paid and free car parks sit at the bottom; the free one fills quickly at weekends and on sunny holidays.
• Time needed: Allow 40 minutes to an hour for the hill alone, or about 1.5 hours if you also walk to Sinseondae.
• When to go: February, when the camellias bloom, and late spring, when the grass is at its greenest, are especially rewarding.
• Take care: True to its name, the wind is fierce. Bring a windproof layer in winter, hold on to your hat and stay behind the fences near the cliff edges.
• Getting there: The hill is in Galgot-ri, Nambu-myeon, Geoje; enter "바람의 언덕" (Windy Hill) or the Dojangpo cruise pier in your navigation app. A car is much easier than public transport. By bus, take a city bus from central Geoje (Gohyeon) towards Haegeumgang and get off at Dojangpo, but services are infrequent, so check the timetable first.
• Cruises: Boats from Dojangpo circle Haegeumgang and stop at Oedo. Sailings are often cancelled in rough weather, and you need photo ID to buy a ticket and board.
• Nearby: A cruise lets you combine Haegeumgang and Oedo Botania in one trip.