Chagwido Island

About 2 km off the coast of Gosan-ri, at Jeju's western tip, a grass-topped island floats in the sea. Chagwido is Jeju's largest uninhabited island, made up of Jukdo (Daeseom) and Wado among other islets, and it is only about 10 minutes by boat from Jagunae Port. A loop path takes you close to its sheer coastal cliffs and rock stacks, and at sunset the whole island glows red.

A legend and an empty island

The name comes with a legend. When Hojongdan, a man sent from China, tried to cut off Jeju's earth energy and sail home, the god of Hallasan turned into a hawk and sank his ship, "blocking his return," which is what the characters of Chagwi mean. Two households still lived on the island until 1977; after they left, it was considered uninhabited from 1978. The islands and surrounding waters were designated the Chagwido Natural Reserve, a Natural Monument, in 2000.

What to see

• Jukdo loop path: The walk after landing climbs to grassy uplands and towards the lighthouse. Some slopes are steep.
• Cliffs and rock stacks: Black basalt cliffs drop into the sea, ringed by rocks rising from the water.
• Neighbouring islets: On the boat ride you pass Wado, Jisiliseom and other small islands.
• Sunset: Together with the Suwolbong coast opposite, it is one of west Jeju's best-known sunset spots.

Good to know

• Underwater life: Chagwido is the first place in Jeju touched by the warm Kuroshio Current. Red algae thrive at 5–10 m depth, and several seaweeds, sponges and crustaceans recorded here were new to Korea.
• Size: About 0.16 km², so a walk around does not take long.
• Fishing: The surrounding waters are a popular boat-fishing spot.
• New records: Surveys found that 9 of 12 bivalve species, 4 of 17 crustaceans and 3 of 13 sponges had never been recorded in Korea before. With more new species likely, about 5.66 km² including the surrounding sea is protected.
• Island plants: On land only black pine, Jeju dwarf bamboo, beach vitex and silver grass grow, so grassland outweighs forest.

Nearby

• Suwolbong: A small tuff cone with wave-cut vertical cliffs, and the classic place to watch the sun set behind Chagwido.
• Jagunae Port: The small Gosan-ri harbour where cruise and fishing boats depart.

Tripto tips

• Boats: Chagwido cruise boats leave from Jagunae Port. They are not a scheduled service, so phone booking is required; sailings run between 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset, depending on weather and sea conditions.
• Fares: Prices and routes (including whether you land on the island) can change, so confirm when booking.
• Accessibility: Wheelchairs and pushchairs cannot be taken on board. Dogs are allowed if they are leashed and carried or caged as required.
• What to bring: There is little shade and no facilities on the island. Bring water, a hat and a windproof layer.
• Time needed: Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the boat and the walk.