Gapado Island

The highest point on the island is barely 20 m above sea level. Wherever you stand on Gapado you can see the sea, and in spring, beyond the barley fields that cover most of the island, Sanbangsan, Songaksan and on clear days even Hallasan come into view. Lying about 2.2 km off the south coast of Jeju, it is the fourth-largest of Jeju's offshore islands. It is quieter than Marado just to the south and made for slow walking.

History: an island for cattle

Records show that in 1751 the governor of Jeju set up a state ranch here and grazed black cattle on the island. In 1840 a British ship is said to have taken some of the cattle and fired its cannon at an official's boat sent to investigate. Settlers began farming the island properly around 1842. Several explanations exist for the name: that from above the island looks like a swimming stingray, or that an older name meaning "lid island" gradually turned into Gapado.

What to see

• Green barley fields: almost all the flat land is barley. Stalks more than a metre tall ripple like waves in the wind, and this is the island's signature view. A barley festival is held each year from about early April to early May.
• Jeju Olle Route 10-1: a short Olle trail that starts at the harbour and loops between the coast and the fields. A cycle path also follows the shoreline.
• Stone-wall village: lanes run between houses and fields edged with low basalt walls.
• Somang Observatory: a lookout raised a little above the flat island, with views over the barley and the sea.

Good to know

The waters around Gapado are full of reefs and strong currents, and sailors have always passed them with care. Haenyeo, Jeju's women divers, still work along the island's shores. Gapado also appears in the drama "Our Blues" as the island where Young-ok and Jung-joon travel together, which brought it many new visitors.

Gapado in numbers

The island covers about 0.9 km², roughly three times the size of Marado, with a coastline of about 4.2 km. It lies about 5 km from Moseulpo Port. Gapado once administered Marado, but Marado became a separate village in 1981. The population was 245 in 2014, and the island has its own elementary school and health post.

Nearby

• Marado: Korea's southernmost island, in the sea south of Gapado. Some visitors take in both islands from Unjin Port in a single day.
• Songaksan: a seaside volcanic cone close to Unjin Port; tunnels dug into its cliffs under Japanese rule are still visible.
• Alddreu Airfield: on the plain below Songaksan, hangars from a Japanese military airfield stand among the fields.

Tripto tips

• Ferry: scheduled boats to Marado and Gapado leave from Unjin Port (Moseulpo South Port) in Daejeong-eup. The adult return fare is listed at KRW 15,500, including the marine park fee. Sailings are often cancelled in strong wind, so check the day's schedule.
• Time needed: with no hills, 1–2 hours on foot is enough to see the whole island. Bicycles can be rented near the harbour.
• When to go: April, when the barley is green, is the busiest time. During the festival, an early boat makes the day much easier.