Haegeumgang Islets, Geoje

Haegeumgang, "the Diamond Mountains of the sea", is a cluster of rock islets off Galgot-ri at the southern tip of Geojedo Island. Sheer cliffs, a cross-shaped sea cave that boats can nose into and rock shapes carved by wind and waves earned it designation as Scenic Site No. 2 in 1971. You can see it from a cruise boat circling the islets, or from above at the Ujebong lookout across the water.

What it is

The islets lie within Hallyeohaesang National Park, about 500 m offshore from the pier in Haegeumgang Village, Nambu-myeon. Several large rocks press against one another so closely that they read as a single island. Koreans often say "Geoje Haegeumgang" to distinguish it from the coastal part of Geumgangsan in North Korea that bears the same name.

The rock is sedimentary, laid down in the Cretaceous period. Erosion along vertical cracks opened narrow channels and caves between the cliffs, and individual rocks have earned names such as Lion Rock. The surrounding waters are also valued for their ecology.

Haegeumgang is listed among Korea's 40 finest Scenic Sites and is often called the finest view on Geojedo. The cruises do not just circle the islets: they also pass Ujebong and Sinseondae, linking up the cliff scenery along Geoje's southern coast.

What to see

• Sipja Donggul (Cross Cave): the highlight of a cruise. Fissures cut through the islet in a cross shape, and in calm seas the boats edge right up to the narrow channel between the walls. Looking up, the sky is reduced to a thin strip.
• Cliffs and rock formations: circling the islets reveals layered cliffs in shades of grey and ochre.
• Ujebong Observatory: a lookout on the 107 m summit of Ujebong, facing the islets from above. From the Haegeumgang car park it takes about 30 minutes at an easy pace through a camellia wood, and there is no fee.
• Oedo Botania: most cruises land on Oedo after circling Haegeumgang, so you can tour its gardens before heading back. Together they make a half-day trip.
• Haegeumgang Village pier: only about 500 m from the islets, so even without a boat you can stand on the shore and look straight at them.

Tripto tips

• Cruises: boats leave from several harbours, including Haegeumgang Village, Wahyeon, Gujora, Dojangpo and Hakdong. From the Wahyeon terminal an adult return costs KRW 23,000, plus KRW 11,000 admission if you land on Oedo. Fares and timetables vary by operator, so check ahead.
• Cancellations: sailings are cancelled at short notice in bad weather, and boats cannot enter the cave in rough seas. You need photo ID to buy a ticket and board. The Haegeumgang Village operator accepts credit cards.
• Time needed: about 1 hour for the Ujebong lookout alone, and 2.5-3 hours for a cruise including Oedo.
• Note: cooking and camping are banned on Ujebong as it is national park land. The path mixes boardwalk and dirt track, so wear trainers.