- 2.5–5 hrs
Highlights
- 갯벌이 넓은 하나개해수욕장(약 1km)
- 호룡곡산 절벽을 따라가는 800m 해상관광탐방로
- 414m 인도교로 건너는 소무의도
- 썰물 때 이어지는 실미도
- 2019년 무의대교 개통으로 차로 진입
About this place
Just over half an hour by car from Incheon International Airport and one bridge away lies Muuido. With the wide tidal flats of Hanagae Beach, a coastal boardwalk along the sea cliffs and a footbridge to Somuuido, it is a favourite half-day trip before or after a flight.
History: from ferry island to bridge island
The name is said to come from the island's outline, likened to a helmeted general performing a sword dance or to a dancing woman. People settled here from the late Joseon period, and the island became part of Jung-gu, Incheon, in 1989. Visitors once had to take a boat from Jamjindo pier, but the Muui Bridge opened provisionally in April 2019 and officially in 2020, so you can now drive straight in.
What to see
- Hanagae Beach: "Hanagae" means "big tidal flat". Beyond about 1 km of fine sand, a vast mudflat appears at low tide. A set from the TV drama "Stairway to Heaven" still stands at one end of the beach.
- Coastal boardwalk: an 800 m deck path running from Hanagae Beach towards Gwangmyeong port along the cliffs of Horyonggoksan, past 12 named rocks such as Lion Rock and Buddha Rock and a sea cave.
- Somuuido: a tiny island reached from Gwangmyeong port across a 414 m footbridge. The coastal trail around it takes about an hour.
- Silmido: an uninhabited island to the northwest, linked to Muuido by the mudflat twice a day at low tide. It held the training camp of Unit 684, the story behind the film "Silmido".
- Guksabong and Horyonggoksan: hiking trails up Guksabong (236 m) and Horyonggoksan open up views of the Yellow Sea and the airport.
Good to know
- Gilt-bronze Buddha figures and hundreds of clay figurines are said to have been found on the summit of Guksabong in the late 1950s.
- Cars cannot cross the Somuuido footbridge, which keeps the little island quiet.
- The island covers about 10 km², and islanders combine farming with fishing for shrimp, blue crab and clams.
- Tiger Rock below Horyonggoksan carries a legend: a tiger that broke its promise and swallowed a fisherman was struck by the mountain spirit's staff and turned to stone.
- Hanagae Beach offers a zip line and mudflat activities, and you can stay overnight in beach cabanas.
Nearby
- Wolmido: a seaside amusement area on the Incheon side, easy to combine on the way to or from the airport.
Tripto tips
- Getting there: from Terminal 1 of Incheon Airport, bus Muui 1 reaches Hanagae Beach and Gwangmyeong port in about 30 minutes. Check the route and times before you travel.
- Tides: crossing to Silmido and exploring the mudflat are only possible at low tide. Check the tide table and come back before the water returns.
- Visiting: the beach and boardwalk are open all year and free. The boardwalk can be closed in bad weather.
- Time needed: 2–3 hours for Hanagae Beach and the boardwalk, half a day or more if you add Somuuido.
Plan your visit
Getting there
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Visitor reviews
Sources and further reading
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