Saryangdo Island

Saryangdo belongs to Saryang-myeon in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, and is made up of two main islands that face each other about 1.5 km apart, Sangdo (Upper Island) and Hado (Lower Island), plus the smaller Suudo. For its size the island has remarkably rugged peaks, so many visitors cross the water purely to hike, while anglers fill the rocky shores of the lower island all year round. A day trip works, but plenty of people stay a night in a village guesthouse.

Name and layout

The island was originally called Bakdo, with Sangbakdo and Habakdo for the upper and lower islands. Because the channel between them winds like a snake, the name Saryang was formed from the characters for snake (蛇) and beam (梁). A local legend tells of a giant snake that coiled itself around Oknyeobong, lovesick for a maiden who lived on the peak. In 2015 the Saryang Bridge opened between the two islands. The 530 m two-pylon cable-stayed bridge makes it easy to combine the peaks of the upper island with Chilhyeonsan on the lower one.

What to do

• Jirimangsan to Oknyeobong ridge traverse: From Donji village the route crosses Jirimangsan (398 m) and Bulmosan (400 m) to Oknyeobong, about 6.5 km in total and usually around 4 hours 30 minutes. The name comes from the claim that on clear days you can see Jirisan on the mainland from the summit.
• Oknyeobong and the twin suspension bridges: About 500 m past Oknyeobong towards Gamabong, two suspension bridges of 39 m and 22 m link Hyangbong and Yeonjibong. Sources give different heights for Oknyeobong.
• Short climb from Geumpyeong: Going up and down Oknyeobong only from Geumpyeong, where the township office is, takes about two hours.
• Daehang Beach: A sandy beach about 15 minutes' walk along the shore behind the township office, with toilets, showers and a campsite.
• Coastal drive and fishing: On the upper island a paved coastal road runs from Naeji to Donji via the ferry landing, about an hour's drive. The lower island has around seven rock fishing spots where anglers target rockfish, sea bream, flounder and black porgy all year.
• Village life: Seven villages sit in the folds of the upper island, linked by paths through coastal pines and sweet potato and onion fields. Each has guesthouses and restaurants.

Tripto tips

• Ferries: From Gaochi Port in Tongyeong to Geumpyeong takes about 40 minutes; from Yongampo Port in Hai-myeon, Goseong, to Naeji on the upper island about 20 minutes. Extra sailings run at weekends and in high season, but check timetables and fares with the operators and book ahead for weekends.
• Hiking: The ridge has steep steel staircases and bare rock sections. Wear hiking boots and gloves, and turn back in rain or strong wind. Plan your day backwards from the last ferry.
• When to go: Spring and autumn are best for hiking. In summer the exposed ridge gets very hot, so start early.
• Time needed: Allow a full day for the traverse including ferries, or half a day for Oknyeobong alone.