Seopjikoji

South of Seongsan Ilchulbong, at the end of a green headland jutting into the sea, rises a red volcanic cone topped by a white lighthouse. Seopjikoji is a cape on the coast of Seongsan-eup in Seogwipo, with windswept grassland, black basalt shores and oddly shaped rocks along a coastal walk. In spring rapeseed flowers turn the slopes yellow, and the headland has served as a backdrop for many Korean dramas and films.

Name and history: the cape on a narrow strip of land

The name combines the Jeju words "seopji" and "koji", the latter meaning cape. "Seopji" is usually explained as "narrow land", though another reading links it to land that produces many talented people, so sources differ. Geographically it is a long spit reaching into the sea. On the hill stands the Hyeopja Yeondae, a Joseon-era beacon platform where signal fires were lit. Built of stone, it is about 4 m high and roughly 9 m square, and it is relatively well preserved.

What to see

• The red cone and lighthouse: the peak rising north-east of the beacon is made of red volcanic scoria, known on Jeju as "song-i". Steel stairs lead up to the white lighthouse on top, and from its railing the whole Seopjikoji coastline lies right in front of you.
• Coastal path: the loop around the headland follows the sea past black rocks and striking rock formations. On clear days you can see Seongsan Ilchulbong to the north.
• Hyeopja Yeondae: the old beacon platform, the oldest structure on the hill.
• Rapeseed slopes: in spring yellow flowers, the red cone and the blue sea all fit into one frame.

Good to know

• Productions filmed here include the drama "All In", the films "Dangeokbiyeonsu" and "The Uprising" (Ijaesu-ui Nan), and the drama "Eyes of Dawn".
• A large aquarium and resort facilities sit near the entrance to Seopjikoji, so it is easy to continue indoors after your walk.

Nearby

• Seongsan Ilchulbong: about 3 km north, under 10 minutes by car. The tuff cone rising from the sea is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, and you can see it from the Seopjikoji hill.
• Gwangchigi Beach: a black basalt shore at the foot of Seongsan Ilchulbong; at low tide moss-covered rocks appear, with the crater as a backdrop for photos.
• Udo Island: reached by ferry from Seongsan Port, about 8 km from Seopjikoji; a long day can include both.
• Sinyang Seopji Beach: the beach near the entrance to Seopjikoji, where windsurfers and kitesurfers are out on breezy days.

Tripto tips

• Access: always open, free, with parking and toilets.
• Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours for the loop including the lighthouse.
• Weather: it is often very windy here. Bring a hat and a windproof layer, and note that the scoria path and stairs can be slippery after rain.
• Combine with: Seongsan Ilchulbong and Gwangchigi Beach are a short drive away, making an easy day on the east coast. Watch the sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong, then walk Seopjikoji in the morning light.