Koje-do Travel Guide

  Some cliffs and beaches of Geoje
by DSwede
 
  • Some cliffs and beaches of Geoje
      Some cliffs and beaches of Geoje
    by DSwede
  • View from Oedo-Botania
      View from Oedo-Botania
    by DSwede
  •   Koje-do
    by hindu1936
  • Goats guarding Gujora-seong Fortress
      Goats guarding Gujora-seong Fortress
    by DSwede
  • Market of Jangseungpo-dong
      Market of Jangseungpo-dong
    by DSwede
 

Pro

DSwede profile photo

  There is a large influx of foreigners working in the port area, so western amenities are easier to find. 


Con

DSwede profile photo

  Public transit may be difficult for foreigners who don't know Hangul, so best have your own car or take taxis. 


In a nutshell

DSwede profile photo

  Rugged coastlines and fresh seafood make Goeje what is is. 

 

Explore Koje-do

Things to Do  

Oedo Botanic Islet

Oedo Botanic Islet, Koje-do

 jckim Says:  Island is covered by a camellia forest with the area of 12,000m2. The island is home to more than 3,000 plant species including many subtropical plants, such as cactus, palm tree, gazania, sunshine, eucalyptus, bottlebrush bush, New Zealand flax, and agave. It is so... 

The former POW camp

The  former POW camp, Koje-do

 pieter_jan_v Says:  This site from the Korean War is an educational location showing all the tragedies that happened in those years. 

View the flowers on Oido Islet

View the flowers on Oido Islet, Koje-do

 hindu1936 Says:  In 1969, Lee, Chang Ho and his wife moved onto the island and began raising pigs. The pigs didn't do well. They elected to not raise elephants because they already had problems disposing of the swine manure. They decided to raise something less messy and so the little island... 

POW camp

POW camp, Koje-do

 hindu1936 Says:  During the conflict there were nearly 400,000 South Korean soldiers killed and another 100,000 captured by the north. There were 700,000 North Korean soldiers killed and 50,000 captured. Most of the North Korean soldiers captured were interned on Goje Island west and south... 

Bird watchers

Bird watchers, Koje-do

 DSwede Says:  While I am not a gifted ornithologist, I do appreciate birds.The marine parks, coastal waters and moderate temperatures of Geoje make it an idea place for many birds. If you walk along the coast lines or take any of the ferries into the water, keep you eyes open to the skies... 

Local Fish Markets

Local Fish Markets, Koje-do

 DSwede Says:  Geoje has a large industrial economy tied to the shipyards. However, a large population of the island still make their living through agriculture and fishing.The little towns that dot the coast line have some wonderful fish markets worth a visit.Many of the stalls sell... 

Yeocha-Hongpo drive road

Yeocha-Hongpo drive road, Koje-do

 jckim Says:  The 3.5km section from Yeocha Pebble Beach in Nambu-myeon to Myeongsa Beach is the best. The view of Dadaedo(island) shrouded in sea mist and the views of sunrise and sunset enchant and charm the visitors. Natural beauties are well preserved along the road and many people... 

Historic Park of Geojedo P.O.W. Camp

Historic Park of Geojedo P.O.W. Camp, Koje-do

 jckim Says:  A P.O.W. camp was completed on a site of about 10 million m2 around Gohyeon, Suwol, and Yangjeong areas on November 27, 1950. Up to 173,000 prisoners of war including 150,000 North Korean soldiers, 20,000 Chinese soldiers, and 3,000 women soldiers and militias were encamped.... 

Haegeumgang Rock Islets

Haegeumgang Rock Islets, Koje-do

 jckim Says:  Haegeumgang consisting of two islands belongs to Hallyeo National Marine Park. It was designated as Scenic Beauty No. 2 in 1971. It is also called Galdo because its shape resembles arrowroots. But the name Haegeumgang is used more often. It is 116m high above sea level and... 

Restaurants  

I wish I knew how to read it: Just off the road

I wish I knew how to read it: Just off the road, Koje-do

 pieter_jan_v Says:  When you go on daytrips by car from the island, there's a great stop right after passing the bridge to the mainland.While having a coffee you can make great pictures.Also there's a shop with everything you need for a great day of exploring. 

Transportation  

Cruise ship to Islands

Cruise ship to Islands, Koje-do

 jckim Says:  Base condition and route of Cruise ship.Haegeumgang thru Oedo stopover ( take time 2hr30min-3hr ) 

bus for Koje island

bus for Koje island, Koje-do

 bryankang Says:  Best way to get to Koje Island is riding on the bus.Nambubusterminal,whchi is on the Orange No.3 subwayline southern district of Seoul,you can get a bus to Koje IslandIt takes 5hours for you.Jang-seung-po and Ko-hyeon are the 2 kinds of destination station,so you would... 

Local Customs  

Traditional farms

Traditional farms, Koje-do

 pieter_jan_v Says:  At the islands there are still many traditional farms with walls all around. 

Warnings Or Dangers  

traffic jam

traffic jam, Koje-do

 hindu1936 Says:  the roads are very narrow and during the summer there are 700 million and 3 cars on the island carrying the known population of the earth plus a few million aliens from the planet omygawd. It can take an hour to go half a kilometer. The worst is yet to come. On a weekend, it... 

Off The Beaten Path  

Old Fortresses in the hills

Old Fortresses in the hills, Koje-do

 DSwede Says:  Just outside of Geoje city, you can find Oksangeum-seong Fortress. This is possible as a long hike from Geoje or from the Geojeyeon Gwona.Otherwise, if you have your own transportation, there are a few other small fortresses on the island. While they may not be the most... 

The Inland

The Inland, Koje-do

 pieter_jan_v Says:  At Koje don't forget the inlands. A busy spot are the Mundong Waterfalls. You can also look for the Nature Art Park (Bonzai trees and bigger stuff) or explore the Oryang fortress remains. This last one is hard to find (just keep on drivin') but has a nice view over the... 

Scenic outlook above Sinseondae

Scenic outlook above Sinseondae, Koje-do

 DSwede Says:  This location is just behind the Haegeumgang Theme Museum on the southern end of Geoje, near Sinseondae.If you have your own transportation, it is a nice short walk down a path to the rocky beach and cliffs. When you get down there, you can walk along the pebble beach or... 

Watch cars go over your head

Watch cars go over your head, Koje-do

 pieter_jan_v Says:  The area around the 2 entrance bridges to the island is the one with most small local businesses. It's fun to drive around and discover the miscellaneous activities. 

Sports & Outdoors  

Mounting Climbing

Mounting Climbing, Koje-do

 pieter_jan_v Says:  On Koje Island there are many mountains of around 500 meters high and ideal to climb in 2 hours. Good shoes and bottled water. Most Koreans leave a souvenir at the top or build a pile of stones. 

Favorites  

Stay in Okpo

Stay in Okpo, Koje-do

 DSwede Says:  Okpo-dong is the home to the largest shipyard on Geoje-do (visit my Okpo page).Due to the industry associated with the shipyard, Okpo is home to many foreigners and business travelers. With this, it will be the most comfortable area for foreigners to stay due to restaurant... 

The Place

Plan a Koje-do vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Koje-do locals

Experience Koje-do
  •   29 Tips and Reviews
  •  53 Photos
  Share your Travels  
Map of Koje-do
 

The People

2 Members Live Here
 
Our Members Say
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 There are fast ferries going to Busan from Okpo. The journey takes a hour. 

2 members live in Koje-do

 

Questions and Answers

yjlim77 profile photo

Q:  Hi, I would like to know how do I get to Koje Island from Seoul. I am unable to find any websites that gives me the comprehensive... 

Kakapo2 profile photo

A: You can take the bus (3 hr) or ferry from Pusan (Busan). Here is a website which gives you details: http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Cove/2057/koreainf.html 

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Top 4 Koje-do Writers

1

Southern Haven and Scenic Islands

DSwede profile photo

 Goeje is a beautiful spot to visit on the Southern coast of Korea. It is very crowded in the summer and peak holiday seasons. It is best in my opinion to visit during the week if possible and/or... 

2

KOJE-DO -The Island

pieter_jan_v profile photo

 I've got some interesting experiences in Koje-do. I'd love to share with you the 14 tips I've written, the 16 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created. 

3

Center of Hallyeo Marine National Park, Geoje-do

jckim profile photo

 Located at the center of Hallyeo Marine National Park, Geoje-do is where the beautiful coastlines, beaches, islets, historical places and area is shipbuilding industry in the world ( Daewoo, Samsung... 

4

Goje-do

hindu1936 profile photo

 Until 1950, Goje Island was only a fishing island. During the next 10 years, the shipbuilding began again and today, represents the most important industry on the island. During the late 1600's,... 

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