Biyangdo Island: Catch the Boat From Hyeopjae First

If you dig through enough Jeju destinations, sooner or later a small island floating off the Hyeopjae coast catches your eye. That's Biyangdo — an island off Hyeopjae-ri in Hallim-eup, said to have no bridge to the Jeju mainland, so the only way across is reportedly by boat. Seen from Hyeopjae Beach it looks close enough that plenty of people find themselves wondering how you'd even get out there. On top of that, Biyangdo is said to be the most recently formed of Jeju's volcanic islands, a detail that reportedly comes up often among people interested in geology. Today GYULI is laying out what's known about Biyangdo — and being upfront about what isn't confirmed. If you're planning your first trip out there, it's worth reading through to the end.

Getting to Biyangdo Starts With a Boat From Hyeopjae

The way onto Biyangdo is reportedly a boat from a pier on the Hyeopjae side. Given how close the island looks, the crossing itself is said to be short, but exactly how many minutes it takes and how many sailings run per day can apparently shift with the season and that day's sea conditions, so it's hard to state precisely here. There's also talk that sailings can be cancelled outright on days with strong wind or high waves, so if you're planning a trip to Biyangdo, the safest approach is to check that day's pier conditions and timetable yourself before heading out. Since it's a small island, sailings are reportedly less frequent than at other spots on the main island, so it's worth building in extra time for both the crossing in and the way back. Ticketing and fares can reportedly vary by season too, so it's best to confirm those on site at the Hyeopjae pier.

Said to Be Jeju's Youngest Volcanic Island

What sets Biyangdo apart in how it's talked about is that label — the most recently formed island. Unlike the Jeju mainland and its many oreum and volcanic landforms, said to have taken shape over a very long span of time, Biyangdo is described as having risen from volcanic activity in a comparatively recent past, said to be about 1,000 years ago. Exactly what year or through what process it formed still seems to be a matter of ongoing accounts and study, so GYULI won't state a specific year here — only the rough figure of about 1,000 years ago. Still, the fact that different sources repeat this idea of a geologically young island suggests Biyangdo is regarded as a meaningful spot for understanding Jeju's volcanic landscape. The idea that an island this young sits close enough to be visible from Hyeopjae seems, on its own, to be reason enough for people to want to go see it.

🍊 More Photos, via GYULI

A Small Island, Best Walked Slowly

Biyangdo isn't a large island, and many accounts say you can take your time covering it in half a day. There's said to be a single peak on the island, with a trail up to the top that reviews often describe as manageable without too much effort. That said, exact time needed and how difficult the trail feels can vary person to person, so this too is offered cautiously. Walking around the island, there are reportedly spots where the Hyeopjae coastline and Hallasan come into view at once, offering an angle on the Jeju mainland that's hard to get from land. It isn't an island packed with flashy attractions, and multiple reviews repeat the idea that simply walking quietly and looking at the sea is the whole point of a visit here.

Since the island is small and sailings aren't especially frequent, the single most important thing on a Biyangdo trip is reportedly not missing the boat back. Missing the last sailing could leave you stuck, so it's worth checking the return schedule before you head in and keeping an eye on the time while you're on the island. There may not be many restaurants or facilities on the island, so some reviews suggest bringing water and snacks from Hyeopjae beforehand. Many visitors reportedly pair the trip with Hyeopjae Beach for a half-day route, taking in Hyeopjae's turquoise water first and then crossing over by boat for Biyangdo's quieter mood. More than any specific sight, several accounts describe it as a place for walking itself, and for the unfamiliar view back at the Jeju mainland from across the water.

🍊 Real Photos, via GYULI