Chagwido: The Uninhabited Island Paired With Suwolbong
a place you reach only by boat
Today GYULI would like to introduce a small uninhabited island floating just off Jasuri Port in Gosan-ri, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju-si. This is Chagwido, an island said to be reachable only by boat from Jasuri Port, located around 200-52 Gorak-ro, Hangyeong-myeon. Known as an island with no permanent residents, Chagwido is said to be paired with the nearby Suwolbong as part of a single geological attraction designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. The story of Suwolbong has already been covered in detail elsewhere, so today it's only mentioned briefly, with the focus staying on Chagwido itself. Today GYULI is laying out what's known about Chagwido, being upfront about what isn't confirmed.
An Uninhabited Island Reached by Boat From Jasuri Port
The way onto Chagwido is reportedly a cruise or tour boat from Jasuri Port. It's said not to be a place you can sail into on a private boat, and instead is reportedly toured or landed on only through a set tour program. Exact sailing times, routes, and whether landing is possible can apparently shift with the season and that day's weather, so it's hard to state precisely here. Sailings are also said to be cancelled on days with high waves or strong wind, so if you're planning a visit, it's worth checking with the operator or on site at Jasuri Port before you set out.
An Uninhabited Island, Also Said to Be a Refuge for Seabirds
What's said to set Chagwido apart from Jeju's other outlying islands is that it has no permanent residents. Having gone largely untouched by human hands for a long time, it's said to have kept much of its natural state intact, which is reportedly why it's also known as a resting place for a variety of seabirds. For that reason, the waters around Chagwido are said to be managed as an ecologically protected area, and it's reportedly not a place visitors can wander through freely. Many accounts describe exploring only within a set trail or guided range, so when joining a tour, it's worth following the guide's instructions closely.
I heard that the closer your boat gets to Chagwido, the more the sheer, rocky shape of the island seems to loom larger — maybe because no one lives there, the scenery is said to feel especially untouched.
— 🍊 GYULI
A Geological Landmark Paired With Suwolbong
Chagwido is often said to be discussed together with Suwolbong, which sits directly across from it. The coastal cliffs of Suwolbong have already been covered in detail elsewhere, so only a brief mention here — both sites are said to share the common trait of having formed long ago through undersea volcanic activity. Many visitors reportedly plan a route that takes in Suwolbong from Jasuri Port first, then continues on by boat out to Chagwido.
Chagwido tours are said to vary in operating hours, fares, and routes depending on the season and operator, so it's worth checking the latest information before you visit. The silhouette of Chagwido seen from Jasuri Port at sunset is said to be especially beautiful, a detail repeated in several accounts — and some reviews note that the view is striking enough even without boarding a boat, just from the pier. If you'd like to experience the quiet appeal held by an island with no residents, adding a Chagwido tour to your itinerary is said to be worth considering.
GYULI's Tip · Chagwido is said to be mostly explored by tour boat rather than a private visit. Check the operating hours and fares of tour operators at Jasuri Port before you go, and since sailings can reportedly be cancelled depending on the weather, build in a flexible schedule.