Iho Tewoo Beach: Don't Just Snap a Photo and Leave

When you're putting together a Jeju itinerary, there's almost always a moment when time runs short — the flight is getting closer, but you still haven't properly taken in the sea. That's often when Iho Tewoo Beach comes up. It's said to sit close to central Jeju City, and more importantly, close to Jeju International Airport, which is why travelers looking to catch a quick taste of the ocean before or after a flight are said to favor it. The beach itself isn't especially large, but it's become known as a great photo spot thanks to two horse-shaped lighthouses — one red, one white — standing along the shore. Today GYULI is introducing Iho Tewoo Beach with what's known so far.

Worth a Stop Just for Being Close to the Airport

Iho Tewoo Beach is said to sit not far from central Jeju City. Its biggest draw, by most accounts, is how close it is to Jeju International Airport. Travel reviews often mention stopping by right after landing, before checking into a room, or squeezing in one last look at the sea before a departing flight. It's also said to be an easy addition to the route before returning a rental car, though exact travel time and the best access route can vary depending on where you're starting from and traffic conditions, so it's worth checking a map app before heading out. Many of Jeju's well-known beaches tend to sit a fair distance from the city center, which is part of why Iho Tewoo is often mentioned as one of the few spots you can fit into a short window without much hassle.

Two Horse Lighthouses, One Red, One White

The image most associated with Iho Tewoo Beach is probably the two horse-shaped lighthouses, painted red and white. They're said to stand at the ends of the breakwaters on either side of the beach, shaped like the ponies long associated with Jeju. Alongside their actual function as lighthouses, they're also said to serve as the beach's signature landmark. Two differently colored horses standing side by side, facing out to sea, make for a striking scene, and it's said that a steady stream of travelers stop to take photos with them in the background. GYULI can't speak with full confidence about exactly when they were installed or why the two are painted differently, but the idea of Jeju's sea and its horses coming together in one distinctive image is a theme that comes up consistently across different sources.

A Short Walk Along the Coast

Once you've taken in the horse lighthouses, it's said to be worth slowly walking the path that runs along the beach. The route follows the sand and the breakwater, so you can take in the sea up close without much effort, and walking it is said to bring you back into view of the lighthouses from different angles along the way. Some reviews mention timing the walk for sunset, when the horse lighthouses' silhouettes are said to stand out against the colors of the sky, though the exact sunset time shifts with the season, so it's worth checking ahead of your visit.

Since this is meant to be a short stop, there's no need to over-prepare, but the sea breeze is reportedly strong on some days, so it's worth bringing a light jacket. There's a stretch of sand along the way, so comfortable walking shoes are a good idea too. Because of how close it is to the airport, many travelers are said to save it for the very last stop on their trip — just be sure to leave enough time so you're not racing the clock to your flight. Whether it's a quick stroll or, if you have time to spare, sitting at a nearby cafe to watch the sea, either is said to work well here.

🍊 Real Photos, via GYULI