what to SEE at hongdo

BOAT TOURS AROUND THE ISLAND

One of the best ways to appreciate the island and its rocky islets and arches, this two-hour boat trip around the island lets travellers take in all the sights along the coast, including the areas you wouldn’t normally be able to access. Along the way, you’ll come across the designated sites such as Nammun Rock, Seokhwagul Cave and Doknipmoon Rock. The best comes at the end of the tour when a small boat usually pulls up next to you, and fishermen slice up live fish on the spot, to serve you a plate of freshly cut sashimi. It doesn’t get much fresher than that!

VENTURE ON YOUR OWN

If a small, crowded boat tour isn’t your thing, there are options to walk around the island on your own, once you hop off the ferry onto the island. Although the national park is strictly off-limits to crowds, you may follow the carefully designated paths. The northern section of the island is mostly open to the public, so travellers have the opportunity to explore the steep, sun-baked lanes of the town. At the intersection between the northern and southern areas, you’ll find Mongdol Beach where many locals stop for a picnic or just simply soak up some sun.