If your goal is to enjoy the beauty of Korea without screaming children, drunk old men, and crazy howling tourists, then I know just the recipe for you. Think about most of the beaches you’ve been to in Korea before. Gangneung beaches? Riddled with people. Haeundae Beach? OMG, run for your LIFE. [Insert popular beach here.] Girl, don’t even. Seriously. I have nothing but amazing things to say about Deokjeokdo and I would gladly go again next summer just to scum around the beaches and really enjoy what it has to offer during a longer time frame. Let’s just say once I caught wind of Deokjeokdo, it didn’t take long before this city slicker and honorary Okinawan island princess decided to jump on a ferry and go island hopping.

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Seopori Beach

This is pretty much where the best beach on the island is. It’s surrounded by a luxurious forest of 100 year old pine trees. The beach is moderately sloped and a bit muddy if the tide goes down. Other than that, Seopori is a white sand beach and very enjoyable to be on. There’s a huge stretch and there’s plenty of space to sprawl out and avoid others. Since this beach isn’t as populated as one of the more dense ones, you will not find any places to rent umbrellas or chairs. Bring your own or go to the beach after 3 when you won’t get burnt to a crisp. (Also, I was so tired from hanging out on Ulleungdo and doing stuff for three days straight, that all I wanted to do was go to the beach.)

Mud Flats

Deokjeokdo boasts an experience of going to mud flats and catching clams. While clam scouting, perhaps a friendly ajhumma or two might help you pick out the best ones. The best time to go is in the afternoon when the tide is low. That way you can have your pick of the adorable little clams for feasting. After you’re done, you can keep the clams and cook them.

Where To Stay

I’ll be the first to admit the pension we stayed in was no Gangneung Seamarq Hotel, but sometimes you’re paying for the location as is the case with Sonamu Hyangi. The plus sides of this place: super close proximity to the beach, there’s a bike rental shop next door, a CU located underneath and all the best restaurants on the island are less than a 10 minute walk. The downsides, it’s kind of old, Korean style (you’ll be sleeping on a mat on the floor) the bathroom was a little gross, and it costs about 100,000 won per night. It’s also possible to go camping on Seopori Beach to cut the cost, if you’re on a budget. They have shower facilities on site.

Related: Ulleungdo Travel Guide

What to Eat

When you get off the ferry and arrive at the port. Pretty much every restaurant and most conveniences are in the port area. As you all know, Korea isn’t very vegetarian friendly, but you can find places that serve bibimbap with no egg or meat as long as you ask nicely. Not in the mood for Korean food? Island is the only restaurant on the island that serves Western food… And it’s called Island. The irony? In any case, you’re welcome.

How To Get Around

Despite looking small on the map, Deokjeokdo is anything but. You can bring your own transport on the ferry like a bike, car, scooter, or a rented bus in my case. Say you don’t have any of the above or you don’t want to bring your own bike. Next to the (Name Pension) there is a bike rental shop called Jajeonga Yogeumpyo. Bike rentals cost 4,000 won for one hour and 7,000 won for two hours. the lady and her husband who run it are very kind and I’m sure you could negotiate something for a day or longer if you can speak Korean. Public Transport also isn’t that good so if you have a motorized scooter, bike or car, I would highly recommend taking it.

Related: How to Rock Your Day Trip to Udo Island 

Music Festival

Thanks to Koreaners and the Incheon Tourism Organization, they made a pretty rad festival for foreigners and locals on Deokjeokdo alike. The Organization booked some pretty cool bands and dancing performances. There was also a bonfire available and fire lanterns to light and bring toward the sky. The absolute highlight for me was letting go of that lantern. It was my first experience ever and it was incredibly amazing. I had always seen those #instagramperfect posts on letting them out and now it was my turn. They say before you release the lantern, you need to make a wish. I wished really hard to pass my Korean Language Exam for KIIP Level 2. Sadly, I failed so now I have to retake the level and cry as I sit through another 80 hours of hell. #killmenow In any case, those were a great touch to add to the festival as the bonfire roared and the music played into the night. The only word I have for the experience is… MAGICAL. Did I also mention because the light pollution on the island is more minimal than Seoul, you can actually see stars? Seriously, I took the camping trips out to Woodhaven for granted.

How To Get There

Take the dark blue line or line 1 and go to Dongincheon Station. You can take a taxi from the station or Bus 12 or 24 for 20 minutes to Yeonan Pier. It takes about two hours to get there. The basic standard ferry is about 35,000 won for round trip; however, if you’re an Incheon resident you get half price. Ferries go to Deokjeokdo from Incheon four times a day. From Deokjeokdo there are three different times you can leave the island, with two ferries being available at 4:30. Also note that each is a one way price and not round trip. In addition, bringing your transport is a separate cost.

Ferry Time Schedule (from Incheon)

8:00 25,000 won
9:10 18,000 won
9:5014,400 won
15:00 25, 950 won

Ferry Time Schedule (from Deokjeokdo)

9:3024,500 won
3:3016,500 won
16:3013:200 won
16:3024,500 won

Bringing Your Car

Small Car48,000 won
Medium Car51,000 won
Large Car59,000 won

Good luck and stay beautiful! Deokjeokdo is still an island gem with its vast ruggedness and no mass tourism. This is a must visit for every expat living in the country!

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