Yongmeori Coast Jeju: Is It Open? Visitor Guide
Yongmeori Coast is worth prioritizing on a southwest Jeju itinerary—but only if the coastal trail is open. High tide, strong waves, and bad weather can close the route with little notice. Check the day’s access window before driving across the island, then keep Sanbangsan Mountain or another nearby stop as your backup.
I visited Yongmeori Coast on May 4, 2025. The trail was open, and walking directly beneath the layered cliffs was far more memorable than simply viewing the coast from the entrance. This guide explains how to check whether Yongmeori Coast is open, what the walk is actually like, where to park, and how much time to allow.
Yongmeori Coast at a glance
| Best reason to visit | Walking beside the wave-carved sandstone layers |
|---|---|
| Korean name | 용머리해안 |
| Address | 112-3 Sagye-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju |
| Listed hours | 09:00–17:00, last admission 16:30, but the actual access window changes with tides and weather |
| Listed admission | Adults KRW 2,000; children KRW 1,000; free for senior citizens |
| Time needed | About 30 minutes for the loop; allow 45–60 minutes if you stop for photos |
| Parking | Free public parking and paid private parking are available |
| Good to know | Pets are not permitted, and the route is uneven and exposed to the sea |
Hours, admission fees, and access rules can change. The figures above are the current listings from the Korea Tourism Organization, not a guarantee for the day you visit.
How to check if Yongmeori Coast is open today
Do not rely on the general opening hours alone. The official daily viewing window is adjusted around the tide and sea conditions. A day marked “open” may still have a shorter entry period than 09:00–17:00.
- On the morning of your visit, check Seogwipo’s public tourism Instagram account, @6sot_official. Visit Jeju says this account posts the day’s available trail hours based on the tide and weather.
- If the post is unclear or conditions are changing, call the access information number listed by Visit Jeju: 064-794-2940.
- Check again before beginning a long drive. Wind and wave conditions can change after the morning announcement.
My planning rule: treat Yongmeori Coast as a weather-dependent stop rather than the fixed anchor of the day. If it opens, go during the announced window. If it does not, continue with Sanbangsan Mountain and other southwest Jeju sights instead of waiting outside the entrance.
What the Yongmeori Coast walk is like
The experience changes as soon as you descend to sea level. From a distance, Yongmeori looks like a dark rock shelf beneath Sanbangsan. On the trail, the layered cliff fills your entire view. Waves have cut recesses and narrow passages into the rock, so the most impressive details are easy to miss from the upper viewpoint.
The official Visit Jeju description estimates about 30 minutes for the loop. That is possible if you keep moving, but I would reserve 45–60 minutes. The scenery encourages frequent stops, and narrow sections can slow down when several groups arrive together.
This is not a smooth promenade. Expect natural rock, wet patches, small level changes, and sections close to the water. Wear shoes with a secure sole rather than planning the visit around dress shoes or loose sandals. The official listing rates the attraction as very difficult for visitors who need assistance, so travelers with limited mobility should assess the conditions carefully before descending.
Why the cliffs look so unusual
Yongmeori means “dragon head” in Korean, a reference to the landform appearing to extend into the sea like a dragon. The coast is made from layers created by volcanic activity and later shaped by waves. From the trail, the compressed bands, rounded cavities, and darker overhangs are the real attraction—not a single viewpoint or photo prop.
The coast is designated Natural Monument No. 526 and forms part of Jeju Olle Trail Route 10. That context helps explain why access is controlled when the sea is unsafe: the path is a narrow natural platform at the base of the cliffs, not a constructed boardwalk separated from the water.
Tickets, parking, and arrival
Search for 용머리해안 in a Korean navigation app, or use the address 112-3 Sagye-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju. You can also open Yongmeori Coast in Google Maps.
The Korea Tourism Organization currently lists adult admission at KRW 2,000 and child admission at KRW 1,000, with free entry for senior citizens. It also lists a free public parking lot and paid private parking. Because the ticket counter only matters when the trail is open, confirm access before choosing a private lot or walking away from your car.
Yongmeori Coast is in southwest Jeju, below Sanbangsan Mountain. It is much easier to combine with other Andeok and Seogwipo stops than with attractions on Jeju’s far eastern side. Avoid building a day that zigzags across the island simply because the map makes Jeju look compact.
What to bring
- Shoes with grip: the rock can be uneven or damp even on a clear day.
- Sun protection: much of the route is exposed, while the cliff sections create strong contrasts for photos.
- A small amount of water: carry enough for the walk without bringing a bulky daypack through narrow areas.
- Phone protection if the sea is rough: a simple water-resistant pouch is more useful here than holding a phone loosely near the edge.
Affiliate disclosure: Hey K-Travel may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases, at no additional cost to you. If you need one for a longer coastal trip, compare waterproof phone pouches on Amazon. You do not need special equipment for Yongmeori itself; secure shoes and checking the sea conditions matter more.
Is Yongmeori Coast worth it?
Yes—when the trail is open. The value comes from walking beneath the cliffs, not merely checking off another Jeju viewpoint. If access is closed, however, I would not wait indefinitely or rearrange an entire island itinerary. Use the closure as a reason to spend more time around Sanbangsan and return on another day only if your route already brings you back to southwest Jeju.
For official updates and background, check the Visit Jeju Yongmeori Coast page and the Korea Tourism Organization listing before your visit.
Frequently asked questions
Can Yongmeori Coast close on a sunny day?
Yes. High tide and wave conditions can restrict access even when the sky looks clear. Check the official daily announcement rather than using weather alone.
How long does the Yongmeori Coast walk take?
The official estimate is around 30 minutes. Allow 45–60 minutes if you want photographs or if the route is busy.
Can I bring a pet?
No. Visit Jeju states that pets are not permitted at Yongmeori Coast.
What should I do if the trail is closed?
Keep the day in southwest Jeju and switch to nearby sights that are not tide-dependent. Sanbangsan Mountain is the most natural alternative because it is directly beside the coast.
