When visiting Jeju Island, one place you absolutely shouldn't miss is Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak. The name might sound intense, and with an elevation of 182 meters, I expected a long, tiring climb. But to my surprise, the round trip only took about 50 minutes! It’s much shorter than it seems—and that makes it even more recommendable.
⛰️ Lots of stairs, but the trail is short
Although the trail is filled with stairs, the actual distance is quite short. It might seem intimidating at first, but once you start climbing, you’ll quickly realize it’s very doable.
Even if you take it slow, stop for photos, and rest occasionally, you’ll likely finish in under an hour. Fast climbers might even reach the top in 30 minutes.
๐ธ Don’t forget to take photos on the way up!
If you’ve got the energy, make sure to snap some photos along the way. The views get better the higher you go—coastal cliffs, the ocean, and the village below make for incredible photo backdrops.
You’ll definitely want to capture this scenery!
๐ฝ “Peak” sign is to the left at the summit
Once you reach the top, look to your left—you’ll find a sign that says “Peak.”
It’s a popular photo spot for hikers and a perfect place to commemorate your climb with an awesome view of the surrounding nature.
๐พ Feels like walking on a meadow at the summit
Surprisingly, the summit doesn’t feel rocky or narrow. Instead, it opens up to a wide, grassy area that feels like walking through a meadow. It’s peaceful, spacious, and the contrast between land and sea from up there is simply breathtaking.
๐ Don’t miss the scenery on the way down
Even the descent is full of beauty. The views you couldn’t see on the way up suddenly appear—new angles of the ocean, the village, and sweeping natural landscapes. It’s a different experience going down, and just as enjoyable.
๐ช A bit of a workout, but highly recommended!
Sure, the stairs can be a bit of a challenge, but reaching the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong is absolutely worth it.
The view, the breeze, and the satisfaction of conquering this natural wonder make it one of Jeju’s must-visit destinations. I strongly recommend it—just bring comfy shoes and some water!
Seongsan Ilchulbong, Seongsan Ilchulbong hike, Jeju travel, Jeju must-visit places, Sunrise Peak, Jeju hiking, Jeju nature spot, Seongsan review, Jeju sunrise location
