Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)

Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service · CC BY-SA 2.0

A volcanic crater rising straight out of the sea like a stone crown, at its best at sunrise.

Seongsan Ilchulbong formed when lava erupted underwater some five thousand years ago, leaving a broad crater ringed by sheer cliffs. Twenty minutes of steps bring you to the rim: below is a green bowl of grass, beyond it the sea and the fishing village of Seongsan. People rise at four in the morning to catch the sunrise here — the sun comes straight up out of the eastern sea. At the foot of the peak, the haenyeo — Jeju's women divers, most of them well past sixty — still perform the abalone dive they have done all their lives.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)?

Year-round, best at sunrise

How much does it cost to visit Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)?

5,000 KRW

How long do you need at Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)?

1.5–2 hours

What are the opening hours of Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)?

07:30–20:00 (earlier closing in winter)

Did you know

Part of Jeju's UNESCO World Natural Heritage listing.
The crater is about 600m wide and the peak stands 182m above the sea.
Formed by an underwater eruption roughly 5,000 years ago.
Haenyeo culture was inscribed by UNESCO as intangible heritage in 2016.

Travel tips

The gate opens before dawn — check sunrise times by season.
The steps are steep; wear shoes with grip.
Check the haenyeo demonstration schedule on the rocks below.

Source: https://www.visitjeju.net/en/detail/view?contentsid=CONT_000000000500339

Updated: 2026-08-04