Muuido

Muuido (Korean: 무의도), also known as Muui Island, is a small island in South Korea. It is south of Yeongjong Island, thus very close to (even visible from) Incheon International Airport. It is served by a car ferry from the Jamjinnaru ferry terminal, which crosses the narrow channel separating the island from the mainland. == Understand == Muui was the filming location of the 2003-2004 Korean soap-opera Stairway to Heaven. Muuido is popular with casual tourists and day-trippers, who like to explore the hills and visit the beaches. === History === Muuido was a small fishing and agricultural island for much of its history, with locals relying on coastal fishing, shell collection, and limited agriculture. Because it was relatively isolated, little development took place compared to nearby islands close to the mainland. With the development of Yeongjongdo Island and the opening of Incheon International Airport nearby, the island's role began to change. With improved access, more visitors came to visit, and Muuido Island gradually became known as a leisure destination for beaches, coastal walks, and short outdoor escapes rather than a working island. On the northwest coast is Silmido, which was restricted for years due to its military use and There is also a Korean military movie set in Silmido. Today, the island remains uninhabited and is only accessible on foot at low tide, evoking the region's more complex modern history. === Landscape === Muuido is hilly and covered in vineyards. The shores are alternately craggy, reddish rock and soft, golden sand. On the west coast, there are two main beaches, Hanaggae Beach in the south and Silmi Beach further north. Silmi Island is a smaller uninhabited island off the northwest coast of Muuido. === Flora and fauna === Seaside, there are many shellfish; you may find endless small snails and hermit crabs and of course, ambiguous seagulls. In the wetlands, you may see egrets. Because locals live in houses with yards (contrary to small city apartments), there are many larger dogs tied up outside, all very friendly. Trees are mostly pine, and grapes are grown in small patches everywhere. === Climate === As in Seoul, Muuido experiences warm springs and rainy summers and autumns. Temperatures stay mild into October, although, being seaside, feel chilly when cool breezes pick up. Winters may be too cold to enjoy Muuido's beaches. Muuido has a climate similar to nearby Seoul and Incheon, with warm springs, humid summers, and cooler autumns. Sea breezes can make temperatures feel lower than inland areas. Winters are cold and windy, and beaches are generally not suitable for recreation during that time. === Tourist information === Muuido tourism website == Get in == From Incheon International Airport's Departure terminal (3rd floor), exit at gate 5 and board bus 222 (a T-money card will work for this bus). Bus 306 also takes you to the port, but it is a 10-minute walk from this bus stop to the ferry. The 222 route is a shuttle (back and forth), so it is simple to reach the Jamjinnaru ferry terminal. This car ferry runs every 15 to 30 minutes, from 07:00 to 20:00 (last ferry departure: 19:45) and you will be able to see it shuttling between the two ports. On foot, visit the building to the right, housing ticket counters. You can walk right along the pier to the ferry, and will be directed aboard. Your tickets will be taken, as you do not need them to return. The ferry ride takes about five minutes. There are public buses at the port of arrival, servicing the entire island. === By bus and ferry === Take the city bus from Incheon International Airport to the area of the Jamjinnaru Ferry Terminal in Yeongjongdo. Bus No. 222 runs through the airport and ferry areas and accepts T-Money cards. From the ferry terminal, a short ferry runs across the narrow strait to Muui Island, and the crossing takes about five minutes and is frequently operated during the day. Purchase tickets at the terminal before boarding. Travel back to the mainland is included in the fare. === Fees and permits === Ferry: approximately ₩3,000 per adult on foot (return included). Local buses on the island charge a standard fare (cash or T-money depending on vehicle). Access to Hanagae Beach requires a small entrance fee, as it is managed as a recreational park. === By car === Drivers can reach the ferry terminal area on Yeongjong Island and take the car ferry across to Muuido. Once on the island, roads connect the ferry landing with the main beaches and residential areas. Traffic is usually light, but parking near beaches can be limited during summer weekends. == Fees and permits == The ferry to the island costs ₩3,000 each for an adult on foot, and is free to return to mainland. Normal busfare of ₩1,000 (no T-money) applies for any route. You will be charged ₩2,000 each to pass the gates onto Hanaggae Beach on foot, since it is a park (유원지, yuwonji). == Get around == Public buses access all areas of interest on Muui-do, and there are few taxis. The bus from the port of arrival does a clockwise route around the island, heading southeast, then winding back up and over to Hanaggae Beach in the west, then to Silmi Beach, then back to the ferry. If you arrive at night, there will be smaller beige vans in lieu of green buses. You can call the bus and van operators at 010-3045-4493 for pick up. From Silmi Beach to Hanaggae Beach, transfer at the ferry stop (additional fare). The main green bus takes T-Money; the vans do not. Public buses connect ferry landing points with Hana Beach, Silmi Beach and nearby towns. Because services are rare outside peak hours, it's a good idea to check your schedule in advance. Some late-night services can use small vans instead of regular buses, usually requiring cash payments; T-Money. Taxis are limited on the island. The terrain is hilly, but cycling is possible. Walking along the beach and waterfront is good, but the distance between the attractions can be longer than expected. Recreationally, there are many hiking trails, and horses (on Hanaggae Beach) and ATVs (on Silmi Beach) to rent on the beach. It is a hilly but pleasant place to bring your bicycle. == See == 1 Hanagae Beach (하나개 해수욕장). A large sandy beach on the southwest coast of Muuido Island, famous for its gentle waves, tidal flats at low tide, and sunsets over the Yellow Sea. There are showers, small shops, and seasonal food stands.Hanaggae Beach is a wonderful place for a laid-back weekend vacation. The entire island is quiet but beautiful, and easy to explore. Muuido is an ideal place to get away from Korea's noisy cities, and just relax.Hanaggae Beach is a wonderful place for a laid-back weekend vacation. The entire island is quiet but beautiful, and easy to explore. Muui-do is an ideal place to get away from Korea's noisy cities, and just relax. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Silmi Beach (실미 해수욕장). A secluded beach in the north of Hanagae, a natural atmosphere. At low tide, you can see the mudflats spread toward Silmido Island. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Silmi Island (실미도). An uninhabited island seen from the northwestern coast of Muuido Island. Accessible on foot only at low tide, visitors should check the tide time carefully as the route is quickly submerged. It is well known as a training ground for the 684th unit, and has also been the subject of movies. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Guksa-bong (국사봉) (top on the mountain). Guksabong Peak is 236 meters high and offers spectacular views of the Goeam Cliffs such as Whale Rock, Madang Rock, and Buddha Rock, and there is a legend that a memorial service was held to pray for the safety of the people when the country had a big event a long time ago, and the temple site remains about 200 meters south of the trail, proving its origin. Hundreds of tows, including gilt-bronze Buddha statues, were excavated from the top of the mountain in the late 1950s, providing evidence of a long history. free. (updated Dec 2025) == Do == Down on Hanaggae Beach past the gates, there are sometimes horses to ride for ₩10,000 to the left, and ATV rentals to the right or on Silmi: ₩25,000 for 30 minutes. Further up from the water there is a small cluster of buildings resembling a shanty town, with signs boasting more seafood restaurants, and even a noraebang. Often, an impromptu game of kick-ball will break out between ajumas and ajeossis, older Korean men and women. You will most likely meet other weigukin, foreigners living in Korea. Bring playing cards or dice in case of rain! Beach walking and tidal-flat exploration. Walking along Hanagae and Silmi Beach is especially popular at low tide when mudflats are exposed. While shellfish and small marine life can be observed, foraging may be limited in some areas. (updated Dec 2025) Light hiking. Several informal trails cross the island’s low hills, offering views of the coast and nearby Yeongjong Island. Trails are generally easy but can be muddy after rain. (updated Dec 2025) Seasonal beach activities. During summer, horseback riding and ATV rentals are sometimes available near the main beaches. Availability varies by season and weather. (updated Dec 2025) 1 Ganghwa Leports Park (강화 레포츠 파크), 중앙로 546-34, 546-34 Jungang ro, ☏ +82 329377481. W-F 10:00~17:00, Sa Su 9:00~18:00, Tu X. It has facilities such as zipline, adventure, and climbing. It is a leisure sport that anyone of all ages can enjoy after completing a simple safety rule training. You can feel the comfortable feeling of a natural recreational forest at the same time. (updated Dec 2025) 2 옥토끼우주센터 (Okrabbit Space Center), 강화동로 403403, Gangwhadongro, ☏ +82 329376917. As Korea's first aerospace science theme park, it collects and preserves aerospace-related materials to provide exhibitions and education to help children and the general public understand aerospace science. ₩17,000. (updated Dec 2025) == Buy == Small convenience stores sell very basic camping, shellfish-harvesting and hiking gear. You will also find ramen noodles, canned goods, chips and refrigerated beer, soju and makgeolli, and ice cream bars. Most stores close before 22:00. If you arrive and it's quiet out (no other tourists staying), expect things to be closed even earlier. On Hanaggae Beach, there is one convenience store on your right as you enter the gates and are close to the beach. Look for the picnic table outside and giant jugs of hot water for ramen. They have ramen, beer, soju, snacks, and even sandals. They do not sell cigarettes, but you can find these in one of the restaurants down the beach on the right, next door to Yung Jun's Food Court (the restaurants with patio seating). == Eat == You will be hard-pressed to find anything but seafood on the island. Restaurants can be more expensive than in the city, and serve the usual Korean staples of squid, shellfish, and even shrimp and starfish. Once summer has passed, many restaurants remain closed or vacant. There are outdoor barbecues in front of the beach huts on Hanaggae Beach, which you may use to cook your own food, if you bring coal, grills and raw food. You may also eat a very cheap convenience-store meal on the picnic tables, next to hot water dispensers. Local seafood restaurants. Restaurants near the beaches serve grilled fish, shellfish, squid, and other standard Korean seafood dishes. Prices are generally higher than in the city, and many places close outside the summer season. Self-catering at the beach. Outdoor cooking areas near Hanagae Beach allow visitors to prepare their own meals. Supplies such as charcoal and ingredients must be brought in advance. == Drink == There are no bars on the beaches, but in true Korean style, there is cheap alcohol available in convenience stores and restaurants. Only Korean brands of beer are offered, so BYOB if you want anything else. == Sleep == On Hanaggae Beach, there are many small beach huts available to rent. Some are amongst trees and include facilities, but the rows directly on the beach come highly recommended. These are like miniature minbaks on stilts, with many windows, and heated floors much like that (온돌, ondol) in traditional Korean houses. Thus, they are comfortable in the cooler months of spring and autumn. You are provided with used pillows and yos (Korean quilt-mats) to sleep on, but may want to bring more blankets and a mattress pad or something for comfort as it's just a hard floor. These huts only measure about 2 m², and therefore sleep a maximum of four people (like sardines). One of these huts costs ₩30,000 a night, plus a ₩10,000 key deposit (refunded to you when you check out). There are many vacancies in the spring and autumn, and although the counter posts hours of 14:00 for check-in, the owners are often willing to let you in earlier. Check-out is at noon. This is a popular destination for foreign EFL teachers, so it may be busier during school holidays. Near the port of arrival, there are family pensions. Camping on the beach is also an option. Bonfires are not permitted on Hanaggae Beach. 1 Muido Beach Pension (무의도 해변펜션), 대무의로502번길 88 / 88, Daemuui-ro 502beon-gil,, ☏ +82 1064079380, +82 32-752-3530. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Sundungsil (해둥실펜션), 36, Keunmuri-ro /큰무리로 36 (무의동), ☏ +82 10-7150-1246. (updated Dec 2025) 3 섬뜰아래 펜션캠핑장, 대무의로 229 / 229, Daemuui-ro,, ☏ +82 10-3491-9920. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. ₩70,000-200,000. (updated Dec 2025) 4 빌리쉬펜션, 대무의로 179 / 179, Daemuui-ro, ☏ +82 32-751-7877. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. - ₩220,000. (updated Dec 2025) == Go next == Buses run regularly from all the beaches. The car ferry is free to board to return to Yongyu, and bus 222 will take you back to the airport.