Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Hike: Hours, Fees, Tips
Entry to Seongsan Ilchulbong is 5,000 won for adults (VisitKorea). From November to February it opens at 06:00, in spring and autumn at 05:00. The stepped climb takes about 30 minutes each way. It is closed on the first Monday of each month, and strong wind or rain can close the summit trail.
- Adult entry
- 5,000 won (teens and children 2,500 won)
- Hours
- 06:00 to 18:00 (Nov to Feb)
- Closed
- First Monday of each month
- Official site
- VisitKorea
What should I know before I arrive?
Hours and fees checked November 2, 2026
Seongsan Ilchulbong ("Sunrise Peak") is a volcanic tuff cone with a crater about 600 metres wide, so the sunrise view is the reason most visitors come. According to VisitKorea, the crater is about 600 metres across and 90 metres deep, and the peak rises about 180 metres above sea level. It formed more than 5,000 years ago from an undersea eruption and was designated a natural reserve on July 19, 2000. It is part of the UNESCO-listed Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes site.
- Worth knowing: From the summit you can see Udo Island, as well as the sunrise (VisitKorea). Gate hours follow the season, not the daily sunrise time.
- A common mistake: Arriving on the first Monday of the month, when the site is closed. A visitor guide also notes that the summit trail can close in strong wind or heavy rain.
- Local tip: Bring a windproof layer even in mild weather. One cold-season guide warns that summit winds can be sharp and wet paved steps slippery, and that restrooms are only near the entrance.
What are the hours, fees and closing days?
Adults pay 5,000 won, and opening time depends on the season, from 04:30 in summer to 06:00 in winter. Last ticketing is one hour before closing. Parking is free and a shop and restrooms are available (VisitKorea).
| Item | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nov to Feb | 06:00 to 18:00 | Last ticket one hour before closing |
| Mar to Apr, Sep to Oct | 05:00 to 19:00 | Last ticket one hour before closing |
| May to Aug | 04:30 to 20:00 | Last ticket one hour before closing |
| Individual fee | Adults 5,000 won; teens and children 2,500 won | Ages: adults 25 to 64, teens 13 to 24, children 7 to 12 |
| Group fee (10+) | Adults 4,000 won; teens and children 2,000 won | Per a Korea tourism listing |
| Free entry | Aged 65 and over; aged 6 and under | Same listing; bring ID for seniors |
| Closed | First Monday of every month | Next day if that Monday is a holiday |
The closed-day rule means the site is closed on Monday, November 2, 2026 and Monday, December 7, 2026, by that calculation. For weather questions, the visitor guide above suggests calling the management office on 064-783-0959 on the morning of your visit.
When should I arrive for sunrise?
Aim to be at the ticket office when the gate opens, and in winter that is before sunrise. Sunrise times on the east coast change through the year, and sources give only rough ranges, so check the exact time for your date.
- Late autumn: One guide gives sunrise of about 6:45 to 7:15 a.m. in October and November and around 7:30 a.m. in December and January (Jeju Escape), so a 06:00 winter opening leaves some margin.
- Spring and autumn: A visitor guide reports sunrise around 06:30 to 07:00 with the gate opening at 05:00.
- Midsummer: Sunrise is early (about 05:10 to 05:40 in that guide) against a 04:30 opening, so the margin is tight.
- Crowds: The viewpoint can feel crowded around sunrise, especially in holiday periods, per Jeju Escape. Weekdays outside school holidays are quieter.
Check sunrise times for your date with the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute at kasi.re.kr. Treat all dates here as guidance, not a guarantee.
How do I get to Seongsan Ilchulbong?
Take bus 201 from Jeju Bus Terminal to the Seongsan Ilchulbong entrance stop, or drive or taxi if you need a pre-dawn arrival. The VisitKorea east coast itinerary puts the bus 201 ride from Hamdeok at about an hour.
- Bus 201: A visitor guide lists it from Jeju Bus Terminal to the Seongsan Ilchulbong entrance stop, with express route 111 running between Jeju Airport and Seongsan Port.
- Pre-dawn limits: Jeju Escape says bus frequency drops sharply before dawn, and suggests staying overnight in Seongsan, booking a tour with early pickup or using a private transfer.
- Driving: Jeju Escape gives about 60 to 70 minutes from Jeju City or the airport. Parking at the site is free.
- No car at all? See our guide to getting around Jeju without a car for fares and bus types.
Check first-bus times for your date on the Jeju Bus Information System, because the sources above give no confirmed first-departure times.
How do I do the sunrise hike step by step?
Arrive at the gate on opening, buy a ticket, climb the stepped path and keep a buffer for crowds.
- Check the day. Confirm it is not the first Monday of the month and call 064-783-0959 if wind or rain is forecast.
- Time your arrival. Reach the ticket office when it opens, or at least 45 minutes before sunrise, as Jeju Escape recommends.
- Buy a ticket. Adults pay 5,000 won; carry ID if claiming a senior or child rate.
- Climb. Expect about 30 minutes to the rim on stone steps, and 20 to 40 minutes depending on pace and crowds.
- Take in the view. Look out toward the sunrise and Udo Island, then descend carefully, as wet steps are slippery.
Pack water, a windproof layer and non-slip shoes. If you want a quieter option, a visitor guide says a free coastal section to the left of the entrance leads toward Umutgae Beach.
FAQ
Is Seongsan Ilchulbong open at sunrise?
In November to February the official hours are 06:00 to 18:00, so the gate opens before the late-winter sunrise. In March to April and September to October it opens at 05:00, and in May to August at 04:30. Check the sunrise time for your date.
How long does it take to climb Seongsan Ilchulbong?
Plan about 30 minutes one way at a steady pace, with visitor reports ranging from about 20 to 40 minutes, plus a similar time down. The route is a stepped path, so allow extra time for crowds and photos.
How much does Seongsan Ilchulbong cost?
VisitKorea lists 5,000 won for adults and 2,500 won for teenagers and children. Group rates of 4,000 and 2,000 won apply for 10 or more, and a Korean tourism listing says seniors aged 65 and over and children aged 6 and under are free.
Is Seongsan Ilchulbong closed on any day?
Yes. It is closed on the first Monday of every month, and the closure moves to the next day if that Monday is a holiday. By that rule it is closed on November 2 and December 7, 2026. Strong wind or rain can also close the summit trail, so call 064-783-0959 first.
Official sources and useful links
Links open in a new tab. Hours, fees and sunrise times above are approximate; verify on these pages.
- VisitKorea: Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone hours, fees, closing days and site facts
- Korea tourism listing: Seongsan Ilchulbong group rates, free-entry groups and address
- Visit Jeju official Jeju tourism site for current information
- UNESCO: Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes World Heritage listing that includes Seongsan Ilchulbong
- Jeju Bus Information System timetables and live bus information
- Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute sunrise and sunset times for your date
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