Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (UNESCO World Heritage)

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Located on the eastern end of Jejudo Island, there is a huge crater at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. The crater is about 600m in diameter and 90m high. With the 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it looks like a gigantic crown. While the southeast and north sides are cliffs, the northwest side is a verdant grassy hill that is connected to the Seongsan Village. The ridge provides an ideal spot for walks and for horse riding as well.
The sunrise from the crater is magnificent. Also the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak surrounded by bright yellow colored rapeseed flowers in the spring is truly a sight to behold.

The famous activity that takes place everyday at Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak is watching the sunrise from the crater. This activity has become famous as Seongsan Sunrise Festival since 1994. It attracts lots of tourists for three days starting from December 31 tol January 2, every year. During this festival, as time moves towards the midnight on December 31, people surround the performance stage, set up at Seongsan Sunrise Peak. For celebrating the New Year, a torchlight show, a campfire and fireworks are set. Another important aspect of this festival is a traditional ritual called gut. As soon as the sun of the New Year rises, a golden tape is cut. The visitors are also entertained with various types of performances held on the performance stage. Other events that are held here include a mounted police parade, a mandarin orange eating contest and a ‘pungmul’ performance.

Address 
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Seogwipo-si Seongsan-eup Seongsan-ri 114 

Operating Hours 
Winter : 1 hour before sunrise - 20:00 
Summer : 1 hour before sunrise - 21:00 

Directions 
* From Seoul to Jeju-do 
- Gimpo Airport (Subway Line No.5 Gimpo Airport Station) 
- Take a limousine bus at Incheon Airport 

* From Jeju 
1. Take a Direct Bus to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak from Jeju-si. 
Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal -> Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (1 hour 30 min ride/ 20 min interval) 
2. Take a Direct Bus to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak from Seogwipo. 
Seogwipo Intercity Bus Terminal -> Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (1 hour 30 min ride/ 20 min interval)

Source: NIIED