Geoje is Korea’s second-largest island after Jeju, connected to the mainland by bridge and accessible from Busan in about 1 hour. It has some of the finest coastal scenery in Korea: the dramatic rocky promontory of Haegeumgang at the island’s southern tip.
The wind turbine hilltop of Windy Hill (Baram ui Ondok), the Geoje POW Camp Korean War history site, and several clear-water beaches that rival Jeju’s on a smaller scale.
Quick Answer: Geoje: Korea’s second-largest island, 1 hour from Busan by bus via the Busan-Geoje Fixed Link. Famous for Haegeumgang (rocky coastal cape), Windy Hill viewpoint, Geoje POW Camp, and Gujora Beach. A rental car is strongly recommended for full island exploration. See the Busan to Geoje guide for transport from Busan.
Getting to Geoje
Express bus from Busan Seobu Terminal to Goehyeon (Geoje) Bus Terminal: approximately 1 hour, 7,000 won. The bus crosses the Busan-Geoje Fixed Link (a combination of an undersea tunnel and a bridge). A rental car from Busan or from Goehyeon gives the most flexibility for the island’s spread-out sights. See the Busan-to-Geoje guide for all options.
What to Do in Geoje
Haegeumgang
The most dramatic sight in Geoje. Haegeumgang is a rocky promontory at the southernmost tip of the island, accessible by boat tour from Gujora Port (approximately 30 minutes each way, 20,000 to 25,000 won). The layered granite rock formations rising from the sea, with their weathered arches and sea caves, are extraordinary. Boat tours operate throughout the day in fair weather. The name Haegeumgang means ‘sea Geumgang’ (a reference to North Korea’s Geumgang Mountain), reflecting how beautiful it was considered.
Windy Hill (Baram ui Ondok)
A hilltop viewpoint with wind turbines and panoramic views over the island’s coastline and the islands of the surrounding Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park. One of Korea’s most photographed viewpoints and the location of numerous Korean drama and film shoots. Free entry. The windmills and the sea view below make for excellent photographs in any season. Accessible by car (parking available) or taxi from Goehyeon.
Geoje POW Camp (Geoje Poro Suryongso)
One of the most unusual and historically significant sites in Korea. During the Korean War, Geoje Island held the largest UN prisoner-of-war camp, which held approximately 170,000 North Korean and Chinese POWs at its peak. The reconstructed camp preserves barracks, watchtowers, and a museum documenting the 1952 POW uprising (in which prisoners briefly seized the camp commandant). Entry: approximately 3,000 won. In Goehyeon city center.
Gujora Beach
One of Geoje’s finest beaches, with clear water and a sandy shore. The boat tours to Haegeumgang depart from Gujora Port adjacent to the beach. Gujora is one of the better camping beaches in Korea in summer, with campsite facilities available.
Oedo Botania
A private island garden park accessible by boat from Gujora Port (approximately 35 minutes each way, included in combined boat tour tickets with Haegeumgang). The island has been developed with European-style garden terracing, sculptures, and viewing platforms. Visually distinctive but developed in a way some find contrived. Worth visiting if you are already doing the Haegeumgang boat tour.
Getting Around Geoje
Geoje is large, and the main attractions are spread across the island. A rental car (available at Goehyeon Bus Terminal or in Busan) is the most practical option. Local buses connect the main areas but are infrequent. Taxis are available from Goehyeon for specific destinations.
Combining Geoje and Tongyeong, the
Geoje and Tongyeong travel guides are natural partners for a trip along the south coast. Tongyeong is approximately 40 minutes from Geoje’s Goehyeon Terminal by bus. A 2-day itinerary: Geoje day 1 (Haegeumgang, Windy Hill, Gujora Beach), Tongyeong day 2 (cable car, Dongpirang village, oyster dinner). Both are accessible from Busan.
Nearby Guides
- Busan to Geoje guide
- Tongyeong travel guide
- Busan to Tongyeong guide
- Busan travel guide
- Busan day trips
- Best places to visit in Korea
- Things to do in Korea
FAQ
Is Geoje better than Jeju?
They serve different travel purposes. Jeju guide is larger, more developed for tourism, and has Hallasan volcano and the more famous natural scenery. Geoje is wilder, less developed, and gives a more local coastal Korea experience. See the Busan vs Jeju guide for the broader south coast vs Jeju comparison.
Do I need a car in Geoje?
For the full Geoje experience, including Haegeumgang, Windy Hill, Gujora Beach, and the POW Camp in one or two days, a rental car or a series of taxis is necessary. The local bus system does not conveniently connect all the main attractions.
When is the best time to visit Geoje?
Spring (April to June) for the azalea-covered hillsides and the beginning of beach season. Summer (July to August) for swimming at Gujora and the other beaches. Autumn (October to November) for coastal walks without summer crowds. The Haegeumgang boat tours run year-round in fair weather.
