Jeju Island's Hidden Gem Photo Spots: Oedolgae Rock | Dae Jang Geum

You know the feeling! After hiking for 3 hours in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, I finally discovered a non-touristy perspective of Oedolgae Rock 🌊 It's not the crowded observation decks, but a secret route where you can capture the same shots as in "Dae Jang Geum"! 🔍 First, let's understand: What exactly is Oedolgae Rock? It's a "sea stack" 🌋 formed by Jeju volcanic rock eroded by ocean waves. A cluster of tenacious green plants grows on its top. The famous scene where Jang Geum escapes by jumping into the sea in "Dae Jang Geum" was filmed here! But most people just take a tourist photo at the main observation deck and leave. In reality, there are so many amazing photo spots hidden around! 🚶‍♀️ My Hidden Hiking Route (with less-known photo spots) Location: Olle Trail Route 7, Seogwipo City (Oedolgae Rock Entrance) I recommend wearing comfortable shoes! This path is a coastal cliff trail and can take 1-2 hours to walk~ 1️⃣ Main Observation Deck (Basic Spot) This is the classic view you see right after entering the scenic area (Pic 3). You can capture the full "human-like" silhouette of Oedolgae Rock, but it can get a bit crowded. I recommend arriving early (before 8 AM, it's usually empty). 2️⃣ Cliff Crevice Spot (Pic 5) Walk 5 minutes along the path to the right from the main observation deck. You'll see a dense thicket of low bushes. Push aside the branches to reveal a "framed" view – waves crashing against the cliff, Oedolgae Rock hidden in the blue-green sea, like peeking at the ocean from the jungle 🌿 3️⃣ Secluded Pool (Pic 4) Continue walking for another 10 minutes, and you'll encounter a "natural swimming pool" surrounded by rocks! The water is a clear, minty blue, and you can see the volcanic rocks at the bottom. Sitting by the pool, you can capture both Oedolgae Rock and the distant small island simultaneously, with no one else vying for the spot! 4️⃣ Sunset Chasing Spot Walk back after 5 PM and stake out a spot on the stone steps to the left of the main observation deck – the sunset will perfectly align with the "top" of Oedolgae Rock, painting the rock a warm orange, and the waves will turn into shimmering gold ✨ 📌 Practical Tips ✅ Opening Hours: 24 hours, free admission! However, there are no lights on the trail at night, so it's recommended to finish by 6 PM. ✅ Transportation: Take the Seogwipo intercity bus to "Sammae Park Entrance" station, then walk 10 minutes to the scenic area. ✅ Nearby: After your walk, you can head to the nearby "Lee Jung-seop Cultural Street" for seafood noodles. For about 50 RMB per person, you can enjoy fresh Jeju abalone~ 💬 Final Thoughts Jeju Island isn't just about Udo Island and Seongsan Ilchulbong! Places like Oedolgae Rock, where "there are no crowds and you can immerse yourself in the sea view," are what I truly enjoy about traveling~ Walking along the cliff trail with the sea breeze, listening to the sound of the waves, I suddenly understood why "Dae Jang Geum" chose this place for the "rebirth" scene – the lonely yet resilient rock truly gives strength 🌊