Haegeumgang Rock

Haegeumgang is a small rocky island - really two joined masses - off the southern tip of Geoje, named for a supposed resemblance to the Geumgang mountains, and its interest is what the sea has done to it: the rock is split by clefts and pierced by caves and arches, including a passage large enough for small boats to enter, with a formation called the lion rock and another the ten-thousand-year rock. It cannot be landed on, so the visit is a boat trip - operators run from Haegeumgang village, Jangseungpo and other piers, taking an hour or two, usually combining the island with a run past the cliffs and often stopping at Oedo, a private island planted as an elaborate botanical garden that most tours include. Sunrise through the main arch on particular dates is the photograph people chase. Boats are cancelled in swell, which on this exposed south coast is frequent.

What you actually see

• The sea caves - clefts and arches cut through the rock.
• The boat passage - small craft running into the grotto.
• The named formations - lion rock and its neighbours.
• Oedo garden - the planted island most tours include.

When to go

April to June and September to October. Boats do not run in swell or wind, and cancellations are common - build flexibility into the plan.

Honest expectations

You cannot land on Haegeumgang; it is a boat viewing only. Tours are combined with Oedo and priced accordingly. Sea conditions cancel trips often, including at short notice.

Nearby

Windy Hill and Hakdong beach are on Geoje; Tongyeong is across the bridges.