Hamdeok Beach

Hamdeok is one of the most photographed beaches on Jeju because of a colour contrast that is genuinely striking: white shell sand under shallow water that goes bright turquoise in sun, set directly against black basalt - the lava rock that makes up the island - in ledges and outcrops along the shore and in the headland of Seoubong at the eastern end. A white footbridge crosses the small inlet where a stream meets the sea and is the standard photograph. The water is shallow a long way out and calm, which suits families and paddlers more than swimmers. Seoubong is a low volcanic cone with a path over the top in about twenty minutes and a view back along the coast. Behind the beach are cafés, guesthouses and a campsite, and the Jeju Olle coastal trail passes through. In July and August it is busy; in winter it is empty and the colour still works on a bright day.

What you actually see

• The turquoise shallows - white sand under clear shallow water.
• The black basalt - lava ledges against the pale sand.
• The white footbridge - the crossing over the inlet.
• Seoubong - the low cone and its coastal view.

When to go

June to September for swimming; April, May and October for the colour without the crowds. The turquoise needs sun - on a grey day it is simply grey.

Honest expectations

Very shallow water means little real swimming. Summer weekends are crowded and parking is difficult. The famous colour depends entirely on sunlight.

Nearby

Woljeongri is east along the coast; Jeju City and the airport are 20 km west.