Udo, you really know how to enjoy yourself! Watching the rapeseed flowers on the lonely black sand beach

Traveling to Jeju Island, you must not miss Udo. Spend half a day or a whole day to experience this Jeju offshore island. Udo is a volcanic island formed by volcanic activity during the Neogene Quaternary period (about 2 million to over 11,000 years ago). The Joseon Dynasty's King Sukjong started a state-owned ranch here in the 23rd year of his reign (1697), and human activity began for the effective management and breeding of national horses. In the 8th year of King Heonjong's reign (1842), an entry permit was issued, and in the 10th year (1844), Jin Si-rin, a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations, and his entourage settled here after coming to the island. Udo, shaped like a lying cow, hence got its name 'Udo' and is also known by other nicknames such as Coral Island, Haenyeo (female diver) Island, and Lighthouse Island. Udo has become a must-visit destination for travelers to Jeju as it served as a filming location for Korean dramas like 'The Uninvited' (2000), 'Summer Scent' (2003), and 'Mermaid Princess' (2004). If you take a bus tour around Udo, the driver may only make stops at the main stations like Lower Udo Port, Lower Gusu-dong Bathing Beach, Black Sand Beach, Udobong Peak, Cheonjin Port, and White Sand Beach. Black Sand Beach is a highly commercialized popular spot with many shops, restaurants, cafes, etc., and almost everyone stops here. The black reef rocks and sand of Black Sand Beach have a somewhat aloof air, with the cliffs and lighthouse of Udobong Peak in the background. At the end of the black sand, there is the East Coast Whale Cave, known as one of the eight scenic spots of Udo. Legend has it that a huge whale lives in the giant cave beneath the cliff, but the cave can only be entered at low tide. Walking forward from Black Sand Beach, there is a roadside cafe where you can see vast fields of rapeseed flowers merging with the sea level, which is especially beautiful in spring. Black Sand Beach is also a popular lunch spot. I had a bowl of seafood noodles at a restaurant recommended by many, but honestly, it felt a bit overhyped. From this station at Black Sand Beach, you can also hike to Udobong Peak, which definitely offers the best views of the entire Udo Island.