Sagye-ri Course 3 Connecting Sanbangsan Mountain and 800,000-Year-Old Strata

‘800,000 Years of Earth’s Time’ Opened on April 5, 2014

The Sanbangsan Mountain · Yongmeori Coast Geo-Trail is a path opened by the Jeju Tourism Organization on April 5, 2014. The starting point is the area around Yongmeori Coast at 192, Sagyebuk-ro 41beon-gil, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, and it connects the geology and living culture of Sanbangsan Mountain, Yongmeori Coast, and the villages of Sagye-ri, Hwasun-ri, and Deoksu-ri.

The core geological landscapes are the lava dome topography of Sanbangsan Mountain and the tuff layers of Yongmeori Coast. Information materials introduce Yongmeori Coast as a place containing traces of volcanic activity from about 800,000 years ago, and the Geo-Trail arranges the strata, stone walls, ports, and farmland paths of the southwestern coast of Jeju into a single route.

Course A: 4km from Yongmeori Coast to Sanbang-yeondae

Course A is guided as 4km and approximately 2 hours, including the exploration of Yongmeori Coast. Excluding the Yongmeori Coast section, it is 2km and approximately 1 hour, so the actual walking distance and time vary greatly depending on whether it is open on the day.

This course is good to organize by starting from Yongmeori Coast and connecting Hamel-related spots, Sanbang-yeondae (beacon fire station), and the foot of Sanbangsan Mountain. On days when Yongmeori Coast is closed, it is more realistic to change plans to a 2km section around Sanbangsan Mountain rather than expecting the entire Course A.

• Course A: 4km, approx. 2 hours (including Yongmeori Coast exploration)
• Course A excluding Yongmeori Coast: 2km, approx. 1 hour
• Criteria for departure/arrival: Announcement of opening of the Yongmeori Coast Exploration Information Center

Course B (2.5km) via Sagye Port and Course C (5.7km) toward Hwasun

Course B is a 2.5km, approx. 1-hour course to see the coastal and Sanbangsan Mountain scenery. It is a good choice when you want to walk a short distance centered on Sagye Port and the village inner paths without being tied to the variable tide times of Yongmeori Coast.

Course C is a geology-centered course that requires 5.7km and approx. 2 hours. When planning a separate long-distance route leading to Hwasun Gold Sand Beach, Hwasun-ri Prehistoric Site, Hwasun Gotjawal Forest, and Hombatdongsan Observatory, it is recommended to prepare water, a windbreaker, and non-slip shoes, and to allow enough time to arrive before sunset.

• Course B: 2.5km, approx. 1 hour
• Course C: 5.7km, approx. 2 hours
• B Circular Course in long-distance information: 10km, approx. 3 hours
• A Circular Course in long-distance information: 13.2km, approx. 3 hours 30 minutes

Yongmeori Coast: Even if it's 08:00~17:30, Tides Must Allow

The operating hours for the Yongmeori Coast Exploration Information Center are 08:00~17:30, and the phone number is 064-794-2940. However, these hours do not mean it is always accessible. Entrance is restricted if parts of the coastal path are submerged or if there is a safety risk due to high tides, high waves, or strong winds.

It is efficient to check whether Yongmeori Coast is open as the first schedule. If it is open, start with the coastal exploration and then connect to Course A or the area around Sanbangsan Mountain. If it is closed, setting an alternative plan to move to Sagye Port, the area around Sanbangsan Mountain, or Course B can reduce unnecessary movement on-site.

• Yongmeori Coast Exploration Information Center: 064-794-2940
• Information Operating Hours: 08:00~17:30
• Reasons for Restriction: Tides, sea level rise, strong winds, waves, and other sea conditions
• On-site Priority: Confirm opening status for the day before or immediately upon arrival

Integrated Admission 2,500 KRW for Adults and Parking at Yongmeori Coast

The integrated admission fee for Sanbangsan Mountain and Yongmeori Coast according to tourism information is 2,500 KRW for individual adults and 2,000 KRW for groups of 10 or more. For youth (ages 13–24) and children (ages 7–12), it is 1,500 KRW for individuals and 1,000 KRW for groups. Since fees and restriction criteria are subject to change, it is safer to check with the Information Center on the day of your visit.

The inquiry number for the Geo-Trail itself is 064-792-3363, and parking is listed as available. The address is 192, Sagyebuk-ro 41beon-gil, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, and you can find the Yongmeori Coast parking lot and exploration route near the provided coordinates 33.234559, 126.313841.

• Adult (Individual): 2,500 KRW
• Adult (Group of 10+): 2,000 KRW
• Youth/Child (Individual): 1,500 KRW
• Geo-Trail Inquiry: 064-792-3363
• Parking: Available

How to Not Miss Hyeongje Coast Road and Sagye-ri Human Footprint Fossils

In the long-distance Circular Course A guide, Yongmeori Coast Parking Lot, Sagye Port (1.2km), Hyeongje Coast Road Observatory (1.7km), Coastal Dunes and Hamori Formation (2.1km), Human Footprint Fossils (2.8km), and Daejeong Hyanggyo · Dansan Mountain (5.5km) are presented in order. Markers are attached to stone walls, utility poles, and tree branches, so it is better to reconfirm the direction with a mobile map at intersections where markers are missing.

Hyeongje Coast Road is a section where you can see the sea and Hyeongjeseom Island with Sanbangsan Mountain behind you, and the coastal dunes, Hamori Formation, and human footprint fossils in Sagye-ri are spots where you can interpret geological landscapes along with the scenery of the living area. However, you must avoid climbing on the rocks or touching the surface near protected strata and fossils.

• Sagye Port: 1.2km from the starting point
• Hyeongje Coast Road Observatory: 1.7km from the starting point
• Coastal Dunes · Hamori Formation: 2.1km from the starting point
• Human Footprint Fossils: 2.8km from the starting point
• Daejeong Hyanggyo · Dansan Mountain: 5.5km from the starting point

Utilizing Commentators and Jeju Geo Audio Guide Before 3 PM

According to the Jeju Tourism Organization, a paid program with a geological village commentator is available, and commentators are stationed at the entrance of Yongmeori Coast before 3 PM. However, since the number of personnel and operating conditions may vary on the day, advance telephone reservation is recommended if you wish for a guided tour.

If you do not use a commentator, you can utilize the location-based voice commentary on the Jeju Geo mobile app. The scope of foreign language guidance may vary depending on the site and app language settings, so foreign travelers are advised to inquire in advance at the Jeju Tourist Information Center at 064-740-6000 for language support and barrier-free route information.

• Commentator Presence Hours: Before 3 PM
• Commentary Program: Paid, advance reservation recommended
• Alternative Guidance: Jeju Geo mobile app location notification and audio commentary
• Jeju Tourist Information Center: 064-740-6000