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📸 Best Sunrise & Sunset Points in Jeju — Where the Sky Meets the Sea
Jeju Island is a paradise for photographers chasing the perfect light. From the fiery dawn at Seongsan Ilchulbong to the soft pastels over Hyeopjae Beach, every sunrise and sunset feels like a painting unfolding in real time. Whether you’re a traveler with a smartphone or a professional with a DSLR, Jeju’s landscapes offer endless opportunities to capture emotion through light. This guide takes you through the most breathtaking viewpoints — where each golden hour reveals a new side of the island’s soul.
1️⃣ Seongsan Ilchulbong — The Iconic Sunrise Crater
Known as “Sunrise Peak,” Seongsan Ilchulbong (성산일출봉) is Jeju’s most legendary spot for sunrise photography. Formed by volcanic eruptions 100,000 years ago, this UNESCO site rises 180 meters above the sea. At dawn, the sky transforms into a symphony of orange and pink hues, illuminating the crater’s silhouette like a natural amphitheater of light. Arrive before 5:30 a.m. in summer or 6:30 a.m. in winter to catch the first glow. The best compositions come from the viewing deck’s left side, where you can frame both the sea and the crater in one shot — a photographer’s dream.
- 📍 Location: Seongsan-eup, Eastern Jeju
- 🕓 Best Time: 30 minutes before sunrise
- 💡 Tip: Use a tripod and low ISO to capture the pre-dawn blues
| Season | Sunrise Time | Lighting Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 05:50–06:10 | Soft pink haze |
| Summer | 05:20–05:40 | Bright coral glow |
| Autumn | 06:10–06:30 | Golden mist |
| Winter | 07:10–07:30 | Cool lavender tones |
2️⃣ Hyeopjae Beach — The Golden Sunset Shore
If sunrise belongs to Seongsan, sunset belongs to Hyeopjae Beach (협재해변). Facing west, it offers panoramic views of Biyangdo Island and a sky that glows like molten gold. The water reflects every shade of amber and violet, creating mirror-like shots. As locals stroll with coffee and children play along the sand, the entire scene feels cinematic — serene yet full of life. For long-exposure shots, arrive around 6 p.m. and capture the afterglow when the sun disappears below the horizon.
- 📍 Location: Hallim-eup, Western Jeju
- ☕ Nearby: Hyeopjae Café Street (ocean-view coffee shops)
- 💡 Tip: Use ND filters to smooth the water surface
3️⃣ Yongnuni Oreum — The Wind Hill of Morning Light
For a quiet, poetic sunrise without the crowds, climb Yongnuni Oreum (용눈이오름). This “Dragon Hill” is one of Jeju’s most photogenic volcanic cones. From the top, you’ll see layers of mist floating over green meadows and distant wind turbines. In early morning light, the landscape glows with golden fog — a dreamlike atmosphere for wide-angle shots. It’s a short 20-minute hike to the summit, making it ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and breathtaking views.
| Photography Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Camera Angle | Low angle with grass foreground adds depth |
| Lens | Wide (16–35mm) for dramatic skies |
| Timing | 20 minutes after sunrise for soft contrast |
4️⃣ Hamdeok Beach — Gentle Mornings and Aqua Tones
If Seongsan is dramatic, Hamdeok Beach (함덕해변) is peaceful. Known for its emerald waters and calm waves, it’s perfect for sunrise reflections. The nearby bridge and small lighthouse create balanced compositions for minimalist shots. At low tide, you can walk far out into the shallow water — a rare chance to photograph the sun rising directly from the ocean’s surface. Hamdeok is also a great location for drone photography due to its clear color contrast between sea and sand.
- 📍 Location: Jocheon-eup, Northern Jeju
- 🚗 Access: 25 minutes from Jeju City
- 💡 Tip: Arrive early — light fog often creates dreamlike layers
5️⃣ Geumneung Beach — The Mirror of the West
Next to Hyeopjae lies Geumneung Beach (금능해변), a secret favorite among local photographers. When the tide recedes, shallow pools turn the sand into natural mirrors, perfect for creative silhouette and reflection shots. During sunset, the color palette shifts from pastel blues to fiery crimson — and for 10 magical minutes, sky and sea become one. Bring a small towel for your knees — the best shots often come from a low crouch at water level.
- 📸 Style: Silhouette & reflection photography
- 🕐 Best Time: 10 minutes after sunset
- 💡 Pro Tip: Use aperture f/11 for balanced sharpness and glow
6️⃣ Seasonal Light & Photography Angles
Jeju’s light changes dramatically with the seasons. In spring and summer, the sun rises high and burns bright, while in winter it casts long golden rays. Autumn offers soft hues — the best time for cinematic color grading. Photographers often chase the “blue hour” just before sunrise or after sunset for ethereal tones that blend perfectly with volcanic rock silhouettes. Experiment with leading lines, such as coastal fences or footprints, to add narrative depth to your shots — Jeju is a natural storyboard.
- 📅 Best Month: October–April for soft skies
- 📸 Ideal Gear: Wide lens + tripod + polarizing filter
- 💬 Note: Avoid midday — harsh light flattens the volcanic texture
7️⃣ Sunset Road Trips — Following the Light
For travelers who want to experience Jeju’s changing light from coast to coast, take Route 1132, the island’s most scenic drive. Start your morning in Seongsan for sunrise and end your evening at Hyeopjae or Geumneung for sunset. Along the way, you’ll pass Aewol cafés, wind farms, and countless photo stops. It’s more than a road trip — it’s a day-long chase for light, a reminder that every moment of golden hour feels fleeting, yet eternal.
- 🚗 Route: Seongsan → Hamdeok → Aewol → Hyeopjae → Geumneung
- 🕐 Travel Time: Approx. 2.5 hours
- 💡 Tip: Use Jeju’s “Scenic Route Map” app for live sun tracking
🎯 Expert Travel Insight — The Art of Waiting for Light
Photography in Jeju isn’t about speed — it’s about patience. The island rewards those who wait: a passing cloud, a sudden beam of light, or the gentle glow on basalt rocks can turn an ordinary frame into art. Haenyeo, fishermen, and travelers alike live by this rhythm of light and tide. To photograph Jeju is to practice mindfulness — to understand that beauty, like sunrise, cannot be rushed.
