Travel Guide
A quiet hiking island south of Tongyeong, known for Janggunbong Peak, the Haepumgil Trail, Danggeum and Daehang villages and panoramic views across the South Sea.
A quiet island trail
above the South Sea
Daemaemuldo Island Tongyeong is a scenic island in Hansan-myeon, Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do, and is the largest island in the Maemuldo group.
The island is often simply called Maemuldo, but the name Daemaemuldo helps distinguish it from nearby Somaemuldo and Lighthouse Island. Its best-known attractions are Janggunbong Peak and the Haepumgil Trail.
The main hiking route connects Danggeum Village and Daehang Village, passing forest paths, coastal viewpoints and open ridges overlooking the islands of Hallyeohaesang National Park.
How to Get to
Daemaemuldo Island
Daemaemuldo Island can be reached by passenger ferry from Tongyeong. Ferries may stop at Daehang Port and Danggeum Port, so check the exact stopping order for your travel date.
Start from Tongyeong
Check ferry services from Tongyeong Passenger Terminal toward Daemaemuldo. Departure times may vary by season and operating conditions.
Check Your Arrival Port
Depending on the ferry, you may arrive at Danggeum Port or Daehang Port. This is important when deciding which direction to hike the island.
Confirm the Return Ferry
Day-trip travelers should check the return ferry first. The main hiking route takes several hours, so leave enough time to reach the correct port.
Tongyeong → ferry → Danggeum Village → Haepumgil → Janggunbong → coastal viewpoints → Daehang Village → return ferry
Tongyeong to Daemaemuldo Ferry
Ferry schedules and port order may change depending on season, weather and operating conditions. Check the latest departure time, arrival port and return ferry before traveling.
Places to Explore
on Daemaemuldo
Daemaemuldo is best known for hiking, fishing villages and open sea views along the Haepumgil Trail.
Janggunbong Peak
Janggunbong is the main peak of Daemaemuldo and rises about 210 meters above sea level. From the summit area, visitors can see Somaemuldo, Lighthouse Island and the surrounding South Sea.
View on Google Maps →Haepumgil Trail
Haepumgil is the signature trail of Daemaemuldo and forms part of the Hallyeohaesang Baekri Coastal Trail. The full route is about 5.2 kilometers and connects Danggeum and Daehang.
View on Google Maps →Danggeum Village
Danggeum Village is one of the island’s main settlements and a popular starting point for the Haepumgil Trail. The village offers peaceful harbor and hillside views.
View on Google Maps →Daehang Village
Daehang Village sits beneath Janggunbong on the southern side of the island. Small houses, fishing boats and open sea views create a classic Korean island atmosphere.
View on Google Maps →Gaeikdo Viewpoint
Gaeikdo is a group of rocky islets near Daemaemuldo. Depending on the viewing angle, the rocks can appear as several separate peaks, creating one of the island’s distinctive sea views.
View on Google Maps →Kkodolgae Coastal Area
Kkodolgae is a scenic coastal area along the trail toward Daehang Village. It is known for sunset views and for looking across the sea toward Somaemuldo and nearby islands.
View on Google Maps →
Daemaemuldo
Day Trip Itinerary
The classic day-trip route follows the Haepumgil Trail from Danggeum Village over Janggunbong toward Daehang Village.
Danggeum Village → Haepumgil → Janggunbong → Kkodolgae → Daehang Village
The full Haepumgil route is about 5.2 kilometers. Walking time varies, so day-trip travelers should plan the hike around the return ferry.
Getting Around
Daemaemuldo
Daemaemuldo is primarily a walking and hiking destination. The best scenery is found along the trail between the two main villages.
Hiking
Hiking the Haepumgil Trail is the best way to experience Janggunbong and the island’s coastal scenery.
The trail includes uphill and downhill sections, so bring comfortable shoes, water and light supplies.
Walking
Danggeum and Daehang are small enough to explore slowly on foot, with harbor views and village lanes.
If you do not want to complete the full trail, the villages and nearby viewpoints can still make a pleasant short visit.
Plan Around the Ferry
The ferry schedule determines how much of the trail can be completed in one day. Always confirm where your return ferry departs.
Leave extra time between finishing the trail and boarding the ferry, especially in poor weather.
explore Daemaemuldo?
Who Should Visit
Daemaemuldo?
Daemaemuldo is ideal for travelers who enjoy quiet island trails, panoramic sea views and traditional fishing villages.
Janggunbong and Haepumgil make Daemaemuldo one of Tongyeong’s most rewarding hiking islands.
Open ridges reveal Somaemuldo, Lighthouse Island and many smaller islands across the South Sea.
Danggeum and Daehang offer a quiet glimpse into everyday life on a small Korean island.
Daemaemuldo is less focused on busy sightseeing and more on walking, scenery and slow travel.
Before You Visit
Daemaemuldo
Ferry details, port order, weather and hiking time should all be checked before departure.
Check the latest Daemaemuldo ferry schedule for your travel date.
Confirm whether your ferry stops at Danggeum or Daehang.
Bring an original ID for ferry boarding.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes for the Haepumgil Trail.
Bring enough water and basic supplies for the hike.
Check the weather and sea conditions before departure.
Traveling to Daemaemuldo?
Check the ferry first.
Daemaemuldo lies south of Tongyeong among the islands of Hallyeohaesang. Before hiking Janggunbong or walking the Haepumgil Trail, check the latest ferry, arrival port and return service.
Explore more
Korean islands
If Daemaemuldo is only the beginning of your island journey, continue with more English island guides from SEOMITTA. Compare different coastlines, travel styles and ferry-access islands before choosing your next destination.
A trail surrounded
by the South Sea
Daemaemuldo is an island where walking becomes the main part of the journey.
Start in a quiet fishing village, follow the Haepumgil Trail toward Janggunbong and watch the islands appear one after another across the horizon.
When planning your Daemaemuldo Island Tongyeong trip, check your ferry and port first and leave enough time to enjoy the island’s trails, villages and coastal views.