Yeondanpo Pier, a Hidden Gem on Yeongjongdo, Incheon
Yeondanpo Pier on Yeongjongdo, Incheon, is not well-known, but today, I would like to introduce the surrounding Yeondanpo Dullegil (a scenic walking trail).
The trail itself takes about an hour for a round trip, but what makes this place so special is that it subtly reminds visitors of Jeju Island’s coastal Olle Trail, especially for those who have visited Jeju before. This is likely due to the combination of forest paths, gentle slopes, and the view of Yeongjongdo’s tidal flats and the sea, creating a unique and harmonious atmosphere.
(Note: At the beginning of the trail, there is a slight incline with wooden steps.)
Visiting During Different Times of the Day
Previously, I visited in the evening, but this time I went during the day. The vibe was noticeably different in the daylight. However, in my opinion, sunset is the best time to visit, as it adds a special charm to the area.
On this particular day, I started at Incheon Airport, had lunch at Inspire Resort’s Garden Farm Café, visited Yeondanpo Dullegil, and then moved on to Masi Beach. I finished the day with coffee and some bakery treats at Masirang Café.
(Note: There is a café near Yeondanpo Pier, but it didn’t seem to be very crowded.)
Yeondanpo Pier and Surrounding Area
Yeondanpo Dullegil is best accessed by searching for Yeondanpo Pier. There’s a large parking lot past the pier, and the parking is free, which is always a plus. The area around the pier also has some seafood restaurants, all of which are single-story, adding to the quaint atmosphere. I thought it would be nice if there were a bakery café, but I did spot a regular café nearby.
Behind the parking lot, you can see fishing boats stranded during low tide and lots of crabs if you look closely at the mudflats. However, there didn’t seem to be a visible path down to the mudflats, and no one seemed to be venturing down, so it seems it’s not accessible.
At one corner of the pier, there’s a lighthouse, which lights up beautifully at night. I’ve written about it in a previous blog post, so feel free to check that out for more details.
The Start of the Trail
Directly across from the pier, there is a small hill, and that’s where the Yeondanpo Dullegil begins. The view from the starting point gives you a great panorama of the Yeondanpo area of Yeongjongdo.
(Note: There isn’t much shade around the pier, so it can get quite hot in the summer. There’s also a levee path behind the pier, but it was too hot for me to walk along.)
Along the beginning of the trail, there is an octagonal pavilion built to commemorate the site of someone’s home, though it didn’t leave much of an impression on me. After a brief incline at the start, the trail becomes relatively flat, making it easy to walk the rest of the way. Even in the middle of summer, the shade from the trees makes the walk quite bearable.
The Highlight of the Walk
There are benches scattered throughout the forest path, and as you pass one of the more open areas, you’ll be greeted by a wide, breathtaking view of the sea. This spot left quite an impression on me the first time I saw it — except for the fact that it’s the Yellow Sea, it felt like I was standing on Jeju Island.
From here, you’re looking north, and on a clear day, you can see Ganghwa Island in the distance. While this isn’t the best spot to catch a sunset, if you’re looking for a stunning sunset view, I recommend Janghwari Beach on Ganghwa Island.
The entire trail can be completed in about an hour round trip if you don’t take any breaks.
Additional Notes
One section of the trail felt a bit random — there was a small pavilion that reminded me of a playground slide, and it didn’t seem to serve much purpose. But overall, Yeondanpo Dullegil is a great spot to explore on Yeongjongdo if you’re looking for an alternative to popular spots like Masirang Beach and Eulwangni Beach.
- Parking: Free at Yeondanpo Pier
- Facilities: Some seafood restaurants, a café, and a lighthouse with a public restroom
- Tidal Flats: The mudflats are expansive, but there’s no easy access to walk down to them
- Estimated Time: It takes about 2 hours to explore the entire area.
