This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at one of Jeju’s off-shore attractions. The island of Udo, which gets its name for appearing like a resting cow, is within view of Seongsan Sunrise Peak and attracts nearly a million visitors a year.

There is a beautiful island off the northeast coast of Jeju which, though small, seems to have it all. Udo Island is just 5.9 square kilometers in area.

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5.9 km2 in area, home to about 2,000 people

It is a windswept, but fertile, place which is home to about 2,000 residents. It gets its name because it resembles a resting cow.

Some even refer to Udo as a miniature Jeju Island, and like Jeju, it is extremely popular with tourists ? attracting nearly 1 million visitors a year. Fishing, cruises, and specialty foods all draw people here. But biking is especially popular.

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Island’s terrain, rental options make biking a popular activity

The island’s flat terrain makes the journey quite enjoyable, and there are plenty of rental options and convenient, electric-powered bikes to choose from.

While you’re touring Udo, keep an eye out for its famous eight kinds of scenery, called Udopalgyeong in Korean. These are dramatic contrasts in Udo’s scenery, like “sky and land,” and “east and west.”

Jeju Olle walking trail No. 1-1 is 16.1-kilometers in length, and as it circumnavigates the island is a perfect way to see Udo up close.

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Udo Peak, Seobin Popcorn Beach are popular attractions

You can also enjoy lovely vistas of the island from the 132-meter-tall Udo Peak. One of its famous beaches is Seobin White Sands ? or “Popcorn Beach” ? which is known for its tiny white coral and designated as Natural Monument No. 438.

And in popular culture, Udo has been the filming location for such movies as “A Love Story” and the TV drama “My Spring Days.”

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Todd Thacker

With Udo’s popularity has come some necessary changes to how tourists can access the island. Rental cars and non-local traffic are no longer allowed to cross by ferry. However, there are plenty of new public buses and routes to ensure you can explore the island safely and efficiently.

Todd Thacker KCTV