Geoje Island, off South Korea’s southern coast, is the country’s second-largest island after Jeju. Summer is a great time to visit, especially for families who want to swim, snorkel or spend the day by the sea. They can also ride a cable car, enjoy a mudflat experience and visit a Korean War historic site. Here are four places families can explore together on a getaway to Geoje Island!

Geoje Panorama Cable Car (거제 파노라마 케이블카)

Geoje Panorama Cable Car is a great way to enjoy panoramic views of Geoje’s mountain and coastline. The ride takes about 10 minutes each way and carries visitors from Hakdong Pass to the upper station on Mt. Nojasan. From there, they can take in wide views of the islands of Hallyeohaesang National Park. Visitors can choose a standard cabin or a crystal cabin with a transparent floor which adds more fun, especially for those comfortable with heights. Weather conditions or safety inspections can suspend service, so check the same-day schedule before your trip.

• Address: 288 Geojejungang-ro, Dongbu-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Naver Map

• Hours: 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m. (Ticket sales end one hour before closing)

• Ticket: Standard cabin (round trip): Adults 18,000 won / Children 15,000 won

• Crystal cabin (round trip): Adults 23,000 won / Children 18,000 won

• Free for children under 36 months with proof of age

Gujora Beach (구조라 해수욕장)

Gujora Beach gives families many ways to enjoy Geoje’s clear southern sea. Kids can swim and play along the beach with soft sand. Older children and adults can kayak toward Yundolseom, a protected uninhabited island, and enjoy snorkeling in the clean blue water. The rocks on the island are sharp, so make sure to bring aqua shoes. The kayak ride usually takes about 20 minutes each way. Kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis and banana boats are available from rental shops near the beach. Restrooms and shower facilities are also available.

• Address: 500-1 Gujora-ri, Irun-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Naver Map

• Hours: Open year-round. During the official swimming season in July and August, lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Kayak rental: 60,000 won for two people with no time limit during operating hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

• Rental shop Naver Map

Geoje POW Camp Historic Park (거제 포로수용소 유적공원)

Geoje POW Camp Historic Park offers a unique experience and a meaningful look at the history of the Korean War. At the time, it was one of the largest U.N.-run prisoner-of-war camps in the world, holding up to 173,000 North Korean and Chinese prisoners at its peak. Visiting the former camp helps families understand the difficult side of the war in a way most museums do not. The exhibits may feel less modern than those at larger museums, but the park’s value comes from learning this history where it actually happened. About two hours is usually enough for a visit.

• Address: 61 Gyeryong-ro, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Naver Map

• Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (Closed Tuesdays, Seollal and Chuseok)

• Ticket: Adults 7,000 won / Teens 5,000 won / Children 3,000 won

Dadae Mudflat Experience Village (다대갯벌체험마을)

Playing in the mudflats is a great activity for children in Korea, and this place offers a homi, small shovel and basket renting service to dig and collect clams directly from the mudflats. Since mudflats are exposed during low tide, the available schedule varies depending on the tides. Please make sure to call or check their website for reservation if you plan to visit. The village is closed when the tide comes in and the mudflats are underwater around one week per month.

• Address: 6, Dadae 1-gil, Nambu-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Naver Map

• Hours: 2 hours available from the time the mudflats are exposed (Usually 12 p.m.-4 p.m.)

• Phone: 055-633-1064

• Ticket: 7,000 won–15,000 won

• Website (only Korean)

Windy Hill (바람의 언덕), Naver Map

One of Geoje’s beloved landmarks, featuring a large windmill overlooking the sea.

Hakdong Black Pearl Pebble Beach (학동흑진주몽돌해변), Naver Map

A unique beach famous for smooth black pebbles and the rolling sound they make as waves wash over the shore.

Forest Sound Park, Naver Map

A free family park where children can feed sheep, ride the monorail and enjoy walking paths.

Oedo Botania (외도보타니아), Naver Map

Take a ferry to this beautiful botanical garden island, usually combined with a cruise around the Haegeumgang Islets.

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• 5 reasons to visit Geoje Island, South Korea