Recently, the phrase “Geoje Yahoo” has been spreading online like a catchphrase. The line, which came from a conversation between RESCENE members Woni and Minami, quickly took off through YouTube and social media algorithms thanks to its playful ring. Riding that popularity, a video of the two visiting Geoje has surpassed 6.6 million views on YouTube, and RESCENE was also appointed as Geoje City’s promotional ambassadors.
In other words, a girl group’s joking remark has unexpectedly delivered a major boost in local promotion. As curiosity grows—“What kind of place is it, anyway?”—Geoje travel is also spreading by word of mouth among younger travelers.
Though it’s being talked about as a lighthearted meme, Geoje has long been known for its South Sea scenery, where emerald waters meet rocky islets. In fact, across Geoje you can find views so beautiful they practically make you blurt out “Geoje Yahoo.” Here’s a look at two highlights: Windy Hill, with its sweeping views of the open South Sea, and the Haegeumgang cruise route, where you face towering cliffs from out on the water.
Emerald South Sea views at a glance…‘Windy Hill’
If you want a can’t-miss photo with the South Sea as your backdrop, your first stop should be Windy Hill. This low hill, located north of Dojangpo Village in Nambu-myeon, was originally called “Ttibatneul,” meaning a hill covered with silvergrass. Starting in 2002, it began to be known by its current name, and it has been used as a filming location for the dramas “Eve’s Garden” and “Merry-Go-Round,” as well as the film “Palm Tree Forest.” After appearing on the popular variety show “2 Days & 1 Night,” it became one of Geoje’s signature attractions.
From the grassy rise of Windy Hill, you can take in the waters off Dojangpo, the coastline, and cruise boats passing by—all at once. With blue skies meeting deep-blue seas, it’s an easy place to linger and unwind. And if you stand in front of the large windmill on the hilltop, you can come away with standout travel photos without any special staging.
It isn’t a large site, nor does it have flashy facilities, but its wide-open panorama is the kind that makes your chest feel clear and open. Because it offers an immediate sense of the South Sea’s distinctive atmosphere, it’s an ideal first stop on a Geoje trip.
A brush-ink landscape painting…Meet it by cruise: ‘Haegeumgang Cross Cave’
After snapping photos at Windy Hill, why not continue your sea-route journey by boarding a Haegeumgang cruise at the nearby pier? From the deck, you can feel a different kind of energy than the South Sea view you saw from the hill. Haegeumgang is a rocky islet that holds jagged sea stacks and the Cross Cave; its name means it’s as beautiful as Geumgangsan—only at sea. The dramatic rock formations create a quiet yet imposing mood, like a single ink-wash painting.
The Cross Cave, in particular, is a special sight you can experience on the Haegeumgang cruise route. The boat slips narrowly into a gap between the rocks, and at the midpoint, if you tilt your head back and look up at the sky, the rock edges split into the shape of a cross. When you come face to face with this mysterious scene carved by waves and wind, it’s easy to understand why many consider this stretch the highlight of the cruise.
Depending on the route, you can also take in Geoje’s coastal scenery while passing Lion Rock, Ujebong Peak, Sinseondae, and the Dapodo area. Another option is a landing tour of Oedo Botania, known for its exotic garden landscapes, so it can help to review schedules and sailing routes to match the itinerary you want.
However, sailings may change depending on wind and waves, so be sure to recheck notices and on-site guidance before and after making a reservation. Also, cruises can be fairly rocky, so comfortable shoes are a better choice than dress shoes. If you’re worried about motion sickness, it helps to avoid overeating before boarding and to bring motion-sickness medication in advance.
Seagulls may swarm in, but be careful about feeding snacks
On a Geoje cruise, you’ll often see seagulls flying in around the boat. Some people treat feeding crackers to the approaching birds as a small, fun experience, but it requires caution. Seagulls are wild birds that live along the sea and coast, and if they become accustomed to human snacks like crackers, their instinct to find food on their own can weaken. Crackers also contain salt and seasonings, making them hard to consider appropriate feed for wildlife.
There are safety concerns as well. If you hold crackers in your hand and call seagulls close, the birds may come in near your fingertips and cause injury, and you could end up in an unpleasant situation with droppings on your clothes or belongings. Rather than trying to lure seagulls, it’s best to focus as much as possible on the seascape and the dramatic Haegeumgang views.
