The Peak of Jeju's Sunset: The Warm Comfort of Sabongnakjo (Sunset at Sarabong) Met at Sarabong Park

The Time When the Jeju Sky Turns Purple, Sarabong (Sarabong)

After landing at Jeju Airport and dropping off my luggage, the first place I headed to was Sarabong (Sarabong) in Geonip-dong, Jeju-si. Hearing that it is a low hill near Dongmun Rotary (Dongmun Rotary) and easy to climb, I tied my shoelaces and set out. Upon reaching the entrance of Sarabong, I was first greeted by Mochungsa (Mochungsa). Passing by the serene energy of the temple and starting to walk up the gentle slope, a breeze mixed with the salty scent of the sea brushed against my cheeks. It was truly beautiful to see the afternoon sunlight filtering through the forest path, shattering against the leaves.

Sarabong is a daily sanctuary for Jeju citizens and a place that allows travelers to fully experience the joy of Oreum (volcanic cones). As I climbed toward the summit, the shortness of breath soon vanished, and the panorama of Jeju-si slowly unfolded beneath my feet. The endless Jeju sea to the north and the magnificent Hallasan (Hallasan) mountain standing firm to the south. Just walking this path felt like all the tension in my body and mind was melting away.

One of the Yeongju 12 Views, the Unforgettable Magic of Sabongnakjo (Sunset at Sarabong)

If asked why I climbed Sarabong, I would definitely choose 'Sabongnakjo (Sunset at Sarabong)'. Old Jeju residents also considered the sunset viewed from this spot to be the best, and after seeing it with my own eyes, I understood why. While the sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong (Seongsan Ilchulbong) carries an intense vitality, the sun encountered at Sarabong slowly permeates under the sea, dyeing the whole world in a warm orange hue.

As the sun hid beyond the horizon, the boats docked at the harbor began to light up one by one. The mysterious colors of the night, created by the blend of the city's artificial lights and the natural sunset, were a spectacle that could never be fully captured by a camera lens. The faint sound of a ship's whistle from the harbor and the coolness of the night wind blended in a subtle way, and I finally realized that I had arrived in Jeju. As the sweat on my back from the uphill climb cooled down and tranquility descended, I savored the rewards of traveling alone.

The Night at Jeju Harbor Where You Want to Keep Walking

I moved to the back of Sarabong and looked toward Byeoldobong (Byeoldobong). To the east, Byeoldobong, which has a paragliding takeoff area, sits reliably; if time permits, walking the entire course connecting Sarabong and Byeoldobong is also a great choice. The drive course that starts from near Udang Library (Udang Library) at the foot of Sarabong and leads to Tapdong (Tapdong) via Jeju Harbor (Jeju Harbor) is quite famous. While it is nice to drive, the walking path where you can enjoy the night breeze offers unparalleled romance.

Sarabong is not a flashy tourist destination, but it is a place closest to the daily life of Jeju. Climbing in the not-too-late afternoon to see the sunset, and coming down while enjoying the city lights before the darkness deepens. In that short journey, I felt the rugged but profound warmth of the island of Jeju. Next time I come to Jeju, I want to plug my favorite music into my earphones and walk this path slowly once again.