Gupum Ferry Terminal, Yeongjong Island, South Korea: Sunset, Mudflats & Fishing Guide
Gupum Ferry Terminal on Yeongjong Island is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking stunning sunset views, expansive mudflat walks, and prime fishing spots near Incheon. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about experiencing the best sunset viewpoints, navigating the mudflats, and finding top fishing areas at Gupum Ferry Terminal. Whether you’re planning a relaxing day trip or an adventurous outing, this comprehensive overview will ensure you make the most of your visit.
1. What Is Gupum Ferry Terminal?
Located on the northwestern tip of Yeongjong Island in Incheon, Gupum Ferry Terminal was once a small dock serving as a lifeline for island residents. Although passenger ferries between Gupum Island and mainland Incheon no longer operate, it has become a quiet harbor where travelers enjoy fishing, scenic views, and leisurely strolls. The expansive mudflats and unobstructed view of the West Sea make it famous as one of the best spots to watch the sunset. Visiting Gupum Ferry Terminal feels like discovering a hidden seaside retreat within the city.
2. How to Get There
- By Car
- Take the Incheon Airport Expressway → Yeongjong Bridge → Second Seoul Ring Expressway, then cross Yeongjong Bridge. Gupum Ferry Terminal is reached within about 5 minutes.
- Enter “Gupum Ferry Terminal (1228-1, Bukseong-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon)” into your GPS for the fastest route.
- A public parking lot (Gaetbeol Park Parking) sits right beside the pier, accommodating around 100 cars on weekends and holidays. The parking fee is roughly ₩3,000 per day.
- By Public Transportation
- Bus: From Incheon Bus Terminal or Dongincheon Station, board Bus No. 306 and get off at “Gupum Ferry Terminal” station—about a 3-minute walk to the pier.
- Airport Railroad + Local Bus: Take the Airport Railroad to Yeongjong Station (terminus). Transfer to Bus No. 306, which takes about 15 minutes to reach Gupum Ferry Terminal.
- Taxi: From Incheon International Airport, a taxi ride to Gupum Ferry Terminal takes around 15 minutes and costs about ₩8,000—an affordable and convenient option.
3. Main Attractions & Activities
3.1. Mudflat Walk & Clamming
The vast mudflats in front of Gupum Ferry Terminal are particularly popular among families who want to experience mudflat walking. During low tide, the exposed mudflats reveal clams, cockles, and small octopuses that visitors can discover and collect firsthand. Just be sure to bring your own tools (gloves, a small shovel, etc.) and check posted notices for any harvesting restrictions before you begin.
3.2. Fishing – A Sunset Fishing Hotspot
Historically, locals caught sea bream, rockfish, and croakers here, and the terminal remains a hotspot for sunset fishing. Anglers line the breakwater in the late afternoon, dropping their lines as the sun dips. If you haven’t brought your own gear, a small tackle shop nearby carries basic fishing equipment so you can start fishing on the spot.
- Fishing Tips:
- Aim for two hours before and after high tide for the best chances at bites.
- From September to November (fall), croakers are abundant; from December to April (winter–spring), you’ll have better luck catching rockfish and flatfish.
3.3. Sunset Viewing & Photography
With an unobstructed western horizon, West Sea sunsets at Gupum Ferry Terminal are stunning. During fall and winter, the crisp air yields brilliant red skies that reflect perfectly on the mudflats, creating a watercolor-like view. Photographers favor this spot for capturing the gentle reflection of the sky on wet sand.
- Photography Tips:
- Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset; use a tripod and set a longer exposure to capture the reflected colors on the mudflat.
- Position yourself on the edge of the breakwater to frame a wider expanse of sea and sky.
3.4. Marine Life Observation – Gaetgol Ecological Park
Right next to Gupum Ferry Terminal lies Yeongjong Island Gaetgol Ecological Park, where you can observe various marine creatures and migratory birds. During the day, you might spot Eurasian spoonbills and black-faced spoonbills in the reeds; in winter, you could see mandarin ducks, swans, and geese flocking here. The park has informational signs and small observation decks, making it an excellent educational stop for families with children.
4. Nearby Restaurants & Cafés
4.1. Haemul Kalguksu Specialty “Gupum Kalguksu”
- Location: 5-minute walk from Gupum Ferry Terminal
- Recommended Menu: Haemul Kalguksu (₩8,000), Spicy Seafood Stew (₩20,000 for two people)
- Highlights: The broth brims with clams, mussels, and squid, offering a clean yet rich flavor. The restaurant is so popular at dinner that you may need to wait in line; if possible, visit for lunch or call ahead to reserve.
4.2. Grilled Shellfish “Seaside Aroma Shellfish Stall”
- Location: Right at the entrance to Gupum Ferry Terminal
- Recommended Menu: Assorted Grilled Shellfish (small ₩30,000, large ₩50,000), Grilled Shrimp (₩10,000)
- Highlights: Fresh, mudflat-harvested shellfish grilled over charcoal, accompanied by the salty sea breeze, create an unbeatable combination. The owner grills everything for you, so even beginners can relax and enjoy.
4.3. Oceanview Café “Rising Tide & Falling Tide”
- Location: About a 7-minute walk from Gupum Ferry Terminal along the coastal walkway
- Recommended Menu: Oceanview Americano (₩5,500), Sweet Sea Latte (₩6,500)
- Highlights: This two-story café features floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase a panoramic sea view. If you visit between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM (sunset hours), you can watch the glowing sky from a comfortable sofa inside, making for a romantic experience.
5. Lodging & Facilities
5.1. Nearby Accommodation Options
- Yeongjong Guesthouse
- Location: About a 10-minute drive from Gupum Ferry Terminal
- Room Types: Dormitory (₩20,000/person), Double Room (₩45,000)
- Highlights: Situated right on the shoreline, some rooms offer views of the mudflats and West Sea sunset. Shared kitchen and lounge areas encourage interaction among travelers.
- Yeongjong Island Pension Village
- Location: Approximately 15 minutes by car from Gupum Ferry Terminal
- Room Types: Studio (up to 6 people, starting at ₩80,000), Loft-style (up to 8 people, starting at ₩120,000)
- Highlights: Each unit provides its own barbecue facilities, some positioned directly on the beach. This is ideal for group trips or family getaways.
5.2. On-Site Facilities
- Restrooms & Snack Shop: Public restrooms sit just in front of the breakwater, and a small shop sells drinks, instant noodles, and fishing bait.
- Trash Sorting Stations: To protect the mudflats, please use the designated recycling and general waste bins—or better yet, carry out what you carry in.
- Benches & Picnic Tables: Benches and outdoor tables are scattered around the pier, making it easy to enjoy a packed lunch or simply rest.
6. Recommended Itinerary
1-Day Trip
- 08:00–09:00 Depart Incheon by car or bus; arrive at Gupum Ferry Terminal
- 09:00–10:30 Walk the mudflats and try clamming
- 10:30–12:00 Lunch at Gupum Kalguksu (Seafood Noodle Soup)
- 12:00–13:30 Explore Gaetgol Ecological Park and bird watching
- 13:30–15:30 Rent fishing gear and fish from the breakwater
- 15:30–17:00 Coffee at Rising Tide & Falling Tide Café
- 17:00–18:30 Watch the sunset and photograph the scenery
- 18:30–19:30 Dinner at Seaside Aroma Shellfish Stall (Grilled Shellfish)
- 19:30–20:00 Return home safely
2-Day, 1-Night Trip
Day 1
- 08:00–09:00 Depart Incheon; arrive at Gupum Ferry Terminal
- 09:00–11:00 Mudflat walk and clamming
- 11:00–12:30 Check in at Yeongjong Guesthouse and settle in
- 12:30–14:00 Lunch at Gupum Kalguksu
- 14:00–16:00 Stroll through Gaetgol Ecological Park
- 16:00–18:00 Fishing from the breakwater
- 18:00–19:30 Coffee and sunset at Rising Tide & Falling Tide Café
- 19:30–21:00 Barbecue party (guesthouse or pension barbecue facilities)
Day 2
- 07:00–08:00 Morning view of the sea and light stretching
- 08:00–09:30 Sample a local Incheon-style breakfast (approx. ₩7,000)
- 09:30–11:00 Visit the Incheon International Airport Observation Deck (15-minute drive)
- 11:00–12:00 Free sightseeing and souvenir shopping (Duty-free at Incheon Airport available)
- 12:00–13:30 Lunch near Incheon Airport
- 13:30–15:00 Head home
7. Travel Tips & Precautions
- Stay Safe on the Breakwater
- When fishing on the breakwater, sudden waves can occur. Wear waterproof footwear and, during fishing, a safety vest. In winter, strong winds make the chill more severe, so bring a warm coat.
- Check Mudflat Tides
- Before heading out, check local tide tables (available via the Incheon Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Department’s website or mobile apps) to know low and high tide times. While mudflat walking is fun at low tide, the tide can return quickly, so be cautious.
- Carry Out Your Trash
- Because waste bins near Gupum Ferry Terminal are limited, separate and dispose of garbage in designated bins or carry it out yourself. This helps protect the mudflat ecosystem.
- Avoid Parking Crowds
- On weekends, holidays, and peak seasons, the parking lot fills up quickly. Arrive early or use public transportation. If the main lot is full, you can park in nearby public lots (paid).
- Prepare for Limited Cell Reception
- Some areas around Gupum Ferry Terminal experience weak cell service. Download an offline map (e.g., Naver Map or KakaoMap) beforehand to avoid getting lost.
8. Conclusion
Gupum Ferry Terminal on Yeongjong Island offers a perfect escape from busy city life, combining mudflat experiences, sunset fishing, and fresh seafood into one trip. It’s just a short drive or bus ride from Seoul and Incheon, making it ideal for either a day trip or an overnight stay. Each season paints the mudflats and sea in different colors—fall and winter, in particular, deliver crisp skies and magnificent sunsets reflected on the wet sand. Simply put, this quiet harbor is a place where the journey itself is the relaxation.
When planning, remember to check tide schedules, pack basic snacks and drinks, bring fishing gear (or plan to rent), and dress warmly for potential sea breezes. Nearby attractions—such as the Incheon Airport Observation Deck, Seaside Park, and Eulwangri Beach—are also worth visiting if your schedule allows.
Discover your own seaside story at Gupum Ferry Terminal. Plan your trip soon, capture memorable photos, and enjoy the simple bliss of this hidden coastal gem.
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