Udo (Jeju Province)

Udo (Korean: 우도; Hanja: 牛島; lit. 'Cow Island'), also known as U Island and sometimes Soseom (소섬), is an island in Jeju Province, South Korea. It is 2.8 km (1.7 mi) off the coast of Jeju Island, and is the second-largest island in the province.

The island is one of Jeju's most popular destinations, with 2.23 million visitors in 2016. It is known for its scenic beaches, sheer rocky cliffs, and sea caves. It is reachable by ferry, and bikes and public transit are available on the island.

"Udo" and "Soseom" both mean "cow island"; when viewed from the side, the island is said to resemble a cow lying down. The island was also referred to as "Yeonpyeong" (연평; 演坪) in the early 1900s.

Udo is a volcanic island. With the exception of the peaks Someorioreum (소머리오름) and Udobong (우도봉; 牛島峰), the island is relatively flat. Around 71% of the island is flat and used for agriculture. The coast of the island is mostly rocky, with sharp cliffs and even sea caves. It has no rivers or springs; drinking water is obtained through rainwater.

In 2010, the population was 1,575, with 756 males and 819 females. The island is subdivided into four administrative districts. An estimated 40% of residents' income comes from farming, with the remaining income coming from fishing. The island is famous for its peanuts and garlic. Haenyeo (female divers) forage off the coasts of the island. Pigs and cattle are bred on the island. The island has an elementary and middle school.

The former island Biyangdo (different from the one in Hallim-eup) is now connected to the east side of the island by a land bridge.

There is evidence of private human activity on the island from 1698 CE. Permission was granted for average people to move onto the island in 1840.

In 1914, it was made part of Yeonpyeong-ri, Gujwa-myeon, Jeju County. In 1946, it became part of Yeonpyeong-ri, Gujwa-myeon, Bukjeju County. in 1986, it was made part of Udo-myeon, which was part of Bukjeju County. In 2006, Udo-myeon was made part of Jeju City.