Reasons Why Prices in Ulleungdo Are Higher Than the Mainland and How to Use the 20,000-ton Super Cruise

Ulleungdo, which is cited as one of the most expensive travel destinations in South Korea, is a place where you face price tags that are at least 20% higher than the mainland, and in some cases, several times higher. The prices of local specialties are so high that ten dried squids cost 180,000 won, and a set of ten Dokdo shrimp exceeds 230,000 won, while the cost of living is also high, with a single serving of vegetable rice at a regular restaurant starting at a base of 25,000 won.

Three Key Reasons Why Ulleungdo Prices Are Higher Than the Mainland

According to a Walk Travel video, the fierce prices in Ulleungdo are caused by three major factors. The first is the geographical isolation located in the middle of the East Sea and the resulting maritime logistics costs. As a volcanic island with no airport or bridge, all supplies, from a single packet of ramen to pork belly, must be transported via ship over hundreds of kilometers. The maritime freight rates and risks incurred during this process are reflected in the prices of all daily necessities and franchise foods.

The second is the rugged volcanic terrain. Due to the characteristics of the terrain, which features sheer cliffs and many steep slopes, astronomical civil engineering costs are incurred to cut through roads and build buildings. This surge in construction and maintenance costs raises accommodation and infrastructure costs, and even serves as a cause for basic taxi fares to rise more sharply than on the mainland.

The third is natural factors due to climate change and rising water temperatures. Squid, a symbol of Ulleungdo that could be enjoyed cheaply in the past, has seen its catch plummet to 1/100th of previous levels due to rising water temperatures and overfishing by Chinese fishing vessels within North Korean waters, causing prices to soar. Dokdo shrimp, caught 400m below the deep sea, has also become a precious commodity, increasing the burden on travelers.

Review of Boarding the 20,000-ton Super Cruise 'New Shidao Pearl' Without Worrying About Cancellations

To endure these high prices and live in Ulleungdo for 7 days, the presenter chose the 'Ulleung Cruise New Shidao Pearl,' the only cruise-type passenger ship in the country that departs from Yeongilman Port in Pohang. This ship reaches a height of 26m and a length of 170m, boasting a massive scale equivalent to about an 11-story apartment building. Unlike high-speed boats departing from other ports, its very large size offers the stable advantage of a low probability of cancellation even in the rough waves of the East Sea or during bad weather.

The hull consists of a total of 9 floors. Floors 1 to 4 are the vehicle and cargo decks, while floors 5 to 8 are the main spaces for passengers. On the 5th floor, there are a convenience store, cafe, karaoke, restaurants, and a large performance hall, and various grades of cabins are arranged along the corridors of floors 6 to 8. In particular, all cabins, including the cheapest 6-person room, are designed with a bed-seat structure, making overnight stays possible. In the case of the 6-person room, the price is around 95,900 won per adult (including paid surcharges), and by using the 'KORAIL Rail Tube' product linked with Korail, one can use KTX costs and boarding fees more cheaply.

A Night on the Sea and Convenient Amenities

During the schedule of departing Yeongilman Port at 11 PM and arriving at Sadong Port in Ulleungdo at 5:50 AM the next day, various activities are possible on board. On the 5th-floor large performance hall, onboard performances are held to add enjoyment, and considering the maritime environment where internet use is difficult, 'Starlink' data services are also sold on the 5th floor. On floors 6 to 8, arcade machines and vending machines are provided to add convenience.

The presenter continued the journey toward Ulleungdo after having a hearty breakfast through the Korean buffet breakfast worth 15,000 won provided on board. This trip suggests a new way of traveling, not just passing through as a tourist, but contracting a house through the short-term rental service '33m2' and staying like an island resident.