trip to jeju island from india

The Best Jeju Island Itinerary for 2-5 Days (+ Hour Breakdown)

The first time I went to Jeju Island I spent 3 nights in the summer and tried to fit in as many attractions as I could.

I went back to Jeju Island in 2023 and ended up staying 6 nights and was able to visit more places.

Whichever amount of days you stay in Jeju Island for, planning ahead will help you make the most of your Jeju Island itinerary.

Here are sample 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day Jeju Island Itinerary schedules to see the main Jeju Island attractions with nature trips, beaches, waterfalls, and UNESCO Heritage sites.

If you’re new to South Korea, make sure to read my  travel guide to South Korea .

🎥 Watch my vlogs for more Jeju Island tips:

Table of Contents

How many days do you need in Jeju Island?

For most tourists who are spending two weeks in South Korea and want to see other cities too, 3 nights in Jeju Island would suffice.

2 days in Jeju :

If you’re in a rush and can only spend 2 days + one night in Jeju Island, you can get a taste of Jeju’s main attractions like Seongsan Ilchulbong, waterfalls, and beaches.

In this case I would book a Jeju Island tour to maximize time.

3-4 days in Jeju :

You’ll have time to check out additional cultural sites, beaches, and nature sites, including a quick Hallasan Mountain hike .

5 days or more in Jeju :

You can add a Hallasan Mountain hike or a trip to Udo Island to your Jeju Island Itinerary. You can also add more of the lesser-known nature and cultural sites.

Jeju Island Travel Essentials

Book Before Your Jeju Trip: 🚕 Hire a private chartered car for a Jeju Island day tour 🏢 Book discounted hotels in Jeju on Agoda 🎫 Browse through dozens of available Jeju tours 🚌 Buy a Jeju Bus Hop On & Hop Off Day Pass here 🚙 Rent a car in Jeju Island for as cheap as $28 USD a day

Getting Around Jeju Island

I have a full guide on getting around Jeju without a car . If you’re traveling by bus like I did, it’s a must read.

If you’re only spending 1 or 2 nights in Jeju Island, taking public transit is possible and the bus rides are scenic, but if you want to save time without rushing, here are some other options:

Use the Kakao T taxi app to travel to/from from different destinations. Uber in Korea only seems to work in Jeju City.

Private Driver

You can hire a driver for a day that will take you to the destinations on your custom Jeju Island Itinerary.

Car rentals in South Korea go for as low as $28 USD a day. Check the rates here .

Join a Tour

Group and private tours provide transportation to and from main Jeju attractions. Choose from dozens of Jeju Island tours .

Jeju Island Itinerary Tips

Here are some tips to help you save time and make the most of your Jeju Island Itinerary:

• Visit popular attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. But in general, start the day early.
• Combine nearby attractions to minimize travel time between locations.
• Check the weather forecast and plan indoor activities for rainy days.
• Use the Naver Map app to navigate the island. Google Maps is not maximized for Jeju. There is strong network signal throughout the island.
• If you’re going to hike Hallasan Mountain , save it towards one of the last days in your Jeju trip so you’re not sore for most of your trip.
• Bring good walking shoes!

Read more tips in my Jeju Island Travel Guide .

Most Popular Places to Visit in Jeju

Make sure to choose at least 1 or 2 of these to include in your Jeju Island Itinerary:

• Seongsan Ilchulbong aka Sunrise Peak

Hike Hallasan Mountain

• Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff

Want to Mix and Match for your Jeju Island Itinerary? Here are my Jeju Island blog posts:

• 5 Amazing Waterfalls in Jeju Island You Can Visit

7 Best Beaches in Jeju to Visit (with Photos & Reviews)

• 22 Things to Do in Jeju Island by Area

Sample Jeju Island Itinerary Based on Days

Here’s a summarized sample Jeju Island Itinerary for different number of days. 2 days = 1 night, 3 days = 2 nights, etc.

These are assuming you arrive in Jeju Island in the earlier part of the day. What you choose will also depend on where you’re staying and what time your flight out is.

2-Day Jeju Itinerary

Day 1 : Seongsan Ilchulbong, Seopjikoji, Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, Oedolgae Rock, Jeongbang Waterfall.

Day 2 : Choice of beach, Yongyeon Pond, Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road.

3-Day Jeju Itinerary

Day 1 : Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, Oedolgae Rock, Jeongbang Waterfall, Saeyeongyo Bridge, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, beaches.

Day 2 : Seongsan Ilchulbong, Seopjikoji, Hamdeok Beach, Woljeongri Beach.

Day 3 : Handam Coastal Walk, Aewol Cafe Street, Hyeopjae Beach.

4-Day Jeju Itinerary

Day 3 : Hike Hallasan Mountain or visit Udo Island.

Day 4 : Handam Coastal Walk, Aewol Cafe Street, Hyeopjae Beach.

5-Day Jeju Itinerary

Day 3 : Handam Coastal Walk, Aewol Cafe Street, Hyeopjae Beach, Osulloc Tea Museum, Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road.

Day 4 : Hike Hallasan Mountain or visit Udo Island.

Day 5 : Seaside cafe or Yongyeon Pond & Bridge and Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road.

Full Jeju Island Itinerary

Day 1 of jeju island itinerary: seogwipo city (south), morning (2-4 hours).

1. Jeongbang Waterfall

Entrance : 2,000 won ($1.50 USD)

Jeongbang Waterfall  is the most popular waterfall in Jeju Island, sitting at 23m (75 feet) high. It’s one of the few waterfalls in the world to flow directly into the sea.

It can get crowded, so morning is the perfect time to visit.

2. Saeseom Island and Saeyeongyo Bridge

Nearby is  Saeyeongyo Bridge , the longest pedestrian bridge on Jeju Island. It’s impressively shaped like a sail and connects to Saeseom Island.

Though you won’t spend too much time on the island itself, the views from the bridge are beautiful and worth visiting.

3. Oedolgae Rock

Entrance : free

Oedolgae Rock  means “Lonely Rock.” This lone rock formed 150,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption. There’s several viewing points of the rock formation and of the sea.

Noon (2-4 hours)

1. Eat lunch nearby or head more to the western part of south Jeju to Jungman Tourist Complex , where there are several cafes and restaurants.

2. Cheonjeyeon Waterfall

Entrance : 2,500 won ($1.88 USD)

Cheonjeyeon Waterfall is the second-most popular waterfall in Jeju Island, which has three distinct tiers, each providing unique viewpoints. Its name, “Cheonjeyeon,” translates to “Pond of God.” The tallest waterfall tier is 22 meters (72 feet) high.

3. Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff

Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff  is one of my favorite places to visit in Jeju Island. It was shaped by lava cooling against the coastal rocks when a volcano erupted underwater.

There’s viewing points and bridges throughout the area.

Evening (2-3 hours)

1. Jungmun Saekdal Beach

Catch the sunset or go for an evening stroll at Jungmun Saekdal Beach , a popular beach for surfing. There are cliffs along the beach for walking trails and beach viewpoints, as well as restaurants and bars.

Day 2 of Jeju Island Itinerary:

Morning (2-4 hours): east jeju island.

1. Seongsan Ilchulbong aka Sunrise Peak

Entrance : Free to hike on the left side, 5,000 won or $4 USD to hike on the right side.

Hiking  Seongsan Ilchulbong  aka Sunrise Peak is in the top 5 things to do in Jeju Island, and a main attraction in the East Coast.

It’s a  UNESCO Heritage Site  and was formed by a hydrovolcanic eruption.

The hike is beginner-friendly and takes about an hour in total . However, prepare for a lot of stairs. You can bring water with you and there are rest benches and viewpoints on the way up.

Optional : Close to Sunrise Peak is Seopjikoji , which a popular view point, but I didn’t have time to visit the first time.

2. Hamdeok Beach

Hamdeok Beach is located towards the north of Seongsan Ilchulbong. It’s my favorite beach in Jeju Island, and not really for the beach but for the whole surrounding area.

There’s two beach areas along with trails that lead to gorgeous viewpoints where you can see the teal waters from above.

3. Woljeongri Beach

Woljeongri Beach  is also on the same coast as Hamdeok Beach and is located in a beach town area that’s surround by windmills. It’s along a beautiful coastline of cafes, restaurants, and galleries.

Noon (2-4 hours): West Coast

1. Lunch : head back to Jeju City to grab lunch or continue to the West Coast for lunch.

2. Aewol Cafe Street

Right next to Handam Coastal Walk is  Aewol Cafe Street , a popular area of cafes and restaurants with seaside views.

3. Handam Coastal Walk

Within walking distance of Aewol Cafe Street is the  Handam Coastal Walk, one of my favorite places to visit in Jeju Island.

It’s a paved trail along the coastline, with beautiful views of the sea, lava rock formations, and lush greenery. If you keep walking you’ll also reach Gwakji Beach.

If you are staying in Jeju City:

1. Yongyeon Pond & Bridge

Yongyeon Pond is a short 10-minute bus ride north of downtown. While there, you can explore the pond and water valley with its teal waters, as well as walk across the bridge, which is lit up at night.

2. Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road

The  Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road  follows northern Jeju’s coastline, featuring colored tile blocks. It’s an nice spot to catch the sunset, and there are restaurants and cafes located across the street for dinner.

If you are staying in Seogwipo City:

2. Jungmun Tourist Complex

You can also head to the  Jungmun Tourist Complex  for dinner nearby which has lots of resorts, cafes, and museums.

Day 3 of Jeju Island Itinerary: Back to West Coast

1. Hyeopjae Beach

Hyeopjae Beach  is located in the northwestern side of Jeju Island. The beach is known for its white sand, black lava rocks, and clear waters that’s safe for swimming.

You can also sit on the black lava rocks formed by volcanic eruptions, which is a highlight of Hyeopjae Beach and a popular photo op.

2. Geumneung Beach

Right next door to Hyeopjae Beach is  Geumneung Beach . The water is quite shallow but the water is pristine with beautiful viewpoints of both beaches.

Across the road from Geumneung Beach are Hallim Park, Hyeopjae Cave, and Ssangyong Cave that you can visit while there.

1. Osulloc Tea Museum

Grab lunch while at the Osulloc Tea Museum , a popular destination in Jeju Island.

The museum offers insight into the history and culture of tea in Korea, including tea-making processes and traditions. You can explore the tea fields and sample different tea varieties.

2. Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road

Located to the west of the Osulloc Tea Museum is the Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road , where you can get directly under the windmills (or from viewing paths and bridges).

It’s a 15-minute walk away from the bus stop, but you walk through local views like garlic farms. You can also take a Kakao T taxi there.

Evening (2 hours)

1. Suwolbong Peak Summit

Catch the sunset at Suwolbong Peak Summit , which is located a quick ride south of the Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road.

Walk along the coastal paths and get panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and unique rock formations.

Day 4 of Jeju Island Itinerary: Hike Hallasan Mountain

Hallasan Mountain should be saved towards the end of your Jeju Island Itinerary, so you won’t spend the other days of your trip sore and tired from hiking.

There are different hiking trails to take.

The shortest route is Eoseungsaengak Trail closer to Jeju City, and is the trail I hiked. It takes less than 30 minutes to reach the top, but with lots of stairs.

📖 Read my Guide to Hiking Eoseungsaengak Trail (+ How to Get There)

Other shorter hikes : Eorimok Trail and Yeongsil Trail, which take 2-3 hours one way. The other trails take around 4-5 hours each way.

If you don’t want to hike alone, you can also  join a Hallasan group tour  that includes other popular destinations.

Relax at one of the many beaches in Jeju Island and eat a restaurant with amazing water views.

Plant-based? Here are delicious vegan food in Jeju to try.

Alternative to Hallasan Mountain

Take a trip to Udo Island located off the east of Jeju Island. I have not visited Udo Island yet, but it’s definitely on my list.

Day 5 of Jeju Island Itinerary

On your last day before you head back to the airport:

• Shop for souvenirs
• Eat at a seaside cafe or restaurant
• Take a coastal walk
• Visit a nearby beach

More Things to Do in Jeju Island

Here are other sites in Jeju Island if you’d like to switch out or add activities to your Jeju Island Itinerary. I have not been to these places yet:

North and Central Jeju:

• Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest
• Halla Arboretum
• Jeju Love Land
• Jeju Museum Of Art
• Jeju Light Garden

South Jeju / Seogwipo City:

• Kayak on Soesokkak
• Seogwipo Forest of Healing
• Namwon Keuneong Promenade
• Other waterfalls in Jeju Island
• Hello Kitty Island

East Coast:

• Dakmeoru Coast
• Jeju Folk Village
• Manjanggul Lava Cave
• Suwolbong Peak Summit
• Jeju Swiss Village

West Coast:

• Arte Museum Jeju
• Osulloc Tea Garden
• Hyeopjae Cave

More Jeju Island Posts

Essential Tips to Getting Around Jeju Without a Car

5 Amazing Waterfalls in Jeju Island You Can Visit (2024)

Guide to Hiking Eoseungsaengak Trail (+ How to Get There)

7 Essential Seoul Travel Tips for First-Timers (+ everything I wished I knew)

8 Best Vegan Restaurants in Jeju Island

Roseanne Ducut is a solo female traveler and Filipina from the Bay Area, California. She writes practical and culture-rich travel guides and encourages solo female travelers to take #yolo trips. A veghead for over 15 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.

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First Timer's Jeju Itinerary (3 Days, With or Without Car)

Updated: Oct 7, 2023 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 42 Comments

I’ve just completed my fourth trip to Jeju Island, so I think it's about time I update my itinerary— a lot can & has changed in two years! Originally I wrote this Jeju itinerary to fit all seasons, but I've since added tips for visiting in winter, and for traveling by car or by bus.

I believe that even if you only have a long weekend to explore Jeju, maybe from Seoul or Busan , there's no reason it can't still be fantastic. Both now and during the three years I was teaching English abroad in Korea, Jeju has been by far my favorite weekend getaway.

It's the perfect addition to a Korea itinerary , especially considering how inexpensive the flights are. But n o matter how many chances you have to visit, if you carefully decide on what to do, what to eat, and where to stay in Jeju, then the memories will last a lifetime.

Click here to read about to where to stay in Jeju!

Since this is a truly massive Jeju travel guide, please click around using the table of contents.

Visiting South Korea (Update)

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Those of you looking to visit South Korea are probably as confused by all the changes as I was before I visited again post-covid. But as of March 20th, 2024, masks are still required in medical settings like hospitals but are NO LONGER REQUIRED in all other indoor public places, including public transport.

Here are what document you need to visit Korea as a tourist:

• K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization , applied for at least 72 hours before departure) OR Visa to visit Korea (countries which previously had a visa exemption now need to apply for a K-ETA). From April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries will also temporarily NOT need a K-ETA or visa to visit Korea (includes: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam)). If you're a valid ABTC card holder (APEC card), you are not required to apply for a K-ETA [excluding Americans & Canadians].
• Q-Code (can also be filled out upon arrival) : visitors need to fill out information for the Korean quarantine system, known as Q-Code . Note that all travelers are now allowed in regardless of vaccination status, but you do need to have filled out your Q-Code before going through immigration.

If for some reason you need to take a covid test in a South Korea airport, the cost of a covid test in Incheon Airport is currently ₩80,000 ($60USD), with some options within Seoul as inexpensive as ₩65,000 ($50USD). There's no testing requirement to leave South Korea.

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Does it snow on Jeju? How cold does Jeju get in the winter? When is low season on Jeju? So many people have asked me about traveling to Jeju in winter that I decided to add a section on just for that. To answer the overall query: it's totally possible to visit Jeju Island during winter, and Jeju is seriously one of the most underrated places to visit in Korea during winter.

To answer the above questions: yes it snows, it can get as cold as -7C/20F, and winter is low season on Jeju. But no worries, there are plenty of things to do on Jeju , even when the temps hit single digits. Just remember:

• Pack layers, including thin heat tech layers you can remove every time you go inside places. Wintertime on Jeju runs from November to March, though the end of March will see cherry blossoms and can have some very warm days (though still some cold nights).
• Jeju weather is fickle, just like on the Korean peninsula, so in the winter it's possible to have snow anytime, though it is rare outside of December and January. Jeju in December is also really pretty, especially if it's just snowed on Hallasan. Be extra careful when driving.
• On that note, winter activities on Jeju include picking hallabong (Jeju oranges) and gyul (Jeju tangerines), without much other interference. Most things don't close on Jeju in the winter, even Hallasan; you can still hike everywhere, though I wouldn't recommend a beach day.
• Popular things to do on Jeju in winter include: Love Land, the Aquarium, wandering Camellia Hill, and visiting all of Jeju's many museums!
• If you're on Jeju from mid-December to mid-January, definitely check out the Jeju Winter Festival, if only for the street food.

So if you're deciding between Jeju or Busan in winter , I'd suggest heading to Jeju. It's quieter and the flights are more affordable, and so is the food & accommodation. Plus, unlike Busan the snow stays untouched and pristine for quite awhile on Jeju!

Transportation in Jeju can be a bit of a mess. Since it's an island, actually getting to Jeju is a relatively simple matter of taking a flight. Note that if you are flying out early from Gimpo Airport, the airport closes each night from 12am-4:30am. Though some people have a fear of flying, and may choose to get to Jeju by ferry .

Either way, once you arrive you will find yourself on the north side of the island, nearly inside Jeju City. It's certainly possible to get around Jeju by public bus or taxi, but not recommended, as the first costs lots of time, and the other costs lots of money.

But for those who hate to drive as much as I do, I've also shared tips below on how to get around Jeju by bus. As for the infamous tour packages that most Koreans seem to favor, the jury is still out on that one.

I've experienced some amazing tours in South Korea, but it certainly limits what you see and how much time you spend there. The best option by far is to rent a car, or bring your own over on the ferry from the mainland.

I've gotten around Jeju by tour bus, public bus lines, and driving a rental car. There's no metro or train system on the island, though there are ferries. So if you choose not to or simply can't rent a car on Jeju, you're left with the bus.

Traveling Jeju By Bus

As I've said, this is not my favorite option, but it's doable. If you travel Jeju by bus, you'll want to stay along the coast so you're no more than two buses from where you want to go. I recommend staying in Seogwipo, so that you can follow the itinerary below.

Your favorite bus line on Jeju will be the 201, which takes you in a ring around the island. The scene along the coast is particularly gorgeous from April to June. For your initial arrival, Jeju airport limousine bus 800 and 800-1 will take you from the airport to Seogwipo the most directly, with buses every 15 minutes between 6am-10pm daily. 

Most of the bus routes stop running just before 10pm. If you arrive after 10pm, I'd recommend staying in Jeju City for the first night; you can take the 3000's lines to a few different places, but those also stop at 12am. Taxis will always be waiting to take you somewhere, but the lines are always long at night.

Introducing the T-Money card, a transportation card like no other. Mine was attached to my credit card while I lived in Korea, but you can also get one at any of the convenience stores in Korea. You can use your T-Money card to get all around the island, even in most taxis (but always bring cash just in case).

Most fares will be ₩1250 (~$1USD) each way, though the cost of taxis depends completely upon distance. Be sure to download the Naver Maps app before arrival so that you can get bus route info immediately.

Driving in Jeju

Driving in Jeju is quite safe, with lots of open roads and several paths across the island in addition to the loop around it. A self-drive in Jeju is also the best way to see the beauty of the island's countryside vistas, stay flexible with plans in case of weather interruptions, and stay in cheaper hotels if budget is an issue. 

The only requirements to rent a car in Jeju is a license in your home country and an international license (which is applied & paid for separately, almost always before you arrive to South Korea).

Koreans drive on the right hand side of the road, just as they do in the US and most of the rest of the world. Driving in Jeju City isn't very challenging, though going into more rural parts can be challenging since the roads narrow quite a bit.

Your Korean GPS will give you numerous speed warnings every time you're approaching speed cameras (so you have no excuse for getting a ticket!), so don't freak out when it chirps and beeps at you a lot.For a car rental, Jeju Island is one of the easiest spots I've ever rented in.

We just followed the signs in the airport, took the shuttle to Lotte Rental Cars, pulled a number for help in English, and we were in our car within 15 minutes. That was on a public holiday, too! Rental Car places are called " ren-ta-ca ," so try saying that if nobody seems to be able to help you in English.

Having a car on Jeju got us to about twice as many sites across the island, not to mentioned allows you to rent a scooter on Udo Island (if that's your kind of thing).

Choosing where to stay on Jeju Island may not seem like as big a decision as it actually is. Jeju is by no means small, but it is of a manageable enough size that you could spend one night in each part of the island and still see everything you're interested in.

Yet most people wouldn't choose to change accommodation every night if they don't have to. So in this post I narrowed it down to the four best regions in which to base yourself, and a different spot for every budget and comfort level.

If you're unsure of where to stay at all, or just have a day or two, then I highly recommend you stick to the transportation hub of Jeju City. If you're spending at least 3 days on Jeju, consider splitting up your accommodation and staying in two different parts of the island.

If you follow my sample Jeju itinerary below, it would be best to stay near Udo Island on the first night, and then in Seogwipo for the last 2 nights. I know that all the place names can be confusing, so I made a map of Jeju attractions that goes along with the 3 day Jeju itinerary below. Click here to scroll to it now.

Click here to see reviews of Jeju accomodation on Agoda.

Jeju has innumerable sites that involve the sea and nature, including 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But the island has its fair share of quirk and Korean tradition (naked hot tubs, anyone?). This list could seriously go on for hours if I listed out everything that locals do for fun.

So to stick to the more accessible stuff for 3 days in Jeju, I'll share just the weird, the natural, and the educational, divided by region. Don't forget to carry around a few extra thousand-won notes to pay for parking! 

Surprisingly, I found the points of interest in Jeju to be more accessible than those in Seoul or Busan. Most everything was available in Korean, English and Chinese, and many more people were able to speak English than I expected.

So don't shy away from something that sounds interesting, just because it looks rural. Looks can be deceiving, and Jeju Island is the land of things-built-only-as-tourist-attractions.

Love Land (erotic museum) /// ₩9000 entrance /// 9am-midnight daily

Love Land is a very blasé name for this unusual park full of penises and other erotic sculptures. It was actually opened in 2004 by a group of art students from Seoul's Hongik University (of 'Hongdae' fame). Please note that you must be at least 19 to enter the park .

Hallasan Hiking /// free /// roughly sunrise to sunset

It's tough to designate a specific starting point to hike Hallasan, considering that it's at the center of the island. Hallasan is actually an active volcano, though it ' spews no lava or smoke at the moment, and it's the reason why Jeju island exists at all. T 's safe to hike, and t he views from the top are unforgettable .

Note that it is not safe to Hike Hallasan in the rain and that you should bring extra layers no matter the weather when you start.

Orange Picking Experience /// ₩3000-₩6000 /// usually 8am-6pm

With peak orange season from November to February, orange picking is a winter activity on Jeju that most everyone participates in, local or tourist. You pay a flat fee per person to pick and eat as many oranges as you want & bring home a kilogram.

Manjanggul (lava cave) /// ₩3000 entrance /// 9am-6pm daily (closed first Wednesday of every month)

As one of Jeju's 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the 1,000 meters of cave open to the public gets quite packed on weekends. The slippery floors can become extra hazardous, so bring grippy shoes and plan to spend about an hour exploring the cave and surrounding property.

Jeongbang Waterfall /// ₩2000 entrance /// 8am-6pm

Jeongbang's claim to fame is as the only waterfall in Asia to fall directly into the ocean, which is honestly really cool sight. There's also a tiny beach in front of it, just before the vast ocean extending way beyond. The walk down is worth it in nice weather, but can be a bit treacherous in rain or snow.

Olle Trails (Oedolgae Rock) /// free /// roughly sunrise to sunset

A rock may not sound like a very impressive attraction, but this stunning viewpoint is the perfect spot from which to admire the ocean & the many small islands off the coast of this side of Jeju-do. Many people come here each day just to trek the well-trod trails and stop at a lookout every once in awhile to soak it all in.

Jusangjeolli Lava Cliffs /// ₩2000 entrance /// roughly sunrise to sunset

Often compared to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Island, the Jusangjeolli cliff faces are another act of nature bestowed upon Jeju by the volcano that formed its body. Easily less than 5 minutes from the parking lot, the cliffs are deep grey rectangular and square formations which jut picturesquely out into the ocean.

Jeju Folk Village (Jeju Minsokchon) /// ₩11000 /// 8:30am-5pm or 6pm (spring & summer)

Jeju Island is the land of the unexpected, and on my last trip I ended up in this tiny mountainous village for lunch, in an area I later learned was called Minsokchon . The traditional Jeju Folk Village appears as if it had sprung out of the mountains, populated with short, flat-rooved structures which recall traditional living on the island.

Aqua Planet Jeju /// ₩37200-₩40900 /// 10am-7pm

If you're visiting Jeju with kids, this is a must-see. This massive aquarium has not only penguins and sea lions, but whale sharks. They offer daily demonstrations and educational programs about the animals (in Korean), while all of the aquatic animals found around Jeju are in their large main building (with English signage).

Seopjikoji (scenic view point) /// free /// roughly sunrise to sunset

Just across from Seongsan is Seopjikoji, an area famous for being the filming location for several dramas and a gorgeous area, to boot. The draw here is the defined walking trail along the cliffs and a beach side restaurant, though the most gorgeous scenes are when the canola flowers bloom in the spring .

Submarine Ride to & from Udo /// ₩36000-₩55000 /// departing 8:55am-4:30pm

This is not a cheap activity, but it is one that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Jeju is famous not only for its women divers, but also for its scuba diving. Children of all ages are able to experience the beauty of the ocean, without the need to swim in it.

Explore Udo /// ₩10.500 (same-day round trip ferry) /// 7:30/8am-⅚:30pm (varies by season)

Despite the fact that Jeju has become famous for their black pork, Udo Island is actually named for a cow, which the island is said to be shaped like. Like the rest of Jeju, Udo is know for its great views and it's beaches, but unlike the rest of Jeju, Udo has a special dessert: peanut ice cream.

Seongsan Ilchulbong (sunrise peak) /// ₩2000 /// Summer 7:10am-7pm & Winter 7:30am-6pm

The immensity of the green and the brightly colored flowers that greet you here in the spring could very well distract you from ever climbing to the top. This fairy tale mountain was formed long ago by a volcanic eruption, just like the rest of Jeju , and is great for a quick hike, and horseback riding and boating for a bit extra.

Western Jeju-do

The Chocolate Museum /// ₩6000 /// 10am-6pm

Built to resemble a castle, this massive museum is actually the second-largest chocolate museum in the world, behind the one in Cologne, Germany. Its exterior is covered in a volcanic landscape inspired by the island, while the inside smells as if it were coated in chocolate.

There are exhibits on chocolate history and chocolate making, as well as a cafe and a sales area where you can buy boxes of the sweet stuff. It's a chocolate lover's paradise, but I'll also admit that I've seen better . Note that the Jeju chocolate museum closes an hour early in winter and an hour late in summer.

Sanbangsan Carbonate Springs /// ₩12000 base entrance /// 6am-midnight (indoor hot springs)

This will be one of the strangest experiences of your life if you've never been to a Korean sauna. Everybody here is naked, albeit separated by gender. The hot springs, glorified swimming pools in many ways, are available in a variety of temperatures and with various healing properties.

O'Sulloc Tea Fields & Museum /// free /// 9am-6pm

Being a tiny museum near a massive tea field, I wouldn't expect much in the way of tea education. But if you came for the green tea products, then this is your spot. The small museum is attached to a massive cafe serving up a variety of teas from their farm, plus coffee and desserts , with an Innis Free cosmetics store a hundred meters away .

The best part for most people will be the tea plantation itself, however, which is situated across the street from the museum and simply laden with photo-ops. There are honestly so many things to do in Jeju , but it's all so different that it's unlikely that everything will appeal to you.

So just pick your favorites in each area, and then move on to the next one.

Confession time: despite being a food blogger, I don't center my schedule around meals. I might center the occasional day around dessert for dinner, but for the most part, I carry my chocolate & some almonds in my bag and like to see where the wind takes me.

It's how I travel anywhere, so it's not really fair of me to recommend you any specific restaurants around which to plan your day. However, I freely offer food recommendations, and the must-try foods on Jeju are...

• Sannakji  ("live" octopus)
• Abalone (Sea Snails)
• Green Tea Anything
• Hallabong (those big oranges grown throughout the island)
• Peanut Latte
• Jeju Chocolate

Bonus: many local friends told me that Jeju is known for their Indian food, so if you're feeling some international fare, consider going out for Indian food in Jeju (see travel tips below). 

3 days is enough to see the major sites of Jeju, so on the map I've outlined where to go for each day. This assumes that you can arrive at the first spot around 9am, and will be tired enough for dinner and relaxation around 7pm.

If this sounds like you, this may be your perfect Jeju itinerary. 3 days may not be enough for some, but never fear— not everything will appeal to you, and this is easy enough to remove stuff from or add to. You can read more about each site above.

At the bottom of the page is a map of the island, with all of these points of interest marked off. Proceed at your leisure.

Jeju Itinerary Day 1

9am // Manjanggul : If you're traveling by bus, skip to the next stop, as you won't have time for this part. Start out the day at the lava caves, a kilometer of dark, firey history, and a look into how the island was formed. You can only explore the first 1000 meters of the more than 13,000 formed.

B ut the multi-lingual signage will explain how rivers of lava burst from the earth and tunnel upwards to form the basis of modern-day Jeju Island. It's chilly down there, so bring a jacket. This can be done either first or last, depending on your starting point, but remember that they close at 6pm.

10am // Udo : The first ferry to this island is not particularly early, but they can get packed on weekends. If you're visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, be prepared to wait a bit for the next ferry, and don't forget to buy round trip tickets.

It's only a 15-minute ride, so once you're on the island, head straight from the ferry terminal to Udo Seobin Baeksa , a gorgeous beach just a 10-minute walk from the port.

Once you're there, grab some peanut ice cream and walk along the beach. Other things to do on Udo are: rent bikes to ride around the island, watch locals dive in the ocean, go horseback riding, grab a coffee on the pier, and hike Udobong. I highly recommend having black pork burgers for lunch.

4pm // Seopjikoji or Seongsan Ilchulbong at sunset : Once you've returned from your half day on Udo, head just a few kilometers down the road to the beautiful look out point of Seopjikoji.

If you don't go now, I'm afraid you'll be too tired to go at the end of the day, so just muster up the will power to see one more beautiful site, if only from just a wee bit closer up. Alternatively, even closer by is Seongsan Ilchulbong.

Walking around Seongsan Ilchulbong, I swear you'll think you're walking into a scene straight from the highlands of Northern Ireland. Seongsan Ilchulbong is one of Jeju's UNESCO World Heritage sites, and you'll immediately understand why.

Two hours is just enough to walk around and take pictures, observe the famous women divers of Jeju, maybe take a boat ride, and hike to the top of the small mountain. Going later in the day also allows you to look around without the mid-day sun glaring in your eyes, and with many fewer people.

Jeju Itinerary Day 2

9am // Jeongbang Waterfall : Literally a one minute walk to the falls (& the ocean), and another few minutes for the close-up view, this is a perfect first stop for day 2. If your legs are sore from the day before there's no need to go down for a closer look, and there's a coffee shop right in the parking lot, should you need it.

10am // Oedolgae Rock : Just like with the waterfall, this can be a more or less involved part of your trip. If it's raining or you're tired, then just walk over to where the view point is and admire the gorgeous natural scenery. Trekking is available here, however, and is quite possible. It can get rather crowded here on nice weekend afternoons, so head over before lunch.

11am // Jusangjeolli Lava Cliffs : If you're traveling by bus, skip to having lunch, as you won't have time for this part. Unlike the lava caves you (may have) visited yesterday, these cliffs are a spectacular representation of what happens after the lava shoots out of the earth.

Looking just like the legos you played with as a kid, these lava tubes are a wonderful photo-op for any kind of traveler.

11:30am // Lunch Time : Most people's favorite time of day. Head into downtown Seogwipo and look around for a barbeque restaurant that served black pork, and ask for samgyeopsal .

This is pork belly, and they'll bring it out in long strips that look like thick-cut bacon, and you can thank me later. Don't worry, all the side dishes they bring out are included in the price of the meat. Note that the more side dishes, the more respect they're showing you.

1pm // Chocolate Museum : If you're traveling by bus , you should choose 2 of the 3 activities left today. After a nice hearty meal, it's time for some dessert! Once you get over the immense grounds of this castle-like factory, head inside and learn all about how chocolate is made , and some history about chocolate (plus free samples).

Kids and adults are all huge fans of the delightful aroma and variety of samples on offer, as well as the reasonably-priced gifts in the shop, though it's definitely more of an introductory-level chocolate experience.

3pm // Green Tea Fields : Once you manage to drag yourself away from the chocolate factory, make the short drive over to the green tea fields. O'Sulloc's tea plantation is famous throughout Korea for its quality tea (despite the name, the plantation produces a number of different teas from this one variety).

But if you're still full from the pigging out and the chocolate, then work off the calories by strolling around the endless fields of green. Peak season in from April to June.

6pm // Love Land : If by some miracle you're still able to take in more sites, I highly recommend Love Land. It is Korea's only Adult Theme Park, though I think of it as more of an erotic photo zone. However, it's also open until midnight.

So if you're traveling with kids, I'd recommend grabbing dinner first and then leaving them in the hotel for a movie while you get your adulting on in the erotic theme park you never knew you would see.

Jeju Itinerary Day 3

9am // Hike Hallasan : I hope you're not still sore from walking around the day before yesterday, because today is hiking day! Sort of. Mount Halla actually has 5 trails, and each is vastly different from the others. One of them only takes half an hour each way, though you don't see much.

The route that starts at Eorimok Trail and returns down Yeongsil Trail is rightfully the most popular, however. This trip take about 5 hours total, so be sure to bring water bottles and snacks. If you're using public transport, bus 740 heads to Eorimok and stops by Yeongsil, as well.

2pm // Late Lunch : After all that exertion, it's only right to grab some nice warm soup to re-hydrate. Stop in at any of the many local restaurants at the bottom of the trail head, or head towards the hot springs and eat closer to there (though there aren't any restaurants right around the springs).

3pm // Sanbangsan Carbonate Springs : This was honestly one of the weirdest and one of my favorite parts of Jeju. There are saunas and jjimjilbangs everywhere in Korea, but outdoor hot springs or pools are much harder to find.

Especially good for relaxing your muscles after a hike and challenging your definition of too many naked people, the Sanbangsan Carbonate Springs are heavenly. You can pay the extra ₩3000 for access to the outdoor pools and hang out with your significant other.

Alternately, you can just stay in the cocoon of warmth inside, scrubbing off all the dead skin once you've had enough. General relaxation is a great theme for your last night on Jeju. Now that you have an idea of what the island has to offer, you're just about ready for your trip to Jeju Island.

• Get a sim card with calling capabilities . I literally lived in Korea for three years using only a pre-paid sim card from Olleh. That cost me ₩20000 (~$17USD) a month for 2GB of data, and another few thousand a month for calling, and it saved me many times over the years to have someone be able to call a hotel or taxi for me using my own phone.
• Speaking of calling, the Korea Travel Hotline , known to expats as the "English Help Line," should be your go-to with any issue. Simply dial 1330 and press 1 for English, and you'll be connected to someone at any hour of the day, any day of the week. They can help with ticket prices, bus schedules, attraction locations, and even translating for taxi drivers. They also speak Japanese and Chinese.
• Rent a car (remember your international driver's license!). If my helpful info on renting a car in Jeju wasn't enough convincing, keep in mind that most attractions are far from cities and far apart. Taxis can also be hard or impossible to come by after 10pm (coincidentally, also when most of the buses stop running).
• Travel the island in sections . Take a careful look at attractions' opening hours & days, because even though the island appears small at first, it can be a very long drive to backtrack to somewhere you've already been, just to see that one museum.
• It does get very cold in the winter , so pack a heavy winter coat from November-March, and a light jacket in October and April. While you could have some less cold days in the winter, it can get downright freezing in January and February.
• Just as in the rest of Korea, Google Maps isn't useful or detailed on Jeju, so do remember to download the English-language version of Naver Maps , the Korean map app.
• Try Indian food — no, seriously. Jeju has a small but sizable Indian population, and along with that, some bomb-a*s Indian food.
• Beaches close for winter , at least for swimming. Just like in the rest of Korea, from September to May you're not allowed to swim in the water around Jeju, though you can certainly still walk along the beach and take pictures. This is for safety reasons, as that water is frigid .
• Jeju has a decent salsa dance scene, but don't come here for the nightlife . Since it's mostly a family holiday and honeymoon destination, there aren't many clubs and there are few bars in Jeju City and Seogwipo. You'll have more luck finding a noraebang (Korean Karaoke bar) to sing it up in after dark (and karaoke is definitely wirth adding to you Jeju Island itinerary !) .
• Speaking of early nights, try to start your day early . Lots of attractions open around 8am or 9am, and close around 5pm or 6pm; the last ferry from Udo Islandcomes back before 7pm, so after sunset there's not much to do but sleep and set your alarm for the sunrise.

Language:  Korean people speak Korean, and most of those who work in tourism will speak a little English. Often someone will also speak some Japanese and Mandarin, while outside of tourist areas you'll have the best luck finding English-speaking young people.

There's also a strong regional accent on Jeju, so even if you speak Korean you may have trouble understanding older people.

Population: ~600,000 people.

Currency: the Korean won (KRW), written as either ₩ or 원 (in Korean). 1000 won is equal to about $0.85USD or ₱42.

Korea Visa:  While there are still 112 countries whose citizens don’t need to apply for visas before visiting Korea for 30 to 90 days, as of September 2021, ALL visitors from those approved countries still need to have an approved K-ETA before arriving in Korea. K-ETA stands for Korea-Electronic Travel Authorization.

You can check if yours is one of those visa-exempt, countries and how long your visa lasts for,  here . Common countries: USA (up to 90 days), Canada (up to 6 months), South Africa (up to 30 days), Malaysia (up to 90 days), Singapore (up to 90 days). But remember, even if you don’t need to apply for a visa, from now on you do still need to  apply for a K-ETA , which is good for two years form the date of approval.

Voltage: 220v/60Hz, with two round holes for the plug (type F).

Best Time to Visit Jeju

There's really no bad time to visit Jeju, since the weather on the island is so much milder compared to the mainland. But summer is definitely peak season, with mid-July to the end of August seeing the most visitors (when kids are off school). The best month to visit Jeju Island, and Korea in general, is in May.

Spring and Fall are my favorite times because the prices are a bit cheaper, the weather is still mild, and there are colors popping everywhere. Since most people come to Jeju for just 3 or 4 days at a time, flights are much cheaper to arrive Sunday through Wednesday & depart Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday .

Safety Level: 10/10

Because this is Jeju Island , there's really nowhere for criminals to hide. That said, just like the rest of Korea, Jeju is just generally a very safe place to explore. The entire country outlaws guns, except for the military, and the crime rate is extremely low. There aren't any dangerous parts of Jeju, either, unless you count those really tall cliffs people like to hike up to.

Sample Jeju Budget: 3 Days

This Jeju travel budget assumes you're spending 3 nights on the island, and are traveling alone using the guide above. These prices will lower a bit per person as you share the cost of a rental car. If you travel by bus & taxi combined, you'd travel slower, but spend more like $10-20 a day per person. Note that the current exchange rate is roughly 1200KRW per 1USD.

• Lodging : $70USD
• Transport : $60USD (flights are so varied in cost that those are not included in this budget, and neither is the cost of a rental car )
• Activities : $50USD
• Food : $70USD

Total : $250USD

Basic Korean Lesson

So you're all ready for your trip, but you don't know any Korean! So let's consider the language barrier. I don't discuss it much on this site, but for a native English speaker, Korean is one of the harder languages to learn. Lucky for you, I've already broken down this barrier several times over.

So to help you prepare for your trip, I've compiled a shortlist to help you order food and just be generally polite. Many Koreans speak enough English to understand your order in a restaurant, but it's always polite to throw in a little Korean.

If you get beyond ordering food in a restaurant, the language barrier only gets more obvious. I'd also highly recommend downloading a picture-capable translation app before you go, like Google Translate.

Hello //  An-nyeong-ha-se-yo . (안녕하세요.)

I don’t speak any Korean. // Han-guk-aw jal-moat-hae-yo. (한국어 잘못해요.)

Do you speak English? //  Yeong-aw jal-hae-yo?  (영어 잘해요?)

Thank you // Gam-saahm-ni-da . (감사합니다.)

How much is it? // Eol-ma-yeh-yo? (얼마예요?)

One of these, please. // Ee-gaw ha-na ju-say-yo. (이거 하나 주세요.)

It's to-go/takeout. // Po-jahng ee-eh-yo or Tay-kow-shi-yay-oh. (포장 이예요.)

Lesson complete! Now let's pack.

When deciding how many days to spend in Jeju Island, you could spend as little as 2 days in Jeju and see most of the top sights, but most visitors find 3-4 days to be ideal.

The best months to visit Jeju Island are April, May, and September, due to the open hours of attractions and lack of crowds, but still beautiful weather and reasonable prices on hotels.

Yes! Jeju Island is absolutely worth a visit, and quite beautiful at any time of year, but particularly in the spring and fall.

When figuring out how to get to Jeju Island from Seoul, there are three options, one of which is markedly more appealing than the other two: by plane. You can also take a train and then a ferry or a bus and then a ferry, but since Seoul to Jeju and vice versa is actually the most-traveled route in the world, there's no shortage of cheap flights to Jeju from Seoul.

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Reader Interactions

Roxane Cordisco

February 17, 2024 at 9:35 am

Thanks for this nice article about Jeju. I am planning a 7-10 day trip to the island and I'd like to discover it by myself by scooter. Do you have any information about scooter rental agencies in Jeju? Thank you! Roxane (Belgium)

February 19, 2024 at 1:48 pm

Sorry, Roxane; I'm not very familiar with renting scooters on the island and haven't yet done so myself, but enjoy your trip & I hope you can find the info you need before heaidng out!

Danielle Ziss

February 06, 2024 at 2:11 pm

Wow - what a thorough post! Really appreciate you. Heading to Jeju in early March for 3 days. So excited!

February 06, 2024 at 2:18 pm

Thank you for the kind words!! Enjoy your trip, Danielle!

January 01, 2024 at 8:14 am

Bedankt Max voor je duidelijke en interessante reisgids voor Jeju. Wij zijn momenteel onze reis aan 't plannen voor de komende lente. Onze dochter van 19 is van sep 2023 tot mei 2024 in Seoul om Koreaans te studeren (Education First). Wij gaan met onze zoon van 22 naar Korea van 22 maart tot 9 april. Eerst gaan we naar Seoul, maar we willen zeker ook naar Jeju en Busan. Kan je ons ook helpen met tips voor Seoul en Busan en eventueel andere plaatsen die zeker de moeite zijn in onze trip? Alvast bedankt!

January 04, 2024 at 1:31 pm

Graag gedaan! Het spijt me, ik spreek geen Nederlands, dus ik gebruik Google Translate. Er zijn gidsen voor Busan hier en voor Seoul hier . Maar waarschijnlijk wil je de Korea-reisroute lezen, die lijkt op een minigids voor Zuid-Korea.

Als u de site wilt ondersteunen, kunt u ook pdf's van alle gidsen kopen om mee te nemen op uw reis (u kunt ze afdrukken of op uw telefoon bewaren).

September 10, 2023 at 5:54 am

Thank you for this post! Really helped with my planning by the different regions. I was just wondering, if it would be safe drive during Winter (late dec)?

September 10, 2023 at 8:08 pm

My pleasure, Isabelle! And yes, it would be perfectly safe as it very rarely gets even close to snowing on Jeju (maybe once a decade it flurries).

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1-Day Jeju Itinerary

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Table of contents

1-day itinerary, dongmun traditional market.

Yongduam Rock

Jeju Five-Day Folk Market

Halla arboretum, jeolmul natural recreation forest, hamdeok beach, where to eat, black pork street, sun oak's myeongga sashimi restaurant, guksumanchan.

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Jeju throughout the year

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Explore Jeju Island

Plan Your Trip to Jeju Island: Best of Jeju Island Tourism

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Your Guide To Visiting Jeju Island In 2023

January 5, 2023 January 24, 2023 by Rei L.

For first-time travelers to South Korea , Jeju Island is rarely the first choice of destination. Tourists often check off major cities first, starting from Seoul and Incheon and then Busan and perhaps Jeonju . 

Only when you’ve checked off at least one of them would your attention shift to Jeju, the southernmost province of South Korea and an island isolated from the rest, offering its own unique culture and experiences. You’ll see a different side of South Korean culture — and you’ll find that Jeju is well worth the visit.

Here is all you need to know about visiting Jeju island this 2023.

Language: Korean Currency: ₩ Korean Won (KRW) Airport: The Jeju International Airport accommodates both domestic and international flights coming in and out of the island.

How to Go to Jeju Island

Note that the visa-free policy in Jeju may not apply to the South Korean mainland unless you are from eligible countries with visa-free access. 

That said, those taking advantage of Jeju’s visa-free system are required to fly in directly via Jeju International Airport. If there are no direct flights from your home country, you may transit through other visa-free countries, depending on your origin. 

From Jeju International Airport, there are buses, taxis, and car rentals immediately available to take you to your hotel. 

Where to Stay in Jeju 

For those visiting for the first time and have a lot of days to spend, you can get the most out of your visit to Jeju by staying in different accommodations in different parts of the island. 

The best places to stay are Jeju City, the island’s capital, and Seogwipo which is the other major city south of the island. The eastern town of Seongsan is also a great addition for sunrise chasers. Below are the best accommodations in these parts of Jeju.

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jeju Ocean Front 

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham is a luxurious option close to the city center, with almost everything right at your fingertips. Rooms offer gorgeous views of the ocean, with kid-friendly suite options as well as a Korean-style ondol room.

Location: 66 Tapdong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do Website: wyndhamhotels.com

Park Sunshine Jeju

Wake up to a breathtaking scenery composed of Mt. Hallasan, verdant  hills, and the sparkling ocean through Park Sunshine’s wide floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel boasts eco-friendly bedroom amenities to complement your relaxing getaway.

Location: 135 Namseongjung-ro, Cheonji-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Website: hotelsunshine.co.kr/jeju/en/

Playce Camp Jeju

Aside from being a budget-friendly option perfect for backpackers, Playce Camp in Seongsan also offers a unique stay in its hip and artistic spaces. It offers various concept rooms and themed suites to match different personalities.

Location: 20 Dongnyuam-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do Website: playcegroup.com

Where to Eat in Jeju

Jeju has a lot of mouthwatering delicacies you shouldn’t miss! You can never go wrong with any restaurant even in the most obscured alleys of Jeju, but here are the best places to explore!

Traditional Markets

For a real local food trip experience, venture into a local market where you can sample various snacks and dishes made with the island’s freshest offerings! 

• Dongmun Traditional Market , 20, Gwandeok-ro 14-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
• Jeju Five-Day Folk Market , 26 Oiljangseo-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
• Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market , 18, Jungang-ro 62beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Food Streets

Amazingly, Jeju has different food streets dedicated to various specialties. Whether you’re craving black pork, noodles, or just any good food with a view — you’ll surely know where to go!

• Black Pork Street , Gwandeok-ro 15-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
• Guksu Geori (Noodle Street) , Samseong-ro, Ildoi-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
• Chilsimni Food Street , Chilsimni-ro, Seogwi-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Haenyeo Houses

The freshest and most delicious seafood can be found at haenyeo houses! These are restaurants run by Jeju’s famed haenyeo or women divers, usually located near fishing villages around Jeju.

• Dodu Haenyeo’s House , 16, Doduhang-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
• Ojo Haenyeo’s House , 3 Ojo-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
• The House Jeju Haenyeo , 2658-2 Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Best Things to Do in Jeju

Undeniably, the best things to do on the island are nature-centered . However, there are also a lot of amazing things to experience with Jeju’s varied collection of theme parks, museums, and Instagrammable spots.

Natural Wonders

Jeju is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, represented by Hallasan, Geomun Oreum, and Seongsan Ilchulbong. Apart from these, the island is also ripe with volcanic hills perfect for hiking, beaches for surfing, and waterfalls for soaking.

Museum Excursions

Jeju is also famous for its assortment of museums that appeal to people of all ages, and they’re not limited to indoor exhibitions. There are also living museums and outdoor exhibitions worth checking out.

Photo Tours

From families and best friends to couples, it’s common for people to shoot prenups and casual group photos in different spots in Jeju. Bring your own camera or have a professional photographer take your perfect shots!

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From volcanic wonders to scenic coastlines, Korea’s Jeju Island is brimming with natural wonders that…

Rei is a freelance writer and editor with an affinity for all things creative and visual such as photography, doodles, and movies. Solo travel is her drug of choice, where she feels most empowered and liberated. Her favorite cities are Baguio, Takayama, and Jeju. Check out her adventures and say hi at daybookbyrei.com

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Jeju Island Travel Guide

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The mass of islands draping off Korea’s southern coast fades into the Pacific, before coming to an enigmatic conclusion in the crater-pocked JEJU ISLAND , known locally as Jejudo (제주도). This tectonic pimple in the South Sea is the country’s number-one holiday destination, particularly for Korean honeymooners, and it’s easy to see why – the volcanic crags, innumerable beaches and colourful rural life draw comparisons with Hawaii and Bali, a fact not lost on the local tourist authorities. This very hype puts many foreign travellers off, but while the five-star hotels and tour buses can detract from Jeju’s natural appeal, the island makes for a superb visit if taken on its own terms; indeed those who travel into Jeju’s more remote areas may come away with the impression that little has changed here for decades. In many ways it’s as if regular Korea has been given a makeover – splashes of tropical green fringe fields topped off with palm trees and tangerine groves, and while Jeju’s weather may be breezier and damper than the mainland, its winter is eaten into by lengthier springs and autumns, allowing oranges, pineapples and dragon fruit to grow.

Eastern Jeju

Grandfathers of rock, hallasan national park, the waterfalls, western jeju.

Around the island, you’ll see evidence of a rich local culture quite distinct from the mainland, most notably in the form of the hareubang – these cute, grandfatherly statues of volcanic rock were made for reasons as yet unexplained, and pop up all over the island. Similarly ubiquitous are the batdam, walls of hand-stacked volcanic rock that separate the farmers’ fields: like the drystone walls found across Britain, these were built without any bonding agents, the resulting gaps letting through the strong winds that often whip the island. Jeju’s distinctive thatch-roofed houses are also abundant, and the island even has a breed of miniature horse; these are of particular interest to Koreans due to the near-total dearth of equine activity on the mainland. Also unique to Jeju are the haenyeo , female divers who plunge without breathing apparatus into often treacherous waters in search of shellfish and sea urchins. Although once a hard-as-nails embodiment of the island’s matriarchal culture, their dwindling numbers mean that this occupation is in danger of petering out.

Jeju City is the largest settlement, and whether you arrive by plane or ferry, this will be your entry point. You’ll find the greatest choice of accommodation and restaurants here, and most visitors choose to hole up in the city for the duration of their stay, as the rest of the island is within day-trip territory. Although there are a few sights in the city itself, getting out of town is essential if you’re to make the most of your trip. On the east coast is Seongsan , a sumptuously rural hideaway crowned by Ilchulbong, a green caldera that translates as “Sunrise Peak”; ferries run from here to Udo , a tiny islet that somehow manages to be yet even more bucolic. Inland are the Manjanggul lava tubes , one of the longest such systems in the world, and Sangumburi , the largest and most accessible of Jeju’s many craters. All roads eventually lead to Seogwipo on the south coast; this relaxed, waterfall-flanked city is Jeju’s second-largest settlement, and sits next to the five-star resort of Jungmun . Sights in Jeju’s west are a little harder to access, but this makes a trip all the more worthwhile – the countryside you’ll have to plough through is some of the best on the island, with the fields yellow with rapeseed in spring, and carpeted from summer to autumn with the pink-white-purple tricolour of cosmos flowers. Those with an interest in calligraphy may want to seek out the remote former home of Chusa, one of the country’s most famed exponents of the art. In the centre of the island is Hallasan , an extinct volcano and the country’s highest point at 1950m, visible from much of the island, though often obscured by Jeju’s fickle weather.

Jeju is one of the few places in Korea where renting a car or bicycle makes sense. Outside Jeju City, roads are generally empty and the scenery is almost always stunning, particularly in the inland areas, where you’ll find tiny communities, some of which will never have seen a foreigner. Bicycle trips around the perimeter of the island are becoming ever more popular, with riders usually taking four days to complete the circuit – Seongsan, Seogwipo and Daecheong make logical overnight stops.

Brief history

Jejudo burst into being around two million years ago in a series of volcanic eruptions, but prior to an annexation by the mainland Goryeo dynasty in 1105 its history is sketchy and unknown. While the mainland was being ruled by the famed Three Kingdoms of Silla, Baekje and Goguryeo, Jeju was governed by the mysterious Tamna kingdom , though with no historical record of Tamna’s founding, it is left to Jeju myth to fill in the gaps: according to legend, the three founders of the country – Go, Bu and Yang – rose from the ground at a spot now marked by Samseonghyeol shrine in Jeju City. On a hunting trip shortly after this curious birth, they found three maidens who had washed up on a nearby shore armed with grain and a few animals; the three fellows married the girls and using the material and livestock set up agricultural communities, each man kicking off his own clan. Descendants of these three families conduct twice-yearly – in spring and autumn – ceremonies to worship their ancestors.

More prosaically, the Samguk Sagi – Korea’s main historical account of the Three Kingdoms period – states that Tamna in the fifth century became a tributary state to the Baekje kingdom on the mainland’s southwest, then hurriedly switched allegiance before the rival Silla kingdom swallowed Baekje whole in 660. Silla itself was consumed in 918 by the Goryeo dynasty, which set about reining in the island province; Jeju gradually relinquished autonomy before a full takeover in 1105. The inevitable Mongol invasion came in the mid-thirteenth century, with the marauding Khaans controlling the island for almost a hundred years. The horses bred here to support Mongol attacks on Japan fostered a local tradition of horsemanship that continues to this day – Jeju is the only place in Korea with significant equine numbers – while the visitors also left an audible legacy in the Jejanese dialect.

In 1404, with Korea finally free of Mongol control, Jeju was eventually brought under control by an embryonic Joseon dynasty . Its location made it the ideal place for Seoul to exile radicals. Two of the most famed of these were King Gwanghaegun , the victim of a coup in 1623, and Chusa , an esteemed calligrapher whose exile site can be found on the west of the island. It was just after this time that the West got its first reports about Korea, from Hendrick Hamel , a crewman on a Dutch trading ship that crashed off the Jeju coast in 1653.

With Jeju continually held at arm’s length by the central government, a long-standing feeling of resentment against the mainland was a major factor in the Jeju Massacre of 1948. The Japanese occupation having recently ended with Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II, the Korean-American coalition sought now to tear out the country’s Communist roots, which were strong on Jejudo. Jejanese guerrilla forces, provoked by regular brutality, staged a simultaneous attack on the island’s police stations. A retaliation was inevitable, and the rebels and government forces continued to trade blows years after the official end of the Korean War in 1953, by which time this largely ignored conflict had resulted in up to thirty thousand deaths, the vast majority on the rebel side.

Things have since calmed down significantly. Jeju returned to its roots as a rural backwater with little bar fishing and farming to sustain its population, but its popularity with mainland tourists grew and grew after Korea’s took off as an economic power, with the island becoming known for the samda , or three bounties – rock, wind and women. Recently tourist numbers have decreased slightly, with richer and more cosmopolitan Koreans increasingly choosing to spend their holidays abroad, though Jeju still remains the country’s top holiday spot.

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The eastern half of Jeju is wonderfully unspoilt – the coast is dotted with unhurried fishing villages, while inland you can see evidence of Jeju’s turbulent creation in the form of lava tubes and volcanic craters. Buses to the region leave Jeju City with merciful swiftness, passing between the sea and lush green fields, the latter bordered by stacks of batdam . Seongsan , on the island’s eastern tip, is the most attractive of Jeju’s many small villages, crowned by the majestic caldera of Ilchulbong .

Just offshore is Udo , a bucolic island whose sedentary pace tempts many a visitor to hole up for a few days. A cluster of natural attractions can be found south of the port village of Gimnyeong, most notably Manjanggul , which are some of the world’s longest underground lava tubes. Further south again, Route 97 heads southeast from Jeju City across the island’s interior, running past Sangumburi , a large, forested volcanic crater, and two rewarding folk villages : one a working community with a patchwork of traditional thatch-roofed houses, the other an open-air museum which – though devoid of inhabitants – provides a little more instruction on traditional Jeju life.

A short way east of Jeju City, a group of natural attractions provide an enjoyable day-trip. Foremost among them is Manjanggul (만장굴), a long underground cave formed by pyroclastic flows. Underwater eruptions millions of years ago caused channels of surface lava to crust over or burrow into the soft ground, resulting in subterranean tunnels of flowing lava. Once the flow finally stopped, these so-called “ lava tubes ” remained. Stretching for at least 9km beneath the fields and forests south of the small port of Gimnyeong, Manjanggul is one of the longest such systems in the world, though only 1km or so is open to the public. This dingy and damp “tube” contains a number of hardened, lava features including balls, bridges and an 8m-high pillar at the end of the course.

With a volcanic crater to see and two folk villages to explore, rural Route 97 – also known as the East Tourist Road – is a delightful way to cut through Jeju’s interior. All three attractions can be visited on a day-trip from Jeju City, or as part of a journey between the capital and Seogwipo on the south coast, though it pays to start reasonably early.

Heading south from Jeju City on Route 97, the first place worth stopping is Sangumburi (산굼부리), one of Jeju’s many volcanic craters ; possibly its most impressive, certainly its most accessible, though currently the only one you have to pay to visit. Hole lovers should note that this particular type is known as a Marr crater, as it was produced by an explosion in a generally flat area. One can only imagine how big an explosion it must have been – the crater, 2km in circumference and 132m deep, is larger than Hallasan’s. A short climb to the top affords sweeping views of some very unspoilt Jejanese terrain; peaks rise in all directions, with Hallasan 20km to the southwest, though not always visible. The two obvious temptations are to walk into or around the rim, but you must refrain from doing so in order to protect the crater’s wildlife – deer and badgers are among the species that live in Sangumburi. Consequently there’s not an awful lot to do here, though there’s a small art gallery on site.

Seong-eup Folk Village

A twenty-minute bus ride south of Sangumburi brings you to dusty Seong-eup Folk Village (성읍 민속 마을), a functioning community living in traditional Jeju-style housing, where you’re free to wander among the thatch-roofed houses at will; the residents, given financial assistance by the government, are long used to curious visitors nosing around their yards. Here you’ll see life carrying on as if nothing had changed in decades – farmers going about their business and children playing while crops sway in the breeze. Most visitors spend a couple of pleasant hours here, and if you’re lucky you’ll run into one of the few English-speaking villagers, who act as guides.

Jeju Folk Village and around

Route 97 buses terminate near the coast at the Jeju Folk Village (제주 민속 마을). This coastal clutch of traditional Jeju buildings may be artificial, but provides an excellent complement to the Seong-eup village to its north. Information boards explain the layout and structures of the buildings, as well as telling you what the townsfolk used to get up to before selling tea and baggy orange pants to tourists. The differences between dwellings on different parts of the island are subtle but interesting – the island’s southerners, for example, entwined ropes outside their door with red peppers if a boy had been born into their house.

You’re unlikely to be disappointed by SEONGSAN (성산), an endearing rural town with one very apparent tourist draw looming over it: Ilchulbong (일출봉), or “Sunrise Peak”, is so named as it’s the first place on the island to be lit up by the orange fires of dawn. The town can easily be visited as a day-trip from Jeju City but many visitors choose to spend a night here, beating the sun out of bed to clamber up the graceful, green slope to the rim of Ilchulbong’s crown-shaped caldera. It’s an especially popular place for Koreans to ring in the New Year – a small festival celebrates the changing of the digits. From the town it’s a twenty-minute or so walk to the summit; a steep set of steps leads up to a 182m-high viewing platform at the top, and although the island’s fickle weather and morning mists usually conspire to block the actual emergence of the sun from the sea, it’s a splendid spot nonetheless. Powerful bulbs from local squid boats dot the nearby waters; as the morning light takes over, the caldera below reveals itself as beautifully verdant, its far side plunging sheer into the sea – unfortunately, it’s not possible to hike around the rim. If you turn to face west, Seongsan is visible below, and the topography of the surrounding area – hard to judge from ground level – reveals itself.

Besides the conquest of Ilchulbong, there’s little to do in Seongsan bar strolling around the neighbouring fields and tucking into a fish supper, though the waters off the coast do offer some fantastic diving opportunities. South of town is Sinyang Beach , where the water depth and incessant wind make it a good place to windsurf; equipment is available to rent.

Visible from Ilchulbong is UDO (우도), a rural speck of land whose stacked-stone walls and rich grassy hills give it the air of a Scottish isle transported to warmer climes. Occasionally, the nomenclature of Korea’s various peaks and stony bits reaches near-Dadaist extremes; “Cow Island” is one of the best examples, its contours apparently resembling the shape of resting cattle. This sparsely populated dollop of land is a wonderful place to hole up for a few days, and one of the best places to spot two of Jeju’s big draws – the stone walls (밭담; batdam ) that line the island’s fields and narrow roads, and the haenyeo , female divers long famed for their endurance.

Other than these – and the diving grannies are almost impossible to spot these days – there are very few tourist sights on Udo. Those that do exist can be accessed on the tour buses that meet the ferries. Usually under the direction of charismatic local drivers, they first stop at a black-sand beach for half an hour or so, which allows just enough time to scamper up the hill to the lighthouse for amazing views that show just how rural Udo really is. The buses stop at a small natural history museum – whose second floor is home to some interesting haenyeo paraphernalia – and continue past Sanhosa beach before returning to the ferry terminal.

What is it with Pacific islands and statues? The moai of Easter Island are the most famous, but similar relics have been found on Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii and Okinawa, among other places. Jeju’s own version is the dolhareubang , or “ stone grandfather ”. Commonly abbreviated to hareubang (하르방), they can be found all over Korea – nowadays usually outside fish restaurants wishing to drum up custom. Bulgy-eyed and often cheery, they differ from their Polynesian counterparts by being quite expressive. Their hands rest on their tummies as if full of food; those with left above right are said to be military, as opposed to the more scholarly right-above-left brigade.

Like the moai , the origin and purpose of the statues remain shrouded in mystery, though it seems likely that they were placed at village entrances as a means of protection. Another theory, and one supported by their extremely phallic appearance , is that they served as sources of fertility – today, miniature versions are sold to women who are having trouble getting pregnant, as well as tourists wanting a souvenir of their trip to Jeju.

Today, only a few dozen authentic hareubang remain; the most accessible can be found in Jeju City, at the entrance to the Folklore and Natural History Museum, and outside Samseonghyeol.

Arriving by ferry on a clear day, you can see the whole of Jeju tapering slowly to Mount Halla, known locally as HALLASAN (한라산), a dormant volcano at the centre of the island, and Korea’s highest point at 1950m. Blanketed with pink azalea in the spring, and snow in the winter, the centre of the island has long been a national park , with four well-trodden hikes heading to Hallasan’s crater, a grassy bowl pocked with grey volcanic rocks, and home to a couple of small lakes. As long as the weather cooperates, a climb up Hallasan is one of the main goals for adventurous visitors from the mainland. The four main routes , starting from the north and heading clockwise, are Gwanamsa, Seongpanak, Yeongsil and Eorimok.

JEJU CITY ( jeju-shi ; 제주시) is the provincial capital and home to more than half of its population. Markedly relaxed and low-rise for a Korean city, and loomed over by the extinct volcanic cone of Hallasan, it has a few sights of its own to explore, though palm trees, beaches, tectonic peaks and rocky crags are just a bus-ride away, thus making it a convenient base for the vast majority of the island’s visitors.

Jeju City was, according to local folklore, the place where the island’s progenitors sprung out of the ground (you can still see the holes at Samseonghyeol ), and while there are few concrete details of the city’s history up until Joseon times, the traditional buildings of Mokgwanaji , a governmental office located near the present centre of the city, shows that it has long been a seat of regional power. Other interesting sights include Yongduam (“Dragon Head Rock”), a basalt formation rising from the often fierce sea, and Jeju Hyanggyo , a Confucian academy. There are also a couple of vaguely interesting museums, best reserved as shelter on one of Jeju’s many rainy days. South of the centre along the Mysterious Road , where objects appear to roll uphill, is the entertainingly racy Love Land .

Jeju’s diving grannies

It may be hard to believe in a place that once was, and in many ways still is, the most Confucian country on earth, but for a time areas of Jeju had matriarchal social systems. This role reversal is said to have begun in the nineteenth century as a form of tax evasion, when male divers found a loophole in the law that exempted them from tax if their wives did the work. So were born the haenyeo (해녀), literally “ sea women ”; while their husbands cared for the kids and did the shopping, the females often became the breadwinners, diving without breathing apparatus for minutes at a time in search of shellfish and sea urchins. With women traditionally seen as inferior, this curious emancipation offended the country’s leaders, who sent delegates from Seoul in an attempt to ban the practice. It didn’t help matters that the haenyeo performed their duties clad only in loose white cotton, and it was made illegal for men to lay eyes on them as they worked.

Today, the haenyeo are one of Jeju’s most famous sights. Folk songs have been written about them, their statues dot the shores, and one can buy postcards, mugs and plates decorated with dripping sea sirens rising from the sea. This romantic vision, however, is not entirely current; the old costumes have now given way to black wetsuits, and the haenyeo have grown older: even tougher than your average ajumma , many have continued to dive into their 70s. Modern life is depleting their numbers – there are easier ways to make money now, and few families are willing to encourage their daughters into what is still a dangerous profession. The figures peaked in the 1950s at around thirty thousand, but at the last count there were just a few hundred practising divers, the majority aged over 50. Before long, the tradition may well become one of Jeju’s hard-to-believe myths.

Korea’s most exclusive resort curls along a beautiful beach west of Seogwipo, a place where expense-account tourists come from the mainland and abroad to play a few rounds of golf, shop for designer bags or relax in five-star pools in between business conventions. However, to write off JUNGMUN (중문) on account of this would be a mistake – the surrounding area has the island’s greatest and most varied concentration of sights, accessible on any budget, and can even credibly claim to possess the most distinctive temple, gallery and museum of Korea’s inexhaustible collection – all this shoehorned amid beaches, gardens and waterfalls.

Teddy Bear Museum

Although it may sound like the epitome of Jeju tack, the Teddy Bear Museum (테디베어 박물관) impresses even its most sceptical visitors. The main building is filled with floors of bears, but the diorama room is the museum highlight, with furry depictions of historical events – one for every decade of the twentieth century. Moving backwards in time, you’ll see teddies bashing down the Berlin Wall and fighting in World War II. Then following on from the battle, what appears to be a roller-skating teddy Hitler races into view, though he’s soon revealed to be a teddy Charlie Chaplin. Other delights include a teddy Elvis, a “Teddycotta” Army, and a vision of what teddies may be up to in the year 2050, as well as a shop (no prizes for guessing what’s on sale here) and garden.

Yakcheonsa temple

A few kilometres east of Jungmun, and best reached by taxi or bike, is the stunning temple of Yakcheonsa (약천사). Built in the 1990s, what it lacks in historical value it more than makes up for with its main building, a feast of intricate decoration despite its colossal size – the cavernous four-storey main hall is claimed to be the biggest in Asia, and is one of the most impressive in the country. The huge golden Buddha at the centre is best viewed from the encircling upper levels, which are themselves crowded with thousands of Buddhist figurines. Yet more (over five hundred, and all individually crafted) can be found in an exterior hall to the front of the complex; most are jovial (cheer up, no. 184) and many are individually interesting – take a look at no. 145’s disturbing party trick, if you can find him. The best time to visit is 7pm on a summer evening, when worshipping locals chant under the interior glow with their backs to the sunset. Insect and bird calls add extra resonance to the bell rings that mark the beginning of the service, while squid boats out at sea shine like fallen stars on the horizon.

The charming town of SEOGWIPO (서귀포) sits sunny-side-up on Jeju’s fair southern coast: whereas days in Jeju City and on the northern coast are curtailed when the sun drops beneath Hallasan’s lofty horizon, the south coast has no such impediment. Evidence of this extra light can be seen in the tangerine groves that start just outside the city and are famed across Korea. Though the real attraction here is the chance to kick back and unwind, there are a few things to see and do – gorgeous waterfalls flank the city, while water-based activities range from diving to submarine tours.

Most of Jeju’s rainfall is swallowed up by the porous volcanic rock that forms much of the island, but a couple of waterfalls spill into the sea either side of Seogwipo city centre. To the east is Jeongbang (정방 폭포), a 23m-high cascade claimed to be the only one in Asia to fall directly into the ocean. Unique or not, once you’ve clambered down to ground level it’s an impressive sight, especially when streams are swollen by the summer monsoon, at which time it’s impossible to get close without being drenched by spray. Look for some Chinese characters on the right-hand side of the falls – their meaning is explained by an unintentionally comical English-language cartoon in an otherwise dull exhibition hall above the falls.

The western fall, Cheonjiyeon (천지연 폭포), is shorter but wider than Jeongbang, and sits at the end of a pleasant gorge that leads from the ticket office, downhill from the city centre: take the path starting opposite Jeju Hiking Inn . Many prefer to visit at night, when there are fewer visitors and the paths up to the gorge are bathed in dim light.

Jeju’s western side, though strikingly beautiful, is somewhat wilder and less hospitable than the region east of Hallasan National Park , with its sights generally harder to reach – if you have no transport you may have to resort to the occasional spot of hitchhiking. However, this remoteness is very much part of the appeal, and those who’ve been drawn to the island by promises of empty roads, bucolic villages and unspoilt terrain should look no further – to many, this is quintessential Jeju. The sights are grouped into three main clusters; it’s possible to complete any of these within a day, even after factoring in transport to and from Jeju City (commuting from Seogwipo is also possible, but will require a little extra patience).

Jeju’s windswept southwestern corner boasts a collection of sights, three of them within walking distance of each other around the mountain of Sangbangsan and accessible on a single ticket. Sangbanggulsa is a temple hewn out of the peak itself, which looks down on Yongmeori , a jagged and highly photogenic coastline pounded mercilessly by waves; adjacent to this sits a replica of a Dutch vessel which came a cropper near these crags. In the distance lie the wind- and wave-punished islets of Gapado and Marado , the latter being Korea’s southernmost point.

Just north of Sangbangsan are a couple of arty attractions – contemporary fans may appreciate the large outdoor sculpture park , while traditionalists should head to the former exile site of Chusa , one of Korea’s foremost calligraphers. Further inland, in a remote area hard to penetrate without your own transport but well worth the effort, are a tea plantation, a bonsai park and the underground tunnels and rusty munitions of a peace museum .

Geumneung Stone Garden

Hareubang are all over Jeju – and Korea, in fact – so you may question the need to gather together a whole park full of them. However, Geumneung Stone Garden (금릉 석물원) is an absorbing sight nonetheless, since it houses Jeju’s famed stone grandfathers in substantial numbers. Many of these are in the regular hareubang shape, though most have been pushed and pulled into unconventional forms by young local artists. Big, small, wonky or squat, they make for some great photo opportunities, as do the statues with Buddhist and local themes. Abandon hope all ye who enter the Hell Path – a crying child points the way to a narrow, snaking trail of ghoulish stone misshapes that, in true hellish fashion, seems to go on without end. There’s also a collection of small hareubang presented to – and presumably given back by – some of Jeju’s most famous international guests.

A peek inside the “Hermit Kingdom”

In 1653 a Dutch trading ship bound for Nagasaki in Japan encountered a fierce typhoon south of the Korean peninsula and ran aground on the tiny island of Gapado . Just half of its crew of 64 survived the shipwreck, but despite their obvious status as victims rather than aggressors, they had entered the “Hermit Kingdom” and found themselves treated with scant respect – Joseon-era Korea was a highly isolationist land, whose policy (one rarely triggered) was to bar any foreigners who washed ashore from returning to their homeland. Forced into servitude, they made repeated attempts to escape, but it was not until 1666 that a group of eight managed to flee to Japan from Yeosu, a port city in what is now Jeonnam province. Unfortunately, they found Japan little more welcoming, but one year later a second escape took them back to the Netherlands. The accounts of survivor Hendrick Hamel became a bestseller in his homeland, and gave the West its first real portrayal of the Korean peninsula; English-language copies of Hamel’s Journal: A Description of the Kingdom of Korea 1653–1666 have been published, but are hard to track down.

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Inside Jeju

The complete guide to Jeju travel

How to get to Jeju Island

For both international and domestic travellers.

Written by Duncan Elder

Published on November 15, 2022

Around 15 million tourists visit Jeju every year. The vast majority of these are domestic travelers who arrive via either domestic flights or one of the ferries that depart ports in cities across Korea.

But, plenty of international travelers visit the island too, usually either via one of Korea’s other airports or by traveling on a flight straight to the island. Read on to discover all you need to know about getting to Jeju island.

How to get to Jeju island?

The easiest way to get to Jeju for the vast majority of travelers, both domestic and international, is to fly into Jeju International Airport. Domestic tourists who live close to a port or who don’t like flying can also take the ferry to Jeju from one of several locations.

Flying into Jeju from Korea

The vast majority of tourists that visit Jeju fly from Seoul Gimpo Airport to Jeju International Airport. This one-hour-10-minute flight is actually the busiest route in the world–flights make the journey every five to 10 minutes, with the first flight leaving at 6.35 am and the last at 9.15 pm!

The route is relatively affordable, with tickets starting at around 50,000 KRW after tax and charges one way. The price rises to 100,000 KRW at peak times or on busy flights, so book early if you want the best possible deal. It’s typically easy to pay a small fee to cancel flights, even up to the day of the journey.

Both airports are in the center of their respective cities, making the route super convenient. In Seoul it’s easy to get the subway to the airport, while Jeju has plenty of bus links.

Many other Korean airports have flights to Jeju. Busan is most notable and there are around 20 flights between the two cities every day. You can also fly in from Daegu, Cheongju, Gwangju, Gunsan, Yangyang, Wonju, Ulsan, Yeosu, Pohang, and Sacheon.

Flying into Jeju internationally

There are a limited number of international flights into Jeju International Airport. The exact destinations change relatively frequently but you can currently fly into Jeju form cities including Hong Kong, Kansai, Bangkok, Singapore, Osaka, and Taipei.

For international travelers from countries that don’t fly direct to Jeju, the easiest way to fly to Jeju is to fly into Incheon International Airport, then transfer to Gimpo International Airport via the Airport Railroad Express train, and then fly into Jeju.

How to get to Jeju from Incheon Airport ✈️

Unfortunately, there are currently no flights from Incheon to Jeju. This means you have to transfer from Incheon International Airport to Gimpo International Airport where you will take a domestic flight to Jeju.

The transfer is relatively simple thanks to the train that connects Incheon and Gimpo Airport. The train takes around 45 minutes.

When making this transfer, you will go though passport control at Incheon Airport. It used to be the case that if you booked all your flights on the same ticket, you could check in your baggage at your home country, and the airline would take your bags all the way through to Jeju (and vice versa).

However, at the time of writing, this is no longer the case–you must pick up your bags before making the transfer between Seoul and Incheon. You’ll then have to go through the baggage drop-off procedure at Gimpo Airport.

Korean Air recommends that you leave at least 170 minutes between your arrival time in Incheon and your flight departure time in Seoul. This time is reduced to 150 minutes when traveling in the other direction.

Getting the ferry to Jeju

You can get the ferry to Jeju from six cities in Korea, including Busan (12 hours), Mokpo (4 or 5 hours), Haenam Usuyeong (3 hours), Wando Island (2 hours 40 minutes or 5 hours via Chujado Island), Goheung (3 hours 40 minutes), and Yeosu (5 hours 30 minutes).

Most of these routes run once or twice a day. They are subject to cancellation depending on the weather. Find out more information, including the websites you can use to book tickets here. Unfortunately, many of the websites are in Korean, so may be challenging to use for tourists who don’t speak Korean.

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Duncan Elder

The complete guide to Jeju travel.

Jeju island guide

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Best Places in Jeju Island for a 4 day Itinerary

Estimated reading time: 17 minutes

Are you looking for the best places in Jeju to visit on your next trip? Or simply confused about whether Jeju Island is even the right place for you? In this guide, I will share with you my detailed and realistic Jeju travel itinerary. I will show you how to explore Jeju Island in 4 days, with or without a car. This Jeju travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Korea’s Hawai!

Also, did you know Indian passport holders can stay for up to 30 days without a visa in Jeju island? All the more reasons to consider this brilliant destination for your next holiday.

Here’s a map that shows the location of the attractions and activities on our Jeju travel itinerary. You can click on the icons to see more details and directions.

In This Post

How many days should I spend on a Jeju Island itinerary?

The ideal duration for a Jeju travel itinerary depends on your interests, travel pace, and the activities you want to include. However, to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of Jeju Island, the suggested duration is around 4 days. Of course, the more the better, you can easily spend one week on Jeju island exploring it at a leisurely pace. 

2 Days for Key Attractions: Spend the first two days exploring the must-see attractions, such as Hallasan National Park, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, Manjanggul Cave, and the scenic beaches. 

1 Day for Cultural Experiences: Allocate a day to immerse yourself in the island’s culture. Visit places like Jeju Folk Village, and Jeju Stone Statue Park. 

1 Day for Relaxation: Dedicate a day for relaxation and fun. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, perhaps engage in outdoor activities like hiking or water sports, and explore local markets. 

If you have more time you can keep a day or two flexible for spontaneous discoveries or to revisit places you particularly enjoyed. Jeju has many hidden gems, and allowing some unplanned time can add to the adventure.

What is the best time to visit Jeju Island?

The best time to visit Jeju Island depends on your preferences and what you want to see and do. However, a popular time to visit is autumn, which is from September to November. During this time, the weather is mild, the fall foliage is stunning, and the island is less crowded than in summer.

Spring in Jeju Island (March to May):

• Weather: Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and lush greenery.
• Attractions: Ideal for outdoor activities, hiking, and enjoying the vibrant cherry blossoms.

Summer in Jeju Island  (June to August):

• Weather: Warm to hot temperatures.
• Attractions: Great for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the coastal areas. Summer is the peak tourist season.

Fall in Jeju Island  (September to November):

• Weather: Mild temperatures, cool evenings.
• Attractions: Beautiful fall foliage, making it a picturesque time for hiking and outdoor exploration. The island is less crowded compared to the summer.

Winter in Jeju Island  (December to February):

• Weather: Cool to cold temperatures, occasional snowfall.
• Attractions: Winter is less crowded, and you can enjoy a quieter experience. Hallasan Mountain may have snow, offering a unique landscape.

When finalising your Jeju travel itinerary keep these considerations in mind

• Peak Tourist Season: If you prefer a lively atmosphere and warmer weather, visiting during the summer months is ideal. However, be prepared for higher accommodation prices and more crowds.
• Quieter Experience: Fall and spring offer milder weather and fewer tourists, making it a great time for a more relaxed visit.
• Specific Events: Check for any local festivals or events that align with your interests, as these can enhance your overall experience.

What are the transportation options on Jeju Island?

This was the trickiest part of my Jeju island trip. Now, South Korea has a brilliant public transport system, and throughout my stay, I didn’t feel the need to hire a cab. I thrived on the metro and buses. However, that quickly changed on Jeju island. So if you are wondering how to get around Jeju Island, here’s a breakdown: 

1. Public Buses

If you don’t want to drive, you can also use public transport, such as buses and taxis. Jeju Island has a decent bus network that covers most of the island, but the frequency and reliability may vary depending on the route and season. Especially if you are venturing outside of Jeju City. 

If you are pressed for budget, do not worry, you will be able to travel on the cheap. However, you will also take loads more time to get from one place to another. 

You can use the Jeju Bus app or the Naver Maps app to check the bus schedules and routes. The average bus fare is around 1,200 KRW ($1) per ride. You can pay with cash or a T-money card, which is a rechargeable transportation card that you can use in most of Korea.

2. Rental Cars

The most convenient and flexible option is to rent a car, which gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and schedule. You can rent a car at the airport or online, and the average cost is around 50,000 KRW ($45) per day. You’ll need an international driving permit and a credit card to rent a car in Korea. 

This is even better if you do not like to join a group tour. Hiring a car gives you flexibility and also gives you more scope to explore the island better. You can easily go to remote areas without the hassle of waiting for a bus. 

I highly recommend Discover Cars for rental car services in Jeju island . 

Taxis are another option to get around Jeju Island, especially if you’re travelling in a group or just want to save time. They are easy to find at the airport, bus terminals, and tourist spots, or you can call one using the Kakao Taxi app. The average taxi fare is around 3,000 KRW ($2.7) for the base fare, plus 1,000 KRW ($0.9) per kilometre. You can pay with cash or a credit card.

Jeju Island Tours

One of the best ways to enjoy the best places in Jeju is to join one of the many tours. Three main tours cover the different regions and Jeju island attractions- the West Tour, the East Tour, and the South Tour. All these tours cater to vegetarian dietary requirements, find the booking links for each of the tours below.

Each tour has a fixed schedule and route and includes pick up and drop off, an English-speaking guide, lunch, and entrance fees. Here are the links to the tours I booked online. Note the self drive route shared below may differ from what the tours offer.

Th e West Tour

Takes you to the relaxing and romantic attractions of West Jeju. Such as Hyeopjae Beach, Hallim Park, Osulloc Tea Museum, and Camellia Hill.

The East Tour

Takes you to the scenic and cultural attractions of East Jeju. Such as Seongsan Ilchulbong, Seopjikoji, Seongeup Folk Village, and Udo Island.

The South Tour

Takes you to the natural and adventurous attractions of South Jeju. Such as Hallasan National Park, Jeongbang Waterfall, Oedolgae Rock, and Jeju Shinhwa World.

By joining these tours, you can make the most of your Jeju travel itinerary without worrying about transportation, navigation, or logistics.

Day 1: Arrival and Jeju City

Arrival and Jeju City After checking in to your accommodation. Start exploring some of the best places in Jeju that are located in Jeju City. Jeju City is a vibrant and lively city that has a mix of traditional and modern culture.

Here are some of our recommendations for what to do in Jeju City: 

Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum

A great place to learn about the history, culture, and nature of Jeju Island. The museum has four exhibition halls that display various artefacts, models, and dioramas that showcase the life and environment of Jeju Island. You can see how the people of Jeju lived, worked, and played, as well as how the island was formed by volcanic activity. It also has a botanical garden and a folk village, a Jeju island attraction that you should not miss. 

Yongduam Rock

This has to be one of the most iconic landmarks of Jeju Island, a volcanic rock formation that resembles a dragon’s head. The name Yongduam means “dragon head rock” in Korean, and according to legend, the rock was once a dragon that was shot down by a mountain god. Located on the coast of Jeju City, you can enjoy the views of the sea and the sky from there. It is also a great place to pick some souvenirs and try seafood restaurants nearby. The rock is one of the things to do in Jeju that you can enjoy for free. 

Dongmun Traditional Market

This is the largest and oldest traditional market in Jeju Island and a must-visit for food lovers. The market has loads of stalls that sell fresh and local produce, such as seafood, fruits, vegetables, meat, and snacks. You can find some of the specialities of Jeju Island, such as black pork, tangerines, abalone, and chocolate. A great place to taste some of street food, such as hotteok, mandu, and bibimbap. The market is one of the things to do in Jeju that will satisfy your appetite and your curiosity.

Jeju NANTA Theatre

This is a spectacular performance of music, comedy, and acrobatics, that will keep you entertained and amazed. NANTA is a Korean word that means “to strike”, and the show is based on the concept of cooking. The performers use various kitchen utensils, such as knives, pots, and pans, to create rhythmic and humorous sounds and movements. The show also involves audience participation and interaction, making it fun and engaging. It lasts for 90 minutes, and the ticket price is 50,000 KRW ($45) for adults, 40,000 KRW ($36) for students, and 30,000 KRW ($27) for children. You can book your tickets online or at the box office.

Day 2: East Jeju 

The second day of our Jeju travel itinerary takes us to the east side of Jeju Island. Which is known for its scenic and cultural Jeju island attractions. East Jeju has some of the most stunning natural wonders, such as volcanoes, waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and beaches.

If you are hiring a taxi or renting a car here are some of the best places in Jeju that you can include in your itinerary: 

Seongsan Ilchulbong

An impressive landmark of Jeju Island, a volcanic crater that rises from the sea. The name Seongsan Ilchulbong means “Sunrise Peak” in Korean, and it’s a popular spot to watch the sunrise over the horizon. The crater is about 180 metres high, and you can hike to the top in about 30 minutes. The view from the top is breathtaking, as you can see the ocean, the island, and the surrounding landscape. If you happen to be here, stop by the Haneyo Women Diver performance which occurs around 2:00 PM. It is one of the things to do in Jeju that you should not miss. 

A beautiful and picturesque coastal area that has green fields, cliffs, and lighthouses. The name Seopjikoji means “a cape where a cow lies” in the Jeju dialect, and according to legend, a cow that was grazing here fell into the sea and became a rock. The area is also famous for being a filming location for some Korean dramas and movies, such as “All In” and “Seopyeonje”. You can walk along the trails and enjoy the views of the sea and the sky, or visit some of the attractions, such as the Seopjikoji Lighthouse, the Aqua Planet Jeju, and the Haenyeo Museum. The area is one of the things to do in Jeju that you can enjoy for free.

Seongeup Folk Village

A traditional village that preserves the authentic lifestyle and culture of Jeju Island. The village has over 100 houses that are made of stone, wood, and straw and are surrounded by stone walls. The village also has some cultural and historical sites, such as the Confucian school, the fortress, the shrine, and the tomb. You can see how the people of Jeju lived, worked, and played, as well as experience some of their customs and traditions, such as folk music, folk games, and folk food. The village is one of the Jeju island attractions that you should not miss. 

A small island located off the coast of East Jeju, and is accessible by ferry from the Seongsan Port. The name Udo means “cow island” in Korean, and the island resembles a cow lying down. The island is a popular destination for its white sand beaches, lava caves, and peanut farms. You can explore the island by bike, scooter, or bus, and visit some of the attractions, such as the Udo Lighthouse, the Udo Sanho Beach, and the Udo Submarine Cave. It is also a great place to snorkel, fish, and kayak. The island is one of the things to do in Jeju that you can enjoy on a day trip.

Day 3: South Jeju 

The third day of our Jeju travel itinerary takes us to the south side of Jeju Island. Which is known for its natural and adventurous Jeju island attractions. South Jeju has some of the most amazing natural wonders, such as mountains, waterfalls, rocks, and forests.

Hallasan National Park

This is the crown jewel of Jeju Island, a national park that covers the Hallasan Mountain, the highest mountain in South Korea. The mountain is also a dormant volcano and has a crater lake at the top. The park has various trails and routes that are suitable for different levels of hikers, and offer stunning views of the mountain and the island. The park is one of the things to do in Jeju that you should not miss. The guided tours take you on a trail with which you can view the crater from binoculars. I went to the summit by myself and will share a detailed guide on how to climb Mt. Hallasan soon on the blog. Subscribe and stay tuned.  

Jeongbang Waterfall

This is apparently the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the ocean. A random fact, but who would have thought? The waterfall is about 23 metres high and creates a spectacular sight. You can’t swim here but can walk down to the base of the waterfall and feel the spray of the water, or take a photo with the inscription “Seobulgwacha”, which means “Seobul passing by” in Korean and refers to a mythical figure who visited the waterfall. 

Oedolgae Rock

Another majestic and mysterious rock formation that stands in the middle of the sea. The name Oedolgae means “lonely rock” in Korean, and according to legend, the rock was once a grandmother who waited for her husband who went to sea and never returned. You can view the rock from the shore, or walk along the coastal path that leads to the Sammaebong Peak, which offers panoramic views of the sea and the island. The rock is one of the things to do in Jeju that you can enjoy for free.

Jeju Shinhwa World

This is the largest and newest theme park on Jeju Island, which features rides, shows, and attractions for all ages. The park has four zones, each with a different theme and style, such as the Shinhwa Theme Park, the Lionsgate Movie World, the Shinhwa Water Park, and the Shinhwa Resort. You can enjoy some of the thrilling and fun rides, such as the roller coasters, the water slides, and the VR experiences. The park is one of the Jeju Island attractions that will make your day memorable. The park is open from 10 am to 10 pm, and the ticket price varies depending on the zone and the season. You can book your tickets online or at the gate.

Day 4: West Jeju 

West Jeju The fourth and final day of our Jeju travel itinerary takes us to the west side of Jeju Island. Which is known for its relaxing and romantic Jeju island attractions. West Jeju has some of the most beautiful and serene beaches, parks, and gardens, as well as some of the most delicious tea.

If you are hiring a taxi or renting a car here are some of the best places in Jeju that you can include in your itinerary:

Hyeopjae Beach

This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Jeju Island, which has clear water and white sand. The beach is also famous for its emerald colour, which is caused by the reflection of the sunlight on the seaweed. Come here to relax and sunbathe on the beach, or swim and snorkel in the water. You can also find some facilities and amenities, such as showers, restrooms, cafes, and camping sites.

Hallim Park

This is a large park that has various gardens, caves, and sculptures. The park is divided into nine themed zones. They are the Palm Tree Road, the Subtropical Botanic Garden, the Jeju Stone and Bonsai Garden, and the Water Garden. If you are doing this on your own, you can also visit some of the other Jeju island attractions like- Hyeopjaegul and Ssangyonggul Caves, which are lava tubes that have stalactites and stalagmites, and the Folk Village, which has traditional houses and folk performances.

Osulloc Tea Museum

Tea culture is synonymous with Korea, so a visit to a tea Museum is only fitting. The museum has various exhibits and displays that explain the origin, production, and benefits of tea. Take this time to taste some of the finest tea products, such as green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and herbal tea, as well as some tea snacks. Also a great place to take some gifts for friends and family. 

Camellia Hill

A botanical garden that has over 6,000 camellia trees and flowers, which are native to Jeju Island. The best time to visit Camellia Hill is November to April if you are visiting for Camellia blooms. The garden also has other plants and flowers, such as hydrangeas, cherry blossoms, and roses. It is a fun activity, especially for families. The garden is particularly beautiful during the blooming season.

If you are planning a trip to South Korea read also: 

Seoul Travel Guide

Fall Foliage in South Korea, Your Guide to the Best Autumn Hikes and Views

A Guide to Gamch eon Culture Village in Busan

I hope you have your wanderlust roaring after reading my guide on the best places in Jeju. And it helped you figure out the top Jeju attractions, must-do activities in Jeju, and the perfect travel itinerary for Jeju Island. Trust me, Jeju is like a dreamland for folks who crave nature, culture, and a bit of adventure.

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JEJU ISLAND | Where to Stay | Getting Around | Top Attractions | Korea Travel Posts

Jeju Island Travel Guide

Jeju Island is my second favorite spot in Korea next to Seoul . Known as the Korean Hawaii , Jeju attracts an interesting mix of  drop-dead gorgeous island beauty, a laidback vibe different from mainland Korea,  a more seaside flavor and lots of Korean honeymooners. Jeju City  is the most cosmopolitan you’ll get when it comes to restaurants and stores and frankly, I didn’t spend much time here, other than to catch the bus.  I wanted to see the more exotic side of Korea, the one you might see on Korean dramas of a private getaway… not a climbing city.

Where to Stay on Jeju Island

Being the honeymoon capital of Korea, you’ll likely find some of the best hotels of Korea on this island. While you can stay near the airport or on the northern side of Jeju Island, such as Jeju City, the two most popular base camps for tourists are south of the island in Seogwipo and Jungmun . The southern part of the island seems to hold the best attractions.

Seogwipo  ( Map of Seogwipo City ) falls second as one of the tourist destinations, but has less variety. Here’s a  map of places to stay in Seogwipo City . Seogwipo is at the south eastern base of Jeju and the last stop on the Jeju Airport Shuttle bus.  There is a bus station in the city and that connects you to a lot of places you’ll want to see.   I stayed at  Jeju Hiking Inn  (wasn’t keen on it but it’s located near the airport shuttle bus drop). Restaurants will be mostly Korean and much seafood.

Jungmun  ( map of hotels in Jungmun Area ) is the resort area and if you ask me, it’s got the best and most luxurious hotels on the island. Even if you don’t stay there, it’s worthwhile to see the backlots of some of these exaggeratedly posh hotels. Not only are some hotels  shooting locations of K-dramas , but they also offer a unique look at luxury Korea.  Many hotels line the cliff overlooking the ocean.

Hyatt Regency Jungmun

I booked a weekend stay at the  Hyatt Regency for me and my mum. As one of the Boys over Flowers locations, our room was across the chapel and the cliffside view over the Jungmun beaches was breezy and romantic. Spacious rooms and with touches of high Korean standard, it was an excellent stay(and the rates were good).. Concierge service was helpful and the lobby was large.

Shilla Jeju Hotel Jungmun

Who lets you rent camping tents so you can BBQ on astroturf resort grounds? The Shilla Jeju Hotel   does. Rent private cabanas by day or the UV heat lamp ones by night (note: you’ll find these red light heat lamps in jjimjilbangs and spas– they help activate collogen!)

Seeas Hotel Jungmun

For Korean dramas fans,  check out the Seeas Hotel. Film locations to ‘The Secret Garden’ or ‘Boys over Flowers’ and more.  The main grounds are locked off and accessible only to guests, so you can only roam in the garden grounds.

Lotte Hotel

Most Koreans and westerners recognize the Lotte name. It’s becoming a world-wide giant. Who’d craft an enormous ice-skating rink and giant windmill in their backyard? Just say, Lotte Hotel & Resort !

Getting there: Take the airport bus or a bus to Jumgmun Resort. You’ll see a handful of museums as you enter, such as the Teddy Bear Museum and Ripley’s Believe it or Not .

Hera Castle Pension Seogwipo

Hera Castle Pension is a humble pension with garden terrace views, near Alive Museum with great traveler ratings. Awesome for smaller budgets!

View the  best hotels on Jeju Island for solo travelers

Getting around jeju island | traveling jeju.

City Bus, bike, taxi, scooter and car rentals. These are the options. I chose to use the bus transportation with the occasional taxi. However, if you know what you want to see, have little time and want to take point-to-point trips, definitely rent a car.

For Americans, driving in Korea can be a mental switch as Koreans drive on the left side of the road. In mainland Korea, Koreans are known to speed but on Jeju Island, driving can feel laid back with minimal lane choices and freeways.  For the most part, there is one main road that goes around the island and then a couple of roads cutting through it North to South. Bring your International Driver’s Permit and Driver’s License from home.

Scooters   Traffic is laid back enough for travelers to ride scooters but you still have to be cautious around blind corners. In order to rent a scooter you need to bring your International Driver’s Permit and Driver’s License from home.   Read Riding a Scooter around Udo Island

The bus routes are simple to spot on the map but you’ll still need occasional help with knowing which number to catch or where the bus stops are from your hotel.  The bus is efficient, cheap and will give you a nice ride around the island.  For Olle Trails , there’s English translation announcements, which let you know when to get off. Usually, there will be some type of English announcement made either by a computer generated announcement or on the electrical banner inside. If ever in doubt, sit close to the front of the bus near the bus driver and let him know where you’re going. He’ll be sure to let you know where your stop is if he knows you’re a tourist.

Read Taking a bus in a foreign country

Jeju Island is domestic travel in Korea and you can fly direct to and from  Daegu , Busan and Seoul  via Korean Airlines, Asiana Airlines and Jeju Air. You can also take the Busan ferry. Outside of Korea, from the United States / Hawaii , Asia and abroad, you’ll likely need to do a layover in one of the main Korean cities.

Airport Shuttle Bus to Jungmun Resort or Seogwipo

There is an airport shuttle bus or circle bus located outside Jeju Airport. It will drop you at various locations in  Jeju City, Jungmun  and lastly,  Seogwipo . It’s under 8,000 Won. The bus is a coach bus with AC and comfortable seats.

Jeju Airport Information

Jeju Airport is a smallish sized airport. It has an airport tourist information center where you can pick up free maps and  tourist brochures. Get a map and ask for bus numbers to get around to where you need to go. The map will also help you spot sightseeing areas you’ve not considered.

Visit the Olle desk for  Olle walking trails map .  The Jeju Island Olle Information desk is outside baggage claim area. Having a map of the various trails up front will save you much angst figuring out online. Most local buses will announce trail stops but you need to pay attention.

Phone or SIM rental  There is no phone rental at Jeju Airport. You will need to rent a Korean phone/internet/SIM at one of the main airports in Korea such as Seoul , Gimpo, Busan . Look for SK, LG, KT telecom companies.

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Hike Mt. Halla Dragon Head Rock (Yongduam) Manjang Cave Loveland Ride a Motorbike on Udo Island Teddy Bear Museum Haenyeo Museum Jeju Ollie Trails Sunrise Peak Jungmun Resort area Jeju Gimnyeong Maze Park Odoelgae Rock Sunrise Peak

Jeju Trip Planning: How long should you stay?

I’d say three or four days at the least . A week is good as it provides more coverage of the island and its activities. Then it depends on what you’d like to see.

Jeju has a lot of zany and unusual museums and theme parks.  For those more active, you can golf, hike to the top of Mount Halla (it will take a day) or walk Olle Trails ( 2 or 3 a day depending on ambition).

Udo Island can be visited in a day trip or you can spend a night there if you miss the ferry.  Lastly, if you’re there to visit the beach or take a leisurely drive around the island, the week+ duration is more for you.

How to book flights when they’re “sold out” for Chuseok?

1)  call Korean Airlines (one of the main airlines carriers for that route) direct 2) Ask for Business Class seats.  (* it’s a 30,000W upgrade difference) 3) Book point-to-point travel vs round trip  (you have more control over cities you fly out of & can mix the economy seating with business class.

With Korean Air you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and still receive a partial to full refund. The penalty is under $20 (maybe even less)

What to Eat on Jeju Island

Unless you’re staying in the little urban dwelling of Jeju City, the island offers a lot of seafood and the standard Korean platter. This isn’t a problem if you know what you want to order your sushi or plate in Korean; you’ll be hard-pressed to find English menus!

For back-end survival, typical cheap eats like bibimbap or kimbap ( recognize and learn how to order from one here ) are generally loved by foreigners.  If you’re a very picky eater or have dietary concerns, you can do what I did and bring your own stash of instant oatmeal, power bars, dried fruits and nuts!

Another option: shop at local stores or chain western stores such as Homeplus and Emart , where you can get groceries or see your menu in plasticized casings.

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11 Comments . Leave new

I know this article is pretty old, but just wanted to point out that cars are driven on the RIGHT side of the road in Korea (like the US), not the left as the article mentions. So there shouldn’t be a ‘mental switch’ for American drivers 🙂 (Perhaps only for drivers coming from countries that drive on the left, such as South Africa, Japan, or the UK.)

Hi Christine,

I will be traveling this July to Jeju Island and have made my flight reservations. I will be traveling alone and want to stay in a luxury hotel without a lot of families. Relaxation is my main priority. If price is not a concern, which hotel would you recommend?

Thank you, Kerry

Hi Kerry- I have a post with great hotel recommendations here: https://grrrltraveler.com/8-top-things-to-do-jeju-island/ . I would always check up to date reviews on them, but when I was there, they looked stunning. Enjoy your trip to Jeju Island.

Hi Christine, some great information there. I would like to also add that if you visit Sunrise Peak again, you can also easily visit Seopjikoji 섭지코지 and Hanwha Aqua Planet Jeju 아쿠아플라넷 제주 as they are also right next to each other. From the airport a stop at Hamdeok Beach 함덕 해수욕장 is also a good option. Cheonjeyeon Waterfall 천제연폭포 is also worth checking out IMHO and lastly I found Jeju Traditional Market 동문재래시장 to be great for eating and buying souvenirs. If you decide to go to Jeju Island again, I just got back and had a great time.

Were you able to rent a scooter on jeju without an international drivers licence. I’m going for a few days and really want to rent a scooter but only have a British drivers licence.

Hi, I will be travelling around in Korea in August and September. I’d like to ask how many days did it take for you to travel in Jeju island? Where are the recommended place in Korea?

@Cheryl” I went to Jeju twice – once w/ a friend (7-8?) and once w/ my mother (3 days); Depends on what you want to do and see and the type of transportation you take. Jejudo has so much and more attractions than I listed, so be sure to hit up the Tourist Info & get a map when you arrive. If you’re gonna hike Mt Halla or do an Olle trail, estimate half a day to a day. If you want to ferry to Udo Island; it’ll be a day or two depending).

Korea: Where to go is dependent on what kind of things you want to see and what you’re into- shopping, art, traditional/historical, activities,etc… Seoul is a must. Busan is the 2nd largest city with a huge seaport. Another thing is to check the Korea Tourism Org pages to see what festivals are going on during the time you’ll be there. Fall should be beautiful in Korea. The leaves change w/ brilliant colors. Hope this helps some!

Hi Christine!

Great post! may i check with on if a 1 day 1 night is enough to explore main (most) parts of jeju?

@linus: Apols for the delay…. Unless you rent a car and get started early in the morn, I’d give Jeju at least 2-3 days. Also, depends on what you consider “main spots” bc there really is so much and it’s spread out throughout the island. Museums, theme parks, Halla mountain, olle trails, natural wonders, etc…. You definitely won’t cover most in a day. My itinerary covers “some” of the stuff there is & I did it in a weekend via bus trips. I usually try to milk my days too, but as I said– some of these things are spread out. Would help if you had a tourist map in advance to strategize. 😉 Besides, if you’re spending money to fly out, why only a day? However, if a day is all you have, then you’ll have to make it work and be content with what you get. I’d target an area and hit the places in that spot. Good luck!

Hi Christine

I would to ask your opinion. Which is the best way to travel to Jeju? By KTX/Ferry via Mokpo or flight? Im a budget traveller.

Here is my tentative schedule: 1st day: Go to busan by KTX (getting 5days pass). 2nights stay. 3rd day: Jeju. Take KTX- Daejeon-Seodaejeon-mokpo. From mokpo, taking ferry to Jeju. 2nights stay. 5th-10thday: Seoul. 5nights stay

I am hoping using KTX will minimise the travel time between cities. But on the 3rd day, im abit sceptical about the interchange between daejeon-seodeajeon and hoping can catch the 9am ferry from mokpo to jeju.

Is it practical to do this way? 🙂 I hope you can shed some lights on this.

Big thanks!

@Wendy: unfortunately, I’m not very familiar with your route and never took the ferry, so I’m not sure about the cost difference. Apologies I couldn’t be of help. Good luck though.

• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Go to Jeju Island

Last Updated: March 7, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Stef Katz . Stef Katz is a Travel Agent and the Founder of The Travel Superhero. She has helped clients enjoy convenience, access, personal attention, and ease in their travel planning for 6 years. Stef specializes in elevated social travel and finds ways to bring peace of mind to her travelers with open communication, genuine care, and professional support. She holds an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Miami Dade College and a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from the University of Florida, as well as numerous certifications with destinations, tour companies, and cruise lines in the travel industry. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 36,649 times.

Just southwest of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju Island is the largest tourist location in South Korea. [1] X Research source With a temperate climate and verdant landscape, Jeju Island is a beautiful place to explore. By preparing for your trip and planning out locations to visit, you can make your visit to Jeju Island one to remember!

Getting to Jeju Island

• Even though the temperature is never extreme, there is still a good amount of rainfall on Jeju Island during the spring and summer, so make sure to pack a raincoat! [3] X Research source
• If you want to visit in the fall and winter, be prepared for temperatures in the 40–50 °F (4–10 °C) range.

• The three main ferry terminals are: Jeju Domestic Ferry Terminal, Jeju International Ferry Terminal, and Seongsanpo Ferry Terminal. A round-trip ticket for one person will run around $100.

• Most major airlines provide flights into Seoul. Frontier, Spirit, and United airlines offer round-trip tickets, sometime for as low as $200 per person. If you are traveling during the busy tourist season, prices will be higher. Reserving tickets early will help you get the best pricing available for your travel dates. [5] X Research source
• Check out Jin Air, Jeju Air, and Easter Jet for best prices for your flight from Seoul to Jeju. Tickets will cost anywhere from $50-$100 for a round-trip ticket. Airlines often offer early-bird pricing, so buying your tickets sooner rather than later should save you money.

• Don’t wait until the last minute to either renew or apply for a passport. Turnaround time can be as quick as 4 weeks, but that isn’t guaranteed. [7] X Research source
• If you are traveling with children, don’t forget that they need their own passports, too! [8] X Research source

Figuring out Travel Logistics

• If you do plan to drive yourself, check with your insurance company to see if international coverage is offered. Chances are, you will need to purchase additional insurance for your trip. [10] X Research source
• You can also bike around the entire island. This is a great way to see the coastal roads and forests and, apart from the cost of renting your bike, is free! A per-day rental will cost about $12. [11] X Research source

• An alternative is to purchase a cheap cellphone locally when you arrive in Jeju that you will use only while on the island. [13] X Research source

• Provide your bank with your travel dates and the names of the major cities you will be visiting.
• Most locations on Jeju Island will accept credit cards, but if you need cash, visit one of the major hotels on the island to exchange money for Korean Won.

• Check out Naver Korean Dictionary & Translate, GreenLife Korean English Translator, and Waygo Translator, Dictionary. Waygo, especially, might be helpful as it is an offline translator app, so you wouldn’t need to worry about having an internet connection. [14] X Research source
• Consider learning a few Korean phrases before you travel, such as “yes,” “no,” “where is,” and “thank you.”
• Many hotels will have guidebooks and translation guides available for sale when you arrive.

• For a luxury hotel, check out Hyatt Regency Jeju, Lotte Hotel Jeju, and Villa de Aewol. These locations all offer spas, restaurants, and high-class services. [16] X Research source
• If you are traveling on your own, check out the Guesthouse Bomnal. This location has no private rooms, but it is right on the beach and offers complimentary croque-monsieurs for breakfast. Because you would be sharing a room with other travelers, this is also a great way to learn more about the island and get recommendations for other places to visit. [17] X Research source
• Because Jeju Island is small, no matter where you stay you will only be an hour or two from the furthest side of the island.

Planning Fun Activities

• If you don’t already have them, invest in some good hiking shoes to bring with you. They will be worth the space in your luggage!

• To get a taste of the local produce, make sure to try the hallabong fruit. It’s very similar to an oversized tangerine and is very sweet and easy to peel.

• Hello Kitty Island, Teddy Bear Museum, and Play KPOP! are a few other locations that offer a fun alternative to visit. It is nice to have options in case you experience an exceptionally rainy day while on Jeju Island. [23] X Research source

• Most demonstrations will take place in the early morning at the beach, and you may be able to arrange to go out on a boat with the women to observe them up-close. [25] X Research source

Expert Q&A

• Pack your own toothpaste if you are particular to the flavor. South Korean toothpaste flavors are in the realm of pine salt and bamboo, and many travelers don’t prefer the adventurous flavors. [26] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Though Jeju Island has a very temperate climate, it also is often rainy. You may want to pack waterproof shoes for your trip to help keep your feet dry while you explore the island. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/jeju-island-introduction/index.html
• ↑ https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/south-korea/jeju
• ↑ https://www.twowanderingsoles.com/blog/jeju-island-in-3-days
• ↑ https://www.tripadvisor.com/Flights-g294197-Seoul-Cheap_Discount_Airfares.html
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html
• ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/308105
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/driving-and-road-safety.html
• ↑ https://blog.trazy.com/getting-around-jeju-island-in-south-korea-public-transportation-transport-info/
• ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/utilities/best-international-cell-phone-plans/
• ↑ https://blog.tortugabackpacks.com/jeju-island-attractions-how-to-plan-a-micro-trip-in-korea/
• ↑ https://www.fluentu.com/blog/korean/korean-translator-app/
• ↑ https://travelwheretonext.com/blog/2016/11/16/guide-to-jeju-island
• ↑ https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/insider-guide-best-jeju-island/index.html
• ↑ https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/things-do-jeju-island/index.html
• ↑ https://www.2105hollywoodplace.com/jeju-island-hyeopjae-beach/
• ↑ https://theculturetrip.com/asia/south-korea/articles/the-10-best-museums-on-jeju-island-south-korea/
• ↑ https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/culture-of-jeju-haenyeo-women-divers-01068
• ↑ https://www.lightfoottravel.com/collections/beach/women-divers-of-jeju/

About this article

Jeju Island is a beautiful and popular tourist destination in South Korea. To get there, you can fly directly to the Jeju international Island airport. However, it will be cheaper to get a flight to Seoul and then get another flight from Seoul to Jeju Island. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Seoul to one of Jeju Island’s 3 ferry terminals. Once you arrive on the island, you can take advantage of the very affordable bus service. Or, pay for a rental car or taxis to get around. For more tips, including how to spend your time on Jeju island, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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50 Things to Know Before visiting Jeju Island

Jeju Island is one of people’s favorite destinations in South Korea, even Koreans themselves. Known as Samdado, or the “Island of Three Lacks and Three Abundances,” it has beautiful natural landscapes, adventurous hiking trails, beautiful beaches, impressive waterfalls, delicious food, and an almost tropical atmosphere within Korea. Therefore, it is only natural that it is a popular destination among national and foreign travelers.

In this guide, we will help you plan an unforgettable trip to Jeju, providing travel tips that allow you to travel freely, without stress, and make the most of what Jeju Island offers. And believe me, that’s a lot!

So, to make this information easy to understand, we created the 50 things you need to know before traveling to Jeju Island , analyzing the best destinations, the interaction with people, the best ways to travel, costs, ways to save, and much more…

If you are also visiting South Korea, you can read the 50 things to know before traveling to South Korea.

Page Contents

About Jeju and its people

#1 With 1,833.2 km2 (707.8 sq mi), the Jeju archipelago is relatively small in terms of area, accounting for just 1.83% of the country’s total land area. The Chuja and Udo islands are also part of the archipelago despite being small and having a very small population.

#2 Located on the Korea Strait, Jeju is about 80 km south of the Korean coast, more than 400 km from Seoul, and about 300 km from Busan.

#3 Despite being relatively small, Jeju Island is quite mountainous and was formed from volcanic eruptions around 2 million years ago. The highest point in Jeju is the Hallasan volcano, which is 1,950 meters (6,400 ft) high. This is also the highest point in all of South Korea.

#4 Despite its relatively small size, Jeju has almost 700,000 inhabitants, with the majority living in Jeju City on the north coast.

With almost 500,000 inhabitants, Jeju City is the largest city, capital, and economic center of Jeju. The second city is Seogwipo on the south coast, with 150,000 inhabitants. In other words, the population is almost completely concentrated in the two main urban centers of the island.

#5 One of the biggest curiosities of Jeju Island is the Haenyeo – the famous woman of the Sea of Jeju.

The Haenyo are divers whose work consists of diving into the sea to collect different types of shellfish and mollusks, including octopus, abalone, oysters, and urchins. Their work and physical capacity are incredible as they can dive to incredible depths and for long periods without oxygen.

Known for their independent spirit, will, and determination, the Haenyeo represent Jeju’s semi-matriarchal society. Currently, most of the Haenyeo are over 50 years old, and therefore, it is feared that it is an activity on the verge of extinction. Also, Haenyeo and its surrounding culture have become a world UNESCO intangible heritage.

What language to speak in Jeju

#6 In Jeju, the primary official language is Korean, but there is also Jejuan, a Koreanic language (some people consider it a dialect) only spoken on the island. This is just a curiosity because no one expects you to know how to speak Jejuan.

They don’t even expect you to know any Korean. Most visitors don’t speak more than two or three words as it is a really difficult language to learn from scratch. So you will need to speak English or use an automatic translator. Any other language is unlikely to get you far.

#7 Communication with Koreans in general is tough- and believe me, it’s not a lack of goodwill on their part or ours. Our languages simply have absolutely nothing in common with theirs. The alphabet is different, the words are completely different, and even the sound is different.

Even Koreans who know some English have tremendous difficulty speaking English because their way of speaking and intoning words is completely different. For example, they change the “f” sound to “p”, so “left” becomes something similar to “lept”. They also have problems with “z” and “r”.

The reverse is equally difficult! After weeks in Korea, we continue to have immense difficulty saying anything other than “Thank you” and “Hello.” And even those… I have doubts that they are said correctly! Even in the names of cities, sometimes we need to show them in writing to make sure they understand what we are talking about!

#8 The solutions to all these issues and difficulties come in the form of technology! You have two options: either buy an automatic translator or use the Papago app. See here for more information about the translator we tried.

Both the Papago app and FluentTalk allow us to translate from Korean to English automatically and vice versa, allowing for simple conversations. Both also have the chance to translate text and even take photographs and translate what is written in there: advertisements, menus, receipts, or whatever. It’s extremely useful.

In no other country we visited (and you can see on our website that there are many), we had to use a translator, but it was an invaluable help in Korea.

#9 Despite some exceptions, in our experience, the Koreans in Jeju are friendly and helpful. For example, when we were looking a little lost at the airport looking for buses, they came to ask us if we needed help without having asked. This, even though they speak little or no English…

This way of being attentive ends up making the travel experience more pleasant. Especially because the cultural experience of dealing with lots of new and different things is one of the significant advantages of traveling to South Korea and Jeju, and believe me, you will find many things that are curious, strange, or simply different from what you are used to.

Other things to know about Jeju

#10 Jeju is a volcanic island marked by typical black rocks and various distinctive volcanic landscapes such as calderas, black sand, lava caves, “oreum,” etc.

The “oreum” – the so-called hills of Jeju – are small volcanoes normally covered in vegetation. Many of them do not exceed 50-100 meters in height, but as there are more than 360 “oreum,” they ultimately mark the views and the entire territory with their peculiar conical shape.

Due to the high rainfall and rich soil, Jeju is also an incredibly green island, with immense vegetation and plenty of agricultural production.

#11 Another characteristic of the island is the wind. Jeju is famous for its strong northerly wind. The north of the island is completely exposed, and the wind from the sea is constant throughout the year, but at times it is very strong.

The importance of wind (and stone) in Jeju is as visible in the stone fences as in the farm fields. These walls serve mainly to block the wind and allow the cultivation of various foods. They are pretty similar to the walls you see on the island of Pico (Azores) that protect the vineyards.

The wind is also quite cold in winter, making everything a little less pleasant. The mountains protect the southern part of the island, so the wind is a little less.

Whatever the expected weather and time of year, be prepared and bring clothes to protect yourself from the likely wind that will blow.

Jeju Weather

#12 The climate in Jeju is considered humid subtropical with four clear seasons. Summers are hot and rainy, while winters are cool and drier but still with some rain. However, following what we said above, due to the mountainous interior, the southern part of the island is more protected from northerly winds in winter, so temperatures are milder.

In general, in Jeju City, the average maximum temperatures vary between 9ºC in January and 30ºC in August, while the minimum temperatures reach 4ºC in January and February and 25º in August. The months with the most rain are August, September, and July (in that order).

The Hallasan volcano region is much colder, especially in winter, regularly experiencing negative temperatures. If you plan to go there, check the weather carefully, as it can change quickly.

When to travel to Jeju?

#13 Given Jeju’s climate characteristics, the best times of year to go to Jeju are May-June and September-October, which combine pleasant temperatures and little rain.

Furthermore, the high season – the time with the most tourists – is summer, between June and August. This period is also when there are more events and festivals on the island, and South Koreans take the opportunity to vacation here.

Thus, despite being very attractive due to the high temperatures and the possibility of going to the beach, summer has the disadvantage of high rainy days, many more people, and higher prices.

Winter is the low season and when prices are lowest. Temperatures are much lower (although hotter than in Seoul), but on the other hand, there are much fewer rainy days. If you want to enjoy the island’s natural beauty, it could be a good opportunity, but going to the beach is not a realistic possibility.

Is it safe to travel to Jeju?

#14 In a word, Yes! In many… there may be few safer places to travel than Jeju. During our time on the island, we didn’t have any problems, we didn’t feel at risk in the slightest, nor did we have any sense of danger.

South Korea is generally a very safe country where you are unlikely to have any problems. In Jeju, the crime level is considered relatively low compared to the rest of South Korea.

Therefore, we advise you to take the necessary care with your personal property and be aware of schemes and in crowded places, but only with bad luck will you encounter these issues.

Tourism in Jeju

#15 Jeju is a very touristy island, and this is visible everywhere. However, most tourists are South Koreans, especially after Covid-19.

Among foreign tourists, the most common are those from other Asian countries such as China, Taiwan, Japan, or Malaysia – which is natural given the more excellent proximity of these countries to Jeju and Korea.

What to visit on Jeju Island

#16 Jeju is a very touristy island and, as such, has lots of activities for all types of travelers, but given that almost all visitors come from Korea and Asia, it is also very geared towards these tourists.

Jeju City is the capital and largest city of Jeju, but it is also a small city of relatively little interest to tourists. Jeju’s best and biggest attractions are elsewhere on the island.

However, if you don’t rent a car it’s the ideal place to base yourself as there are buses from Jeju City to all parts of the island and given the size of the city you won’t have any problems finding convenience stores, restaurants, bars and street food. .

We stayed in Jeju City, next to the city hall, and we found it to be an ideal spot as most buses pass there, and there are many options for eating and cheap accommodation.

#17 Hallasan volcano is perhaps the main point of attraction on Jeju Island for adventurous travelers, hikers, and mountain lovers. As we are all these things, we wanted to climb to the top of the volcano and enjoy the spectacular view of the caldera and the rest of the island.

Access to the top can be via two different trails that only connect at the top, so the usual thing is to go up one of the trails and down the other. This was our plan. The climb is quite challenging, going from 700 to almost 2000 meters. However, whoever conquers the 4000 meters Acatenango can also climb this…

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, and we had to turn back after 4 km due to the weather. Despite it being sunny in Jeju City and the rest of the island, the climb to the mountain was closed halfway due to heavy rain and lack of visibility.

If you are planning to do this climb, and we advise you to do so if you like and are used to mountain walks, prepare yourself for the possibility that it won’t happen or you will have to turn back. The weather in the mountains is always unstable. We advise keeping your calendar as open as possible and try to go on the day with the best weather.

Still, even though we only did 8 km of walking, it made us realize that it would be a very hard day, but with spectacular landscapes, even though we only saw the forest part.

#18 Despite being an almost tropical island with very warm temperatures for many months, Jeju is not a beach destination, or at least it’s not just about beaches, nor is that why it’s best known.

There are good beaches in Jeju, and the sea is warm during some months, but Koreans are not typical vacationers as they don’t like sunbathing and go to the sea “dressed up”.

Still, there are some well-known and quality beaches, such as:

• Hamdeok Beach : a small sand beach 30 minutes from Jeju City, ideal for swimming and kayaking, with small tide pools for kids to play.
• Hyeopjae Beach: White sandy mixed with crushed seashells beach located on the island’s west side.
• Iho Tewoo Beach : this beach is close to Jeju City and has two iconic lighthouses shaped like horses.
• Hongjodangoe Haebin: Known as Coral Sand Beach, this is a beautiful crescent-moon-shaped coral located in Udo Island.

If you like the beach and visit Jeju in hot, sunny weather, you can also enjoy these beautiful beaches, but don’t expect an experience similar to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Southeast Asia, which is an experience in itself!

#19 The tiny Udo Island is one of the highlights of Jeju due to its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and even its beautiful white sand beach. Or rather, white coral that passes for sand.

One of the visitors’ favorite activities in Udo is renting bicycles (preferably electric) and traveling along the entire coast of the island, enjoying the magnificent views and even the beautiful beach. There are also many restaurants and cafes with sea views.

It was a super nice day, and it was our first time riding an electric bike. Fun!

#20 Quite close to Udo, we have another volcanic tourist attraction not to be missed in Jeju: Seongsan Ilchulbong.

This volcanic caldera that rises 180 meters above sea level emerged from an eruption in the ocean 5000 years ago. Although it was once cultivated, it is currently a natural reserve and habitat for various wild animals and plants.

It is possible to climb to the top of the caldera via staircase walkways and, from there, have one of the best views on the entire island, including Udo Island, Mount Hallasan, and the entire landscape of the island’s east coast. Therefore, this is a place visited by thousands of people daily.

#21 In Seongsan Ilchulbong, there is yet another point of interest as it is one of the best places to see the famous haenyeo – the female divers from Jeju mentioned above.

From there, we can see them diving and hunting for seafood, particularly abalone. A traditional show is also held every day, however it is always best to confirm the time as it may vary.

Ultimately, going to a small restaurant by the sea and eating the seafood caught by the haenyeo is still possible.

#22 Another incredible attraction on Jeju Island is the Lava Caves, namely Manjanggul.

The Manjanggul lava tubes are caves over 7 km long, with the main tunnel being 23 meters high and 18 meters wide. They are considered one of the largest and most impressive in the world and have been registered as a UNESCO heritage site since 2007.

Despite being formed thousands of years ago, they are still well preserved and are a fundamental object of study on the island. Several rock formations along the tunnel, including stalactites and stalagmites, among many others. The column, more than 7 meters high, at the end of the route, is considered the largest lava column in the world.

Only a section of 2km is accessible to the public, but it is completely flat and easily accessible. The only issue is that it is pretty cool down there, and access can be closed due to the weather.

#23 Waterfalls are another of Jeju Island’s main attractions, particularly those in the south. The best known and the ones we visit are:

• Jeongbang: a several-meter-high waterfall known for falling directly into the sea, creating a very beautiful effect.
• Cheonjiyeon : waterfall inside a very beautiful park with a lot of water.
• Cheonjeyeon: triple waterfall because, in reality, there are three waterfalls very close to each other. It is perhaps the most impressive, and the entire surrounding area is beautiful, with an impressive bridge and even some levadas.

#24 Jusangjeollidae are lava escarpments on the south coast of Jeju. It is a very popular place due to the beauty of this natural monument. Hexagonal rocks joined together to form the cliffs, creating a curious and rare appearance.

It’s a place reminiscent of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, but it’s much smaller and less impressive. Still, it’s worth a stop to get to know this natural monument and take the opportunity to take a walk along the seafront.

#25 Jeju Island is quite big, so many other interesting places are worth visiting. Some of the best known, but which we have not visited in person, are:

• Osulloc Tea Plantation and Museum
• Jeju Folk Village
• Seopjikoji: beautiful viewpoint next to the sea. It is very close to the ones mentioned above.
• There are many other trails near Mount Hallasan, so you have several options for a more leisurely hike with less chance of bad weather.
• Bijarim Forrest
• Jeju Loveland: a theme park for adults.
• Camellia Hill: especially beautiful when camellias are in bloom.

What to eat in Jeju

#26 In Jeju you will find almost all traditional South Korean dishes, however the island has many unique and region-specific dishes. Jeju is also the ideal place to eat fresh and cheap fish, in general Koreans eat and love fish, but on the island this is even more foreshadowed.

#27 Being surrounded by sea, Jeju has a wide variety of fish and seafood at your disposal. One of the specialties is abalone, which is abundant, fresh, and cheaper than in other places. It is especially good grilled, but it is very typical to find abalone porridge or with rice.

Another traditional fish dish is Haemultang, a fish and seafood stew. It is quirky and fun to eat because, basically, you do the cooking! It is served in a pan over a stove on each table in restaurants. Each person is supposed to add the fresh fish and vegetables to the pan and let them cook slightly. You can serve and eat when you feel that the fish and vegetables are done.

A great place to eat fish is at the restaurant by the sea in Seongsan Ilchulbong. The fish served is caught by the haenyeo, so it is very fresh and an opportunity to get to know the haenyeo culture.

#28 Black pig is another traditional dish and island specialty. The Jeju Black Pig is native and raised exclusively on the island. It has a distinctive flavor compared to other pigs. It is typically grilled and eaten as a Korean barbecue with lettuce or perilla leaves. It’s crunchy but soft and juicy.

In the city of Jeju, there is a street specializing in black pork, with several restaurants serving this specialty. Any of them is a great place to eat Jeju Black Pig.

#29 Another famous ingredient in Jeju is Hallabong Oranges, a breed of tangerine native to the island. Which was created by crossing Kiyomi orange and tangerine, giving rise to a large, juicy, sweet tangerine. Furthermore, it has a cartoonish appearance with a protruding stem, which makes it unique. We recommend you try this unique Jeju ingredient and, if you can, even take a few boxes of oranges home. There are also bottles of Hallanbong orange juice.

Jeju is so proud of its orange Hallabong that it has become its mascot. You will find references and products related to orange everywhere, there are hats, key rings, umbrellas, etc.

#30 In Jeju, you must try all the dishes with peanuts: peanut ice cream, peanut sweets, or roasted and salted peanuts. They are produced in Udo, an island belonging to the Jeju archipelago.

Udo has volcanic soil ideal for peanut production, which produces large quantities of good-quality peanuts. Some say that Udo peanuts are tastier than others.

#31 In Jeju and throughout Korea, tipping is not expected. In fact, we didn’t feel the need to give any tips, nor did we see anyone doing so, whether foreigners or Koreans.

Currency and Costs of Traveling to Jeju

Currency and payments.

#32 The island of Jeju is part of the Republic of Korea and, as such, uses the South Korean won. So, if you come from South Korea, you won’t have to worry about changing currency, but if you come from anywhere else, you will have to exchange to won.

The ATM network is extensive, and you can withdraw money anytime. In our experience, exchange costs and fees are low and virtually always lower than changing before arriving at your destination. Our suggestion is not to bring wons with you.

#33 Furthermore, nearly all stores and restaurants accept payments with cards or with T-Money (we will explain below what it is and how to use it). Even in the markets, many vendors accept card payments without problems and for amounts as low as three or four thousand won.

However, as there may be a problem with the system or some smaller stores may not accept it, we always suggest you have some cash.

Therefore, we suggest making as many payments as possible by card as it is safer and avoids withdrawing money frequently/carrying a lot of cash. To give you an idea, in more than three weeks in Korea, we only withdrew money once, as we made almost all payments by card.

What is the T-Money?

#34 T-Money is Korea’s public transport card and digital wallet.

One of the first things to do when you arrive in South Korea (be it Jeju, Seoul, or any other city) is to buy T-Money (it should cost between 3000-5000 won, depending on the design). This card allows you to use any urban transport (subway, bus, and even most taxis) in any city in South Korea, including Jeju.

To top up T-Money, go to a convenience store (7-11, GS25, or any other) and ask to top up. In metro stations, there are also charging machines. The top-up must be done in cash.

Once loaded, you must swipe your card when entering the metro or buses. Please note that you must always swipe your card upon entry and exit, as the transport system allows you to make free transfers between lines and even means of transport.

It is also possible to make other types of payments with T-Money, but this is more useful for locals than tourists.

Costs of Traveling to Jeju Island

Going to Jeju is relatively cheap, especially if you are already in South Korea or some neighboring countries with direct flights.

Fly to Jeju

#35 Flights from Seoul, Busan, and other major cities in Korea are pretty cheap due to the high competition between the various low-cost airlines. For example, a low-cost Seoul-Jeju flight costs 20 Euros per person, and a Jeju-Busan flight costs 40 Euros per person.

So, if you are planning a trip to Korea, seriously consider going to Jeju, as it will not increase your travel cost much, and if you have a good itinerary, you can even avoid a trip between Seoul and Busan.

Costs in Jeju

#36 Travel costs in Jeju largely depend on the travel season. As in all tourist destinations, particularly on islands, in high season, prices rise exponentially, particularly for accommodation, car rental, and, of course, flights.

We traveled in mid-season and generally found the costs similar to the rest of South Korea. In 5 days/4 nights, we spent 333 Euros (plus 120 Euros on flights) for two people. But note that we are backpackers and like to control our travel costs.

#37 Food costs are quite low, making it possible for two people to eat for 15-20 Euros. A little more if it’s non-Korean food or seafood and meat. We like to try all the local specialties, so we mostly eat local food in local restaurants and markets.

There is accommodation for all costs, starting at around 30-40 Euros per night in double rooms in cheap hostels.

If you decide to travel by public transport, transport costs are almost negligible, we spend around 25 Euros per person (already with the ferry to Udo). If you rent a car, count on at least another 300 to 400 euros for a week.

Tourist attractions and activities are another source of costs that sometimes weigh heavily on the travel budget. Fortunately, in the case of Jeju (and throughout Korea), many attractions are free or have very low entry prices, from 1 to 3 Euros. Therefore, this is not a significant concern in budgetary terms.

How to Travel to Jeju

#38 Traveling to Jeju is relatively cheap, especially if you come from Mainland Korea. There are many flights from Seoul and some from other cities, and the prices are usually very attractive as low-cost companies, such as Jeju Air or Jin Air, do this route.

It is said that the Seoul-Jeju City route is one of the most competitive in the world, and this competition can be seen both in the availability of supply and in prices.

It is also possible to travel by ferry, but the costs are higher and the journey time is a few hours. Therefore, it will hardly be worth it unless you don’t want to or can’t fly. In any case, we have not explored this hypothesis, so we cannot give recommendations.

Rent a car in Jeju

#39 Renting a car in Jeju is probably most travelers’ favorite option, and it’s easy to see why… it allows us to have all the flexibility in the world and go more quickly and to more places.

However, to rent a car, we must have an international driving license, so don’t forget to get your international license before traveling. From what we’ve seen, renting a car is not very expensive outside of high season – 300 to 400 Euros per week, plus insurance costs. In low season, you will definitely get even less.

#40 We chose not to rent a car, as we wanted an utterly relaxed trip without worries about driving, parking, or renting a car. If there’s one thing we don’t like, it’s dealing with rent-a-cars.

Therefore, we cannot give many tips when it comes to renting a car or driving, but from what we saw in Jeju, if you are used to driving in different countries, you shouldn’t have any major problems. Jeju City is a large city with some traffic but peaceful and orderly. The roads are also quite good.

Public transportation

#41 In Jeju, public transport is limited to buses and taxis, but the good news is that buses go everywhere, and you usually don’t have to wait long for them. Oh, and there are ferries to the smaller islands around Jeju, namely Udo.

In fact, traveling by car can give you more flexibility and be faster, but you can travel to any attraction in Jeju by bus. We went to all the places we wanted without any problems.

The Naver Maps app is the secret to navigating the Jeju (and Korean) transport system. This works excellently and in real-time, giving us all the transport options between the destinations we want, including options with more or fewer transfers, walks, etc.

Our number one tip for public transport in Korea is to use Naver Maps and spend some time understanding how it works, as it has all the information there.

#42 The second essential tip is buying and loading the T-Money card we discussed above. Armed with these two instruments, choose your destination, wait for the bus, and swipe your card upon entering. It will remove the value of the ticket from your balance, and you’re done.

When exiting the bus, don’t forget to validate your card again because if you need to transfer in the next 30 minutes, you won’t pay for the second ticket.

It’s incredibly simple and functional, and the fact that T-Money works on all public transport in Korea makes everything so easy for the traveler that it makes us wonder why it’s not similar everywhere.

Bus trips have different prices depending on the type of bus. Normal buses cost between 1200 and 1500 Won, while express buses (red) and airport buses are much more expensive. Prices are usually indicated on Naver Maps, but not always.

Ah, one more nice tip: All buses in Jeju have free Wifi… and it works!

Other Jeju Travel Tips

Jeju souvenirs.

#43 Jeju is a unique destination from which you will want to bring back memories and souvenirs. Luckily there are many things to bring, so leave some space in your suitcase for souvenirs.

Some of our suggestions are:

• Green Tea – Jeju green tea is one of Korea’s best and most renowned.
• Hareubang – These statues made from lava are one of the most popular things in Jeju.
• Hallabong tangerines: are probably Jeju’s most famous product. If you can’t bring your own tangerines, many products are alluding to them, such as caps, key rings, and soft toys.
• Beauty Products – Like all of Korea, beauty products are top-rated. Those from Jeju have the peculiarity of having ingredients such as green tea, lava, aloe vera, and even Jeju cacao.
• Chocolate : Jeju also has a small production of chocolate. So take the opportunity to try it and bring it with you. Chocolates are a souvenir that never goes wrong!
• Udo Peanuts : Udo produces a lot of peanuts and products derived from them. Some things to bring from this small island next to Jeju are cookies, biscuits, and many other peanut products.

Internet in Jeju

#44 As in any developed country, any accommodation is expected to have free WIFI, so this should not be a significant concern. However, confirming the signal quality in the comments is always a good idea.

But as with everything, sometimes it’s a matter of luck because, for example, our accommodation had excellent WIFI everywhere that we tried with different routers… except in our room! Luckily, we had mobile data… 🙂

As we mentioned above, the buses all have free WiFi. In addition, there is also free public WiFi in many parts of the island, so it is unlikely that you will be offline for long, even without mobile data.

#45 If you want to use mobile data, then any data card from South Korea works in Jeju without paying extra. Note, however, that South Korean data cards are some of the most expensive in the world.

That’s why we ended up using an e-sim card. Our suggestion is Nomad, as it worked pretty well for us. You can buy it here. If you buy one in Korea, prices can go up to 50 Euros. The good news is that the ceilings are unlimited or almost unlimited.

Cleaning, pollution, and recycling

#46 The garbage issue in Korea and Jeju is a bit complex. On the one hand, the more rural areas, parks, and tourist areas are quite clean. On the other hand, Jeju City, particularly the market areas, street food, and restaurants, are not very clean.

In other words, Jeju (and the rest of Korea) is much cleaner than most Asian countries (except Japan, of course). Yet, there is still much work to be done, and some areas are not very clean.

A curious note is the absence of rubbish bins on the street, even in the city. Finding trash or recycling bins is very difficult, which is annoying. It is, therefore, essential to always have a bag to store the rubbish until we find a bin or recycling point.

#47 Regarding recycling, we have the same problem with rubbish bins. They are pretty difficult to find, and when you do, it is a little difficult to understand what is supposed to go in each crate. Apparently, it differs, as we never concluded what it is supposed to do.

Our solution ended up being to open the bins and try to put our rubbish where there was similar rubbish.

A situation where we would like there to be a change in South Korea in the use of plastics and single-use products. There is still a lot of unnecessary plastic use, especially using cups, cutlery, and other disposable products.

Important: Southeast Asia and even Mexico are a world apart, but much can still be done to improve in Korea.

Electrical outlets

#48 Electrical sockets in Jeju are the same as in the rest of South Korea, type C (Europlug) and F, with a voltage of 220V and a frequency of 60 Hz.

In other words, you do not need an adapter if you come from Continental Europe or other countries with the same type of sockets. Note, however, that the voltage and frequency are different. This means computers, cell phones, and the like work normally, but household appliances and hairdryers need a transformer.

If you come from countries with other types of sockets, we suggest this adapter. If you need a frequency converter, we suggest this one.

Documentation to enter South Korea

#49 The documentation required to enter Jeju is the same as for South Korea. If you come from mainland South Korea, they will confirm you have the stamp/sticker and K-Eta. If you come from abroad, the process is the same as arriving from elsewhere.

So, don’t forget to do K-Eta. Most Western passports need K-Eta to enter Korea. But see here for updated information and everything you need to know.

Important to know

If you are considering going to Udo, the tiny island next to Jeju we discussed above, you must bring identification to buy the ferry ticket. Don’t forget, otherwise you won’t be able to go.

Jeju/South Korea Travel Guide

#50 Finally, if you want to buy a travel guide, we suggest this guide from Lonely Planet , which has a lot of helpful information.

This is a general guide to South Korea, but if you go to Jeju, you will probably visit other parts of Korea, which is very useful. There are also travel guides just for Jeju, like this one, but we have no references about it.

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Visit Jeju island, South Korea

• Accommodation
• Things to do

Hike up South Korea’s highest peak, watch the sun rise from a volcanic crater, marvel at octogenarian free divers or simply relax on the beach on the subtropical island of Jeju. Sitting off the south coast of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju is littered with volcanic outcrops, lava tubes, waterfalls, citrus orchards, forests and beaches. Its flora and fauna and geological spectacles have led to it being protected as a Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO World Heritage Site and Global Geopark. It’s a great place to relax or hike the network of island trails at the end of your South Korea trip.

Another of the island’s most prominent features is Seongsan Ilchulbong, a 182 m (600 ft) volcanic cone that rises abruptly from the sea on the island’s east coast. It only takes about 20 minutes to climb to the forested crater rim and doing so at sunrise is a popular local tradition.

More geological anomalies can be seen at the Manjanggul lava caves where one of the world’s longest lava tubes stretches 8 km (5 miles) below the ground. You can walk along part of its length to see lava stalactites and stalagmites, cave coral and lava bridges.

Udo Island, a popular day trip from Jeju, lies just off the east coast. Its variety of beaches, volcanic landscapes and fields of flowers attract plenty of visitors. You can hike Udobong Peak for panoramic views, see the black-sand beach at Geommeolle or the white-coral beach at Hongjodangoe Haebin, before enjoying some of the fine local seafood.

Much of the region’s seafood is caught by haenyeo, Jeju’s female free divers who harvest oysters, abalone and clams and catch octopus and squid without any equipment other than knives and wetsuits. It’s a dying tradition, but one that has been ongoing for centuries and you may see the divers, many in their 70s and 80s, on the beaches at Jungmun and Seogwipo. To learn more about their lifestyle and traditions, visit the Haenyeo Museum in Gujwa-eup.

If you’d like to get out and explore the island on foot, a network of hiking tracks known as Olle Trails lead along the rugged coastline and through the interior to scenic lookouts. You can hike the entire length of the long-distance trails or just pick short sections to explore. A few to look out for include the ten-minute walk along Olle Trail 6 to Cheonjiyeon Pokpo, a waterfall that drops into an emerald pool surrounded by basalt cliffs and lush forest. Then there’s the Daepo Jusangjeolli coastline, just south of the Jeju International Convention Centre, where columns of basalt rear out of the sea on Olle Trail 8.

To get a sense of local life, it’s worth exploring Jeju city’s Dongmun street food market, a huge place selling everything from fish and seafood to local oranges, household items and souvenirs. It’s a great place to try local dishes, fresh local orange juice or sweet treats such as peanut ice cream or hotteok (cinnamon rice pastries). Nearby is Black Pork Street, a road lined with restaurants serving the island’s most renowned foodstuff, Jeju black pig. Follow the crowds to the most popular spots.

Jeju has long been a popular destination for domestic visitors, and in recent years, ease of access and liberal visa rules have attracted large numbers of Chinese tourists. Even though you can’t expect to have the most renowned views to yourself, it’s well worth a trip and not too difficult to leave the package tours behind and discover a more secluded side of the island.

The island’s hotels are clustered in three areas: Jeju city, its biggest urban hub which is on the north coast; Seogwipo city, a more secluded spot on the south coast; and the Jungmun resort area which has large, family-friendly hotels and access to some of the best beaches on the island with good snorkelling and swimming.

Best time to visit Jeju Island

Mid-March to early April is one of the best times to visit Jeju with cherry blossom, azaleas and magnolias in bloom. May and June offer pleasant weather but July and August are hot, humid and wet. Temperatures drop by September and November sees added interest with the autumnal foliage. Although cold, November to February is dry and hiking Mount Hallasan in the snow is particularly atmospheric.

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Jeju island by contacting one of our South Korea specialists

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Suggested itineraries featuring Jeju island

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Jeju island, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Classic South Korea tour

13 days from £5,120pp

A family adventure in South Korea

11 days from £5,080pp

Map of Jeju island

Places & hotels on the map, places near jeju island.

• Busan 192 miles away
• Gyeongju 230 miles away
• Seoul 292 miles away

Photos of Jeju island

Accommodation choices for Jeju island

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Jeju island. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

The Shilla Jeju

Ideas for experiencing jeju island.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Jeju island, and which use the best local guides.

Tour of Eastern Jeju Island

Explore the volcanic cones, crater rims and lava tubes of east Jeju on a private guided tour to learn about the region’s geological history. See languid Udo Island and take in some of Jeju Island’s best views.

Things to Do on Jeju Island in South Korea: A Complete Travel Guide

Jeju Island (also known as the Hawaii of Korea) is a popular travel destination for locals and other travelers from all over the world. While I can’t honestly say it was actually as good as Hawaii (Hawaii’s my favorite!), it was definitely a nice escape from the city life in Seoul. This is everything you need to know for your trip to Jeju Island in South Korea – how to get there, all of the best places to see, things to do, where to stay, and other Jeju Island travel tips!

Table of Contents

About Jeju Island

Jeju Island, a volcanic island, is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Korea. It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and was recently named one of the new ‘Seven Wonders of Nature’. Jeju Island is well known for it’s beach resorts, multiple stunning waterfalls, Hallasan Mountain (a dormant volcano and South Korea’s tallest mountain!), and some of the most impressive temples in all of Asia.

The locals on Jeju Island are very friendly and help make your vacation here enjoyable. It’s by far one of the most memorable places I’ve visited while living in Korea. I’ve seen and heard many people say that none of the locals on Jeju speak English but that’s just not true. Almost every attraction and restaurant/cafe that I visited had multiple people who spoke English, even if it was just the basics. You’ll definitely have no real problem with language barriers here.

If you’re just looking for a fun and easy escape while in South Korea, this is the perfect island to visit! Whether you’re in need of a romantic weekend away or planning your next family vacation, Jeju has something for everybody to enjoy.

Getting to Jeju Island

By airplane:.

You can fly to Jeju Island from Seoul, Busan, or one of the smaller airports like in Cheongju. Most flights to Jeju will take just over an hour. Flights are usually fairly cheap (I was able to fly to Jeju for just $7!) and can easily be booked online. Keep in mind that all flights from Seoul to Jeju Island will depart from Gimpo airport, not Incheon (the main airport).

You may also like: Things to Do in Busan, South Korea: A Travel Guide .

If you’re heading to Jeju Island from Busan, there are only three ferry services per week and it is a very long ferry ride (about 12 hours). Prices for the ferries are often pretty comparable to flights to Jeju Island, sometimes even more expensive. In my opinion, the best place to take a ferry to Jeju Island is from Busan or Wando Island.

Transportation on Jeju Island

Car / motorbike rental:.

A car rental is by far the most convenient way to get around Jeju Island. There are plenty of options for rental companies should you choose to do this but you must have your Korean drivers license or IDP (International Driver’s Permit). If you are in Korea with your own car, you can take your car with you to Jeju Island via the ferry (just keep in mind that not all ferries provide this service).

Personal Driver:

Yes, it’s actually possible to hire your own personal driver for the day! It’s definitely expensive and while it might be convenient it’s also a bit limiting as they will only drive you around until a certain time each night.

Public Transportation:

The public transportation system on Jeju Island is definitely not as great as you’ll find in cities like Seoul or Busan. However, the bus routes cover most of the island including all of the main touristy spots so it’s still very easily doable. If you’re limited on time, this might not be the best option as it definitely takes much longer getting from one place to the next. I often found myself waiting 30+ minutes just for the bus to arrive at the stop!

You’ll have no problem finding a taxi anywhere on the island. It’s definitely a convenient way of getting around but far from cheap. Jeju is a much bigger island than many people realize so taxi costs can add up quick! However, if you’re wanting to save some time and avoid taking the bus everywhere, a taxi could be more than worth it.

Things to Do on Jeju Island

Jeju stone park.

Jeju Stone Park showcases stonework of all kinds in an indoor museum as well as many large outdoor displays. The main theme of the park is based on the legend of Jeju Island’s mythological grandmother, Seolmundae Halmang. This park is the perfect place to visit if you’re a fan of mythology and learning about the history of the island!

One of the most famous features of Jeju is all of the stone men you’ll see around the island. These stone statues are called ‘dolharubang’, which translates to ‘stone grandfather’. They are believed by locals to offer fertility and protection from demons. You’ll often see them outside of gates and doorways for this reason!

Address: 2023 Namjo-ro, Jochon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.

Hours: 9AM – 6PM (Closed on the first Monday of every month).

Admission: 5,000 KRW with discounts for groups and children.

Gimnyeong Maze Park

Gimnyeong Maze Park is a fun spot to visit whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids! Once you purchase your ticket you’ll be given a map of the maze. Use this map to try and find your way to the center platform where you’ll find a large bell. If you make it all the way through the maze and ring the bell at the end, you get a free prize; I got a really cute postcard for free!

Address: 122 Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.

Hours: 9AM – 6PM.

Admission: 5,500 KRW with discounts for children and the elderly.

Manjanggul Cave / Lava Tube

The Manjanggul Cave is a massive lava tube that was formed hundreds of thousands of years ago. It’s actually over a kilometer long and it takes a while to walk the entire cave and back. It can get pretty cold inside the cave and water is constantly dripping from the top, so it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket with you – even in the summer!

Address: 182 Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.

Hours: 9AM – 5:30PM (Closed on the first Wednesday of every month).

Admission: 4,000 KRW with discounts available for children and groups.

Jeju Folk Village

Jeju Folk Village was a fun spot with a good mix of traditional and modern Korean attractions. Most of the park was filled with traditional Korean huts like in the photo above, but there were also fun things like Instagram photo spots complete with props and even a cool garden maze!

Address: 631 Minsokhaean-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.

Hours: 8:30AM – 6PM.

Admission: 11,000 KRW. Each ticket comes with a brochure and a map of the park.

Seongsan Ilchulbang Peak (Sunrise Peak)

Seongsan Ilchulbang Peak is by far one of the most beautiful spots on Jeju Island. I wasn’t able to make it for sunrise (or sunset) but it was gorgeous during the day; I can only imagine how pretty it would be with a sunrise or sunset in the background!

There are two ways to visit Sunrise Peak; you can take the trail to the left of the entrance for free, or you can pay 5,000 KRW to hike the trail to the right. If you hike the trail to the right, it’s estimated to be about a 50 minute hike (round trip) and will take you all the way to the tip of the peak. If you walk the trail to the left you can either walk down to the black sand beach and watch the divers or just walk out to a great viewpoint of the peak.

Address: 284 Ilchul-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.

Hours: 7:30AM – 7:30PM.

Admission: 5,000 KRW with discounts for groups and children. Free for the trail to the left.

Hike Mount Hallasan

Mount Hallasan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the tallest mountain in all of Korea. It’s located right in the center of the island and rises 1,950 meters above sea level. Mount Hallasan, also called Halla Mountain, is by far one of the most popular spots on Jeju Island.

Mount Hallasan is a completely free attraction and has hiking trails of all different levels of difficulty making it a great hike for anyone. Whether you choose to hike all the way to the top or just take one of the shorter trails, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views all along the way. One of the most popular ways to hike the mountain is to go up the Seongpanak Trail and back down the Gwaneumsa Trail.

Jusangjeolli Cliffs

The hexagonal pillars of Jusangjeolli Cliffs may look man-made but they were actually formed from lava that spilled from Mount Hallasan when it erupted. The observatory platform, 20 meters above the ocean, makes for a perfect spot to watch the sunset and marvel at these unique rock pillars.

Address: Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.

Hours: 9AM – sunset, daily.

Admission: 2,000 KRW.

Yakcheonsa Temple

Yakcheonsa Temple is home to the largest Buddhist prayer hall and main temple in all of Asia and provides an amazing view of the coast. I’ll be honest, pictures do this place no justice. It looks so amazing in person, it’s definitely one you have to see for yourself!

Admission to the temple is free but you can also take part in a temple stay here should you choose to do so. There are gift shops located inside the temple, a large free parking lot at the entrance, and even a small convenience store. There is a bus stop right outside the entrance so this temple is easily accessible if you’ll be taking public transportation.

Address: 293 Ieodo-ro, Daepo-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.

Hours: 7AM – 6PM.

Admission: Free.

Lee Jung Seop Street

Lee Joong-seop was an artist known for creating some of the greatest paintings in the history of modern Korean art. The street is now named after him and is home to his art gallery. Lee Jung Seop Street is full of cute, colorful cafes and unique shops. You’ll often see markets, festivals, and even concerts taking place here!

Walk the Olle Trails

The Olle Trails are actually a system of 26 different hiking paths (21 main courses and 5 sub-courses) that go all the way around the entire island. And yes, you can walk them all! This adds up to a total of 422 kilometers so it would obviously take a while to hike them all, but many people make it their mission to complete every trail! Each trail features different popular attractions along the way making it a great and unique way to see the island.

The trails are all broken up into different sections so you can choose which ones you do or don’t want to hike. The trails are easy to follow and range in difficulty from super easy to very difficult. You can pick up an ‘Olle Trail Passport’ at any one of the information centers on the island; this passport allows you to collect stamps along the way to keep track of which trails you’ve completed.

For more info on the Olle Trails, click here or here .

Jungmun Tourist Complex / Resort Area

The Jungmun Tourist Area is one of my favorite spots on the whole island. It’s not just one thing, it’s a whole area full of different attractions. You could easily spend an entire day of your trip just exploring all of the different museums and attractions in this area. These are some of the best spots that you’ll find here!

Yeomiji Botanical Garden

Yeomiji has a large indoor garden as well as the outdoor gardens. The indoor garden is a 3-acre glass greenhouse that has an observation tower right in the center, various floral and plant exhibitions, a ‘Mystery Garden’, aquatic gardens, cactus gardens, jungle gardens, and even a tropical fruits garden.

The outdoor gardens are spread over 24 acres and consist of multiple different themed gardens including Japanese gardens, Korean gardens, and even a French lawn and gardens. You could easily spend an hour or two exploring all of the different gardens – it’s the perfect spot to spend a spring afternoon!

Address: 93 Jungmungwangwang-ro, Saekdal-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.

Admission: 9,000 KRW with discounts for children and the elderly.

Chocolate Land

Chocolate Land is basically a small museum about chocolate. Not the most exciting attraction, perhaps, but still worth checking out – especially if you plan to attend one of the chocolate making classes! There are a few “paintings” in the museum which are made entirely of chocolate, and even a display with kimchi chocolate!

Address: 2864 Saekdal-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.

Hours: 10AM – 6PM, last entry is at 5:30PM.

Admission: 3,000 KRW for general admission to the museum, an added fee if you plan to take one of the chocolate making classes.

Seonimgyo Bridge / Cheonjeyeon Waterfall

Cheonjeyeon might be my favorite waterfall on all of Jeju (more on that below) but the real star here is Seonimgyo Bridge! The bridge features seven white nymphs on each side (each playing their own musical instrument), and these nymphs represent a Korean legend about seven nymphs descending from heaven each night.

From atop the bridge you can see part of Cheonjeyeon Falls as well as gorgeous views over the park. There is a small cutout before you reach the bridge which makes the perfect spot for photos! This was by far one of my favorite attractions on the island.

Address: 2232 Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.

Hours: 9AM – 7PM.

Admission: 2,500 KRW.

Teddy Bear Museum

The Teddy Bear Museum is a fun spot to visit especially with kids. There are multiple different teddy bear exhibits in the museum and each exhibit has its own theme. One of the best exhibits would have to be the one with many famous historical sculptures and works of art (ex: The Angelus painting, statue of David) reimagined with teddy bear heads – it makes for a good laugh!

Address: 2889 Saekdal-dong Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.

Hours: 9AM – 7PM daily, 9AM – 9PM in the summer.

Admission: 10,000 KRW for adults, 8,000 KRW for children.

Jungmun Beach

I won’t lie, I wasn’t too impressed with Jungmun Beach. It was the first beach that I visited on Jeju and after hearing so many people compare Jeju Island to Hawaii, I guess I just expected a bit more! But, if you’re just looking to get your toes in the sand, this is a great spot to go after visiting everything else in the Jungmun Resort Area.

Ripley’s Believe it Or Not

After living in the USA and visiting many of the beaches there, I feel like no beach town is really complete without a Ripley’s Believe it Or Not Museum, and Jeju is no exception! The museum consists of multiple different galleries with unique themes, a cafe, an outdoor park, and a souvenir shop. Ripley’s is the perfect way to spend an entertaining afternoon!

Admission: 12,000 KRW with discounts for children and the elderly.

Camellia Hill

Camellia Hill is a gorgeous botanical garden. It’s so pretty that you’ll often see couples dressed up taking photos all throughout the gardens – even their wedding pictures! If you’re lucky enough to visit in the summer you’ll find the whole garden filled with beautiful blue flowers.

Address: 166 Byeongang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.

Admission: 8,000 KRW with discounts for children.

Check Out The Fun Cafes

You may also like this post: The Best Cafes on Jeju Island in South Korea .

Jeju Island is home to some of my favorite cafes in all of South Korea. And, there are tons to choose from! I honestly could have spent days just checking out all of the great cafes. Of course, in typical Korean fashion, the cafes have tons of fun and unique themes like the Hello Kitty cafe!

Soingook Miniature Theme Park

The Soingook Miniature Theme Park has tiny replicas of some of the most famous monuments in the world! Most of them are built to 1/25th of their actual size which makes for an incredible park full of monuments that you may never get a chance to see otherwise!

Address: 1878 Jungsanganseo-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.

Admission: 9,000 KRW for adults, discounts for children and elderly

Geumgeung Stone Hareubang Park

The Geumgeung Stone Park is a small but unique park filled with all kinds of fun stone statues created over the years. The stones are set up in different sections that each depict different traditional Korean lifestyles. Some are religious, some are very traditional, and some are just really funny! At the entrance of the park you’ll find a couple of different cafes as well as a small gift shop where you can purchase some local handmade souvenirs.

Address: 181 Hallim-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.

Admission: 4,000 KRW.

O’Sulloc Tea Museum

While the O’Sulloc tea fields are not quite as grand as the ones at the Boseong Green Tea Plantation , they’re definitely still worth visiting! Entry is free and there are tons of cute photo ops as well as a rooftop observatory which provides a great view of all the tea fields from above. Don’t forget to try the Mount Halla cake at the Innisfree Cafe while you’re here!

Address: 15 Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.

Hallim Park

Hallim Park is one of the most popular botanical gardens on Jeju Island. One of my favorite things about Hallim Park was that it actually has caves that you can walk through in addition to the unique gardens and exhibits. You’ll also find a folk village here as well as an outdoor children’s amusement park. It’s a must-see for families and it’s located right by the beach!

Address: 300 Hallim-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.

Hours: 8:30AM – 5:30PM.

Admission: 12,000 KRW for adults, discounts available for children and senior citizens

Jeju Glass Castle

Jeju Glass Castle is one of the most unique attractions on the island. There is an outdoor garden as well as many beautiful indoor exhibits and everything is made of glass. It’s definitely a sight to see! Should you choose to do so, you can even experience making your own glass masterpiece for an extra fee.

Address: 462 Nokchabunjae-ro, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.

Admission: 11,000 KRW for adults, discounts available for kids and seniors

It wouldn’t truly be Korea if it didn’t include something as weirdly unique as Love Land, the purely sex-themed park. This one is definitely not kid friendly but it’s a fun spot for couples to go and have a good laugh! If you’re feeling extra naughty, head to the gift shop for some sexy souvenirs!

Address: 2894 Cheonbaek-ro, Yeon-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.

Hours: 9AM – Midnight.

Admission: 12,000 KRW.

Day Trip to Udo Island

Udo Island, or “cow island”, is great day trip from Jeju. It’s a much smaller island off the east coast of Jeju that’s easily accessible by ferry. If I’m being totally honest, I loved Udo Island way more than I did Jeju. It was way more relaxed, the locals were some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met, and the whole island was gorgeous .

Other Things to Do on Jeju Island

• Bangdupo Lighthouse
• Alive Museum
• Daheeyeon Cave Tea House & Zipline
• Jeju Mini Land
• Eco Land Theme Park
• Spirited Garden
• Chilsimni Food Street
• Jeju Waterworld
• Kim Kyung Suk Sunflower Farm
• Sangumburi Crater
• Mystery Maze Virtual Tour
• Aewol Coastal Walk
• Jeju 5-Day Market
• Museum of African Art
• Seongeup Folk Village
• Mysterious Road

Chasing Waterfalls on Jeju Island

Cheonjiyeon falls.

Cheonjiyeon Falls is located inside of a small but gorgeous park. The falls themselves are pretty impressive but the park is worth spending some time exploring as well.

Eongtto Falls

Unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky enough to catch Eongtto Falls in action; the waterfall only makes an appearance after a certain amount of rain, and even though it was rainy during my trip, it wasn’t rainy enough for the falls to appear! Depending on what the weather is like when you go, Eongtto Falls can either be stunning or completely disappointing. However, the short hike to the falls is full of beautiful scenery (and not crowded at all!) so you can still easily make the best of your trip there whether you see the falls or not.

Cheonjeyeon Falls

Not to be confused with Cheonjiyeon Falls mentioned above, Cheonjeyeon actually consists of three separate waterfalls. There are walkways through the park that take you from one waterfall to the next. The first waterfall was the least impressive but the other two made it more than worth the long walk up and down all of the wooden stairs.

Jeongbang Falls

Jeongbang Falls is the only waterfall in Korea that actually falls directly into the ocean. It’s one of my favorite waterfalls on the island! You can walk down the steps and over the rocks for a view right beside the falls or you can view them from above at one of the many viewing platforms along the way. The steep cliffs beside the ocean and the many tall pine trees surrounding the falls create a picture-perfect backdrop for photos.

Near the entrance of Jeongbang Falls, you’ll find multiple vendors selling street foods, ice cream, and other souvenirs. There is also a small park just outside the waterfall entrance that has a small stream and traditional Korean pagoda which makes for great photos. Don’t forget to check it out on your way to the falls!

Jeju Island Beaches

As I said earlier, Jeju Island is known as the “Hawaii of Korea”. However, if you come to Jeju expecting the beaches to be anything like Hawaii’s.. you’ll be extremely disappointed. I know I was! Don’t get me wrong, there are nice beaches here but nowhere near as stunning as the white sandy beaches of Hawaii. With that said, these are some of the most popular beaches on Jeju Island!

Geumneung Beach

Geumneung Beach is a great beach for families! It has smaller waves and shallow waters making it perfect for younger children. Most families seemed to favor this beach over the others. It’s also a great spot to go and watch the sunset!

Hyeopjae Beach

Right up the road from Geumneung Beach is Hyeopjae Beach. I heard from many people that Hyeopjae was the best beach on the island but I have to say.. I disagree. It’s in a cute little beach town area and there are great shops and restaurants nearby but the beach itself was nothing special. It’s definitely much more popular and crowded than Geumneung Beach!

Jungmun Beach is a really small beach located in the Jungmun Resort Area. It didn’t have soft, white sands but it definitely had the beach town vibe! It’s surrounded by tons of great shops and other attractions and it seemed to be a pretty popular spot for people trying to surf!

Gwakji Beach

Gwakji was actually probably the nicest beach on all of Jeju. There is a free parking lot at the entrance, it’s surrounded by some of my favorite cafes on the island, and it had soft, white sands!

Where to Stay on Jeju Island

Jeju Island is actually much larger than you may realize and there are tons of different options for accommodations. I would suggest mapping out all of the sights that you want to see and staying somewhere easily accessible to those sights. While there are hotels in all areas of the island, there are two main cities on Jeju where you’ll find some of the best hotels: Jeju City and Seogwipo.

This is where you’ll likely arrive into Jeju as the airport and most of the ferry ports are located here. It’s not very close to a lot of main attractions so staying here can be a pain if you plan on using public transportation. The city itself doesn’t have all that much to see but it’s worth staying here if you plan on doing any of the following:

• Flying into Jeju late at night or flying out of Jeju on an early morning flight
• Only visiting Jeju to hike Mount Hallasan (it’s an easy bus ride from Jeju City)
• Shopping and visiting some of the top restaurants
• Leaving or arriving via ferry
• Renting a car / not using public transportation

View Tower Resort

The View Tower offers great rooms with private balconies right in the center of Jeju City. It’s close to the traditional market as well as beaches and tons of shopping, and it’s only a few miles away from the airport.

For more info or to book a room, click here .

Jeju Noblesse Hotel

The Jeju Noblesse Hotel is less than $50/night and has a buffet Korean breakfast every morning, is less than a mile from Jeju Airport, and even provides a complimentary airport pickup service. The rooms are simple but nice and the hotel is in a great location!

Maison Glad Jeju

Maison Glad Jeju has spacious rooms as well as a pool and spa. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast every morning and is located less than two miles from the airport. At just over $100/night, it’s not the cheapest option but this one is definitely worth it!

Seogwipo City

Seogwipo is close to most of the main attractions on Jeju and has a ton of hotels with great ocean views. The fact that it’s so close to the main attractions makes using public transportation so much easier. Stay in Seogwipo if you plan on doing any of the following:

• Visiting Jeju Island’s main waterfalls
• Hiking the Yeongsil Trail at Mount Hallasan
• Eating at trendy cafes and restaurants / shopping
• Seeing the botanical gardens and tea fields

The Pino Hotel is located right in the center of Seogwipo City! It’s situated close to tons of the main attractions on the island, it has large rooms with a balcony, free parking, and all of the amenities you could possibly need for your stay.

Artstay Seogwipo Harbor

Artstay Seogwipo Harbor was honestly in the perfect location. So many attractions, cafes, and restaurants were walking distance from the hotel and the rooms were extremely clean with great ocean views!

Ocean Palace Hotel

The Ocean Palace Hotel has some of the nicest rooms I’ve seen in all of Korea and for less than $50/night! This hotel provides amazing views of the ocean or Halla Mountain and even has a cafe and small market on site!

Best Time to Visit Jeju Island

Spring | The absolute best time of year to visit Jeju Island would definitely have to be spring. The weather is (typically) perfect and the whole island is covered with some of the most gorgeous spring flowers. It’s a popular time for tourists on Jeju Island so it can get a bit crowded but the beauty of spring in Jeju is hard to beat.

Summer | Summers on Jeju Island can be unbearably hot and humid. If you plan on spending your days on the beach or at one of the resorts, then this won’t be much of a problem; if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, it can be pretty miserable. Summer is also monsoon season in Korea so keep it mind that it can tend to be quite rainy for long periods of time.

Fall | Fall is the perfect time to visit if you plan on doing a lot of hiking. The weather has cooled down quite a bit and the mountains will be bright and filled with color from all of the beautiful fall foliage.

Winter | Believe it or not, Jeju Island is actually a pretty popular winter travel destination in Korea. It doesn’t get quite as cold as the rest of the country but it still makes for a gorgeous snow-covered Mount Hallasan and cheaper prices which is always a plus.

4-Day Jeju Island Travel Itinerary

• Check out the O’Sulloc Tea Museum and tea fields
• Enjoy the scenery and beautiful flowers at Camellia Hill and Hallim Park
• Spend some time on Jeju’s beaches
• Do some cafe hopping and find your new favorite cafe
• Marvel at the many waterfalls
• See famous monuments from around the world at Soingook Miniature Theme Park
• Be amazed by the art at Jeju Glass Castle
• Enjoy a sexy stroll through Jeju’s Love Land
• Learn some history behind the famous stone men at Jeju Stone Park
• Check out some gorgeous art on Lee Jung Seop Street
• Watch the sunrise at the Jusangjeolli Cliffs
• Explore Yakcheonsa Temple, one of the largest in Asia
• Check out the many attractions in the Jungmun Tourist Complex
• Immerse yourself in the history and culture at Jeju Folk Village
• Get lost in the mazes at Gimnyeong Maze Park
• Day trip to Udo Island
• Walk Olle Trail #1
• Explore the caves by Geommeolle Beach
• Try some peanut ice cream at Jimmy’s
• Take the ferry back to Jeju Island
• Watch the sunset at Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak

Jeju Island Travel Tips

• Try some of the local foods. Korean street foods are the best! Some must-try’s on the island are Jeju black pork, peanut ice cream, Jeju green tea, and hallabong (tangerine) smoothies!
• Spend at least 3-4 days here, though I would recommend a week. It’s a pretty big island and you definitely need at least a few days to see just the main attractions. Don’t forget to leave yourself some time to relax on the beaches!
• Rent. A. Car! Trust me on this one – public transportation may be available on Jeju Island but it’s definitely not the quickest (or easiest!) way to get around. Renting a car will allow you to spend more time at the attractions than you do on the bus!
• Download the Visit Jeju app. It provides tons of valuable information for your trip including info about top tourist attractions, emergency services, and sample travel itineraries!

What are some of your favorite things to do on Jeju Island? Share in a comment below!

Like it? Pin it!

Don’t forget to check out these other South Korea posts:

• Things to Do in Seoul, South Korea
• A Trip to Cheongpung Land in Jecheon
• Things to Do in Busan, South Korea: A Travel Guide
• Sweets & Snacks to Try in South Korea
• Things to Do in Buyeo, South Korea
• All of the Best Cafes on Jeju Island in South Korea
• Anyang Art Park in South Korea: A Day Trip From Seoul
• Things You Should Know Before Traveling to South Korea

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Jeju Island: 7 Gorgeous Places To Visit In Jung Kook’s Favourite Travel Destination

If you’re looking to retrace jung kook’s steps, it’s time to visit jeju island. we list out the best places to put on your list.

By: Jianne Soriano Published: Apr 15, 2023 10:00 AM IST

During a recent photoshoot with Calvin Klein, BTS member Jung Kook was asked where he would like to travel next. Without hesitation, Jung Kook answered Jeju Island despite not being an avid traveller. However, the main vocalist of the K-pop boy band has visited the famed holiday destination numerous times.

Jeju Island is the go-to place for honeymooners, but it’s also famous for those looking for a laidback retreat from city life. Packed with gorgeous beaches , delicious fresh seafood, stunning hiking trails, and natural wonders, it’s no surprise that  Jung Kook  loves  Jeju Island . There are so many places to visit in  South Korea , but Jeju Island boasts plenty of unique features that make it stand out.

If you’re looking to retrace Jung Kook’s steps, it’s time to visit (or revisit) Jeju Island. The island is best explored by dividing your trip between Jeju (North side) and Seogwipo (South side). To make the most of your trip, we list some of the best places to visit on both sides of the island.

Jeju Island: Best places to visit

Sunrise peak (seongsan ilchulbong).

Seongsan IIchulbong or Sunrise Peak is one of Jeju Island’s most iconic sites. Rising about 180 metres above sea level, the volcanic crater formed about 5,000 years ago. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured in various films. While you can admire the beautiful sight from afar, the best way to see it is to hike to the peak. It’s even better if you can catch the sunrise, just as its name suggests.

Address: 284-12, Ilchulro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island, South Korea

Opening hours: 7:30 am to 7:00 pm (March to October), 7:00 am to 5:30 pm (November to December), closed on the first Monday of every month

Jeongbang Waterfall

Water flows directly into the sea at the one-of-its-kind Jeongbang Waterfall in South Korea. The black cliff waterfall stands 23 metres high, which makes for a thrilling sight. There are two streams for visitors to admire, but pine trees and cliffs surround both for extra picturesque scenery. Legend has it that a man named Seobul wrote “Seobulgwacha” (Seobul was here) on the wall of the waterfall. However, there is debate if the inscription actually exists.

Address: 214 Chilsimni-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island

Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Manjanggul Cave

At Manjanggul Cave, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, as if you’re witnessing the early days of Earth’s creation. With a maximum height of 25 metres and a width of 18 metres, the cave is one of the largest lava tubes in the world. Only a kilometre of the cave is open to the public, where visitors can see various kinds of topographical features and rock formations. In addition, you’ll get to admire a 7.6-metre-tall stone pillar towards the end, the largest of its kind in the world.

Address: 182, Manjanggul-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju Island, South Korea

Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, closed on the first Wednesday of every month

Book these hotels in Jeju City

LOTTE City Hotel Jeju

Grabel Hotel Jeju

Hotel Whistle Lark

Hallasan National Park

A trip to Jeju Island is only complete with visiting Hallasan National Park. Hallasan, South Korea’s highest peak, is at this  UNESCO  World Heritage Site. The island’s most remarkable landmark, Hallasan, has 368 parasite cones called ‘oreum’, which means ‘peak’ in the local Jeju dialect. In addition, the area boasts an abundance of varying flora species and animals. We recommend hiking to enjoy panoramic views of the island and the mountains.

Address: 2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju Island, South Korea

Opening hours: Open all year round

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While Jeju itself is an island, a short trip to the nearby smaller island, Udo is well worth it. Udo Island is only 3.8 kilometres in length but has plenty to see including stone walls, natural attractions, scenic sights, and haenyo (female free divers). Inhabited since the Joseon period, it’s also a wonderful place to go fishing, cycling, and enjoying sand massages. Be sure to drop by the famous Rhodolith Beach, which boasts beautiful white sand and crystal-clear waters. Udo Island can easily be reached via ferry in about 30 minutes.

Address: 153, Udo-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Folk Village Museum

Travel back in time and learn more about Jeju Island’s past at the Jeju Folk Village. This is one of Jeju Island’s most popular attractions as it recreates scenes of the island as it were in the 1890s. There are over 100 houses and facilities that once served as official residences of the people living there. Visitors can also admire a variety of items on display that are part of Jeju Island’s history, culture, and traditions.

Address: 631-34, Minsokhaean-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island, South Korea

Opening hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (October to February), 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (March, July 16 to August), 8:30 am to 6:00 pm (April to July 15, September)

Seopjikoji Hill

The best time to visit Seopjikoji Hill is during spring when its vast fields of canola flowers bloom. Thanks to its fabulous location south of Seongsan Ilchulbong, you’ll get a front-row view of the famous volcanic crater. Seopjikoji Hill also offers a complete view of the island’s rugged coastline and beaches. The white lighthouse atop the hill makes for a romantic sight, like a scene from a Korean drama.

Address: 107, Seopjikoji-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island, South Korea

Make sure to add all these attractions to your bucket list.

Book Your Flights To Jeju Island here

(Feature image credit: Chadmin Pictures/Unsplash; Hero image credit: keuncheolll /Flickr)

This story first appeared here

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Answer: There are many things to do on Jeju Island, such as hiking, cycling, going to the beach, eating seafood, and visiting various tourist attractions.

Answer: You can either take the ferry from Seoul or Busan or book a flight from Seoul.

Answer: Jeju Island is famous for its beaches, picturesque views, and other natural wonders. It's a well-known spot for honeymooners as well.

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• South Korea

Jianne Soriano

An introvert at heart, Jianne expresses herself best through her writing. Her passion lies in covering food and dining, music and entertainment, and arts and culture. When she\'s not writing, you can find her visiting art exhibitions, watching movies or Korean dramas, or travelling solo.

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Jeju Island: 7 gorgeous places to visit in Jung Kook’s favourite travel destination

During a recent photoshoot with Calvin Klein, BTS member Jung Kook was asked where he would like to travel next. Without hesitation, Jung Kook answered Jeju Island despite not being an avid traveller. However, the main vocalist of the K-pop boy band has visited the famed holiday destination numerous times.

Jeju Island is the go-to place for honeymooners, but it’s also famous for those looking for a laidback retreat from city life. Packed with gorgeous beaches, delicious fresh seafood, stunning hiking trails, and natural wonders, it’s no surprise that Jung Kook loves Jeju Island. There are so many places to visit in South Korea, but Jeju Island boasts plenty of unique features that make it stand out.

If you’re looking to retrace Jung Kook ’s steps, it’s time to visit (or revisit) Jeju Island. The island is best explored by dividing your trip between Jeju (North side) and Seogwipo (South side). To make the most of your trip, we list some of the best places to visit on both sides of the island.

Jeju Island: Best places to visit

Sunrise peak (seongsan ilchulbong).

Seongsan IIchulbong or Sunrise Peak is one of Jeju Island’s most iconic sites. Rising about 180 metres above sea level, the volcanic crater formed about 5,000 years ago. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured in various films. While you can admire the beautiful sight from afar, the best way to see it is to hike to the peak. It’s even better if you can catch the sunrise, just as its name suggests.

Address: 284-12, Ilchulro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island, South Korea

Opening hours: 7:30 am to 7:00 pm (March to October), 7:00 am to 5:30 pm (November to December), closed on the first Monday of every month

Jeongbang Waterfall

Water flows directly into the sea at the one-of-its-kind Jeongbang Waterfall in South Korea. The black cliff waterfall stands 23 metres high, which makes for a thrilling sight. There are two streams for visitors to admire, but pine trees and cliffs surround both for extra picturesque scenery. Legend has it that a man named Seobul wrote “Seobulgwacha” (Seobul was here) on the wall of the waterfall. However, there is debate if the inscription actually exists.

Address: 214 Chilsimni-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island

Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Manjanggul Cave

At Manjanggul Cave, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, as if you’re witnessing the early days of Earth’s creation. With a maximum height of 25 metres and a width of 18 metres, the cave is one of the largest lava tubes in the world. Only a kilometre of the cave is open to the public, where visitors can see various kinds of topographical features and rock formations. In addition, you’ll get to admire a 7.6-metre-tall stone pillar towards the end, the largest of its kind in the world.

Address: 182, Manjanggul-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju Island, South Korea

Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, closed on the first Wednesday of every month

Book these hotels in Jeju City

Hallasan National Park

A trip to Jeju Island is only complete with visiting Hallasan National Park. Hallasan, South Korea’s highest peak, is at this  UNESCO  World Heritage Site. The island’s most remarkable landmark, Hallasan, has 368 parasite cones called ‘oreum’, which means ‘peak’ in the local Jeju dialect. In addition, the area boasts an abundance of varying flora species and animals. We recommend hiking to enjoy panoramic views of the island and the mountains.

Address: 2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju Island, South Korea

Opening hours: Open all year round

While Jeju itself is an island, a short trip to the nearby smaller island, Udo is well worth it. Udo Island is only 3.8 kilometres in length but has plenty to see including stone walls, natural attractions, scenic sights, and haenyo (female free divers). Inhabited since the Joseon period, it’s also a wonderful place to go fishing, cycling, and enjoying sand massages. Be sure to drop by the famous Rhodolith Beach, which boasts beautiful white sand and crystal-clear waters. Udo Island can easily be reached via ferry in about 30 minutes.

Address: 153, Udo-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Folk Village Museum

Travel back in time and learn more about Jeju Island’s past at the Jeju Folk Village. This is one of Jeju Island’s most popular attractions as it recreates scenes of the island as it were in the 1890s. There are over 100 houses and facilities that once served as official residences of the people living there. Visitors can also admire a variety of items on display that are part of Jeju Island’s history, culture, and traditions.

Address: 631-34, Minsokhaean-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island, South Korea

Opening hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (October to February), 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (March, July 16 to August), 8:30 am to 6:00 pm (April to July 15, September)

Seopjikoji Hill

The best time to visit Seopjikoji Hill is during spring when its vast fields of canola flowers bloom. Thanks to its fabulous location south of Seongsan Ilchulbong, you’ll get a front-row view of the famous volcanic crater. Seopjikoji Hill also offers a complete view of the island’s rugged coastline and beaches. The white lighthouse atop the hill makes for a romantic sight, like a scene from a Korean drama.

Address: 107, Seopjikoji-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island, South Korea

Make sure to add all these attractions to your bucket list.

Hero image: Courtesy Chadmin Pictures /Unsplash; Featured image: Courtesy keuncheolll /Flickr

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Answer: There are many things to do on Jeju Island, such as hiking, cycling, going to the beach, eating seafood, and visiting various tourist attractions.

Answer: You can either take the ferry from Seoul or Busan or book a flight from Seoul.

Answer: Jeju Island is famous for its beaches, picturesque views, and other natural wonders. It's a well-known spot for honeymooners as well.

Jianne Soriano

An introvert at heart, Jianne has an immense passion for storytelling. This Filipino, Hong Kong-born native is a certified foodie and cinephile. When she’s not writing, you can find her chilling at cafes, watching movies, or travelling solo.

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