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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 (what I use) 🎫 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 lives a not-so-secret double life as a fangirl. 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 · 44 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)
• ⛄ Visiting Jeju Island In Winter
• 🚗 Arrival & Getting Around in Jeju
• 🎒 Where to Stay on Jeju
• 🤔 What to Do in Jeju
• 🍲 What to Eat in Jeju
• 📝 Sample Jeju Itinerary: 3 Days
• 💡 Travel Tips For Jeju Island
• 🔍 Practical Travel Info
• 📋 Jeju Island Travel FAQ
• 🎢 Jeju Attractions Map

🛫 Visiting South Korea (Update)

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.

Buy a PDF Version of This Post!

⛄ Visiting Jeju Island In Winter

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!

🚗 Arrival & Getting Around in 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).

🎒 Where to Stay on Jeju

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.

🤔 What to Do in Jeju

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.

🍲 What to Eat in Jeju

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). 

📝 Sample Jeju Itinerary: 3 Days

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.

💡 Travel Tips For 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.

🔍 Practical Travel Info

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.

📋 Jeju Island Travel FAQ

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.

🎢 Jeju Attractions Map

More South Korea Travel & Life

Reader Interactions

Dr Jyoti Shetty

May 12, 2024 at 6:39 am

Hello Max, Thank you for the detailed post. Can you help me with the bus numbers for the following destinations: Manjanggul, Jusangjeolli Lava cliffs ,Jeongbang waterfalls & Seongsan Ilchulbong. Also, how would the weather be in the second week of June? Thnx n regards.

May 17, 2024 at 9:46 am

Hi! I'm sorry, I don't have those numbers off the top of my head, but from my recollection, the bus which circles the entire island should be the one which takes you to all of those places. You can use the GPS in a map app on your phone to track when you're closest to the right stop (I recommend the English verison of the Naver maps app), but weather should be absolutely gorgeous in the second week of June!

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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Little Holidays

Helping you plan amazing holidays

5 days in Jeju, South Korea – a road trip itinerary

Asia , South Korea , Travel Guides / December 17, 2023 by littleholidays / 1 Comment

Ready to explore South Korea’s Jeju Island with its stunning landscapes, vibrant local culture, and tasty traditional food?

Welcome to South Korea’s “island of the gods” – a perfect spot for your unforgettable little holiday!

Jeju Island, formed from ancient volcanic eruptions, is full of dramatic craters, caves, and cliffs that create a spectacular setting for your adventure. Each season brings something special to Jeju – from hot, sunny summers to snowy winters, and from lively springs to colorful autumns. The island’s ever-changing beauty will have you planning your next trip before you’ve even left.

To help you get the most out of your time in Jeju, here’s a 5-day itinerary designed for those who love adventure and want a bit of everything. It combines leisurely beach days, pleasant hikes, mouthwatering culinary experiences, and epic road trips through breathtaking floral fields and stunning views.

So, get ready for an extraordinary journey through Jeju Island. It’s time to start planning your holiday in this stunning paradise!

Tell us: What are you most excited about your trip to Jeju?

• Sightseeing, shopping, and food-tripping!
• Finding my spot on the beach and just chilling, island-style
• Hiking Mt. Hallasan and the Olle trails
• Going on a road trip to see the gorgeous floral fields and breathtaking views
• Really curious to check out Jeju's quirky museums and local food scene!
• Sightseeing, shopping, and food-tripping! 32%, 1999 votes 1999 votes 32% 1999 votes - 32% of all votes
• Going on a road trip to see the gorgeous floral fields and breathtaking views 27%, 1670 votes 1670 votes 27% 1670 votes - 27% of all votes
• Hiking Mt. Hallasan and the Olle trails 18%, 1136 votes 1136 votes 18% 1136 votes - 18% of all votes
• Finding my spot on the beach and just chilling, island-style 16%, 969 votes 969 votes 16% 969 votes - 16% of all votes
• Really curious to check out Jeju's quirky museums and local food scene! 7%, 442 votes 442 votes 7% 442 votes - 7% of all votes

Little Holidays Guide to Jeju, South Korea

How to spend 5 days on jeju island.

• Map – essential landmarks
• Best things to do in Jeju
• Tours and day trips
• What to eat and where
• Planning your trip

Beyond Jeju – where to go next

• Download the PDF guide

Here’s a quick overview of the best things to do for 5 days in Jeju. You’ll find a detailed itinerary below, as well as a Google map and a PDF guide you can download.

This itinerary is best done as a road trip. Driving around the island will give you plenty of time to explore Jeju. I’d also recommend having two bases for this trip – spend the first half in Seogwipo, then the second half in Jeju City.

My recommended itinerary will give you lots of time to enjoy each destination, but it will be difficult to fit everything if you’re going by public transportation. If you don’t plan to drive a rental car, I’d recommend chartering a private car with a driver to see as much of the island as possible. You can stay in Jeju City and explore the whole island from there.

Day 1 – As soon as you arrive in Jeju, pick up your rental car, and make the scenic drive south to Seogwipo. If you have a couple of daylight hours, drive to the coast and check out Oedolgae and the Jeongbang waterfalls. Head to the Chilsimni Food Street for that much-anticipated seafood dinner, then pop over to a café and ease into Seogwipo’s rustic island vibe.

Day 2 – Head west and start the day’s adventures with tea at the O’sulloc Green Tea Field. Then continue to the west coast and drive along the seaside for some of Jeju Island’s most beautiful sights – from Suweobong hill to Sanbang mountain, Cheonjeyeon falls, and Jusangjeolli cliff. End the day with a delicious black pork BBQ feast.

Day 3 – Pack your bags and say bye to Seogwipo. Then drive east past gorgeous floral fields and walk up the Seongsan Ilchulbong. Ride the ferry to Udo and hike or bike around the island. Afterward, head to Manjanggul Cave before finally driving northwest to Jeju City.

Day 4 – After 3 full days of driving, it’s time for a hike! Go up Mt. Hallasan and choose your own adventure – from the easy 1.3-km Eoseungsaengak trail to the 9.6-km Seongpanak trail. Back in Jeju City, reward yourself with an evening at the spa and a hearty bowl of noodles.

Day 5 – Take it easy on your last day and make it a beach day! Drive west to Hyeopjae and Gumneung and enjoy crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches. Take a stroll around the lush Hallim Park, then end the day with one last amazing sunset.

Map – essential landmarks in Jeju

Use this Google map to plan your holiday in Jeju. I added all the important landmarks, the best places to visit, and the best areas and hotels to stay in.

Take note that Google maps won’t give you driving routes in South Korea. You’ll have to use an alternative map like Naver or Waze . You can learn more about driving in South Korea here .

Best things to do on Jeju Island – 5-day itinerary

Day 1 – seogwipo and south jeju.

Whether you’re coming to Jeju Island by plane or ferry, you’ll be arriving at the northern tip of the island. Get your rental car ( make sure to reserve online in advance ) and begin the scenic drive down south to Seogwipo.

I recommend Seogwipo as your base for the first part of your holiday in Jeju (the first 2 nights for this 5-day itinerary – but you can definitely extend your stay if you want to enjoy the southern hiking trails and beaches a bit more). There’s a lot to see in the south half of the island and driving down from Jeju City every day can take up a lot of your sightseeing time. The vibe in Seogwipo is also a lot more rustic and chilled than that of Jeju City, so it’s definitely worth soaking up the atmosphere here for a couple of days.

The drive from Jeju City to Seogwipo can take around 1-2 hours, depending on the traffic. If you’re arriving on a morning flight or ferry, you’ll have a bit of time to explore the southern coast after checking in to your hotel in Seogwipo.

First of many natural landscapes to see in Jeju: the Oedolgae Rock .

The 20 m-tall lone rock pillar was formed after a volcanic eruption, but the legends it inspired are a lot more dramatic. One story says that it was a grandmother who was transformed into a rock after waiting in vain for her husband to return from fishing. Another legend says that at the end of the Goryeo Dynasty, General Choi Young dressed up the rock to look like an enormous soldier, scaring away the people of Mokho who wanted to conquer Jeju Island. Its most recent claim to fame, though, was as one of the film locations in “Dae Jang Geum,” a popular Korean TV series.

But even without the legends, it’s worth a stop, especially if you want to get your sea views ASAP. You can stretch your legs after your long drive with a stroll along the walkway near the Oedolgae.

Jeongbang Waterfall

A short drive away is the Jeongbang Waterfall, which is quite a sight as it falls directly into the sea. Try to make it here in time for sunset for amazing views and, hopefully, a thinner crowd.

Chilsimni Food Street

Now it’s time for your first dinner in Jeju! Head to the Chilsimni Food Street and tuck into a seafood dinner or a black pork BBQ feast.

You can easily walk along Chilsimni and follow your nose, but if you want a quick suggestion, try the abalone soup at Jeju Halmang Ttukbaegi Restaurant.

After dinner, walk along the harbor or pop into one of the many downtown cafés and soak up the Seogwipo vibe.

Day 2 – West Jeju

On your second day, explore the west and southwest coasts of the island. But make a pit stop at the O’Sulloc green tea fields for an energizing start to your day.

O’Sulloc Green Tea Field

Green tea is one of South Korea’s prized products, and you’ll certainly find a lot of green tea plantations in Jeju. If you’re a green tea aficionado, make sure to check out these green tea fields you can visit all over the island. But even if you’re just a casual tea drinker, a stop at the O’Sulloc green tea fields is a great way to start a full day of driving.

While you’re there, drop by the Innisfree Jeju House next door. They have a more extensive café and restaurant that’s perfect for a bigger brunch.

Suweolbong Peak

Continue your drive west towards the coast and make your way to Suweolbong Peak – the westernmost point of Jeju Island. It’s an excellent spot for a walk along the coast and for views from the observatory.

Sanbangsan and Yongmeori Coast

From Suweolbong, drive south following the coast and make your way to Sanbangsan and Yongmeori Coast. While it’s a short 30-minute drive, the views are spectacular along the way, so you’ll want to make frequent photo-taking stops.

Walk along the trail that begins in the Yongmeori Coast to see beautiful rock formations, views of the Sanbangsan mountain and the sea, and, if you’re coming from mid-March through April, vibrant yellow canola fields all around. It’s certainly the postcard-perfect Jeju scenery.

You can also walk up to the Sanbanggulsa grotto and take a break at one of the cafés at the foot of the mountain. A cruise around the geopark gives you amazing views of Songaksan Volcano and Marado Island. If you have some extra time or want a relaxing alternative to walking, dip into the Sanbangsan hot springs.

Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls

Head next to Cheonjeyeon waterfalls, one of Jeju Island’s most beautiful waterfalls.

(Note: Cheonjeyeon is inside the Jungmun Complex – see Google map above. There is also a Cheonjiyeon waterfall nearer to Jeongbang falls near the Seogwipo downtown.)

The Cheonjeyeon is a three-tier waterfall nestled within a forest. Its pools are some of the clearest and deepest blues you’ll see.

The forest around Cheonjeyeon is designated as a natural monument as it’s home to rare plant species.

You’ll also come across the Seonigmyo Bridge, which is also called Chilseonyeogyo or Seven Nymphs Bridge. Legend has it that seven fairies serving the Emperor of Heaven would descend from the heavens every night and bathe in the waterfall’s pond. You’ll see the seven nymphs carved on both sides of the bridge. On clear days, you can see all three falls from the bridge.

Jungmun Tourist Area

There’s a lot more to see around the Jungmun Tourist Area – like the Teddy Bear Museum, Pacific Land, and the Yeomiji Botanical Garden. You can consider these sights as rainy-day alternatives, or if you’re keen on visiting them, you can add an extra day to your stay.

Jusangjeolli

Last spot for this packed road trip day – the Jusangjeolli cliff. It’s a short 3-km drive from the Jungmun Tourist Complex.

The hexagonal volcanic columns were formed from lava from the Hallasan mountain erupting into the Jungmun sea. During high tide, the waves crashing into the cliff makes for some pretty dramatic landscape pictures.

From Jusangjeolli, it’s a quick 20-minute drive back to Seogwipo. If you haven’t yet, treat yourself to a black pork BBQ dinner – my absolute favorite place is Jeju Hukdon Saesang Suragan ( 제주흑돈세상수라간 – click to navigate to on Waze) in Seogwipo, but Hayoung in the Jungmun Tourist Complex is great, too.

Day 3 – East Jeju

So far, we’ve seen the best of the west and south coasts. Now, we’re going eastward!

This is going to be a much longer drive (the first stop is about an hour’s drive from Seogwipo), and the last stop is much closer to Jeju City. For this day, I’d recommend that you plan to check out of your Seogwipo hotel in the morning and move to Jeju City at the end of the day. The destinations for days 4 and 5 are closer to Jeju City as well, so this is the perfect time to switch bases.

Start the day early and drive northeast to Seongsan Port. If you’re coming to Jeju in early May, you’ll see fields of late-blooming canola along the way. From the Seongsan Port, it’s a 15-minute ferry ride to Udo Island. You can then go around the island in a day by bike, on foot, or on a tour bus.

Udo is a perfect compact version of Jeju that’s a breeze to explore. In a day, you’ll get to explore white sand, black sand, and rocky beaches, scenic peaks and romantic lighthouses, and vast fields of flowers.

The Jeju Olle Trail 01-1 goes around Udo Island past all the key landmarks and is a great way to explore the island. The route covers 11.3 km and takes about 4-5 hours. You can find more information about the Olle trail here , and my full Udo itinerary here .

(Note: When I first made this road trip in 2016, they still allowed rental cars to be ferried from Jeju’s main island to Udo Island. However, they’ve since imposed restrictions and now only allow local cars and rental cars carrying passengers who fulfill these exceptions (with proof):

• someone with an age above 65 (ID card)
• a pregnant woman (diagnosis paper of pregnancy)
• a disabled person using a wheelchair
• a child under 6 (Family Relation Certificate, Copy of Resident Registration, or medical insurance card)
• if you have accommodation in Udo booked in advance (booking confirmation)

You’ll need to bring documents to prove that you qualify for these exceptions. Please contact the Jeju Tourist Information Center for the most recent updates to these rules.

If you can’t ferry a rental car over to Udo Island, don’t worry! There are lots of alternatives.

You can rent bicycles, electric bikes, mini electric cars, even scooters from numerous rental shopsaround the ferry terminal. Just remember, if you’re renting anything with a motor, you’ll need a Korean driving license or a valid international one.

There’s also a shuttle bus service that goes around the island at regular intervals, so even if you don’t plan to drive, you’ll be able to visit all the main sights.)

Seongsan Ilchulbong

Back on Jeju’s main island, make a short drive to Seongsan Ilchulbong.

The name literally translates to “sunrise castle hill” as Seongsan Ilchulbong’s location and elevation make it one of the best spots for watching sunrises and sunsets. It’s also a big deal in geological circles as its features as an archetypal tuff cone sheds light on the processes of hydromagmatic volcanoes.

If all that jargon is lost on you, though, let this suffice: the view at the top is absolutely breathtaking.

If you can, watch the sunset from the peak of Seongsan Ilchulbong.

If you’re not in a hurry to make it to Manjanggul Cave, driving 20 minutes north along the coast will bring you to Myeongjin Jeonbok. This is one of the best places on the island to eat abalone dishes.

Manjanggul Cave

If you managed to blitz through the island’s eastern sights and have time for one more, stop by Manjanggul Cave. It’s halfway between Seongsan Ilchulbong and Jeju City. The last admission is at 5 PM, though, so I really wouldn’t advise that you rush through the other sights. Going through the cave takes about an hour.

But if you manage to make it by sunrise to Seongsan Ilchulbong or decide to skip Udo Island, then you’ll have plenty of time for Manjanggul Cave.

If you think you’ve seen all the possible volcanic relics on the island, wait for it – Jeju’s got more for you. Manjanggul Cave is one of the finest lava tunnels in the world. Lava tunnels form when underground molten lava begins to slow and solidify, creating tunnel-like caves lined with various lava formations. Manjanggul houses the world’s tallest lava column as well as the “Stone Turtle” shaped like Jeju Island.

From Manjanggul Cave, it takes less than an hour’s drive west to Jeju City. Check in to your hotel and get ready for the second half of this road trip itinerary.

Day 4 – Hiking in Mt. Hallasan

After 3 full days of driving, it’s time for a change of pace. You’ve explored the coasts, now it’s time to get up close and personal with Mt. Hallasan.

Mt. Hallasan is South Korea’s tallest mountain with a height of 1,950 meters above sea level. It’s a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve important for its vibrant ecosystem as well as the 368 parasitic volcanoes around the main mountain. For us hobby hikers, it’s also relatively easy to hike with lots of well-maintained trails ranging from 1.3 km to 9.6 km in length.

You can find more information about the trails here but here are quick recommendations:

• The Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails go all the way to the top. If you can handle 18.4 km in a day, going up by Seongpanak (easier uphill) and down by Gwaneumsa (steeper but more picturesque) is one of the most recommended hikes in Hallasan.
• The 4.7-km Yeongsil trail is beautiful during autumn.
• The 3.7-km Eorimok trail is the best option if you want something easy but with rewarding views.

While the stunning views and the benefits of forest bathing make the hike all worthwhile, make sure to reward yourself with a treat once you’re back in Jeju City! Whether it’s relaxing in a jjimjilbang or wolfing down a bowl of noodles (check the map for recommendations), end the day with a dose of self-love.

Day 5 – Beach day

We’re saving the best for last!

You can’t leave Jeju without at least dipping your toes into the island’s white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. While days 1-3 had plenty of beach opportunities all over the island, now we’re heading to Jeju’s best beaches to chill and bum all day.

From Jeju City, head west towards the beaches of Hyeopjae and Geumneung. Look forward to a day of lounging, swimming, and walks on the beach. While you’re there, hop over to the nearby Hallim Park for a relaxing stroll. End the day with one last amazing Jeju sunset.

If you’re flying out on this day, make sure to plan for at least an hour’s drive back to Jeju City!

Day trips around Jeju Island – alternatives to self-driving in Jeju

Going on a road trip is definitely the best way to see Jeju Island, but if you don’t plan to drive, don’t fret! There are many ways to explore Jeju and you’ll still be able to see the best of the island.

Using public transportation is certainly an option ( read more about getting around the island here ) but if you want to experience as much of Jeju as possible, I’d recommend joining day tours. You’ll still reap the benefits of an efficient means of going around without having to drive yourself – plus you’ll never have to worry about navigating and parking.

• UNESCO Tour

This tour is a wonderful opportunity to explore some of Jeju’s best UNESCO-listed sites. You can either go south, hike up Mt. Halla, and visit the Jusangjeolli cliff and Cheonjiyeon falls. Or take the east route, hike up Seongsan Sunrise Peak and visit the Manjanggul Cave and Woljeongri Beach. This tour includes entrance fees, lunch, and a hotel pick-up service, so you can simply relax and enjoy your Jeju experience!

• Gimnyeong Yacht Cruise Tour

Relax and enjoy a luxurious cruise across the emerald waters of Gimnyeong. This is a perfect trip for all ages, and you may even get a chance to see some dolphins in their natural habitat.

• Custom Private Tour

If you’re traveling with a group or want to customize your Jeju holiday, the best way to go is to book a customized private full-day tour. You’ll get to design your own tour schedule and get a fluent English-speaking guide and a van all for your group.

What to eat and where – best restaurants in Jeju

I peppered this 5-day itinerary with food and restaurant suggestions, but if you need a quick checklist of must-eat foods in Jeju, here it is!

At the top of my list is Jeju black pork. We had grilled black pork for dinner almost every night and it’s one of the biggest reasons I crave a holiday in Jeju every so often. The Jeju black pig is native to the island and the meat is prepared by smoking it over hay, giving the pork a distinct and delicious flavor. If you’re in Seogwipo, go to Jeju Hukdon Saesang Suragan; in Jeju City, to Neulbom Heukdwaeji; and in Jungmun, to Hayoung.

The next must-try is haemultang or seafood hot pot. A steaming stew of fresh shellfish, abalone, scallops, crabs, and octopus is exactly the kind of meal you’d want to have in an island destination. Nowhere else can you have it this fresh and cheap and with such a satisfying spice and heat – you’ll definitely leave with a warm and happy belly. Go to Samseonghyeol Haemultang in Jeju City.

Other special mentions are:

• abalone porridge – Myeongjin Jeonbok near the northeast coast is the best restaurant to have abalone in the island
• hweh (thinly sliced raw fish similar to Japanese sashimi) – plenty of great options along the Chilsimni Food Street in Seogwipo, Friendship Sashimi Restaurant in Jeju City, and seaside tents all over Jeju
• guksu – try the pork noodle soup at Ollae Guksu and Sisters Noodles in Jeju City

How to plan your trip to Jeju, South Korea

Getting there.

Flying – Jeju Island has its own international airport, with plenty of connections from Seoul and Busan as well. You can find the most convenient flights to Jeju here .

Ferry – You can also reach Jeju from the main island by ferry from various points. Check ferry options and schedules here:

• Incheon-Jeju ferry
• Mokpo-Jeju ferry

From the airport to your hotel – From the international airport and the ferry terminal (both of which are in the northern coast of the island), downtown Jeju City is about a 20-minute drive, while Seogwipo City and the Jungmun Tourist District are both a bit over an hour’s drive.

If you’re not driving, you can ride the Jeju Airport Limousine 600 – it goes every 15 minutes from the airport to Jungmun resort and Seogwipo. You’ll find the bus stop in front of Gate 5 and you can pay using cash or a T-money card.

You can also book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Jeju City.

Getting around

Renting a car – Jeju Island is best explored by car and this itinerary works best if you’re going to drive.

You’ll need to book your rental car online in advance . I also highly recommend getting an unlimited data eSim so you can use Waze to navigate the island. Using the GPS (especially if it’s Korean) can be a bit tricky, so an online GPS app like Waze is definitely handy during rush hour on the island (I do have a Korean GPS guide if you want a fallback!).

On arrival at the airport, look for the rental car counters near Gate 2 and present your booking confirmation and documents to the staff. They’ll then give you instructions on how to pick up your car – you’ll have to ride a shuttle bus to their car depot.

Here’s a complete guide to renting a car and driving in South Korea – make sure to read it for a smooth-sailing road trip adventure in Jeju!

Car charter with driver – If you don’t want to drive, a private car with a local driver is the next best thing! At least you won’t have to worry about navigating and parking.

Public transportation – You can also go around the island using the buses – you’ll find routes and more information here . The Jeju City Tour Bus is also a fun and easy way to explore the city.

Best places to stay in Jeju

For this 5-day itinerary, I’d recommend splitting your time up between Seogwipo (for the first 2 nights) and Jeju City (last 3 nights).

Seogwipo is an excellent base for exploring the western and southern coasts of Jeju Island. It’s got a pleasant rustic and slow-paced vibe, good restaurants and cafés, and it’s close to a lot of natural landscapes. Parksunshine Jeju and The Grand Sumorum  are great hotel options.

Jeju City is best for exploring the northern parts and for shopping and cultural sightseeing. It’s also the best base to get around the island if you don’t plan to drive. Hotel Leo is a comfortable and convenient option.

Jungmun Tourist Area is a great base for a totally relaxing and laidback vacation. If you’re planning to take it slow and spend most of your time lounging in white sand beaches and strolling through lush forests, Jungmun is your base. You’ll also find the most luxurious resorts here – Parnas Hotel Jeju  is the best example of that world-class hospitality.

Top tips for travel to Jeju

Languages spoken: Korean, a bit of English in tourist landmarks

Useful phrases:

• Hello – annyeonghaseyo / 안녕하세요
• Thank you – gomabseubnida / 고맙습니다
• Cheers! – geonbae! / 건배!

Money : Korean won (KRW 10,000 ~ USD 9 ~ EUR 8)

Typical costs:

• Accommodations – A night’s stay in a luxurious resort (like Parnas Hotel Jeju ) can cost from KRW 250,000 (USD 215) per night. A nice mid-range hotel in a central location (like Hotel Leo ) can cost from KRW 80,000 per night (USD 70). You can also find budget hotels (like Gudeok Guesthouse ), which costs about KRW 36,500 (USD 30) per night.
• Food – Large meals at the local restaurants cost about KRW 20,000-30,000 (USD 20-25) per dish. Servings are huge, though, so plan to share some of the dishes.
• Transportation – Driving for 5 days (including rental car and gas) can cost you KRW 350,000 to 470,000 (USD 300-400).

Tipping : Tipping is not expected in South Korea. This applies to cab drivers, local restaurants, as well as hotels.

Weather and best times to go: Jeju is a year-round destination and every season has its own charms.

Spring (from mid-March to April) is the ideal time to go if you’re looking for that postcard-perfect shot of Jeju – blue skies, mild weather, and fields of flowers will be abloom all over the island. These are busy months in Jeju, so make sure to book your hotels, cars, and tours early!

Summer (from July to August) is the hottest time in Jeju and is the ideal time to visit if you want to swim in the sea and lounge at the beach.

Autumn (from September to November) is absolutely gorgeous as the island’s forests transform to autumn’s blazing colors. It’s a great time to hike with generally mild weather and stunning landscapes.

Winter (from November to February) is a time for snowy hikes up Mt. Hallasan. You’ll have clear and dry days, fewer tourist crowds until December, and much better hotel rates than the rest of the year.

Staying connected: It’s really convenient to have an eSim with unlimited data  while road tripping in Jeju. It will save you lots of hassle and disagreements with your car’s built-in (usually Korean) GPS.

Continue your adventures in South Korea and neighboring countries.

• Busan, South Korea

If you can’t get enough of Jeju’s subtropical charms, hop over to Busan. It’s the perfect mix of a seaside holiday and a city break with lots of sightseeing, shopping, and food-tripping opportunities. You can also take a side trip to Gyeongju , South Korea’s ancient capital.

• Coron, Philippines

Already daydreaming about your next beach vacation and can’t wait for the next summer season? Head south to the Philippines, where it’s always beach weather. Coron in Palawan will spoil you with its sugar-white beaches, deep blue lakes, colorful reefs, and historic wrecks.

• Penang, Malaysia

Another hot destination for you: Penang. The island is a delicious mix of history, art, tropical landscapes, and – most exciting of all – food.

• More road trips in South Korea

Here are more road trips to take – a road trip from Seoul and an itinerary for chasing autumn in South Korea .

I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Jeju. It’s a really fantastic destination with lots to see, lots to do, and loads to eat! Hopefully, this guide helps you sort out your itinerary and makes you more excited for your upcoming trip.

Make sure to download the PDF guide and use it to plan and book your trip. If you need more information or need to clarify some details, get in touch, and I’ll do my best to help you out.

Thanks for reading and happy travels to South Korea!

Reader Interactions

August 28, 2023 at 1:41 pm

Hi I’m going there in December. Would you recommend me to change anything to the itinerary as it’s winter ? Also I’ll be driving. Thank you. Steph

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Inside Jeju

The complete guide to Jeju travel

The complete guide to Jeju Island: From nature to food and beyond

Welcome to Inside Jeju! We’re here to help you plan your dream visit to Jeju. Get started by reading our guide to the island.

It covers everything you need to know about Jeju and provides information about some of the essential things to see and do on the island. We’ve also included links to places where you can discover more. Let’s jump in!

About Jeju Island

Jeju is an island off the southern coast of Korea. It’s the largest Korean island covering an area of 1,833 meters squared. It’s around 31 km north to south and 73 km from east to west. If you wanted to travel around the coast, it’s around 220 km.

The island was formed due to volcanic activity, and you’ll see evidence of this wherever you go. Most notable is the volcano itself, Hallasan Mountain, which is the tallest mountain in Korea and dominates the center of the island.

The island is split into Jeju-si, which is the north side, and Seogwipo-si to the south side. Jeju-si is home to Jeju City, which is by far the largest settlement on the island. Around 493,000 people live here, with the vast majority living in the city.

Seogwipo City on the south side of the island, is the second largest settlement, although it’s much smaller than Jeju City. Around 184,000 people live on the southern side of the island.

Jeju is a Special Self-Governing Province, which means the island has some powers to run itself. Why is this important to you? Well, it means that tourists from many countries can visit the island without getting a visa in advance if they arrive directly via either Jeju Airport or Jeju International Ferry Terminal.

Getting into Jeju

The main way into Jeju is via Jeju International Airport. The route between Jeju and Seoul Gimpo is the busiest flight route in the world!

Flights make the trip every five or ten minutes from morning to evening every day of the week. This means it’s super easy and cheap to make the one-hour-ten-minute journey. Flights typically start at 50,000 KRW after tax.

Seoul isn’t the only domestic location you can fly in from, however. There are plenty of flights every day from Busan, and regular flights from Cheongju, Yeosu, Daegu, Gwangju, and other Korean cities.

Frustratingly for international travelers, there are currently no flights from Incheon to Jeju. You have to make the trip from Incheon to Gimpo yourself via either the subway or the airport limousine bus.

You can also get the ferry from mainland Korea to Jeju. Routes currently run from Busan, Yeosu, Wando, Mokpo, Goheung, and Incheon. Ferry times range from just 2 hours 40 minutes to go from Jeju to Wando, to 13.5 hours from Jeju to Incheon.

There are also international options, although these often change. At the time of writing, you can fly to Osaka, Singapore, Taipei, and Bangkok.

Read more: Find out how to get to Jeju Island for both domestic and international travelers

Where to stay in Jeju

There are hotels, resorts, guest houses, pensions, and camping sites all over Jeju. You can stay pretty much anywhere on the island. But, most people will want to stay in one of the following areas.

Jeju City is near to the airport and has easy travel links to the rest of the island. You get all the convenience of city life, while easily being able to spend your days seeing the sights in the countryside. Consider staying in Nohyeong in Shin Jeju or Tapdong in Gu Jeju City.

Seogwipo City is home to some of Jeju’s most popular natural sites, including Jeongbang Falls and Cheonjiyeon Falls. It’s easy to travel throughout the island by bus or taxi from this southern city base. The city is much smaller than Jeju City, but still offers plenty of conveniences.

Jungmun Tourist Complex is a resort destination on Jeju’s southwest coast. It’s filled with large resorts and has everything tourists needs to enjoy a relaxing trip, including the popular Jungmun Beach. Other places we think it’s worthwhile staying at include Seongsan, Hamdeok, and Shinhwa World.

Find out more: Read our detailed guide on where to stay in Jeju

How to get around Jeju

You can get around Jeju by bus, taxi, or renting a car. Just choose the option that suits your travel style and budget.

Jeju has a comprehensive bus system that will take you anywhere on the island. The buses are incredibly affordable, with the regular buses costing 1,200 KRW and express buses costing 4,000 KRW when paid in cash.

The system can be confusing for newcomers who don’t speak Korean, so we thoroughly recommend that you download either the Kakao Maps or Naver Maps app (both have English versions). From here you can enter your location, choose bus as your method of travel, and the app will highlight exactly how to get to your chosen location.

You can also rent a car. There are English language options available including Kayak and Lotte Rent-a-car. You will need either an international driving license or a Korean driving license that was issued at least one year prior.

Taxes are another good and affordable option. Prices start at 3,300 KRW for the first 2 kilometers, then go up by 100 KRW. You can hail taxis in the street or sign up for the Kakao Taxi app, which is similar to Uber, if you have a Korean phone number.

You can also rent drivers for an entire day and there are several companies on Google with English options and high star raitngs. .

Jeju time zone

Jeju is in Korea Standard Time, meaning it’s the same timezone as the rest of Korea and Japan. It’s 1 hour ahead of Singapore, Malaysia, and China.

Jeju nature

Jeju is known as a place of great natural beauty. If you come to the island, it’s almost certain that you’ll visit some of these spots. There are a ton of places that you could go and see, but here are the absolute highlights.

Hallasan Mountain

Hallasan Mountain sits in the center of the island, and you can see its silhouette no matter where you are, as long as the weather is clear. The mountain is a shield volcano and its eruptions are responsible for much of what you see on Jeju today. It’s also the highest in Korea, with the Baekrokdam Crater at its summit reaching a height of over 1,950 meters above sea level. Two paths go to this summit, as well as several other hikes you do in the area.

Read more: Hiking Hallasan Mountain: All you need to know

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, also known as Sunrise Peak, is a tuff cone and crater at the island’s easternmost point. It was formed by volcanic activity 5,000 years ago and the structure rises dramatically out of the sea reaching a height of 180 meters above sea level. You can climb to the top, where you’ll see a giant crater, as well as panoramic views out around Jeju.

Read more: The complete guide to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak

Sanbangsan Mountain

Sanbangsan Mountain is a bell-shaped lava dome on the southern side of the island. It rises up to 395 meters above sea level, which is especially noticeable thanks to the flatness of the area that surrounds it. The mountain is home to a temple with a giant Buddha statue, and you can climb up to cave situated halfway up the mountain.

Read more: Sanbangsan area guide: What to see when visiting

Despite having almost no running water, Jeju is known for its waterfalls. The three most famous waterfalls on Jeju are Jeongbang Waterfall, which is famous for being the only waterfall in Korea that falls directly into the sea, Cheonjiyeon Falls, which comes at the end of short and relaxing river walk, and Cheonjeyeon Falls, a tiered waterfall in Jungmun Tourist Complex.

Oreum are the volcanic hills that dot the island’s landcape. These are parasitic cones formed by volcanic activity on the island. There are more than 360 of them around the island and you can find them in every corner. They are great places for short hikes and they tend to offer outstanding views of the surrounding area.

With around 220 km of coastline, it’s no surprise that Jeju has plenty of beautiful beaches. There is plenty of variety, from the white sand and turquoise ocean of Hyeopjae and Gimyeong to the golden sand and waves at Jungmun and the bustling seaside atmosphere of Hamdeok.

Next up: The complete guide to Jeju’s best beaches

Olle Trails

Jeju’s Olle Trails are a system of coastal walking paths that circumnavigate the island. There are 21 main routes as well as six sub-routes that offer alternative paths around some of Jeju’s most popular spots.

The majority of the routes are around 15 km, with the longest being 20.9 km and the shortest being the stroll around Gapa-do, a small island off Jeju’s southwest coast. Each trail has its own character, but they all typically include sections along the coast, through rural villages, and into the island’s inland forests and countryside.

Jeju culture

There are many differences between Jeju’s culture and that of mainland Korea. Those interested in experiencing the culture of Jeju should look out for following highlights.

Haenyeo divers

Haenyeo Divers are women that dive in the waters around Jeju to collect shellfish. They are free-divers, meaning they do so without breathing equipment. Many of the divers ar middle-aged or older, with oldest being in their 80s. You can see Haenyeo Divers working in areas around the island.

Dolharubang stone grandfathers

Dolharubang stone grandfathers are statues that you’ll see all around Jeju. They’re a popular symbol of the island and the statues come in all shapes and sizes, usually being placed outside gates to act as guardians and protect the homes inside.

Traditional markets

Jeju’s has two types of traditional markets. First are the permanent markets that open every day. Second are is the five day market, which opens on every fifth day at various points around the island. Each market sells everything from fresh produce to souvineers and street food. The Jeju City 5-Day Market is the biggest market. Dongmun Traditional Market in Jeju City and Seogwipo Maeil Market are the other notable markets in the northern and southern cities.

Jeju language

While the vast majority of people on the island speak standardized Korean, Jeju has it’s own language, called Jejueo, which still lives on. It’s especially prevalent among the older generation in rural areas, so if you speak Korean but don’t understand what someone is saying to you while visiting a rural village, it could be because they’re speaking a different language.

Jeju food and drink

You can find all the standard Korean favorites on Jeju, as well as plenty of restaurants selling high-quality foreign fare. But, the island does have some dishes that it is especially well-known for.

Jeju black pork is perhaps the most well-known Jeju food. It comes from pigs with black skin and fur, although the actual meat looks the same as standard pork. You can buy black pork around the island, usually at a slight premium compared to regular pork. The most famous black pork dishes are barbecue and Gogi Guku, a type of noodle soup.

As an island, you’ll be unsurprised to hear that Jeju has a lot of seafood. You can try raw shellfish freshly collected by Haenyeo divers, giant abalones either grilled or served up in rice porridge, and cutlassfish served either in a clear broth or a spicy stew.

Gamgyul mandarins

Walk around Jeju in late fall to mid-winter and you’re sure to fields full of mandarin trees. These fields with their bright orange baubles don’t just look pretty, they are also a sign of one of Jeju’s most well-known food types, the Jeju mandarin.

There are various types of fruits from smaller mandarins, to the large Hallabong’s with their distinctive button at the top. There are also several new varieties such as Red Hyang and Cheonhye Hyang which are sweeter, juicier, and genuinely among the best fruit I’ve ever tasted.

Next up: Must try Jeju food: What to eat during your trip

The complete guide to Jeju travel.

Jeju island guide

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Jeju throughout the year

• Jeju in January
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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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Jeju’s dramatic landscape reaches all the way to the rocky coastline, where heavenly beaches decorate the shoreline . Jeju’s iconic free-diving senior citizens, called haenyeo , plunder the island’s heavenly sea waters for fresh squid and abalone. Meanwhile, away from the coast, winding country lanes cut through endless fields of orange trees.

How to Get to Jeju Island

Many people visit Jeju either on a long weekend  from Seoul or from the city of Busan on the southern coast of South Korea.

Here’s how to get to Jeju Island from either Seoul or Busan.

How to Get to Jeju Island by Air

Jeju Island is a quick 1 hour 10 minute flight from Seoul, or a 50 minute flight from Busan.

→ You can find the best deals on flights to Jeju Island on Skyscanner here .

Be aware that all flights to Jeju Island from Seoul depart from the city’s smaller Gimpo airport , not from Incheon Airport.

If you’re flying into Seoul from overseas and then on to Jeju you’ll most likely need to transfer from Incheon to Gimpo airport.

A frequent train service connects the two airports and thankfully the transfer is pretty painless. The train journey between the two airports is around 45 minutes.

How to Get to Jeju Island by Ferry

A ferry also runs from Busan to Jeju Island, however there are only three services a week to and from the island and the journey takes twelve hours . 

 – More information on ferry services to Jeju Island from Busan can be found here .

Accommodation in Jeju Island

There is a wide variety of accommodation available in Jeju Island, from large seaside resorts and hotels to cosy B&Bs and hidden homestays.

There’s a greater selection in and around the large cities of Jeju and Seogwipo , but if you have access to transport there are a lot of great options dotted around the entire island, which is perfect if you prefer to be amongst Jeju’s orange groves or closer to the mountains.

Where to Stay in Jeju Island

If you need a few suggestions for somewhere to stay in Jeju, here are a few places that we recommend:

 •  Golden Park Hotel : If you’re looking to keep an eye on costs then the Golden Park Hotel is a very good affordable hotel. Located close to the centre of Jeju and convenient for the airport, this is the ideal place for the cost conscious traveller.

 •  Golden Bridge Hotel : The Golden Bridge Hotel is located in Seogwipo, the main city on the south coast of Jeju Island. Along with super-friendly staff, the hotel’s comfortable rooms come with great views of Seogwipo harbour

Top of the Range

 •  Grand Josun Jeju : If you’re looking to stay in Jeju in style there’s plenty of choice on the island. The Grand Josun Jeju is one of the most luxurious hotels on the island, with gorgeous rooms and a multitude of top-end facilities.

→ You can also search for a wide range of accommodation on Jeju Island by clicking here .

How to Get Around Jeju Island

By far the easiest and most convenient way to get around Jeju Island is by hiring a car .

You’ll be able to add a lot more to your Jeju Island itinerary if you have your own set of wheels.

Thankfully there are a number of hire car companies based in Jeju, especially near the airport and the port.

We use Discover Cars to find the best deals on hire cars for all of our road trips. Discover Cars compares the prices between all local car rental firms to offer you the best price on car hire.

→  To compare prices and to book a hire car on Jeju Island click here .

If relying on public transport there are several bus routes that cover a large percentage of Jeju Island, including Jeju airport and all of the main tourist sites.

A complete bus route map for Jeju Island can be found here .

The Best Things to Do in Jeju Island

From hiking mountain trails to finding the best seafood, here’s everything you need for the perfect Jeju itinerary.

Hike up (or Around) Mount Hallasan

Any Jeju itinerary is more than likely going to be centered around many of the island’s natural wonders. The domineering peak of Mount Hallasan , right in the centre of Jeju, is visible from most parts of the island (weather permitting), and the huge national park that surrounds it is a wonderful place to explore.

A trek to the summit of Mount Hallasan (and back) will take up the most of a day, with those reaching the top rewarded with a bird’s eye view of Baengnokdam Lake , the crater lake that sits in the middle of the mountain.

Hike the Trails at Hallasan National Park

The view on the ascent to Sunshine Peak, and one of Jeju’s many orange trees

Several shorter trails can be found amongst the enchanting forests of Hallasan National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage site .  

Over 300 additional volcanic peaks surround Mount Hallasan, and there is much to explore for either the committed or the casual hiker. 

A shorter and easier alternative is a stroll through the gorgeous forest trails at Seogwipo Natural Recreation Forest , found just off Jeju’s most beautiful stretch of highway, known as the 1100 Road (which, confusingly, is officially called route 1139). 

Follow the forest path up to the Bubjungak Observation Platform for a spellbinding view over the forests and mountains and as far as the sea.

Marvel at the View from Sunsrise Peak

Jeju Island’s second most famous landmark is Seongsan Ilchulbong , the huge green crater moored off Jeju Island’s east coast. Also known as Sunrise Peak , Seongsan Ilchulbong is over 180 metres high and another volcanic creation. 

Another of  Jeju’s UNESCO World Heritage sites , the climb to the top is arduous but fairly brief, taking around 30 minutes to complete. Thankfully there are plenty of places to pause for breath along the way.

The sensational views over the crater at the centre of Sunrise Peak and of the surrounding seas, as well as far back across the island way below, makes the effort all worthwhile.

Relax on One of Jeju's Breathtaking Beaches

A cat lives the dream on Hyeopjae beach, Hyeopjae’s turquoise waters and locals fish at Hamedeok beach

Jeju’s dramatic coastline is also littered with a countless number of stunningly beautiful beaches. Two of the finest on Jeju Island are Hyeopjae beach and Hamdeok beach . 

At Hyeopjae beach, the beautiful soft golden sand mingles with craggy black rocks and the stunning aqua marine turquoise water of the sea. The green peak of Biyangdo Island sits in the waters just off in the distance. 

Hamdeok beach is just as heavenly. A small pier parts the beach, and at the far end an arching bridge leads out onto the familiar black rocks that line the pristine shoreline.

Look out for Haenyeo, Jeju's Free-Diving Grandmothers

Jeju’s most famous residents are the all-female free-diving grandmothers who scour the seas all around Jeju for fresh seafood for several hours a day. 

Called  haenyeo in Korean,  the all-female divers are mostly over the age of 60  and are an iconic part of Jeju’s history. 

Despite their advancing years, haenyeo free dive for up to six hours a day , hunting for a variety of seafood, including abalone, octopus and squid.

A group of haenyeo free divers in the sea near Namwon and a catch of squid drying in the sunshine

The small port below Sunshine Peak is one of the most popular places to watch them in action. A group of haenyeo  prepare for a dive here twice a day during summer, at 1.30pm and 3.00pm.

H aenyeo can also be seen all around Jeju’s coastline , and spotting them dive ought to be on any Jeju itinerary.

Follow any stretch of the coast road and keep your eyes peeled for heads bobbing or a pair of flippers descending into the sea. The south coast, especially around  Namwon , is a popular diving spot and a good place to go if you want to catch  haenyeo  in the action out in the wild.

Visit the Haenyeo Museum

Statues and a memorial to Jeju’s haenyeo free divers outside the Jeju Haenyeo Museum

The  haenyeo are such an iconic part of Jeju culture that there’s even a museum dedicated to them on the island.

The excellent  Jeju Haenyeo Museum  is about a ten minute drive north of Sunshine Peak and gives a fascinating overview of the history and the lives of these incredible women.

Jeju’s women have dived for seafood around the island for over a thousand years. Though their numbers may be in decline, there are still around 5000 haenyeo divers in Jeju , and over 95% of those are aged 50 or above. Many are well into their eighties.

Sample Jeju's Delicious Food

One of the best things to do in Jeju is to eat as much of the island’s mouthwatering food as possible. Besides the island’s ubiquitous oranges, Jeju is famous for black pork and copious amounts of fresh seafood . 

Jeju’s black pork is made from (and named after) the black pigs that are reared on the island. The pork is served smoked, which creates a unique flavour that differs from traditional types of pork meat.

Jeju’s other speciality is seafood . A huge variety of fresh seafood is caught in the waters around the island each day. The local mackerel is especially delicious, either grilled or served as sashimi. 

Another speciality is the long and silky hairtail fish . Hairtail doesn’t stay fresh for long so needs to be eaten soon after it’s taken from the sea, making it one of the freshest dishes you’ll find on the island. 

As is tradition, all meals are served with banchan , the almost endless array of Korean side dishes that nearly constitute a whole meal by themselves. 

Explore the Manjanggul Caves

Another example of Jeju’s volcanic beginnings can be found below ground at Manjanggul cave . Manjanggul cave was  created by the lava tubes that once flowed underground hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Deep inside Jeju’s Manjanggul caves

In their wake the flowing lava left behind a huge open cave, almost 9 kilometres in length and in some places over 30 metres high, though only a one kilometre stretch is open to the public.

The size and scale of Manjanggal cave is magnificent; a huge open chamber of stalactites, stalagmites and patterned rock formations (including one that resembles a scale model of Jeju Island) leads to a cascading solidified lava tower at the far end of the cave.

Walk the Trail around Mount Songaksan

On the far west corner of Jeju’s phenomenal south coast is Mount Songaksan , another jut of jagged land surrounded by an equally beautiful natural landscape. 

A walking trail follows the perimeter of Mount Songaksan, along the East China Sea before returning through a beautiful pine forest . 

A number of Korean dramas have shot scenes along the path around Mount Songaksan, making it a popular place to visit for young Koreans.

See the Stunning Yongmeori Coast

The Yongmeori Coast  is one of the most beautiful sections of Jeju Island’s entire coastline. At Yongmeori Coast a dramatic stretch of swirling yellow cliffs meander around the coastline, shaped over centuries by the sea’s waves.

Jeju’s incredible Yongmeori Coast

Sweeping patterns and smooth edges have been sculpted into the sand-coloured cliffs, alongside huge chunks of fallen slabs of stone. It’s a magical corner of Jeju’s incredible coastline and an essential inclusion to any Jeju itinerary. 

Visit Bomunsa Temple

The Bomunsa temple next to Sanbangsan Mountain on Jeju Island

Just opposite the entrance to Yongmeori coast is the grand Bomunsa Temple and Sanbanggulsa Grotto .

Sat at the foot of Sanbangsan Mountain, the vast Buddhist Bomunsa Temple consists of large ornate prayers halls guarded by a number of domineering Buddha statues, most notably the striking gold statue that faces the sunset to the west. 

A steep and exhausting trail behind Bomunsa Temple leads up to Sanbanggulsa Grotto , another Buddhist shrine concealed within a cave high up into the mountainside.

Admire the Spectacular Jusangjeolli Cliffs

Back towards the southern city of Seogwipo are the Jusangjeolli Cliffs , another of Jeju’s natural phenomena. 

Jusangjeolli Cliffs are a collection of tightly packed, black hexagonal columns, a result of volcanic lava solidifying to form staggered pillars that look like they protrude from the sea bed. 

The Jusangjeollie cliffs and watching the sunset over Jeju

Nearby is another Buddhist temple, the enormous and elaborate Yakcheonsa Temple . Featuring a colossal and highly ornate main hall and huge manicured grounds, Yakcheonsa Temple claims to be the largest in Asia.

See Jeju's Magnificent Waterfalls

Further along Jeju’s south coast are Cheonjiyeon and Jeongbang waterfalls . Cheonjiyeon waterfall is located next to Yeomiji Botanical Garden and stands at over 20 metres high. The waterfall is a popular tourist spot and particularly spectacular when light up at night. 

The colourful Seonimgyo Bridge that passes over the waterfall is almost as much of an attraction, decorated with the depiction of seven nymphs carved along its sides. 

Also over 20 metres tall, the spectacular Jeongbang waterfall is famous as the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the sea.

Be Inspired by Jeju's History

Across Jeju Island are a number of excellent outdoor museums and gardens. Two that are not to be missed are the Jeju Folk Village and the Spirited Garden . 

The  Jeju Folk Village  is a huge open air site where over 100 historic homes and buildings have been reconstructed and grouped together in themed villages. 

Jeju Folk Village is one of the most visited sites on the island and is an essential addition to any Jeju itinerary for those wishing to discover more about the unique history of Jeju Island.

Find Peace at Jeju's Spirited Garden

On the opposite side of the island, the Spirited Garden is a wonderful place to spend a peaceful couple of hours. The  Spirited Garden has been a labour of love for its creator, Seong Beomyeong, for over 50 years. 

The immaculate gardens house a beautiful collection of perfectly manicured bunjae trees (Korea’s version of bonsai), along with blossoming orange trees, waterfalls, and ponds filled with enormous multicoloured carp. 

On an island filled with natural beauty the Spirited Garden stands out as one of Jeju’s most spectacular spots. This is a great place to spend a relaxing hour or two and is easily one of the best things to do in Jeju Island.

Find a Museum for Almost Anything

Somewhat surprisingly for such a small island, Jeju Island is also home to a truly bewildering number of museums . 

For some, the term ‘museum’ might be a bit kind (a collection of things might be more accurate), and the reason for their existence may be financial rather than purely artistic . 

Yet Jeju Island features museums dedicated to a variety of baffling and assorted topics, including  seashells ,  K-pop , teddy bears, chocolate,  tea  and even  Zippo lighters . Other museums are dedicated to  Greek mythology ,  African art  and citrus fruits. 

Some of the exhibits on display at Jeju Island’s Love Land

Perhaps the most well known of Jeju’s less traditional attractions is Love Land , the theme park where the artworks are devoted to all things to do with sex, and where subtlety is abandoned and nothing is left to the imagination. 

The colourful exhibits range from the suggestive to the graphic to the comical. Entrance is only allowed to those aged 20 and over.

Extra Tips for Your Jeju Itinerary

It’s worth noting that there are small entrance fees for almost all of Jeju’s natural tourist sites, even though they would appear to be public places. 

For example, the Jusangjeollie Cliffs, the Yongmeori Coast and Jeongbang waterfall each have a 2000 won entrance fee. Whilst it won’t break the bank it may come as a surprise if you’re not expecting it. 

These sites also have operating hours and last admission can be weather dependent, so be sure to check in advance of the opening and last entry times if you’re running short on time. 

The Best Guidebooks for Jeju Island

There are few guides specifically for Jeju Island, which tends to be covered in detail in guidebooks that cover all of South Korea. If you’re planning on seeing more of South Korea buying a guide to the whole country is a good idea.

»   If you only need a guidebook to compliment your Jeju Island itinerary, the Complete Guide to Jeju Island by Beautiful World Escapes is perfect and can be  found on Amazon here .

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Jeju Island lies to the south of mainland South Korea. It sits between several seas — the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the Sea of Japan (also known as the East Sea). Getting there is very easy if you’re in South Korea.

If you’ve read my other article on amazing things to do on Jeju Island , this article will cover more of the practical details of planning a trip there.

How To Get There From Mainland South Korea

You can travel there by plane or ferry. Jeju is a 1-hour flight from both Seoul and Busan. There are several airlines that fly there, including Korean Air. High winds in Jeju often ground or cancel flights. Make sure you have flexibility in your itinerary in case your flight is impacted. When I went, my flight back to Busan was canceled due to the winds. If your flight gets canceled, be persistent in going to your airline’s help desk to get booked onto another flight if you want to leave the same day.

You can also get a ferry to Jeju from certain ports, such as Incheon and Busan. However, it’s a long ride and much more expensive than flying.

Where To Stay

Though Jeju is a fairly small island, it has much to offer. Figuring out where to stay can be overwhelming. If you can stay at least a week, I’d recommend splitting your time between Jeju City in the north and Seogwipo in the south. It takes a little over an hour to drive between the two.

Jeju City is where the airport is located and hotels are about a 10-minute drive away. If you plan to take any day tours, most of them depart from the airport or are pick-up only at Jeju City hotels; another reason to stay in this area. You could also rent a car at the airport which is a great way to see more places.

In Jeju City, I stayed at the Gallery Hotel BnB . It’s a no-frills, budget hotel. I found the room quiet and perfectly located, about a 2-minute walk from the main street in Jeju City. If you prefer more luxurious accommodation, I recommend searching for other hotels nearby.

Staying in Seogwipo is a great way to see a very different part of the island than Jeju City. It’s easy to walk to most of the places if you don’t have a car and it was one of my favorite cities in all of South Korea. Most buses stop in Seogwipo, offering you another easy way to get around without a car. Seogwipo is next to the coast, so you can enjoy some of the beautiful water views while there.

I enjoyed the Hotel Rest Seogwipo . The budget price left me incredulous at the room. It was huge and came with its own washing machine! This is a great place to stay without a car as it’s a few minutes’ walk to downtown. If you have a car, however, you might prefer to stay at the Seogwipo KAL Hotel.

How To Get Around

There are plenty of buses, however, you’ll be at the mercy of their schedules. It can be difficult to decipher which stop gets you where you want to go and which bus you need. Full-day tours will take you to many of the major sites. Renting a car is the easiest way to see most of the island. 

Pro Tip: If you plan to rent a car, make sure to get an international driver’s license in your home country before arrival. Without it, you won’t be permitted to rent a car.

Where To Eat

Visit Neulbom Heukdwaeji in Jeju City for black-pork barbecue. Be sure to go someplace where the pork is not overly greasy. It was great here, however, the staff tries to cook for you and hurry you. Be persistent, insist on cooking it yourself, and take your time.

Dae Hyang in Jeju City has some of the best Korean barbecue meat you’ll find. It’s hard to find red meat as opposed to pork barbecue on Jeju. If that’s what you’re craving, come here, and don’t leave out the Soju!

The Seogwipo Olle Market is a must. There are so many different options, including a food court just outside the main market. My favorite meal was the seafood pancake I found. It was hearty, delicious, and where I had my first taste of Makgeolli — a delightful South Korean alcohol.

Seogwipo also has a restaurant street near Cheonjiyeon Falls called Chilsimni Food Street, reputed as having some of the best restaurants in the area. 

I lucked into what I thought was the best place in Seogwipo, Oneunjeong Gimbap — a gimbap restaurant. It looks like a complete dive, so I was dubious until, after placing my order, there was a line out the door. It was so good I tried to go back another night, only to find a 45-minute wait to get my food.

How Long To Stay

I would say forever, but if you don’t have that luxury, at least a week, ideally 2 or 3 weeks. There’s so much to see and being able to stay in different parts of the island in order to see more is well worth it.

Heather is a full-time travel coach who is passionate about helping professionals seeking more freedom and flexibility to ditch their desk and discover their destiny through full-time travel. She provides her clients with the path to the mindset, money, and mastery to make a full-time travel lifestyle possible. Since quitting, she's become an international best-selling author and is about to do her first TEDx talk! Learn more about Heather's travel adventures on her website, Heather Begins.

4-Day Jeju Itinerary: Scenic Road Trip Guide For First Timers

I love Jeju Island so much! Even in winter it is so beautiful and much warmer than Seoul. My favorite memories were of the Seafood Ramen place near Woljeongri beach, after our first hike in Jeju. I was very committed to plan the perfect Jeju itinerary for us, something full of food adventures and nature encounters.

This plan does not include Jeju city museums because we wanted to spend more time outdoors. It is centred around activities in south Jeju/Seogwipo, known for scenic natural landscapes. If you are a food and nature lover, you will love this 4-day Jeju itinerary.

Phone numbers of each destination included in each section. For more tips including navigation and weather information, read till the end for more details.

This article uses affiliate links where I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Overview of Jeju Itinerary (4 days self drive)

There are many attractions in Jeju Island, and we’ve picked out the ones that nature and food lovers would love the most. We also love romanticizing the feeling of being by the ocean and high up on the mountain, which is why we chose these places for our Jeju itinerary.

What to do in Jeju Island for 4 days

• Feast on abalone at Myeongjin Jeonbok
• Go to Gimnyeong Maze Park
• Cafe hopping
• Hike up to Seongsan Ilchulbong
• Enjoy seafood pancake and ramyeon by the sea
• Take a walk at Sehwa Beach or Woljeongri Beach

Sunset at Seopjikoji

• Visit Seogwipo Maeil Market
• Hike up Hallasan Mountain

Sunset at Sangumburi Crater

• Indulge in Black Pork BBQ
• Check out Jusangjeolli Cliff
• Walk along Yongmeori Coast 

Dinner at Samseonghyeol Seafood Soup

• Shopping in Jeju City

Day 1: Arrive In Jeju 

Arrive in Jeju Airport, collect car

We rented a Hyundai Tucson from  LOTTE rent-a-car  at the airport (reserve online in order to secure the car). You can also browse on Rentalcars.com or Klook . It could seat 5 people comfortably and has a large trunk space for luggages. The service was really good and we did not wait long for our car. For tips on essentials to bring a road trip, refer to this guide.

Note: Most places in Jeju require that drivers have >1 year of driving experience. Our car rental company had a minimum age of 21. You can find more tips for Jeju car rental here .

Lunch at Myeongjin Jeonbok Abalone (명진전복)

Tel: 782-9944

I will never forget this meal, it was so so good! We tucked into this restaurant at 3pm for a late lunch, and we were not disappointed. This place is famous for a good reason. We ordered grilled abalone and abalone stone pot rice, yum! 🙂

Gimnyeong Maze Park

Tel: 782-9266

This is something that would be fun to do if there is spare time after lunch.

Check in at hotel Park Sunshine Jeju

Tel: 766-1000

We decided to stay in Seogwipo (city in south Jeju) for the following reasons:

• Proximity to the Hallasan trail that we wanted to do
• Plenty of food options in the city, despite Seogwipo being less happening than Jeju city
• We wanted to do a loop of the entire island

The hotel was situated near convenience stores, with a lot of available parking, and a modern interior. We also considered airbnb near the east of Jeju, but we decided that we wanted to have our rooms made daily (a family of 5 will definitely make a mess), so we picked a hotel instead. Check out the latest prices for Park Sunshine Hotel Jeju on Agoda.

The service was great and the main lounge is really glamorous, I highly recommend this hotel. If you want to experience staying near the ocean, take a look at these hotels with amazing sea view .

Dinner at Yong-I Restaurant (용이식당)

Tel: 732-7892

They served only one type of food, which was a huge serving of pan-fried pork with various vegetables. The reviews were good, and it was crowded too!

Chill in Paris Baguette Café

Tel: 763-1582

When it’s cold you just want to hide in a cafe and drink coffee. Yes, even though it is close to bedtime. This cafe was a stone’s throw away from our dinner place in the city center.

Paris Baguette cafes in Korea seem to have a different vibe from those in Singapore, it felt so inviting and they use really cute cups. We bought pastries and cake, relaxed here for a while before going back to the hotel.

Day 2: Explore Seongsan Ilchulbong and Seopjikoji

Breakfast and coffee at Café Coji

Tel: 784-1005

We initially wanted to go to Udo Island, but due to bad weather they cancelled ferry services. It didn’t affect our plans too much as there are some nice cafes nearby around Seongsan Ilchubong. I love the cafe culture in Korea!

I wrote another blog post about the best cafes in Jeju you need to check out . These cafes are all over Jeju Island so you can plan your itinerary around them.

Seongsan Ilchubong/Sunrise Peak

Tel: 710-7923

Our first hike in Jeju was Seongsan Ilchubong, located in east Jeju. This hike is family friendly and I saw many elderly and young children on this short 30 minute hike up. You will see a bird’s eye view of Jeju as the ascend begins so don’t forget to enjoy the scenery.

Seafood ramen and pancake lunch at Haemaji Shimteo (해맞이쉼터)

Tel: 782-7875

Since we only reached Jeju in the afternoon on Day 1, we did not see much of the beach in the northeast region so we decided to go back there. When we drove past, we saw that there were many cute cafes by the beach. They had put little chairs/beanbags outside their shop for people to take pictures with.

As distracted as we were, we went to 해맞이쉼터 Haemaji Shimteo for lunch. The menu is in Korean, but just know that you should order Haemul Ramyeon (seafood ramen) and Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake).

It might seem like I am exaggerating but TRUST ME – it was the BEST seafood ramen and seafood pancake I have ever had, and my family agreed too. I highly recommend this place, even though this is a small shop. The portions were large enough for my family to share a few bowls of soup + pancake. #noregrets

Café hop and walk along the coast 

When you come to this part of Jeju, you will find many well decorated cafes that face the sea. We enjoyed walking along the road right next to the beach, and we stopped to take many pictures.

Since Haemaji Shimteo is between Sehwa Beach and Woljeongri Beach, you can also relax at either of those destinations. Both beaches have amazingly blue water and a bunch of cafes nearby to explore.

Tel: 782-0080

This was an easy walk through Seopjikoji with scenic views of the ocean and lovely grass plains on the side. Fun fact – the house in the pictures was featured in a Korean drama, do you know which one?

Visit Seogwipo Maeil Market and Dinner

Tel: 762-1949

The market was mostly closed by the time we got there, so we went for a fried chicken place nearby which was super good. The market had some food, some household items, etc.

Day 3: Hike Hallasan Mountain and Sangumburi Crater Trails

Hike Hallasan Mountain, Yeongsil Trail

Tel: 747-9950

The trail that we chose was Yeongsil Trail , the easiest one that takes about 5 hours for a round trip. There are a few other trails with entrances on different sides of the mountain.

It is not a technical hike as it was well marked with ropes and signs, and stairs built on the steeper parts. My 50-year-old parents did this hike, so I would say this is family friendly 🙂

Due to the slippery ice and snow, we needed to use crampons. They look like spikes you can attach to your shoe. They cost about $30 each, so if you can find some you should buy them outside of the Hallasan area. Our rental car included snow chains, which you might need in winter when you head up in the morning.

You can park at Halla Yeongsil Service Area, which is where you’ll begin your hike. Make sure you start your hikes early in order to make it down by sunset. In winter, the latest time to start the trail is 12pm, and you’ll need to descend from Witse Oreum by 3pm.

Tips for hiking Hallasan Mountain:

• Once you start the trail, there are no bathrooms other than at the rest stops
• Bring snacks, some money to buy cup noodles at the rest stop
• Bring a raincoat in case of rain (check the weather forecast too)
• Don’t carry too much if you can, pack light!
• Do refer to the official website and maps for latest information

Lunch at Gyo Rae Handmade Noodles Soup

Tel: 782-9870

At this point you might have a late lunch, so just find the nearest place to eat. We were wet and cold from the snow, so we picked a table near the heater. Thankfully this place had very yummy noodle soup, the kind that makes you think happy thoughts.

We had chicken and seafood noodle soup, what a way to warm up and recover from the hike. After the yummy recharge, off to the next item on the agenda!

Tel: 783-9900

I’d say this is a must-go, a tranquil and scenic landscape with views of a sizable crater”. There is some serious Korean drama vibe when you see the flame grass (the tall white feathery plants). We stopped to take family pictures against such a romantic backdrop. Aside from photo opportunities, you get an elevated view of the town below, and it is a great place to watch the sunset.

Black Pork BBQ Dinner

Tel: 762-8588

What better way to celebrate the end of a long day than to feast on Korean barbecue. This is a famous Black Pork barbecue place in Jeju and thankfully it was located in Seogwipo near our hotel. The service was good and they gave us large plastic bags to store our jackets, keeping out the smell.

The waiters cooked our meat for us and cut them into bite-sized portions for everyone. It was worth the money, and I understand why people say that you must try Black Pork BBQ when you visit Jeju.

As we walked around with our full bellies, we decided rest in a warm cafe and get some dessert. There are nice cafes in every corner of the city, so take a walk and see what you find.

Day 4: Jusangjeolli Cliff and Yongmeori Coast

This is the day we head north towards Jeju city and the airport, passing by some attractions in the west.

You could spend the morning having a nice warm cup of ramen as you enjoy the breeze and the view. We had breakfast on the hotel rooftop as we had the area all to ourselves.

Jusangjeolli Cliff

Tel: 738-1521

I’ll let the photos do the talking, it is such a photogenic place and the park itself is so calming.

This is another must-see, and it was only 10 minutes drive away from our hotel. Plan about 30 minutes to walk through the park and view the unique rock formations by the coast.

Yongmeori Coast

Tel: 794-2940

This trail leads you along a rocky coastal path with great ocean views and unique rock formations. You will also meet some men fishing and women selling the fresh raw seafood. Yes, you can try the food right there! There are some tide pools with marine life too and we saw octopus, mussels and clams. This trail would take about 2 hours at a leisurely pace, including photo-taking.

Sunset at Monsant Cafe (몽상)

Tel: 799-8900

Did you know that G-Dragon opened this cafe? Although we would have loved to visit Monsant Cafe on the way back to Jeju city, we ran out of time. Also, do expect a crowd and head there at least 1 hour before sunset.

Check in at Leo Hotel

Tel: 754-7000

This hotel was situated right in the heart of Jeju city, and near the airport. Proximity to food was again an important factor when planning our Jeju itinerary.

Book Leo Hotel on Agoda

Tel: 745-3000

This place was packed, just look at the photo! Value for money, lots of fresh seafood in one family sized pot. They de-shell, cut, and cook it for you. Gotta love Jeju.

Shopping at Jeju City

My mum bought cosmetic and facial care products, and she loved the variety of products. Everyone’s favorite is Innisfree, which comes from Jeju so this is one more thing to be excited about. Typically when you see one beauty shop, you will see a whole street lined with such shops.

Additional Tips for planning your Jeju Island itinerary

How many days should you spend in jeju.

How many days are enough for Jeju? You will need at least 4 days to enjoy Jeju’s nature at a relaxing pace, to check out the best restaurants , cafes , and to experience different parts of the island.

Visiting Jeju Island’s less touristy places involves a bit of driving, besides seeing the main attractions. It’s best to allocate more time there if you want to take your time cafe hopping and exploring various beaches.

In fact, my second trip was 7 days long , which I found was perfect for a couple trip or mini honeymoon where we went all over the island. The best part is – visiting Jeju Island doesn’t hurt the wallet, so why not!

Best time to visit Jeju Island

The best time to visit Jeju Island is in either spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) because of mild temperatures and blooming landscapes.

The rainiest time of year in Jeju Island is between June to August . If you’re hoping to do lots of outdoor activities you may want to avoid those months.

Is it worth going to Jeju Island in winter?

If you’re looking to save some money, Jeju Island is worth visiting during winter season . This is what we’ve always done, and find that hotel and flight prices are such a steal. You get to enjoy a premium experience by the sea at a fraction of the price. The mountains are so beautiful with snow on the trails, and you’ll find bright red camellia flowers all over the island during winter.

Does it snow at Jeju Island?

Believe it or not – yes! You’ll find snow on Hallasan mountain starting from November all the way to March. It might snow for a few days at sea level, though the snow melts quite quickly so it’s a rare thing to see and difficult to time. Having seen gorgeous photos of cafe backyards covered in snow, I would love to witness a snowy Jeju Island one day.

Jeju Itinerary Navigation Tips

If you’re planning to rent a car, make sure to also check out my tips on driving in Jeju and other car rental tips . This way you can plan in advance and be prepared for a smooth self-driving experience.

Use Naver Map

If you tried to plan your driving routes for your Jeju itinerary, you might notice that google maps is not useful at all. You do not need to know how to type Korean, simply type in phone numbers into Naver maps.

Get GPS from the car rental company

If your rented car comes with GPS, the rental company can teach you how to input phone numbers as destinations.

And that concludes our Jeju itinerary. I really enjoyed the food, especially the seafood ramen that filled our bellies after hiking. Overall, it is such a romantic place though, no wonder Koreans call this island the Hawaii of Asia. I hope this Jeju itinerary has helped you plan your trip.

If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to leave a comment.

Looking for more scenic road trips? Read more: 3 Days In Hokkaido Lake Camping & Onsen Hopping DIY Finland Road-Trip: Lapland in Autumn For Best Northern Lights

Want a FREE Jeju Mini-Guide?

Save time on trip planning with our top 53 picks of Jeju’s best attractions, cafes, and restaurants – includes our free Google Maps summary to make your life easier.

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Janice, a California-based travel writer from Singapore, discovered her love for hiking and camping during her studies in Los Angeles. Through her blog, she now shares detailed itineraries for adventures in California, Asia, and beyond. She also talks about gear recommendations and tips for beginners, hoping to inspire them to explore the great outdoors with confidence.

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20 comments.

Meiliana Lukman

Thank you for a wonderful detail! I am going to visit Jeju in September with my family of 2 young boys, just to relax and chill, seems like this is a perfect itinerary to follow! Many thanks!! Your mum look so young, I thought you’re all sisters! 🙂

Hi Meiliana, I’m glad you liked it! I hope you enjoy Jeju as much as we did, I miss the food there and it’s perfect if you love nature. My mum will be so happy you said that haha 🙂

Good day how many luggages you put into Tucson? What is the size of the luggages?

Hi Steve, we had around 4 medium luggages.

Hi Janice Thanks for the great ideas shared for Jeju. Could I check which month did you travel to Jeju?

Hi! I went in December 🙂

I was wondering how you guys rented a car .. I have a California driver license, and I was wondering if it was valid in Jeju-island without IDL?

thank you~ P.S awesome posts by the way 😀

I believe you will need a IDL when you want to rent a car in Jeju. Thank you for the kind comment 🙂

May I know what camera did you use? The photos are so pretty!

Hi! I am using Sony a6000, a relatively old model!

Such a useful guide, with names of restaurants and such! Thank you!! 😀

Nice blog! I’m planning a Jeju trip right now and this post has been very useful!

Thanks for sharing the fun winter road trip in Jeju. Which car rental service did you book through for the Jeju trip? Thanks

Hi! We booked through Lotte Car Rental 🙂

Huining chew

Hi Janice, I am visiting jeju in mid Dec later this year and I am very interested to visit hallasan with my family. I have 3 kids age 15,13 and 9. Is it achievable given the snowy condition? We will be driving

Hi! I think you will need to consider the need for snow chains as you drive up to the mountain, and you could also choose to hike a small part of the trail instead of the full trail. It could be fun to just have a taste of snowy mountain hiking for a while, and if your kids are feeling cold/not up to it you can just come back down easily.

Huining Chew

Hi janice, did you manage to complete the whole trail and how long did your family take?

Hi! We didn’t go all the way to the end because it started getting very foggy and cloudy and we couldn’t see much ahead of us. So we figured that there won’t be much of a view anyway, so we turned back after the rest stop. We stopped for quite long at the rest stop, but in total it might have been about 5 hours.

Hi, thanks for sharing your Jeju trip experience. We a group of 6 family members going to there next May. Contemplating if to self drive or engage a driver. Is it manageable for left hand drive ? I’ve never tried before.

Hi Jocica, I hope the blog helped! 🙂 If you don’t mind the expense, a driver with a bigger car might be a good idea. The driving is quite manageable once you get out of the busy city areas.

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Top 17 Things to Do on Jeju Island | My Jeju Island Travel Guide

Last Updated on March 25, 2024 by Christine Kaaloa

Note: I never leave home without my   travel insurance . Need trip insurance options? C heck out this trip insurance finder tool .

As the honeymoon capital of Korea, Jeju Island is heralded as the “Korean Hawaii ” . In this Jeju Island travel guide, I share the top things to do on Jeju Island and how I got around Jeju Island.

I’ve been to Jeju Island twice. Once with a fellow expat and another time when my mother came to stay with me in Korea. Jeju Island attractions possess jaw-dropping natural wonders which should rank this island much higher in UNESCO World Heritage listings for Korea. With tropical climate,  beaches, an impressive but inactive volcano, off-the-wall museums, theme parks and a leisurely island pace, Jeju Island is a fun and refreshing bibimbap of Korean style!

Read Things to Know about Korea before visiting

Note: This post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. If you purchase anything from it, I appreciate your support. It helps me maintain this blog .

Table of Contents: Top 17 Things to Do on Jeju Island | My Jeju Island Travel Guide

• 1.1.1 1. Teddy Bear Museum
• 1.1.2 2.  Jeju Haeneyo Museum
• 1.1.3 3.  Shinyeong Cinema Museum
• 1.1.4 4.  Trick Art Museum
• 1.2.1 5.  Loveland Park
• 1.2.2 6.   Gimnyeong Maze Park
• 2.1.1 7. Hike Mt. Hallasan National Park
• 2.1.2 8. Seongsan Ilchul-bong  (or Sunrise Peak )
• 2.1.3 9. Watch a Haeneyo Dive show at the Haeneyo Restaurant
• 2.1.4 10.  Jusangjeolli Cliffs
• 2.1.5 11.  Oedolgae Rock
• 2.1.6 12.  Manjuggal Caves ( Jeju lava tube caves)
• 2.1.7 13.   Jeju Olle Trails
• 2.1.8 14. Hop a ferry to Udo Island
• 2.1.9 15.  Visit Jeju’s famous K-drama film locations
• 2.1.10 16. Experience Jeju Island by ATV, motorbike, horseback
• 2.1.11 17. Jungmun’s luxury hotels and beaches
• 2.2 What to Eat on Jeju Island
• 3.1.1 Where to Stay in Jungmun Resort
• 3.1.2 Where to Stay in Seogwipo
• 3.2.2 What are your top things to do on Jeju Island? What tips would you add to this Jeju Island travel guide? 
• 3.3 Related Posts on traveling Korea
• 3.4 Watch Korea Travel Guide videos

Top 17 Things to Do on Jeju Island

 A giant adult amusement park, Jeju has activities galore as well as, some pretty fun and oddball attractions to fill your travel itinerary. Here are some of the things I did and would recommend.

Visit Jeju’s quirky theme museums

Korean culture has its quirks  and Jeju Island has a wealth of both, serious museums and quirky museums, which are sure to entertain you!  From Trick Art to Teddy Bears   and female divers …  Jeju aims to keep its tourists and honeymooners, entertained, informed and well-oiled for humor.

Airport Arrival Tip: Have the tourist information desk at the airport, map out Jeju’s top attractions for you and tell you which buses to take to get there.

Read Jeju Island Travel Guide

1. teddy bear museum.

The Teddy Bear Museum is a fun and quirky museum in the Jungmun area housing rooms and rooms of teddy bears and fun teddy exhibitions.  This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do on Jeju Island.  There’s Teddy Elvis, Teddy Marylyn Monroe … and fans of the Korean drama, The Palace / Gung/ Princess Hours will love this museum as it is the K-drama film location for the show and houses the princess and prince teddy bears from the show. Of all Jeju Island’s museums, the Teddy Bear Museum is a must!  You’ll absolutely adore it like I did– even if you did not watch the Korean drama!

Admission:10,000 KRW.  Hours: 9a- 6p.  Website: http://www.teddybearmuseum.com

Getting to the Teddy Bear Museum Jeju: Address:  2889 Saekdal-dong, Seogwipo.  The Airport Limosine bus stops in front of the museum enroute to Jungmun Tourist Resort Complex . Across the street is Ripley’s Believe it or not museum and the Chocolate Museum .

Read my list of popular Korean dramas to watch before your trip

2.  Jeju Haeneyo Museum

Did you know one of Jeju Island’s UNESCO attractions happens to be Korean mermaids or haeneyo… Jeju Island’s female divers ? The Jeju Haeneyo Museum is dedicated to the history of these heroic women who started a diving tradition that is now growing extinct. The museum is small with four exhibition rooms sharing displays of the old lifestyle such as fishing nets, old haeneyo diving suits. It is very informative of the history of Jeju Island. If you are interested in the female divers, then highly worth a visit! This was one of my favorite museums.  Hours: 9am – 6pm . Cost: 1100 KRW.

Location: 26, Haenyeobangmulgwan-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, 제주특별자치도 제주시 구좌읍 해녀박물관길 26Jeju

Tip: Do a day tour of Jeju’s top UNESCO sites and the Jeju Haeneyo Museum

3.  Shinyeong Cinema Museum

The Shinyeong Cinema Museum showcases the history of cinema in Korea with focus on its origin and a history of some of its workers. Some interactive exhibitions. Korean drama fans may be a little disappointed as the museum does not feature contemporary celebrities nor is it a film studio.

Getting to Shinyeong Cinema Museum: 15-20 minutes from Seogwipo by taxi.

4.  Trick Art Museum

You will not believe your eyes, because the illusion looks frighteningly real. At the Trick Art Museum , you’ll find two-dimensional art with three-dimensional illusion. Don’t forget to bring your camera for selfies. Hours: 9a-6p   Website: http://trickeye.com

Getting to the Trick Art Museum Jeju: Seogwipo near Seongeup Folk Village. Address: San 30-12, Geumak-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Korea.

Jeju Island’s Off-beat Theme Parks

There’s straightforward fun in waterfalls, golf courses and casinos; but then comes the off-beat thrills of enigmatic theme parks! Just reading the names of them, you want to say– What the hell?

Loveland , Gimnyeong Maze Park , Psyche World (it’s really about butterflies) , Sex & Health Museum, World Eros Museum, Mini Mini Land , Stone Park, Pony and Alligator Town (does this mean ponies and alligators?) . .. the list of curiosities just won’t end. Pick a theme, any park… then come back and tell me what it was about!  

Advice:  See the airport tourist information desk for a map and bus schedule.

5.  Loveland Park

With sex being a closeted topic in Korea, Loveland  made it on my travel list as a definite MUST! Open in 2004, Loveland is Jeju Island’s sex-themed park, which showcases 140 boldly erotic sculptures and curious and humorous artwork about sex in Korea .  The park houses statues of erotica of curious nature and a museum building with more fun sculptures, hilarious artwork and a pleasure store where you can buy souvenirs, a condom and maybe even a dildo. Definitely, an eye-opening theme park for playful adults and it’s just plain fun. Hours: 9A-12A (open til midnight) . Admission: 12,000 KRW  Website: http://www.jejuloveland.com/

Getting to Loveland:  Located 10 minutes from Jeju International Airport by taxi, you can also take Bus bus 1100 to the Livestock Farming Complex. Address:  2894-72 1100 Cheonbaek-ro, Yeon-dong

6.   Gimnyeong Maze Park

As a fan of Harry Potter and the Shining, I was curious about maze parks. While Gimnyeong Maze Park is rather small, it still challenges your skill to find your way out.  Nearby is the Manjanggul Cave , so why not check it out! Read more here .  Admission:  3,300W adults,  Hours:   8:30AM- 7:50 PM

From  Jeju International Airport  take bus No. 100 and get off at the  Intercity Bus Terminal  (제주시외버스터미널). Then take a bus for  Manjanggul Cave  (만장굴행) and get off at the parking lot by the cave entrance (만장굴 입구). The trip takes 50 minutes.

Experience Jeju Island’s Natural Wonders

Despite its chic resorts and theme parks, Jeju is probably the only place in Korea whose “natural” beauty is not a result of heavy cosmetic surgery. Outside the main tourist cities, Jeju life feels down-to-earth, rural and pretty au naturale. Break out those hiking backpacks, sunscreen, walking shoes and cameras! I grew up in Hawaii and I’m not exaggerating when I say, Jeju is sprinkled with gorgeous seaside cliffs, impressive waterfalls, caves and fresh ways to make you say, “Gaaa”!

Some of Jeju’s impressive natural wonders:

7. Hike Mt. Hallasan National Park

Koreans love hiking, so being the highest peak on Jeju Island, Mt Hallasan National Park is a popular hiking attraction. It’s known to be very scenic. It is also one of the K-drama film locations of  Lovely Sam Soon.

Getting to Hallasan National Park: Two trail entrances: Eorimok (take bus 1100, last bus 3:00p) and Seongpanak (take bus 5.16, last bus 9:30p) .

Tip: Join a small group hike tour to Mt Hallasan

8. Seongsan Ilchul-bong  (or Sunrise Peak )

The view from Seongsan Ilchul-bong (otherwise known as Sunrise Peak ) overlooks the volcano crater and the island. There are stairs to get there and it takes around 20 minutes to get up there, depending upon fitness level.

Getting to Sunrise Peak: Take the bus to the west coast of Seongsan-ri and walk 10-15 minutes to the entrance of the peak. This stop also lands you near the ferry pier for Udo Island .

Tip: Join a small hiking group to Sunrise Peak and other UNESCO sites.

9. Watch a Haeneyo Dive show at the Haeneyo Restaurant

After visiting Sunrise Peak, stroll down to the cove to catch a haeneyo dive show and eat at the haeneyo restaurant along the cliffside.

Did you know one of Korea’s top UNESCO site is not a landmark but a group of women? Jeju has female divers called haeneyo and they are actually freedivers, holding their breath underwater to catch fish and shellfish. It is a dying tradition and many of these divers are over the age of 50. The restaurant is run by haeneyo women and it is a perfect way to have a UNESCO prepared meal of fresh seafood and sashimi. If you think Busan’s Jalgachi Fish Market is the bomb, this is a must-try bucket list of Jeju Island.

In the cove below the restaurant, they have dive shows at 1:30 & 3PM. Read more about the haeneyo .

10.  Jusangjeolli Cliffs

Jusangjeolli Cliffs are hexagonal rock formations in the cliff and jutting out of the ocean.

Getting to Jusangjeolli Cliffs: Take Airport Limousine Bus & stop at International Convention Center. About a 15 minute walk or 3 minute taxi ride to entrance.

11.  Oedolgae Rock

Oedolgae Rock is a dramatic rock formation jutting out of the ocean. Nearby there is an olle hiking trail with a beach below. Oedolgae Rock is also a Korean drama film location of Daejanggeum. But either way, it is impressive and a gorgeously unique natural wonder of Jeju Island.

Getting to Oedolgae Rock:  From Jeju International Airport, take Airport Limousine Bus No. 600 to New Gyeongnam Hotel Bus Stop.  From Seogwipo Intercity Bus Terminal, take Bus No. 100 for 50 minutes to Yeoseonghoegwan (Women’s center) Bus Stop

12.  Manjuggal Caves ( Jeju lava tube caves)

 Being that Jeju Island is a volcanic island, Manjuggal caves are Jeju’s lava tube caves. You can explore the lava tube by day – it is safe and there is lighting.  Nearby are restaurants if you’re hungry and if you’re up for a puzzling challenge there’s the  man-made Gimnyeong maze , just 3 minutes away.

Getting to Manjuggal Caves: Take Donghoe Line Intercity Bus to get off at the parking lot near Manjanggul Cave Entrance. ( 1hr 20 min.) It’s a 20-minute hike to the actual park entrance; take 5-minute taxi ride there, hire a private car to the caves or take a small group hiking tour . There are many options!

13.   Jeju Olle Trails

Jeju Island has twenty walking paths called Olle Trails.  The routes are marked by arrows, sculpture or colored tags and promises to lead you through the *most* drop-dead, picturesque mountain scenery, neighborhood backyards and breathtaking beachfront shores. Walking the Olle Trails are free of charge and coastal bus routes make regular stops at trail points. Routes can take anywhere from 3-6 hours .

Recommended:  Try one or all of the Olle Trails if you get the chance ( more info here )!

14. Hop a ferry to Udo Island

Beautiful beaches, sweeping cliffs, woven back streets and rural country charm… it’s all worth a day trip.  Udo Island is a tiny, romantic island with a Scottish/Irish feel, modest B&B pensions, and a lighthouse and it’s navigable by scooter, ATV, bus, and car. I’ve heard you can whisk around the island in under an hour by scooter! If I didn’t explore the inland veins of the neighborhood streets, it’s possible I would’ve made it within that time frame.

Advice: Take the bus or better, rent a scooter! Scooter and ATV rentals are located right off the ferry dock. You may need to present your passport, and driver’s license and it would be handy to take an International Driver’s Permit if you have one.

Getting to Udo Island: Take the bus out to Seongsangri- Harbor (past the Sunrise Peak stop) and take the ferry over to Udo. You may need to present your passport.

15.  Visit Jeju’s famous K-drama film locations

If you’re a K-drama fan, Jeju Island is littered with popular Korean drama film locations and they aren’t hard to find. Korea is proud of their film locations and highlighted are some of their locations in the tourist maps given out at the airport tourist desk. But be on your toes, you may stumble upon some by accident.

My mom and I booked a room at the Jeju Hyatt Regency hotel (now called the Parnas  Hotel Jeju ) and found the chapel sitting outside our room was a location for Boys Over Flowers ! We were staying at the Boys over Flowers hotel!! Imagine our surprise.

16. Experience Jeju Island by ATV, motorbike, horseback

On Jeju Island there’s a range of alternate transportation options at your disposal! Buses on Jeju are convenient, cheap, and efficient modes of transportation. They will get you everywhere and if not, taxis can pick up the slack. However, from ferries, horseback riding, scooters, ATVs, bikes, etc… Jeju is a mixed bag of tourist treats, so don’t get stuck just trying one flavor!

Advice: If you plan on renting a scooter or car, you must bring your driver’s license, passport and your international driver’s permit.

17. Jungmun’s luxury hotels and beaches

Jungmun’s beaches are nice, but that’s not the spectacle of worship you’ll die to see; it’s the top resort hotel! They’re not only fancy – schmancy , but they’re also mega-glam !  

From jacuzzis, heat lamps near pools, hiking trails and casinos, in the Jungmun Resort area , you’ll find resort hotels you’ve seen on K-drama episodes with magical bells and whistles you’ve never seen. How about an ice skating rink or camping tents (yes, they are on the hotel premises if you want to have a camping experience and then return to your room.

If you want to live your K-drama dream, book a few nights in one of the resort hotels here. It’s worthwhile.

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!

Travel Activity tip: Take a Seoul cooking class to learn Korean cooking

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.

Getting Around Jeju Island

G etting Around Jeju Island can feel simple- there is Airport Limousine bus 600, bus, taxi and car. Most travelers use the airport bus and bus. The airport limousine bus runs a circular route from the airport to Jungmun and Seogwipo making stops along the way.  Read more here . Cost ranges around $5 depending upon stop. Meanwhile, the regular bus and taxis are great for skirting around the island and giving you a nice ride.

The bus routes are fairly 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.

Where to stay on Jeju Island

Jeju Island has three main tourist ports: Jeju City, Jungmun Resort area and Seogwipo . The airport limousine bus makes stops along with that city route and regular buses around the island is efficient and regular.

Jungmun Resort and Seogwipo are the best locations to make your home base. Both locations are located on the southern part of the island where there are the greatest amount of Jeju Island attractions.

Where to Stay in Jungmun Resort

Here’s a map of hotels in Jungmun Resort Area if you’re interested in splurging for a few of nights. A stay in Jungmun resort for 2-3 nights at one of these chic theme hotels is so worthwhile!

In Korea, hotel prices can feel more affordable than booking a hotel in the United States. I booked a cheap weekend package deal of flight and hotel in the Jungmun Resort area for me and my mum through Expedia . I felt like I was paying the cost of a budget flight!

We stayed at Jeju Hyatt Regency hotel (now called the Parnas  Hotel Jeju ). At the time of booking, I knew little about it but when we arrived we discovered it was the film location for Boys over Flowers and more Korean dramas!

I did a quick exploration of the neighboring resort hotels and was floored. Who lets you rent camping tents so you can BBQ on astroturf resort grounds? The Shilla Jeju Hotel   does. Yowzers!

Who’d craft an enormous ice-skating rink and giant windmill in their backyard? Just say, Lotte Hotel & Resort !

For Korean drama fanatics and fans of Hyun Bin, check out the Seaes Hotel in Jungmun Resort   . This cozy and exclusive resort grounds is the film locations to Korean dramas like  ‘The Secret Garden’ and ‘Boys over Flowers’, etc .  The main grounds are locked off and accessible only to guests.

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

Where to Stay in Seogwipo

Seogwipo is a city that feels just a tad lackluster if you’ve just come from Jungmun Resort area. It’s more functional, but smaller than Jeju City. The beauty of it is that Seogwipo has more budget friendly hotel options and urban interests to explore like the Olympic stadium, Emart , restaurants, and cafes, and the marketplaces like Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market , a 120-stall indoor market of produce, seafood, and household items. Here’s a  map of top budget stays in Seogwipo City .

Getting to Seogwipo: Seogwipo is at the southeastern base of Jeju and the last stop on the Jeju Airport Shuttle bus.   Seogwipo bus station is located a little more in the city and it will connect you to a lot of places you’ll want to see on the eastern side, such as Sunrise Peak, Udo Island, Oedolgae Rock and more .

Where I stayed: I stayed at Jeju Hiking Inn ( aka Gudeok Guest House), an economical no-frills Korean budget guesthouse with character, and located in an ideal spot near the airport shuttle bus drop, on the coastal edge of Seogwipo and a 10 minute walk into the main city. Restaurants will be mostly Korean and much seafood.

If you’re looking for a cute 3 star budget friendly hotel under $40 Jeju Pureun Hotel is located in central Seogwipo. Some rooms even have a kitchenette. Hotel The Grang Seogwipo is another popular budget hotel in a good location and friendly staff.

Check out the best Seogwipo resorts to stay at.

Travel Resources for your Korea trip

• Booking.com – Hotel bookings. No cancellation fees
• Trip Insurance Finder Tool for budget travelers looking for trip insurance to fit specific needs.
• I get my adventure trip insurance from World Nomads trip insurance (they cover travel theft)
• eSim I use this to stay connected abroad. Activate it before or on your trip!
• No eSim? Order a Korea SIMs and pick it up at the airport
• Skyroam – Global wifi (take 10% off with referral code GRRRLTRAVELER )
• Expedia for great weekend trip package deals
• Klook – Book Jeju Island tours
• Get your Guide – book tours in Jeju Island
• Korea Rail Pass – for getting around Korea

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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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Jeju Tourism Organization Travel Blog

Travel information and stories from jeju island, south korea, jeju travel: map and intercity bus route.

An important note on Jeju’s updated bus system and this blog post From August 2017, Jeju Island implemented a new city and intercity bus system. It increased the number of buses in service, while simplifying the routes, fees and numbering system. Consequently, the contents of this previously published blog post may have changed. We therefore would kindly request that you consult this page for new bus maps in English on VisitJeju.net ,  and this page on our blog for a chart of the old and new bus route numbers . If you read Korean, then the province’s official bus system website is a useful and up-to-date resource. We hope you’ll enjoy your travels on Jeju Island!

We have an updated map about Jeju including tourist attractions.

This is an updated map of the Jeju intercity bus routes. These buses depart from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal.

You can download the Jeju Ebook App to get our Jeju tour guide books and hi-resolution maps.

For Apple store:  https://itunes.apple.com/kr/app/jejubooks/id1061355687?mt=8

For Google Play store:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/detailsid=com.jejunet.ijtoprotelib

If you have any question about transportation around Jeju or would like help with your itinerary, please contact us via our Facebook Page .

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