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17 Exciting Things to Do in Jeju — From Bucket List Experiences to Lesser-Known Sights

The ultimate checklist for your next trip to Jeju — the Hawaii of South Korea.

Pristine beaches, quaint cafes, and scenic coastal walks, it’s no wonder why many K-dramas are filmed in Jeju. 

But stunning views aside, a short road trip around this island also brought us to adrenaline-filled experiences and exciting local delicacies.

Whether it’s your first or 10th time on this paradise island, here are 17 of the most exciting things to do the next time you’re in Jeju.

Read more: 4-Day Jeju Itinerary Under S$500 — Road Trip Adventure Around South Korea’s Island Paradise

1) Tea tasting at the Osulloc Tea Museum

Shoutout to all matcha lovers — you wouldn’t wanna miss the iconic Osulloc Tea Museum in Jeju. The museum features a teacup gallery, a roasting space, and a stone house where tea-tasting sessions are conducted. 

When you’re done with the museum, stop by Osulloc Tea Museum Cafe for their signature premium green tea ice cream (₩6,000/S$6) or the Osulloc Set consisting of Green Tea O Fredo, a Green Tea Swiss Roll, and a Green Tea Ice Cream (₩18,800 KRW/~S$18.90).

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM Address: 15 Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

2) Let Your Inner Child Out at Shinhwa World

Located in Jungmun Jeju, Shinhwa World features thrilling rides in different magical worlds and animations that bring stories to life. 

Photo credit: Visitjeju.net

The park also houses the biggest indoor and outdoor waterpark in Jeju with 18 wave pools, rapids, spas, and slides. Daredevils, you wouldn’t want to miss Asia’s first 230m water slide located in the water park itself!

*Note: The outdoor water park is only in operation during peak season (Jun – Sep).

Shinhwa Theme Park Entrance Fee: ₩40,000 (~S$40.10) Opening Hours: 10AM – 8PM Shinhwa Water Park Entrance Fee: ₩63,000 (~S$63.10) (varies by season) Opening Hours: 12PM – 8PM

3) Go Fast and Furious at Wind 1947 Cart Riding

Fans of Fast and Furious , don’t miss this thrilling cart riding experience at Wind 1947 ! Drive down the 1,947m track. It’s one of the longest circuit tracks in the country with scenic views of Mount Halla.

Drift around in a classic vintage cart — no driving licence needed!

Cost: From S$25/ticket (varies depending on course length) Opening Hours: 10AM – 6PM (Last boarding 5:30PM) Address: 78-27 Topyeonggongdan-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

4) Feast on Street Food at Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market

For affordable Korean street food — think Tteok-bokki and Kimbap — Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market is the place to be!

This traditional market built in the early 1960s has over 200 shops and 140 street vendors. Products here include local Korean food such as hallabong , a famous breed of tangerines native to Jeju, as well as souvenirs and clothes!

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 7AM – 9PM (Varies on weekdays for individual stalls) Address: 18, Jungang-ro 62beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Read also: Seoul Food Guide — 15 Korean Food and the Best Places to Try It

5) Visit Jeju’s Most Unique Waterfall — Jeongbang Waterfall 

Photo credit: @viajesng via Instagram

One of Jeju’s most iconic waterfalls, Jeongbang stands at 23m high and is the only waterfall in Korea where its water flows directly into the sea.

The path down is a short 5-10 mins walk from the carpark — not bad at all for the Instagram-worthy photos you can capture right next to the falls.

Be sure to wear proper hiking shoes as the stairs are slightly steep, and the rocks can get slippery.

Entrance Fee: ₩2,000/pax (~S$2) Opening Hours: 9AM – 5.20 PM Address: 37 Chilsimni-ro214beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

6) Admire the Sunset at Yongmeori Coast

Photo credit: VisitJeju.net

Also known as the Dragon’s Head Cliff, Yongmeori Coast is located in southwest Jeju. Resembling a dragon’s head on one end and its tail on the other, the Sanbangsan Mountain stretches into the ocean — making it look like a dragon’s head in the water, hence its name. 

Certified by the Global Geopark Network in 2010, Yongmeori is a scenic coastal walk. The coast also grants you access to Yongmeori Haen Beach which features seashore cliffs and an epic horizon view. 

Sabangsan Mountain & Yongmeori Beach Combined Ticket Entrance Fee: ₩2,500 (~S$2.70) Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM (subject to change depending on weather conditions) Address: 218-10 Sanbang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

7) Discover Undersea Marine Life at Aqua Planet Jeju

Aqua Planet Jeju is the largest aquarium in South Korea and home to 48,000 marine creatures including otters, walruses, rays, and sharks! 

Other than the mesmerising displays, there are interactive experiences like ecology presentations moderated by aquarists or the “Jeju dive” where you get to dive in the mega-sized pool with underwater creatures.

Be sure to also look out for the Jeju Haenyeo (female) divers performance — only available in Aqua Planet Jeju.

*Pro-tip: Use the code <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klook to get 5% off all activities * with a min. spend of S$50 (discount cap at S$15). Apply the promo code when you checkout. One-time use only. (* – see list of excluded activities )

The ocean arena also houses an underwater musical show that spotlights several sea animals such as dolphins and seals! 

Cost: From ~S$33.45 Opening Hours: 9.30AM – 6PM (last admission at 5PM) Address: 95, Seopjikoji-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

8) Take a Stroll along the Seopjikoji Coastal Walk 

Just a stone’s throw away from Aqua Planet Jeju lies Seopjikoji , a scenic coastline with rock formations made of red volcanic ash. 

Hike up the hill to a field of canola flowers. The Hyeopjae Beacon Fire Station on the peak is a popular filming site for Korean dramas and has been featured in shows such as Boys Over Flowers and Orange Marmalade .

Entrance Fee: Free Duration of hike: 2hrs Address: 261, Seopjikoji-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

9) Catch the Sunrise at Seongsan Peak 

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the cone crater at Seongsan Ilchulbong is one of Jeju’s most epic sunrise views. 

The hike up is quite steep and takes around 20 minutes to reach the peak but the view is worth it!

* Pro-tip: Stay overnight in the Seogwipo and get to the park when it opens an hour before sunrise.

Entrance Fee: ₩2,000 (~S$2.30) for Adults (25-60 years old), ₩1,000 (~S$2.30) for youths (7-24 years old) Opening hours: 7AM – 8PM (trail closes first Monday of every month) Address: 78 Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

10) Get Your Mind Blown by the Jeju Female Divers

Photo credit: @wondersofjeju via Facebook

These tough elderly ladies are known as Haenyeo and can dive up to 10m deep in cold waters without the help of oxygen masks.

Watch these women catch fresh shellfish and seafood right in front of your eyes. They’ll even prepare them right away so you can buy a plate to try! 

*Pro-tip: Catch the Haenyeo show at the foot of Seongsan Ilchulbong after your hike —also included in your entrance fee!

Entrance Fee: ₩5,000 (~S$2.30) Show timings: 1:30PM and 3:30PM  Address: 78 Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

11) Walk Through Lava Tubes in Manjanggul Cave

One of the longest lava tunnels in the world, the Manjanggul Cave was formed 300,000 years ago when the Geomunoreum volcano erupted.

Walk through the cave and you’ll spot unique rock formations made of molten lava. It’s also known to house the largest bat colony on the island, so don’t be alarmed if they fly over your head.

To preserve the natural formation, only a small section of the cave is open to the public — which you can easily explore on your own!

*Pro-tip: Bring a torch and wear proper hiking shoes as the path can get wet and slippery. They are also closed on the first Wednesday of every month.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM (Last admission 5.10PM) Address: 182 Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

12) Figure Your Way Out of a Maze at Jeju’s Mazeland

Is it anything like the Glade in The Maze Runner ? Yes, only without the Grievers. Boasting the world’s longest stone maze, Mazeland measures up to 5.3km in total length. 

Once you’ve found your way out of the different mazes, pop by the indoor museum that houses a maze gallery and other interactive activities such as puzzles and games. 

Entrance Fee: ₩12,000/pax (~S$12) Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM (ticket sales close at 5PM) Address: 2134-47, Bijarim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

13) Satisfy Your KBBQ Cravings at Famous Black Pork (Heuk-Dwaeji 흑돼지) Street

KBBQ? Been there, done that. But have you tried KBBQ with the famous Jeju black pork? It’s a whole new ball game. The black pork street in Jeju houses rows of restaurants that serve up the local delicacy. 

Cooked over charcoal, the Jeju black pork is often grilled with garlic for an aromatic flavour and is said to have a chewier texture than the usual pork meat. 

Cost: ₩24,000/pax (~S$28.10) Opening hours: Varies; most restaurants open from 11AM – 12AM

14) Be Amazed at the Jusangjeollidae Lava Cliff

Made out of molten lava, the hexagonal rock formation of the Jusangjeollidae Lava Cliff is a geological wonder and a must-visit in Jeju. During high tide, the waves get turbulent and can reach a height of 20m — creating an incredible and breathtaking sight. 

Pop by The Cliff Cafe & Pub , a beachfront bar located just next door — the perfect place to chill and unwind. 

Fun fact: The cafe was used as a filming location in Twice’s music video for their summer hit Alcohol-Free !

Entrance Fee: ₩2,000/pax (~S$2.20) Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM (Last entrance 5:40PM) Address: Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Read also: 7 Must-visit K-pop and K-drama Filming Locations Out of Seoul — Busan and Jeju Travel Guide

15) Marvel at the Natural Wonders of Mount Hallasan

At 1,950m above sea level, Mount Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea. The mountain has a unique ecosystem and is home to all sorts of vegetation and wildlife.

There are seven hiking trails available but only two trails — Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa — lead to the summit of the mountain, where the crater lake is located.

For beginners, the Seongpanak trail is the more manageable option. It’s 9.7km in length but the incline is gradual. Once you’re at the top, we suggest hiking down the summit via the Gwaneumsa trail (8.7km) which offers a more scenic route.

The total hike takes around 6-8 hours, but trust me, it’s the perfect nature getaway!

*Note: Hikers who wish to climb to the summit of Hallasan Mountain using the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails must first make a reservation online.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 5AM (May – Aug), 6AM (Sep – Apr), varies depending on season. Check the opening schedule of Hallasan National Park before going Address: 2070-61 1100(Cheonbaek)-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

16) Be In Awe of the Floral Paradise at Camellia Hill

Photo credit: @camelliahilljeju via Instagram

Immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of Jeju island at Camellia Hill , the biggest Camellia arboretum in East Asia. Located in Sanchang Village, the 20-hectare park is home to 6,000 camellia trees and over 500 different types of flowers and plants.

The vibrant colours of the blooming camellias make the perfect photo backdrop — you wouldn’t want to miss this Instagrammable spot! Once you’re done snapping pics, you can also check out the gallery exhibiting camellia-themed crafts.

Entrance Fee: ₩10,000/pax (~S$10) Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 6PM (Last ticket at 5PM), varies depending on season. Check the opening schedule of Camellia Hill before going Address: 166 Byeongang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

17) Spot Dolphins on the Gimnyeong Yacht Cruise Tour

Photo credit: Klook.com

The Gimnyeong sea is home to southern sea dolphins, and one of the best ways to see them is on board one of these luxurious vessels .

While you’re spotting dolphins, grab a glass of wine or beer while enjoying scenic views of the emerald green ocean.

Cost: ~S$48.20/pax Duration: 1hr Address: 229-16, Gujwahaean-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Korea

Pro-tips for planning your trip around Jeju Island

There are lots to see, eat and do in Jeju so if you’re planning a trip to this scenic island, here are some pro-tips:

Public transport: Jeju has an islandwide public bus service — which allows you to immerse in local culture. A one-way ticket on either the intercity buses, airport shuttles or tourist shuttle buses costs around ₩1,200 (~S$1.30). The fare is cheap but the journey and interval timings can be long.

Car Rental: Since there were 4 of us, we decided to rent a car via Klook . For 6 days, a standard sedan car cost S$300, which means it’s only S$75/pax when you travel in a group of 4!

Private Charter: For non-drivers, you can opt for a Jeju private car charter for the freedom and flexibility to plan your own itinerary. The car charter can be booked for an 8-hour duration between 8AM and 10PM, and you’ll be able to cover around four to five attractions a day!

Pre-booking Jeju Activities

Activities: Most of the activities we wanted to experience were available on Klook , which meant we didn’t have to comb through individual Korean websites to find out what each experience included. At many popular attractions, it actually costs less on Klook than purchasing on the spot!

Those looking for a quick way of touring the island can also purchase Jeju Island Day Tours via Klook for an adventure-packed day.

Just an hour’s flight from Seoul, this volcanic island is the perfect paradise for nature lovers. We experienced its stunning beaches, explored scenic hiking trails, and met incredible locals like the Haenyeo women divers. Beyond the great outdoors, we also got to explore different museums and feast on local delicacies all around the island!

Flying to Jeju will also be easier as Scoot commences direct flights from Singapore to Jeju from 15 June 2022 ✈️

With excursions for both the young and old, chill and adventurous, it is no wonder that Jeju makes the perfect island getaway!

What did you think of this Jeju list? Share with us in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by  Klook .

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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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Temples and Nature in Korea

Start your Korean adventure in Busan. Continue to Yeosu and Suncheon, discovering temples and landscapes on the way. In Suncheon, you will stay at a Korean Buddhist temple. Proceed to the Bamboo Forest of Jeonju before heading to Seoul.

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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30 Awesome Things To Do In Jeju Island South Korea

Jeju Island is my favorite destination in South Korea . I’ve traveled around the island, exploring from the Eastern to the Western side. The island is so stunning and has several beautiful landmarks.

In this article, I’ll share my experience and show you the best things to do in Jeju that you will love. You’ll find a map with the list of best places to visit in Jeju island at the end of the article.

1. Visit Jeongbang Waterfalls

Located in the South of Jeju Island, Jeongbang Falls is among the top three famous waterfalls on the island. A unique feature of Jeongbang Falls is that the water goes directly into the sea. 

After purchasing the entrance ticket, you’ll need to walk downstairs to reach the waterfall.

It usually takes about 5 minutes, but you might find yourself stopping many times along the way to enjoy the fantastic view!

• Address:  36, Chilsimni-ro 214beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.
• Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm daily.

• Wear comfortable shoes as the stones near the waterfall may be slippery.
• Pack some snacks and water with you.

Getting around Jeju : Renting a car in Jeju gives you the freedom to roam Jeju’s natural wonders as you please. But if you wish to leave the planning to someone else, Jeju tour is the way to go.

2. Visit Aqua Planet

Aqua Planet Jeju in Seogwipo is one of the largest aquariums in Asia.

The aquarium has more than 48,000 animals and plants of around 500 species, with excellent educational, cultural, and entertainment programs. It was great to see so many different types of fish, sharks, penguins, and even dolphins.

The drive from Jeju Airport to Aqua Planet is around 1 hour and 10 minutes, and you will pass by small towns with beautiful views.

You should book your Aqua Planet tickets online for a discount. We spent a few hours here so it was worth it!

• Address : 95, Seopjikoji-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Korea
• Opening hours : 10 am to 7 pm from Monday to Sunday, with the last admission at 6:30 pm.
• How to get there : From Jeju airport, you can take express bus No. 110 or 110-1 and transfer to No. 721-1/721-2/721-3 at Seongsan Transfer Stop (성산환승정류장). Then, get off at Seopjikoji Beach and walk for 10 minutes to Aqua Planet.

3. See NANTA Show

Be amazed at NANTA Show , a kitchen-based performance combining music, acrobatics, martial arts, and culinary.

This fascinating 90-minute show entertains its audience with the comedic culinary experience of four cooks under pressure. The performers are well-prepared, energetic, and fun. We laughed a lot throughout the show!

You can book your tickets online with a discount. After purchasing, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a voucher. Show your voucher at the theater and exchange it for a physical ticket.

• Address : Jeju Nanta Theater 56-26 Seondolmokdong-gil, Ara-dong, Jeju, Jeju-do
• Schedule : 5 pm from Monday to Sunday.
• How to get there : Bus No. 441-1 or 441-2, get off at Jeju Starlight World Park (제주별빛누리공원).

4. Wander around Camellia Hill

You should not leave Jeju island without visiting Camellia Hill. The park is charming with colorful flower fields, especially the blooming brightly-colored Camellia and Hydrangea flowers.

• Address : 166 Byeongang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju.
• Opening hours : 8:30 am to 6 pm from Monday to Sunday.
• How to get there : You can take the bus no. 752-1 and get off at Dongbaek Hill bus stop. The park is about 100m from the bus stop. Check the map for assistance.

5. Enjoy a thrilling cart riding experience

Head to Wind 1947 Jeju Extreme Circuit for a fun and memorable time and get your hand on one of their classic vintage carts.

Here, you can ride alone on one of the longest track courses in South Korea while seeing Mount Hallasan’s view .  

• Address : 78-14 Topyeonggongdan-ro, Topyeong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea.
• Opening hours : 10:00 am to 6:30 pm from Monday to Sunday, with the last admission at 5:30 pm.
• How to get there: You can take the bus no. 612 and get off at Lightning Museum Jeju bus stop. The venue is 270m from the bus stop. Please check the  map  for help.

6. Visit Jeju Folk Village

Visiting Jeju Folk Village should be on your list of things to do on Jeju island.

Seongeup Folk Village is a small town located at the foot of Hallasan Mountain, and the houses here have black lava rock walls with curvy alleys to block the wind. You can find the local black-haired pigs here, as well.

You can learn more about Seongeup Folk Village in my article. 

• Address : 104, Seongeupjeonguihyeon-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
• Tips : If you join the  Eastern Jeju tour , you can get a chance to meet the local guide here and understand more about Folk village culture.

7. Observe the Oedolgae

Oedolgae Rock was formed when a volcano erupted about 150,000 years ago. Its name means “lone rock pillar,” and that’s very much true.

To get there, you have to walk a trail. That’s even more amazing. It’s a part of Olle Trail route 7. The surrounding area is a popular fishing spot, and you might spot people doing scuba diving.

• Address:  791, Seohong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.
• Tips: Don’t forget to bring water and snacks while walking along the trail. There are some spots along the way that you can buy in case you forget. 

8. Be amazed at Jusangjeolli Cliff

Jusangjeolli Hexagon Lava Cliff was formed between 250,000 and 140,000 years ago when lava from Hallasan Mountain poured into the Jungmun sea.

The resulting rock formations are perfectly hexagonal. Visiting here, you can listen to the sound of the wave hitting the lava cliff while enjoying the breathtaking view.

• Address : 36-30, Ieodo-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
• Read more : You can learn more about Jusangjeolli Cliff in my travel guide.

9. Enjoy Jeju Woman diver show

Jeju woman diver show is a UNESCO Intangible cultural asset. These women dive into the ocean water without any underwater diving equipment to gather seafood.

As they perform only twice a day (1:30 pm and 3 pm daily) at Seongsang Ilchubong, you should plan so you won’t miss the performance. It takes 10 minutes to walk from the main entrance to the performance area.

For a hassle-free trip, you can join the Eastern Jeju tour , to watch the famous Haenyeo female divers in action.

• Address : 26, Haenyeobangmulgwan-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
• Read more : Learn more about the Jeju woman diver show here.
• Show schedule : 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm and 3 pm – 4 pm.

10. Trek Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak

Before or after watching Jeju woman diver show, you can hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong to reach the peak.

After a comfortable 20 – 25 minute climb up, the gorgeous views over the sea and island await.

If you don’t want to reach the peak, wandering around the hill is a lovely experience. The mountain itself is stunning and a great place to take photos.

• Tips : You can read my hiking guide to Seongsan Ilchulbong for more details.
• Address : 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

11. Trek Mount. Halla

Trekking Hallasan Mountain, the highest mountain in South Korea, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are several hiking routes, and you can go to the peak and back in one day.

If you don’t have much time, you can walk the Eoseungsaengak trail instead.

Located in Hallasan Mt., Eoseungsaengak is 1,169m above sea level. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get to the peak.

There are many wooden steps up the trail and some turns, and most of the time, you are surrounded by trees, so you may feel like you’re in the forest.

• Tips : Don’t forget to bring water and snacks with you.
• Read more: Check my Hallasan Mountain guide for more details on routes, opening hours, and tips.

12. Stroll around Hueree Park

Hueree Park is another excellent park to visit on Jeju island. Stroll around the park and enjoy the natural beauty and fresh air.

• Address : 256 Sillyedong-ro, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea.
• Opening hours : 9 am to 5:30 pm from April to September and 9 am to 4:30 pm from October to March.

13. Walk along Hyeopjae & Geumneung Beach

Looking for a beach destination? Head to Hyeopjae & Geumneung Beach!

Hyeopjae is one of the most beautiful beaches on Jeju island, famous for its white sand and clear water. It also has plenty of good restaurants and coffee shops nearby.

Located next to Hyeopjae beach, Geumneung is an absolutely stunning beach with a great view of Biyangdo Island.

Crystal clear water with white sand coast and not many tourists around make this beach a sweet spot to escape the crowd. Also, the water is shallow enough to walk in.

14. Visit Hallim Park

A trip to Hallim Park should be on your list of things to do in Jeju, South Korea.

Located about 33km west of Jeju city, Hallim park has a great combination of nature and culture. It takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to see the garden as it’s enormous.

The most famous sites are two caves (Ssangyonggul Cave and Hyeopjaegul Cave) that feature both a lava tube and a limestone cave.

You can spend an excellent time strolling around the nine different themed gardens, seeing various types of plants, flowers, and trees. There’s also a small zoo with turtles, snakes, peacocks, and other birds.

Also, you shouldn’t miss the folk village near the Bonsai garden. You can learn about Jeju folk village culture and see the traditional houses.

At the folk village, you can find a Korean food restaurant and a small food court nearby selling ice cream, drinks, and beer. There is also a herb cafe in the park selling herbal teas.

•   Address:  300, Hallim-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
• March-September 08:30 am – 7 pm
• October-February 08:30 am – 6 pm
• Summer peak season (July 15-August 20) 08:30 am – 7:30 pm.
• Read more : I’ve written a detailed guide to Hallim Park . Check it out to plan for your visit!
• Tour : You can join Jeju Western tour to explore Hallim Park and Spirited Garden.

15. Take the Sanbang Mountain cruise

Taking a thrilling cruise to Sanbangsan is an exciting thing to do in Jeju.

From the cruise, you can enjoy the beautiful view of UNESCO-listed Jeju Global Geopark Sanbangsan. Also, you can see the double-crater volcano –  Songaksan Volcano.

To take the cruise, you can join Jeju Western tour and discover the beauty of Dragon Head Coast, Mt. Sanbang, and Mt. Songak.

16. See Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls

Cheonjeyeon Falls , known as The Pond of God , consists of 3 sections. 2 of them have water, and one only has water when it rains.

The area is a beautiful place to chill and relax as you can enjoy the beauty of beautiful nature. The view from the bridge near the entrance is astonishing, and it’s worth visiting both waterfalls.

Although there are many stairs and walking, the experience is worth it.

• Address : 132, Cheonjeyeon-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea.
• Opening hours : 9 am to 5:30 Monday to Sunday.
• Read more : Check out my Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls to plan for your trip.

17. Try Jeju Horseback Riding

Joining Jeju Horseback Riding is an exciting thing to do in Jeju.

Jeju island is an excellent place to breed horses with its vast green lands, and Jeju horses are famous for their distinctive genetics due to their isolation and domestication.

So, you can understand more about Jeju Culture while participating in Jeju Horseback riding activity.

18. Wander along Gwangchigi Beach

Gwangchigi Beach is a great natural attraction on Jeju island. Wandering along Gwangchigi Beach, you can view the entire scene of Seongsan Illchulpeak.

Near the areas are trendy cafes and restaurants and Aqua Planet Aquarium.

• Address : 224-33, Goseong-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Korea.

19. Explore Manjanggul Cave

Designated as a natural monument, Manjanggul Cave is one of the longest lava tunnels in the world. It will be a huge miss if you don’t visit the lava tube on your trip to Jeju island.

Manjang Cave was formed 200,000 to 300,000 years ago due to volcanic activity. Currently, you can only visit 1km of this tunnel, even though the whole system is about 13 km long.

Some parts are pretty slippy, and there are small puddles of water here and there, but walking is safe.

Tips : As the ground is uneven, you should bring a decent pair of walking shoes when visiting this cave. Also, don’t forget to bring a light jacket as the temperature is low inside the cave. For more tips, check out my detailed guide to Manjanggul cave .

20. Have fun at Alive Museum

Alive Museum Jeju Island specializes in optical illusions, great for taking photos.

This museum is an excellent place if you enjoy art and creative activities. The walls are covered in remarkable paintings, and visitors can use creative poses to get funny photographs!

Although each picture has instructions, you’re encouraged to be creative and use your style. From fighting with a dangerous snake to becoming an angel, your adventure awaits.

• Address:  42, Jungmungwangwang-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

21. Visit Jeju Toy Park

Activate your inner childhood experience with a visit to Jeju Toy Park Museum. The museum exhibits an extensive collection of toys, including Marvel and Gundam figures, LEGO models of iconic characters, and more.

• Address : 267-7 Donggwang-ro Andeokmyeon Seogwipho-si Jeju-do.
• Opening hours : 9 am to 8 pm from Monday to Sunday, with the last admission at 7:10 pm.
• How to get there : From Jeju Airport, you can take bus No. 365 and get off at Halla General Hospital station. Then take bus No. 282 at Halla General Hospital station and get off at Wonmum Oreum(원물오름) station and walk 150 meters to the toy park.

22. Visit Pororo & Tayo Theme Park

Another fun place to visit for families with kids in Jeju is Pororo & Tayo Theme Park .

The park is spacious, and you can spend the whole day here with the kids. The park has an outdoor attraction, a maze park, and an indoor and outdoor animal experience center.

23. Enjoy O’sulloc Green tea field

With its vibrant green tea fields, the O’Sulloc Green tea field is a popular destination on Jeju island for tea lovers.

The blue sky contrasted with the gorgeous green color of the tea is spectacular, an excellent place for memorable Jeju photos!

• Address : 425, Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju, South Korea.

24. Visit O’Sulloc Innisfree Jeju House

You shouldn’t miss the O’Sulloc Tea Museum near the field. At the O’Sulloc Tea Museum, you can learn about the history of O’Sulloc and Korean Tea Culture.

There is a fascinating exhibition of cups and teapots used in Korea during the ancient dynasties.

Also, the museum is an excellent place to purchase good quality tea and other good quality souvenirs. There’s a cafe with a great view. I tried the green tea ice cream, and it was delicious!

Address : 15 Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea

25. Visit Innisfree Jeju House

If you’re a fan of Innisfree, don’t forget to stop by Innisfree Jeju House, located next to O’Sulloc Tea Museum. It has some exclusive products which are not available in other outlets.

Soap-making activity is a fun activity for all ages. You can bring home our customized souvenir after joining the soap-making session.

There’s also a lovely cafe at Innisfree Jeju House that offers organic food.

• Address:  425, Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
• Open Hours: 9 am to 7 pm (summer) or 6 pm (winter)

26. Explore the Chocolate museum

The chocolate museum is another interesting place to visit on Jeju island. Here, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of chocolate while learning stories and facts about chocolates around the world.

• Address : 551-18 Ilgwa-ri, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea.
• April to July and September to October: 10:30 am to 6 pm.
• August: 10:30 am to 7 pm.
• November to March: 10:30 am to 5 pm.
• Last admission: 15 minutes before closing
• Ticket price: ₩ 6,500 ($5).

27. Try Black pork BBQ

Do you know a street in Jeju city named after this dish?

If you visit the city center of Jeju city, you can find Black Pork street or Dombedon in Korean. The streets are full of restaurants serving its most famous dish – Black pork BBQ.

What is Black pork BBQ?

The Jeju Black Pig is a breed of domestic pig found only on Jeju island. It’s known for providing lots of nutrients.

28. Visit at Jeju Dongnum Market

What to do in Jeju at night?

Exploring the Jeju Dongnum market is a fun thing to do in Jeju at night. Although the shops open until 9 pm, you can still enjoy local food at the food stands until 11 pm.

Be prepared to line up for your food as some stands are crazily busy (which means they are good, I suppose!)

29. Be naughty at Jeju Loveland

Why not spend a morning at Loveland if you’re into quirky stuff?

Loveland is a sculpture theme park based on sensuality and eroticism. A group of Hongik university students created this park to present their projects. Please note that visitors must be over 20 years old to use the facilities.

• Address:  2894-72, Cheonbaengi-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
• Ticket prices : KRW 12,000
• Open hours:  9:00 am to midnight, with the last admissions at 11 pm.

30. See Mysterious Road

Can you believe there’s a road where you don’t need to turn on the engine to climb the hill? As a result of a natural optical illusion, things on this road seem to roll uphill!

My bus went slowly up the road without any effort. The best way to experience it is to get out of your car, take a bottle and see as it slowly goes up, seemingly defying gravity.

Touring Jeju

You can join most of these activities with a day tour. The tours are divided into  West Course ,  East Course , and  South Course .

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off service from your hotel, a tour guide, attraction entry tickets, and lunch.

I joined all three courses and had a great time. A minor downside of this tour is that you must rush from place to place, as each course covers five different areas daily.

Where to stay in Jeju?

Yeha Guest House is a lovely place to stay in Jeju city. I stayed there for five days in a private room, and the location was excellent.

You can walk to the Jeju Bus terminal within 2 minutes. Also, from Yeha Guest House, you can take a taxi to the night market and center within 15 minutes.

4G wifi in Jeju

I recommend buying a 4G sim card while traveling in South Korea, or Jeju specifically.

As everything is written in Korean, and most people are not good at English, having a 4G connection will help you greatly while traveling to Jeju.

Ha is an avid traveler and writer with a background in marketing & hospitality. She's lived in a few countries and traveled to more than 30. When she's not traveling or writing, Ha loves trying new recipes.

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11 Comments

Thank you so much for this article! My husband and I are about to go to Jeju for 10 days and this was SUPER USEFUL! Love it! Keep up the good work!

Wow. I enjoyed everything about this story. Thank you so much.

Very informative and interesting. Thank you so much Ha.

Hi Ha enjoyed reading your posts. My party of 6 will visit Jeju in October. We are undecided if we should rent a car or take public transport, buses & taxis. Appreciate your kind tips & advice.

Hi Sweelin, I’ve written a comprehensive guide on getting around Jeju island, so you can check it here: https://www.expatolife.com/getting-around-jeju-island-south-korea/ . Hope it helps!

Thank you Ha.

Thank you for such an informative article. It was inspiring to read and will influence our forthcoming trip.

Dear Ha. Do you have a link for car rental companies on JeJu Island? My husband, daughter and I want to tour the island in late March. Thank you. Ingrid

Hi Ingrid, you can check your car rental options here: https://www.expatolife.com/recommends/car-rental-in-jeju-korea/

Dear Ha. Thank you so much for your articles and recommendations. My family is really looking forward to our trip to JeJu. Ingrid

Thank you!! Great guide, we did a lot of the activities you recommended! ♡

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Things To Do in Jeju Island: A Complete Travel Guide

Last updated on March 23rd, 2024

Looking for what to do in Jeju? Here are the best things to do and places to go to Jeju Island. Dedicated some best for nature lovers, family with kids, and elderly with places to visit at different seasons.

Jeju Island is one of my favorite places in South Korea. It is rich in natural wonder, historical and cultural attraction. I have spent an amazing self-driving road trip in Jeju with my friend. There are many things to see and do on this tiny island. But your Jeju itinerary can be different depending on your interest.

We have the best pick some best things to do in Jeju Island and wanted to share our Jeju travel guide. There are Jeju attractions are best to visit by family, hiker, or nature lover. Feel free to include those Jeju best sights to keep your version of the best Jeju itinerary.

I hope this list of places of attractions in Jeju has helped you with your trip planning. If you would like to check out my self-driving in Jeju, this travel post will show you a 6-day Jeju self driving itinerary of my places to visit and foods to eat in Jeju.

To ease your Jeju itinerary planning, we’ve outlined the things to do in Jeju into different areas. Added, best places to visit by family or hiker. Each area has it’s own charming and must-see attractions. Read through and pick the attraction as a starting point to plan your own Jeju trip.

Here are the best things to do in Jeju by area:

Table of Contents

How Many Days For Jeju Island

Most people visit Jeju Island as part of the Seoul Korea trip. Depending on how long you have for Jeju Island. We recommended allowing 3 or 4 nights in Jeju for a great start to know about the island. But for people who prefer slow travel, Jeju Island can easily plan up to 6 to 7 days for a relaxing trip. It is best to visit Jeju for couples, friends and family trip in Jeju.

Where To Stay in Jeju Island

The beautiful Jeju Island features a wide variety of accommodations from a luxurious sea-view hotel, budget hostel to a local pension stay. The majority of the hotels are located in Jeju City and Seogwipo. Most of the attractions can be easily accessed within 1 to 2 hours.

Astar Hotel : centrally located with public transport accessible. It is a perfect stay in the downtown area with lots of restaurants and facilities within walking distance. Check prices now

The Shilla Hotel : is located nearby Jungmun beach with a comfort room, infinite pools, sauna with an incredible view. It is the best area for a relaxing gateway in Jeju. Check prices now

Jeju Solarseado Pension is a lovely guest house stay run by a friendly and helpful lady owner. Located nearby Seongwipo city, this pension features with amazing sea view and beautiful sunrise. Check prices now

Best Way To visit Jeju Island

Jeju can be explored by public transport with intercity buses connected all around the island. However, it is often time-consuming with some attractions that are not reachable by public transport. Renting a car in Jeju is the best way to visit the island at your own pace.

Driving in Jeju is relatively easy and flexible. During my Jeju self-driving trip, we rented our best car rental through RentalCars.com . It has all the best selections of cars in Jeju with price comparison. Our rental car is rented from AJ Rent-A-Car which is a budget Avis in Jeju. It is the cheapest price based on the similar car range that we’ve found.

But, make sure to reserve your car rental one month in advance to ensure the availability of your ideal car.

Jeju Day Tour

If you are visiting Jeju for a short visit and lazy to plan on your Jeju itinerary. We recommended you take the day tour without worry on too much. The tour is running by an experienced tour guide and you can choose the day tour for East, West or South Coast. Either one is a good option to plan on things to do in Jeju.

• Eastern Jeju Discovery – Nature and heritage abound in Jeju’s east.
• Western Island Exploration – Unparalleled nature in western Jeju.
• Southern Jeju Adventure Day Tour – Climb Mt. Halla and join a fun-filled adventure in the island’s Southern side.
• Jeju Private Car Charter – Chose where you want to go and when; your itinerary is under your control!

Jeju Travel Guide

Here are some of the recommended top things to do in Jeju Island. We help to split it into Jeju city at North, Seogwipo city at South, West coast and east coast of Jeju Island. Hope this Jeju travel guide can give you some brief idea on best things to do in Jeju island.

We recommended visiting the Yongduam Rock, mysterious road, Dongmum market, food hunting and also watch some variety shows in Jeju city.

We recommended visiting the three famous waterfalls such as Jeongbang Fall, Cheonjeyeon Fall, Cheonjiyeon Fall, Daepo Jusangjeolli, and Oedolgae Rock, and some unique museums.

We recommended visiting Hallim Park, O’Sulloc Tea Museum and Innisfree’s Jeju House, Sanbangsan, and Yongmeori coast.

We recommended visiting Seongsan Ilchulbong, Udo Island, Manjanggul Lava Cave, and Seopjikoji coast walk.

Things To Do in Jeju City

Connected with Jeju airport, the city area is the busiest city on Jeju Island. It is the most convenient location to stay on for those visiting Jeju using public transport. Many famous restaurants are located in Jeju city. There are even black port streets, sashimi street, Guksu Geori (Noodle Street) to try on that delicious food in Jeju.

Things to do in Jeju City :

• Yongduam Rock, volcano rock formation.

Mysterious Road

• Dongmun Market, a traditional local market.

Yongduam Rock

Situated nearby the downtown and airport, Yongduam Rock is a popular sightseeing scene to see volcano rock formation. It is easily accessed by public transport with car park to cater to the visitors. The shape looks like a dragon’s head, created by strong winds and waves over thousands of years.

Enjoy the good views of the coast from the viewing deck. There are Haenyeos, women sea-divers are selling their fresh-caught if you getting down to the coast. It is best to visit during sunset time. At night, there will be lighting to bring out the features of the dragon head.

As the name suggests, part of the Mysterious Road/Dokkaebi Road is “mysterious”. It is caused by optical illusion that made you feel looks uphill while running downhill.

Just turned off your car engine and let gravity do its work. Interesting place if you’ve never seen one before. A great pit stop if you are passing nearby.

Dongmun Market

A traditional market where you can shop for local produce, souvenir and sample some snacks and food here. Dongmun Market is well organized and divided into rows for fruits, meat, seafood, and some other stuff. At night, stalls are selling some local Korean street food such as fried chicken, rice cake, and snack food. The best place to experience the local vibe.

• Jeju Nanta Show : The Korea’s longest running kitchen-based show performance – BEST Seller!
• The Painters Show : The World’s First and Only! The Best-selling Show for Audiences for the three consecutive years.

Things To Do in Seogwipo, South Coast

The South of the island is the ideal place to visiting the top attraction in Jeju. Seogwipo is the second-largest city on the island. It is full of Jeju’s most incredible sights. Pick the best things to do in Jeju into your itinerary.

Things To Do in Seogwipo :

• Three famous waterfalls such as Jeongbang Fall, Cheonjeyeon Fall, Cheonjiyeon Fall
• Volcano rock formation in Daepo Jusangjeolli and Oedolgae Rock.
• Teddy Bear Museum and Alive Museum are best to visit with family and kids.
• For a unique experience, plan for the visit to Seogwipo Submarine to marvel at the underwater world.

Tour Recommended : Join a fun-filled adventure in Southern Jeju Adventure Day Tour

Jeongbang Falls

Situated at a high cliff by the sea, Jeongbang Falls is the only waterfall in Asia to fall directly into the ocean. It is one of the most visited famous waterfalls in Jeju Island.

There are flights of stairs to get to the Jeongbang Falls. You can get even closer to this grand waterfall by venture in with some loose rocks. But please be extra careful as it can be dangerous. There is another Sojeongbang Waterfall located at east of Jeongbang Falls if you want to spend more time on the waterfall.

Cheonjeyeon Falls

While Cheonjeyeon Waterfall is known as “The pond of Emperor of Heaven” with the legend behind on how seven fairies took care of the king by playing in the pond every night.

Being one of the three famous waterfalls in Seogwipo, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall is a three-tier waterfall and the largest one among the three falls. You will need to have a walk for some long trail to see all the three tiers. It is surrounded by rare species of subtropical flora which value for scientific research.

There is a famous arch bridge called the “Seonimgyo Bridge” which means the seven nymphs bridge. It connects Cheonjeyeon Falls with the Jungmum Tourist Complex. This bridge provides visitors a spectacular view of all three falls.

Cheonjiyeon Falls

Not to mistake by Cheonjeyeon Falls, the Cheonjiyeon Falls is a peaceful stop to see the gushing waterfall. Known as Pond of God which derives from the legend that seven fairies serving the King of Heaven came down to the pond and bathed in the waters. It is a beautiful waterfall with light illumination up at nigh.

You can also take a glimpse of tropical nature by taking a relaxing stroll at the 1-kilometer walking path.

Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff

The eruption of Mt Hallasan formed up this one of the best sights in South Jeju. This spectacular Daepo Jusangjeolli is a cliff formation when the lava erupted into the Jungmun sea.

You can walk to the viewing platform to see the beautiful cliff. There are various shapes such as pillar, hexagons and cubes rock with blue water keep crashing on the rock. A great scenery for pictures and relaxing stroll.

Oedolgae Rock

Known also as Changgun Rock, Oedolgae Rock is a quirky rock formation rises above the sea. This towering natural wonder is surrounded by cliff and best to visit during sunset. A short walk will lead you to the view the Oedolgae Rock from different angles.

It is worth a brief stopover or plan for a lovely walk along the coast. It is part of the Olle Trail No.7 in Seogwipo, the popular walking trail at Jeju Island. So if you are coming for trekking, be prepare for 2 hours for it.

Besides, the beauty of Oedolgae Rock has been filmed under the famous Korean drama “Jewel in the Palace”. So Korea drama fans must be happy to see it.

Teddy Bear Museum

For sure Teddy bear lover go crazy here. The Teddy Bear Museum is a dedicated place with hundreds of teddy bears from all over the world. It truly is a fun time to find such many teddy bears throughout the museum. Some of the teddy bears are designed and created by hand.

You can walk through the history of teddy bears in Main Hall, spot the smallest teddy in the world or meet the Mona Lisa Bear in the museum. It is a great place for families with kids and anyone who loves furry bears.

Click here to purchase tickets to Teddy Bear Museum .

Seogwipo Submarine

A new experience in life to discover Jeju’s underwater world by submarine. The Seogwipo Submarine will bring you down to depths of 40 meters to see the undersea world without getting wet. It is a great place to marvel the marine life and surrounded by colorful sea life.

Book your tickets online for a discounted price .

Wind 1947 Go Cart Riding

If you’re tired for all the natural scenery, consider for riding the Go Cart in Jeju. The pleasure of stepping on the accelerator while listening to the motor sound is so much fun! The thrill of riding the cart while looking at Hallasan Mountain make this a pleasure driving experience. It’s super fun!

You can get the discount price for Wind 1947 Go Cart from Klook at cheaper price. It was nice to be able to make reservations faster and cheaper than other places

• Hello Kitty Land : Heaven for Hello Kitty fans, adults, kids and who always have a little princess by heart.
• Teddy Bear Museum : Dedicated place with hundreds of teddy bears from all over the world.
• Seogwipo Submarine : Discover Jeju’s underwater world by submarine.

Things To Do in West Coast

Explore the Jeju West Coast for its beautiful coast, towering mountain, and taste on the top-notch quality green tea.

Things to do in Jeju West Coast :

• Hallim Park, a well maintained tranquil botanical garden.
• O’Sulloc Tea Museum and Innisfree’s Jeju House.
• Sanbangsan and Yongmeori coast.

Tour Recommended : Unparalleled nature in western Jeju – Western Island Exploration

Hallim Park

A well maintained tranquil botanical garden with a nice collection of flowers, cacti and bonsai trees. Hallim Park has many beautiful views inside for photo opportunities. Visitors can take slowly strolling through the different sections for plants and visit the underground caves.

There is also a very small folk village showing the olden days of Korea. Small animals such as peacock are roaming around you inside the park. A place best to spend leisurely for family with kids or senior citizens.

Besides, Hyeopjae Beach is located nearby. It is also best to visit beautiful beaches together and enjoy the ocean.

Hyeopjae Beach and GeumNeung Beach

Hyeopjae Beach is one of the best beaches in Jeju Island with glistening white sand and crystal clear blue sea. Dipped your toes into the water and enjoy the waves. It is the best place for relaxing stroll along the sandy beach.

Summer is the best time for water activities when the weather is not so cold. Else, it has also great scenery in winter too. Many Korean families with young children and couples are coming to enjoy their beach vacation here. Plenty of seaside café and restaurants around. So you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and admire the surrounding. You can also walk to the GeumNeung Beach which located adjacent to the Hyeopjae Beach.

O’Sulloc Tea Museum

Don’t get mistaken for the name of the museum. O’Sulloc Tea Museum is a tea house with an exhibition for green tea and teacups from different countries. You can learn about Korean tea culture and try on different types of tea in the O’Sulloc Tea Museum. But most of the people are visiting the O’Sulloc Café for their green tea dessert and drinks.

Enjoy a Hallabong (Jeju Mandarin orange) drink or green tea-infused desserts in the indoor garden or on the observatory deck. After the snack, take a short walk to the tea plantations opposite the museum.

You can visit the Innisfree’s Jeju House besides. This is where you can buy their product or join the handmade

Sanbangsan Mountain

Similar to most of the best attractions in Jeju, Sanbangsan believed to be formed by the volcanic lava from Mt. Hallasan. It houses a nice temple at the base of the mountain called Sanbanggulsa (산방굴사). Further up to the mountain with some flights of stairs, there is another Bomunsa Temple with Buddha sitting in the cave. It takes a little effort to get up to the cave and can be a little tough for the elderly.

It is a great place for a photo with a stunning view of the town and ocean. During March, this area is very beautiful with a canola field in front of the mountain. There are paid fields if you want to take photos with better view costs around ₩1,000.

Yongmeori Coast

Also, know as Dragon Head cliff, Yongmeori Coast is a rocky coastline where Mt Sanbangsan stretches into the ocean. It is named due to it look like the dragon head goes into water.

Yongmeori coast is a unique cliff erosion and fantastic lava rock formation. You can enjoy beautiful coast walk with a stunning view along the rocky trail. But be careful as it can be rather slippery due to waves keep on slashing to the shore. Added, there are steep stairs when you go to the left entrance/exit.

Hanyeos are selling seafood if you want to try out some special food in Jeju. It is also the best place for canola flowers scattered around during March. But be prepare to pay for money to get into the flower field.

Things To Do Nearby Mt Hallasan

Mount hallasan.

Listed as UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites, Mt Hallasan is located in the center of Jeju Island. It is a dormant volcano with 368 parasitic volcanoes called Oreums (peaks) scattered around the main mountain.

Many hiking enthusiasm is coming to Jeju Island to conquer this highest mountain in Jeju Island. While Mount Hallasan only can plan for a day hike as it can be very dangerous at night. It has many hiking trails but the most common are five hiking routes that official listed. Hikers are rewarded with a huge beautiful crater lake as well as breath-taking views of Jeju at the peak. However, please take not only Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa can reach to the peak.

For those not up for a hike to the peak, Mount Hallasan also has seven scenic trails, each less than 10 kilometers.  There are also nearly 6000 species of plants and animals in the area, so nature lovers can knock themselves out! Do make sure you check the weather conditions before going and dress warmly as the winds can be quite strong.

Sangumburi Crater

An extinct volcano crater with a well-designed park to view on it. To get to Sangumburi Crater, you need to take an easy walk to the high viewpoints overlooking the crater. The view along the path to the crater is beautiful especially during sunset. Sangumburi Crater is also a UNESCO heritage site in Jeju.

In fall, there will be a silvery wheat field along the path which is amazing.

Things To Do in East Coast

For the most stunning and unique experience in Jeju, visit the Jeju east coast. There are a lot of interesting places to visit and see the unique part of Jeju’s cultural heritage.

Things To Do in Jeju East Coast:

• Seongsan Ilchulbong, Sunrise peak
• Udo Island, the miniature of Jeju Island.

Manjanggul Lava Cave

• Seopjikoji coast walk.
• Family activities in Aqua Planet.

Tour recommended : Nature and heritage abound in Jeju’s east – Eastern Jeju Discovery

Seongsan Ilchulbong

The Seongsan Ilchulbong is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Jeju. It is an extinct volcano with a huge crater at the top. It rose from the sea more than 100,000 years ago in a series of volcanic eruptions. This UNESCO Heritage Site is one of Jeju’s must-see natural attractions.

Known as Sunrise Peak, Seongsan Ilchulbong is also the best place for its incredible sunrise views. Korean are coming here to celebrate their New Year with the first sunrise of the year. Depend on your physical fitness, the hike to the peak of Seongsan Ilchubong is rather steep. It is a mix of paved paths and wooden stairs. But still can be manageable at about 30 minutes to one hour. We highly encourage you to climb up to the peak as the scenic view is well worth it. It is the best place to visit the beautiful geographical landscape in Jeju. Remember to bring along a jacket as it can be windy.

The best time to visit Seongsan Ilchubong is early morning as the tour buses normally arrived in the afternoon. But if you’re there during the afternoon instead, remember to catch the haenyeo performance at 1:30 pm.

In spring, the Seongsan Ilchubong is surrounding with yellow rapeseed flowers in full bloom.

The U-do means ‘the shape of laying down cow’. It is a miniature of Jeju with beaches and coastal scenery surrounded island. A 15 minutes ferry ride from Jeju will get you to Udo Island.

The round island journey can be tour within 4 hours or even a whole day. There are several types of transportation for you to choose from. For instance, Hop-on-hop-off buses, electric cars, motorcycles, electrical bicycles and even walking. International driving permit required for motorized vehicles.

In Udo Island, you can just go with the round island flow and stop at leisurely. There are several stops worth staying for pictures taking. Be sure to try its delicious peanut ice cream when visiting Udo Island.

Jeju is well known for its natural monuments and thus visiting the Manjanggul Lava Tube . For geological features to experience, considered to visit this finest lava tunnels in the world. It is one of the top 10 longest lava tubes in the world and stretches for 13.4 kilometers long. But for natural protection, only one kilometer is accessible to explore for visitors.

The visit to Manjanggul Cave is indeed a unique experience. It is well maintained and informative. There are proper explanation on how it was formed in Korean, English & Chinese language.

The temperature inside can go down to a range of 11°C to 21°C. So please along jacket as it can be chilly can cold. Added, make sure to wear shoes with good grip as the ground is uneven and slippery.

Seopjikoji Coast Walk

Located at the end of the eastern shore, Seopjikoji is a beautiful coastal area with cliffs and lighthouse. It is famous among KPOP fans as its appearance in Korean television dramas. But one can’t deny that the Seopjikoji coast walk is a stunning scenic walk for beautiful scenery. The view is very breathtaking during sunset.

This area is cover with canola flower is in blooms during Spring (March and April).

Aqua Planet

The Aqua Planet is one of the largest aquarium in Asia with many varieties of fishes and a huge aquarium. There are plenty to see and can get closer with marine animals such as stingrays, sharks, seals, penguins, and more.

Get Discounted ticket Aqua Planet Discount Ticket online via KLOOK

The entry is including with live shows such as animal feeding and female divers diving. Don’t miss it as it’s very interesting. Families can easily spend a few hours inside the aquarium. The best place for a family to bring their kids to spend the day in Jeju.

The admission fee is excessive, so it is recommended to book the Aqua Planet Discount ticket online via KLOOK . Easy to use and simple ticket redeemption by using the mobile or printed voucher. For people who love to visit the aquarium, this is the place to go.

Jeju Olle Trail Route

These outdoor activities is getting popular among travelers to Jeju. The island has a trail system called Jeju Olle Trail Route . It is a walking trail where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on the island. The trails will take you to the climb up the hills, rivers, beaches, into the woods, or walk along the coast on foot. There are even Jeju Olle Walking Festival organized every year.

Well, the most popular is Olle route 6 and 7 which classified as the most scenic and easiest route to walk on. You may check with the tourism organization for route recommendation which suitable for you. Highly recommended to natural lover to join at least one of the Olle trail.

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12 Best Experiences On Jeju Island, South Korea

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South Korea has been on my wish list of places to go because of Jeju Island. Several years ago, during a layover at Incheon Airport, I tried a cup of Starbucks green tea. My taste buds were overjoyed and I bought a box. I learned that it’s Jeju green tea made by Teavana. Once back in America, running out of said tea, I discovered American Starbucks doesn’t sell it and it’s $60 a box on Amazon. I vowed to one day go to South Korea just for Jeju tea.

While the dream of Starbucks green tea may have brought me to Jeju Island, I found so much more. It’s one of few places in my travels that I’d consider living full-time. The people are welcoming and you’ll fall in love with the stone guardians and smile at many people wearing ornaments of oranges in their hair! Here are some of my favorite experiences from my time on Jeju Island.

1. O’Sulloc Tea Museum

This is the place one goes for green tea. It’s not the Teavana I came for, but it’s also delicious. You can taste different tea varieties and the famous green tea ice cream in their café. You can purchase all their teas in the gift shop. They also offer tea classes; not all in English though. I suggest calling O’Sulloc before you visit to find out if you can take one of their tea classes, which requires a reservation.

The other attraction is the Innisfree Jeju House duty-free shop, located steps away from the tea shop. If you love Korean skincare and want to appreciate it on a budget, this brand is made with ingredients sourced from Jeju Island. Helpful staff will recommend what you should buy, and if you bring your passport, you’ll get a great discount.

2. Black Pork Barbecue

I’ve long loved bulgogi and dak gui — Korean barbecue. Jeju Island is known for its black pig, so-called because its fur is black. 

Pro Tip: Black pork is served with the gristle still on. If you cook it yourself, brown it a bit and then cut off the entire piece of gristle before cutting it up into finger-sized strips to eat. 

3. See The Women Divers

Jeju is also known for its women divers, called Jeju Haenyeo . What makes them so fascinating is the combination of diving without air tanks, reputedly holding their breath underwater for up to 3 minutes, and the ages of the divers — often in their 60s and 70s. They dive for seaweed, abalone, and other small mollusks that they sell. I got to witness the catch one day in Seogwipo but couldn’t understand how to order anything. With people paying about $50 USD for a plate of chopped mollusks, I regrettably left them untasted. I later found out they’re salty and chewy, so I’m glad I didn’t!

4. Themed Museums

I was surprised and amused at how many themed museums there are on Jeju. There’s a Teddy Bear Museum, a Museum of Sex and Health, and an Alive Museum to name a few. I went to the Hello Kitty Island museum for fun. While it certainly isn’t a place you’ll spend long amounts of time, it was quite amusing. If you’re looking to put a smile on your face, explore at least one of these fun museums.

5. Seogwipo Olle Market

Seogwipo is a city in the southwest of Jeju Island, and it became my favorite. While Jeju City is more built up, Seogwipo has a blend of small-town charm, oceanfront vistas, and even more beautiful views. The food market comes to life at night and offers the opportunity to try many different foods. One of the highlights for me was finding a woman who made a traditional seafood pancake, called haemul-pajeon . I was lucky that one of the merchant’s two tables freed up when my food was ready, so I grabbed a seat and ate it fresh. It was delicious. The only thing that made it better was the Korean couple I met at the other table giving me a taste of their makjeolli — a slightly sweet, low-proof alcohol that paired perfectly with dinner.

6. Drink Orange Juice

Jeju is known for its many varieties of oranges, which is why you’ll find so many souvenirs with the fruit. Make sure to try some while you’re there. While many places sell it in plastic bottles, I recommend waiting until you find a place that serves it freshly squeezed. Depending on which season you go, this may take some effort, but it’s worth it.

7. The Artist District In Seogwipo

One of my favorite streets in Seogwipo is Lee Jung Seop Street. It’s named for the artist that used to live there and is full of quirky shops and art. I happened into an arts center where I could have sat down and joined people painting. There’s also a museum full of Lee Jung Seop’s artwork. Unfortunately, it was closed the day I had planned to visit. 

Pro Tip: Make sure to check opening days and times for any museum you plan to visit on Jeju. They may not be what you expect.

8. Hallim Park

I’ve loved bonsai plants for years. To me, they are miniature trees about the size of your hand. Here on Jeju, there’s a park where they grow full-sized bonsai trees; they’re enormous and fascinating to see if you’re used to the smaller ones. There are also two caves to walk through. One of them has a pillar that — allegedly — makes you smarter if you walk around it. I’m confident that my amble around it made me infinitely more intelligent.

9. Cheonjiyeon And Jeongbang Waterfalls 

Two of my favorite afternoons were spent at waterfalls. They are 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) apart, so it’s easy to visit both in a day. Cheonjiyeon offers a breathtaking vista of the layers of trees in the distance, as well as a beautiful bridge. Jeongbang is the only waterfall in Korea that drops directly into the sea. It offers lovely views and I enjoyed sitting on a rock in the Sun and relaxing during my time there. 

Pro Tip: Eat at the small restaurant when you exit. It has some of the best seafood soup I had in South Korea.

10. Saeyeongyo Bridge And Saeseom Island In Seogwipo

One of my favorite activities was my walk to the famous bridge located in Seogwipo. The bridge itself is beautiful, and on the other side, there’s a path to Saeseom Island. I walked around the island and met many friendly passersby. I enjoyed the nature, water, and views of the island and happily spent about an hour here. The walk is easy, even if you have knee challenges.

11. Hyeopjae Beach

It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of the color juxtaposition in the sand meeting the sea while gazing out at Biyangdo Island in the near distance. As you walk along the beach, you’ll find beautiful rocks and some statues of the powerful women that are so important to Jeju’s history.

12. Hwanguji Coastline Walk

The view is one of the most stunning I’ve seen on all of Jeju. I recommend walking from the Saeyeongyo Bridge (if you’re able to handle a fairly steep uphill walk) and stopping off at Blossom for a coffee or snack on your way. If you do, make sure to head upstairs for some stunning views of Mount Hallasan while you enjoy your coffee. From here, it’s a 10-minute walk to Hwanguji. The natural rock formations combined with the beautiful water color will leave you speechless. 

Pro Tip: The walk down to the rocks is steep.

There’s so much more to see on Jeju Island, it would take a novel to cover everything. Suffice to say, Jeju Island is well worth the trip and should be put on your list of must-see destinations.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visiting South Korea (Update)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Traveling Jeju By Bus

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

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

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

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

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

Driving in Jeju

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to see reviews of Jeju accomodation on Agoda.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Western Jeju-do

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jeju Itinerary Day 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jeju Itinerary Day 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jeju Itinerary Day 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Population: ~600,000 people.

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

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

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

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

Best Time to Visit Jeju

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

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

Safety Level: 10/10

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

Sample Jeju Budget: 3 Days

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

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

Total : $250USD

Basic Korean Lesson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lesson complete! Now let's pack.

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

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

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

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

More South Korea Travel & Life

Reader Interactions

Roxane Cordisco

February 17, 2024 at 9:35 am

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

February 19, 2024 at 1:48 pm

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

Danielle Ziss

February 06, 2024 at 2:11 pm

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

February 06, 2024 at 2:18 pm

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

January 01, 2024 at 8:14 am

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

January 04, 2024 at 1:31 pm

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

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

September 10, 2023 at 5:54 am

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

September 10, 2023 at 8:08 pm

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

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Touropia Travel Experts

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12 Top Tourist Attractions in Jeju Island

Lying in the Korea Strait, just to the south of mainland South Korea, Jeju is the largest island in the nation and is a very popular tourist destination amongst both Koreans and foreigners alike. Besides its incredible scenery and natural riches, the island’s enduring popularity is in part down to the fact that South Koreans weren’t permitted to travel abroad until the late 1980s.

This meant that the island was developed as a holiday destination, and there are loads of hotels, restaurants, shops and tourist attractions in Jeju to check out, as well as a number of fascinating museums and quirky theme parks.

Meaning ‘huge village across the sea,’ Jeju has its own distinct culture, which is quite different from that of the mainland; this is evident in its two main cities of Jeju City and Seogwipo. The main reason that people visit, however, is to unwind and enjoy its marvelous outdoors. With its gorgeous countryside and jagged coastline dotted with stunning beaches, Jeju Island has a plethora of lovely scenery and fantastic recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

12. Jeju Stone Park

Full of interesting looking rocks and sculptures, Jeju Stone Park is a great place to head to if you want to learn more about the island’s rich cultural heritage. Myths and legends have long swirled around Jeju’s many natural wonders. As such, many of the rocks in the park represent folklore tales that have been passed down from generation to generation.

For instance, the distinctive Dol Hareubang sculptures – or ‘grandfather rocks’ as they are commonly called – are said to protect the island and ward off evil spirits. Set among some wonderful countryside, the solemn-looking rocks of Jeju Stone Park certainly do look very impressive, and the stories behind them make them come alive before your eyes.

11. Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff

Somewhat similar in appearance to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway in Northern Island, Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff is a spectacular rock formation that is well worth checking out if you have the chance. Now a Natural Monument, the jagged cliff was formed when Hallasan Mountain erupted; the cooling lava created the beautiful formations we see today.

Lying along the island’s southern coastline, Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff looks particularly spectacular when a large wave crashes against the rocks. From amid the surf, you can see its peculiar square and hexagon shapes re-emerge before you.

10. Dongmun Market

Established all the way back in 1945, Dongmun Market’s many shops and stands sell everything under the sun, with glistening fresh fish displays lying next to stalls laden with fruits, vegetables, meat, and more.

As vendors also sell clothes, stationery, and souvenirs, it is just as popular with tourists as it is with locals, and wandering around is a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening.

There is loads of delicious local food to be had in the market. As dusk falls, people head here to enjoy its fabulous street food, with dumplings and seafood being particularly popular. As it is a traditional market, Dongmun is a great place to visit if you want to get a taste for local life in Jeju City.

9. Jeongbang Waterfall

Lying on the outskirts of Seogwipo, Jeongbang is one of the most famous waterfalls on the island, and with good reason. Shooting off the top of a cliff, Jeongbang’s white waters plunge directly into the ocean below. It is remarkably the only waterfall to do so in the whole of Asia.

Towering to a height of 23 meters, the majestic falls certainly make for a dashing sight, as rugged rocks and tree-topped cliffs lie to either side of it. There aren’t many other waterfalls like it in the world.

To get up close to Jeongbang, visitors need to clamber over a series of boulders and loose stones. As these can get quite slippery with the waterfall’s spray, it is a good idea to wear comfortable shoes.

8. Hallim Park

Offering up the perfect mix of culture and nature, Hallim Park has something for everyone in the family to enjoy; there is even a children’s amusement park for young ones to get a thrill out of. Covering a vast area in the northwest of the island, Hallim Park has lots of delightful gardens for you to wander around, and each of them has a different theme or look with various types of fauna and flora on show.

Tucked away amongst its bonsai, water, and palm tree gardens are a small zoo, a charming little restaurant, and a traditional folk village where you can learn more about Jeju’s local culture and customs. On top of all of this, its two main attractions are the enthralling caves of Ssangyonggul and Hyeopjaegul, which you can venture inside to take a look at.

7. Hyeopjae Beach

Blessed with dazzlingly bright white sands and sparkling turquoise waters, Hyeopjae Beach in the west of Jeju Island certainly paints a very pretty picture. While its warm sands are perfect for lounging peacefully on, its inviting waters make for some great swimming, and the views out over the nearby Biyangdo Island are simply stunning.

As there are several restaurants and cafes lying along the beach, with amenities such as changing rooms, showers, and parasols all on offer, you can easily spend a whole day or more relaxing at Hyeopjae Beach.

6. Spirited Garden

With its peaceful look and feel, the immaculately presented Spirited Garden is a delight to stroll around. Centuries-old bonsai trees lie alongside rambling hills, picturesque stone bridges, and gently gurgling waterfalls. Designed to set your soul at ease, the garden was founded all the way back in 1968 by Bum-Young Sung.

Since then, numerous important heads of state have strolled around its harmonious landscapes. Representing both the nature and beauty of Jeju, the Spirited Garden is a fascinating blend of art, nature, and philosophy, and is definitely worth visiting if you have the chance.

5. Manjanggul Cave

Formed hundreds of thousands of years ago, Manjanggul Cave is one of the largest and longest lava tube caves in the world and is a very popular draw among tourists. Measuring up to 30 meters high and 23 meters wide, the cave stretches for a staggering nine kilometers.

It is these dimensions that make walking along the one kilometer of the enormous cave that is open to the public so impressive. On the way, you’ll pass lots of beautiful stalagmites, stalactites, and rock formations.

Besides simply enjoying being in such a unique place, the main attraction is the gigantic 7.8-meter-high lava column that lies at one end of it – the tallest such structure in the world. With bats flitting about here and there and softly-lit lava creations wherever you look, exploring Manjanggul Cave certainly makes for a memorable experience.

4. Hamdeok Beach

Lying just half an hour to the east of Jeju City, Hamdeok Beach’s soft sands and shallow waters make it a popular place to visit with families, especially during the warm summer months.

While much of the beach disappears at high tide, when the waters retreat, a huge sand bar emerges. This is delightful to stroll along, with the glimmering turquoise waters lying all around you.

Bordered by rocky islets and rolling hills with the town of Jocheon lying behind it, the beach is set amid some wonderful scenery, and there are some lovely coastal hikes you can do nearby. In addition to the changing rooms and deckchairs you can find along its golden sands, there are also lots of restaurants, cafes, and hotels for you to choose from.

From Hamdeok Beach, the Korea Strait has lots of fantastic watersports, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and water skiing for visitors to enjoy, while paddling in its waters or swimming in the sea is always delightful.

3. Hallasan National Park

Centered around Hallasan, the highest peak in the country, the national park of the same name will delight nature lovers and outdoor aficionados in equal measure. Towering to a height of 1,950 meters, Hallasan lies right at the heart of Jeju itself, and the dormant volcano’s lofty peak can be seen from almost everywhere on the island.

Snaking their way up the side of the mountain are many different trails and paths for you to hike along. Each of them offers astounding views of the surrounding countryside down below.

Believed by locals to be inhabited by spirits and gods, Hallasan actually boasts some very distinct fauna and flora due to it having been separated from the mainland for so many millennia. With flower-filled meadows and lush forests found within its confines, the park has lots of beautiful scenery for you to revel in; Baengnokdam crater lake is just one of its many highlights.

2. Udo Island

Blessed with rugged natural beauty, Udo Island’s splendid scenery has long attracted visitors to its shores. Over the years, it has even appeared in a couple of Korean films. Literally named ‘Cow Island’ due to its apparent resemblance to a cow lying down, Udo does have a very rural look and feel to it, with agriculture being the main source of its inhabitants’ income besides tourism.

Surrounded by jagged cliffs that are punctuated by desolate yet breathtaking beaches, Udo Island is just a short ferry ride away from the village of Seongsan-ri in the east of Jeju. As well as exploring all its natural sights, visitors can take a trip to see its charming little lighthouse or check out its museum on local marine and insect life. In total, it only takes around an hour to drive around the whole island.

1. Seongsan Ilchulbong

Also known as Sunrise Peak, the volcanic crater of Seongsan Ilchulbong is Jeju’s most famous and iconic attraction. Wherever you go on the island, you’ll see photos and tour operators advertising trips to go and see it.

Formed some five thousand years ago by a volcanic eruption, its distinctive bowl-like shape rises dramatically up above the sea and the waves that pound its steep cliffs.

It takes around half an hour to hike the 180 meters to its summit. From its ridge, you can enjoy breathtaking views out over the ocean, Udo Island, and Jeju itself. As its nickname may indicate, a particularly great time of day to visit is at sunrise, when you can witness the sun slowly inch its way above the horizon, lighting up the waters before you.

Not to be missed out on, Seongsan Ilchulbong and its unique landscape are the most impressive sights you can expect to see in Jeju Island.

Best Time to Visit Jeju Island

As it is a hugely popular holiday and honeymoon destination for both Koreans and Chinese, the gorgeous Jeju Island is quite crowded year-round. The most popular months to visit are from March to November though each of its four distinct seasons offers something different.

The spring and autumn months, so March to May and September to November, are normally considered the best time to visit. Average temperatures of 12 to 26°C (53 to 79°F) are perfect for exploring its volcanic landscapes and visiting its unusual theme parks.

These seasons are particularly picturesque thanks to their blossoming flowers and glittering golden leaves. Numerous fun events are also held such as the Canola Flower Festival in April and Tamna Cultural Festival in October.

While the hot summer months are best for beach activities and watersports, June through to mid-September also sees huge amounts of rain. Despite the high humidity and possibility of typhoons, this is when the island is at its busiest and most expensive.

As December to March is very quiet on Jeju Island, there are some fabulous deals to be had, though most people are put off by the cold, windy weather. Its rugged landscapes look quite romantic in the winter with some spending Christmas and New Year’s here.

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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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March 29, 2024

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Jeju Island: Top 10 Places You Must See

To countless devotees,  Jeju Island is, without a doubt, the best vacation spot in Korea.  Known as the Hawaii of Korea, Jeju Island makes people feel as if they are worlds away from the Korean peninsula with its beautiful tropical landscapes. Jeju Island has everything you need or want for your perfect vacation escape from magnificent Halla Mountain to amazing seasides.

To travel to Jeju Island, it is best to plan to do it in three parts: one day in Jeju City, the west and Halla Mountain, the second day in the south, and the third day in Udo Island and the east. There are so many things to see in Jeju Island.  A good strategy is to travel to Jeju Island for 3 nights and 4 days if you want to enjoy the Island to the fullest.  We would like to guide you with these recommendations and we hope this will help you to enjoy Jeju Island fullest.

Jeju-si, Western Jeju-si, and Halla Mountain

1.  yongduam rock ( 용두암 ).

Yongduam-gil, Yongdam 2 dong Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Yongduam Rock is located right at the north shoreline of Jeju-si right by Jeju International Airport. It is the one of most famous landmarks on Jeju Island. This breathtaking rock formation was named Yongduam after the shape of a dragon rising from the sea in a roar. It is said that the height of the exposed part is about 10m and the length of the body submerged in the sea is about 30m which looks like a dragon wriggling.

According to Yongduam Rock’s legend, deep in the sea in Yongdam-dong, Jeju, there lived an Imoogi who wanted to become a dragon. To become a dragon, it had to stay in the darkness for a thousand years. The Imoogi so desperately wanted to become a dragon and ascend to the sky that it endured a thousand years of total darkness.

Finally, a thousand years passed, and the dragon ascended to the sky with flashing blue scales, a long beard, and sharp feet. Soon after, however, it was hit by an arrow shot by the god of Hallasan and fell back into the sea. The dragon fell into the sea but felt so enraged that all its efforts became meaningless that it raised its head above the sea and roared before turning into a rock.

2.  Halla Arboretum ( 한라수목원 )

72 Sumogwon-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Halla Arboretum is a perfect place to see and experience various species of plant and tree species on Jeju Island. Halla Arboretum, located at the foot of Gwangi Oreum (”oreum,” Jeju dialect meaning peak) along 1100 Road in Yeondong, Jeju City, is an arboretum where over 1,100 species of plants, including Jeju’s native trees and subtropical plants, are planted and displayed and serves as a place for education and research for students and professionals.

In particular, the forest bathing area, which is around 40 acres in size, is about a mile walking course that goes up almost to the top of the mountain and then down. This beautiful walking trail attracts many people who want to exercise early in the morning, and many families and tourists come here on weekends.

3.  Hallasan National Park ( 한라산 국립공원 )

2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Hallasan Mountain stands proudly at the center of Jeju Island and is the island’s most memorable landmark. Also called Yeongjusan Mountain, meaning “mountain high enough to pull the galaxy.”

It is of great academic value due to its diverse vegetation distribution and is a treasure trove of flora and fauna. It was designated and protected as Hallasan Natural Reserve, Natural Monument No. 182, on October 12, 1966. Also designated as a national park in 1970, there are 368 parasitic cones called “oreum” (Jeju dialect meaning peak) around the main mountain. It was designated as a national park on March 24, 1970, and a UNESCO biosphere reserve in December 2002.

Hallasan Mountain is one of the three most sacred mountains on the Korean Peninsula along with Jiri Mountain and North Korea’s Geumgang Mountain, is located at the southernmost tip of the Korean Peninsula and is the highest mountain in South Korea at 1,950 meters above sea level.

Hallasan Moutain is also known for its beautiful hiking trails and people from all over Korea and the world come here to hike and enjoy this magnificent mountain.  There are 5 trails on the mountain where you can go up to its crater but only 2 of those will take you to the summit, Baekrokdam, The Top of South Korea.  Here is the list of those 5 trails:

• Gwaneumsa Trail – 8.7km (one-way) and 8-10 hours return hike (the BEST views!)
• Seongpanak Trail – 9.6km (one-way) and 7-9 hours return hike (the EASIEST hike!)
• Eorimok Trail  – 4.7km (one-way) and 2.5 hours return hike
• Yeongsil Trail – 3.7km (one-way) and 2 hours return hike
• Donnaeko Trail – 9.6 km (one-way) and 6 hours return hike

Western Seogwipo-si and Seogwipo-si

4.  osulloc tea museum ( 오설록 티 뮤지엄 ).

15 Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

O’Sulloc opened on September 1, 2001, and travelers visiting from all over the world enjoy its majestic green tea fields, which is an amazing place to take the perfect Instagram pictures. It is Korea’s first museum dedicated to tea, and its official name is O’Sulloc Tea Museum. (The “O” in “O’Sulloc” means “enjoy” but also means “origin” as in the origin of sulloc tea.)

The interior of the O’Sulloc Tea Museum is a cultural space where Eastern and Western traditions and modernity come together. The museum also runs a Korean traditional tea ceremony experience program to help you understand Korean green tea and other traditional tea culture. You can enjoy a unique experience right there at the museum. You can also taste warm Jeju Island green tea roasted on-site by a tea master.

There are vast Korean green tea selections here and they are all remarkable. Also, they serve delicious Korean desserts made with green tea and other local ingredients. You must try those desserts. They are all good!

5.  Jungmun Tourist Complex ( 중문관광단지 )

Saekdal-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Jungmun Tourist Complex is a multi-tourism area of Jejudo Island and the largest resort in Korea. It is an international tourist resort built by the Korea Tourism Organization in the Jungmun, Daepo, and Saekdal-dong areas of Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do since 1978. The complex takes advantage of Jeju’s unique natural scenery and geographical conditions.

As the most expansive tourist resort in Korea, Jungmun Tourist Complex has 9 top-class hotels, including: Shilla Hotel , Lotte Hotel , Grand Chosun Hotel , Suite Hotel , Booyoung Hotel , CS Hotel , Bloom Hotel , Hyatt Hotel (currently remodeling), and Korea Condo (currently remodeling). Tourist attractions include: Yeomiji Botanical Garden , Teddy Bear Museum , Grim Forest , Alive Museum , Chocolate Land , Jeju International Peace Center , Cheonjeyeon Falls , Columnar Joints , and Jungmun Golf Club .

In particular be sure to check out Jungmun Saekdal Beach , where you can enjoy marine leisure sports such as surfing, yachting, and parasailing, as well as ocean-view cafes and walking trails, has recently been in the spotlight.

6.  Cheonjiyeon Water Falls ( 천지연폭포 )

2-15, Namseongjung-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Korea

Cheonjiyeon means a pond where heaven and earth meet. The length of the waterfall is 22m and the depth of the pond below is 20m, so this beautiful fall is truly called the pond where heaven and earth meet.

A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Cheonjiyeon Falls is a place where people of all ages can comfortably walk while appreciating nature because on the southwest side of Cheonjiyeon Falls, evergreen trees and orchid trees, such as old pine trees and camellia trees, grow thickly, forming a subtropical forest. It is cool even in the middle of summer, and the trail is well-made of basalt.

You will also be able to enjoy this stunning attraction at night since they do not close until 10 pm.

7.  Soesokkak Estuary ( 쇠소깍 )

138 Soesokkak-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Soesokkak is located at the end of Hyodoncheon Stream, which is a stream of water from Hallasan Mountain that flows south to Jeju Island. Soesokkak is a deep formation created when freshwater and seawater from Hyodoncheon meet. “Soeso” means a pond shaped like a cow lying down and “Kak” means the final end.

The freshwater reflecting on the rocks of Soesokkak is exceptionally blue and clear, creating a spectacular view of the dark gray strangely shaped rocks. It is a place that connects Jeju Olle Courses 5 and 6, so it is visited by many Olle climbers.

If you continue down the promenade, you will reach Hahyo Soesokkak Beach, famous for its black sand. The Soesokkak Festival is held between July and August, where you can experience various events such as catching fish with your bare hands and walking down Daureong-gil.

If you go down the Damsu promenade, there is a small boarding area where you can ride a traditional wooden boat that seats several people or just two people. You can enjoy the quiet of nature to the fullest amidst the spectacular scenery of strangely shaped rocks.

The East Part of Jeju Island

8.  bijarim forest ( 비자림 ).

55 Bijasup-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Bijarim , a Jeju gotjawal, is home to 2,900 nutmeg trees ranging from 500 to 800 years old. The entire forest has been designated as a natural monument.

You can find a variety of nutmeg trees, from trees struck by lightning to Areumtree trees that feel like they have been around for a long time. In addition to nutmeg trees, various tree species such as maple trees and silverberry trees fill the forest.

The Bijarim Trail is divided into A and B courses. You can walk any course, but Course B is tougher with a somewhat rougher and rockier path.

As you walk along a refreshing trail filled with phytoncide, you will naturally fall in love with the charm of forest bathing with a pleasant scent spreading from the forest entrance.

9. Seongsan Ilchulbong ( 성산 일출봉 )

284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, is unlike other volcanic cones on Jeju Island. It was formed when magma erupted from under the water. As the hot magma erupted during volcanic activity, it met cold seawater, forming volcanic ash; this ash retained a lot of moisture and grew sticky, forming layers that eventually became Seongsan Ilchulbong.

The sedimentary layers near the sea were eroded by waves and currents, creating the steep slopes they have today. When it was created, it became an island separate from the mainland of Jeju. As sand and gravel piled up around it, a road formed that connected it to the mainland at low tide. In 1940, a road was constructed here, and it is now perfectly connected to the mainland.

When you climb to the top, you can see a crater with a width of about 65 acres, which is concave like a bowl and has grass such as silver grass growing inside. There are 99 high peaks (rocks) surrounding the crater. It was named ”Seongsan” because it looks like a huge castle, and ”Ilchulbong’’ because the view of the sun rising is spectacular.

The steep stairs leading to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong may get you winded, but it is possible to reach the top in 20 minutes. At the top, the view of the wide crater and the ocean spreading out behind it gives a majestic feeling that is completely different from other Oreums in Jeju. Since ancient times, the sunrise view seen from the top of this place has been said to be the best among the 10 scenic spots in Yeongju (Jeju’s scenic spots), and the Seongsan Sunrise Festival is held every year on December 31st.

10.  Udo ( 우도 )

Udo-myeon, Jeju City, Jeju-do, South Korea

Udo Island is a lava plateau formed after volcanic eruptions that is 3.8km off the coast of Jeju Island. Udo   is an island adjacent to the eastern end of Jeju Island and is the second largest island in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province after Jeju Island. The name Udo was given because the island looks like a cow lying down.

This beautiful Island is absolutely worth a detour if you have time. To go to Udo, you have to take a ferry from Seongsan Port and you can explore Udo Island for a half-day. The ferry leaves for Udo every 30 minutes, the first one leaves at 7:30 am.  Please remember that the last ferry from Udo to Seongsan departs around 5:00 pm.

The best way to travel on the Island is to rent a scooter!   Hagosudong Beach , Mangru Lighthouse , Hongjodangoe (Coralsand beach), and Udo Lighthouse are the must-visit places in Udo.

Udo is known to have excellent food made with peanuts.  So you have to try peanut ice creams there as well.

Author:  Hanyoo Park

Hanyoo Park is a content creator for Best of Korea. She was born in Seoul, Korea, and currently lives and works in Manhattan. She is a mom to a middle schooler and a proud maximalist who loves everything about life. Read More From Hanyoo Park

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5 Must-Visit Spring Travel Destinations in South Korea

① the representative flower festival of south jeolla province.

G urye in South Jeolla Province stands out as Korea’s prime spring travel destination. When spring comes, the Gurye Cornelian Cherry Festival is held as the cornelian cherry flowers bloom on the foothills of Jirisan. The cornelian cherries start to show their beauty in March. You can also enjoy the cherry blossom path along the Seomjin River and the bright yellow cornelian cherries.

The cherry blossom drive along the Seomjin River has been selected as one of Korea’s 100 most beautiful roads. This year’s Gurye Cornelian Cherry Festival will occur from March 9th to March 17th. The festival plans to create a lively atmosphere with various street performances, Trot song performances, and traditional Korean music performances. Traditional game experience events and traditional tea tasting will also be held.

The street is full of various experiences, making it a great family travel destination to visit with children.

• Address: 45 Sangwan 1-gil, Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
• Festival Schedule: 03.09 – 03.17

The Gwangyang Maehwa Festival is held in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province. Gwangyang is a travel destination where you can enjoy the plum blossoms along the Seomjin River. It is also known as one of the country’s most beautiful plum blossom spots.

Plum trees grow along the Seomjin River in Seomjin Village in Gwangyang. In March, white plum blossoms cover the neighborhood. The Gwangyang Maehwa Festival is a representative spring festival that attracts over a million tourists annually.

There are exhibitions, performances, and experience events along with the plum blossoms. You can participate in the plum party, barefoot walk along the Seomjin River, and plum highball experience.

• Address: 1563-1 Seomjingang Maehwa-ro, Daap-myeon, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do
• Festival Schedule: 03.08 – 03.17
• Admission Fee: $3.76

② Famous Spring Travel Destinations in Gyeongnam

Not only Gwangyang but also Yangsan are famous for their plum blossoms. The Wondong Maehwa Festival takes place in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do. The Wondong Maehwa Festival will start on March 9th.

Every March, the Wondong area becomes a spectacle as plum blossoms bloom. The area is famous for its beautiful natural scenery, and in spring, it is adorned with plum blossoms. The scenery of plum blossoms harmonized with the Nakdong River is quite stunning. The entire Wondong Village, where the plum blossom festival is held, turns into a festival venue. During the festival, there is food, and you can experience streets and flower viewing.

In addition to the plum blossom festival, the Wondong Water Celery Festival, which runs from February 23rd to April 30th, is also in full swing in Yangsan.

• Address: 2220 Wondong-ro, Wondong-myeon, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Jinhae is a place where a representative spring festival is held. In Jinhae, you can enjoy one of the nation’s top cherry blossom festivals. Every spring, the “Jinhae Gunhangje Festival” begins. At the end of March, various places in Jinhae will be covered with cherry blossoms.

Many people are likely looking forward to the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival as spring begins. Jinhae, filled with 360,000 cherry trees, is a cherry blossom attraction throughout the city. Famous places to enjoy cherry blossoms in Jinhae include Yeojwacheon, Jehwangsan Park, Jangboksan Park, and the Environmental Ecology Park.

Among them, the “Romance Bridge” of Yeojwacheon has cherry trees lined up along a 1.5km (approximately 0.93 miles) stream. It’s a place that offers a romantic atmosphere where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms more than anywhere else. It was also introduced in “50 Places to Visit in Korea,” selected by the U.S. broadcaster CNN.

Last year’s Jinhae Gunhangje Festival attracted 4.5 million tourists. This year, it is expected that a large number of tourists will revisit Jinhae.

• Address: 217 Yeojwa-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
• Festival Schedule: 03.23 – 04.01

③ Jeju Island’s Canola Flowers Already in Full Bloom

In Jeju, the canola flowers are already in full bloom. You can’t leave out canola flowers when traveling to Jeju in the spring. The yellow canola flowers are in full bloom in areas such as Sanbangsan and Seongsan Ilchulbong. Jeju has various canola flower attractions, so you can enjoy a more abundant trip when spring comes.

The Seogwipo Canola Flower Festival is held in the Canola Flower Square area in Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si. Noksan-ro, selected as one of the 100 most beautiful roads in Korea, is full of canola flowers and cherry blossoms along its 10km (approximately 6.21 miles) path. This is a representative spring drive course on Jeju Island, which many tourists visit yearly.

This place is considered the first of the ten scenic views in Gasi-ri Village. During the festival, it operates as a pedestrian-only road, so you can enjoy a walk while admiring the canola and cherry blossoms.

In Jeju, you can enjoy canola flowers at Hueree Canola Flower Field, Eongdongmul Valley, Seopjikoji, Seoubong Beach, and Udo.

• Address: Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

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Wanted in South Korea: Imperialism-Free Cherry Blossoms

Activists want to replace a variety of cherry tree associated with the Japanese colonial era with one they say is Korean. The science is messy.

Cherry trees on the verge of blooming in Gyeongju, South Korea, last week. Credit... By Chang W. Lee/the New York Times

Supported by

By John Yoon ,  Mike Ives and Hisako Ueno

Photographs and Video by Chang W. Lee

John Yoon and Chang W. Lee reported from Gyeongju, South Korea. Mike Ives reported from Seoul, and Hisako Ueno from Tokyo.

• March 29, 2024

Shin Joon Hwan, an ecologist, walked along a road lined with cherry trees on the verge of blooming last week, examining the fine hairs around their dark red buds.

The flowers in Gyeongju, South Korea, an ancient capital, belong to a common Japanese variety called the Yoshino, or Tokyo cherry. Mr. Shin’s advocacy group wants to replace those trees with a kind that it insists is native to South Korea, called the king cherry.

“These are Japanese trees that are growing here, in the land of our ancestors,” said Mr. Shin, 67, a former director of South Korea’s national arboretum.

Mr. Shin’s nascent project, with a few dozen members, is the latest wrinkle in a complex debate over the origins of South Korea’s cherry trees. The science has been entangled with more than a century of nationalist propaganda and genetic evolution.

Cherry blossoms, celebrated by poets as symbols of impermanence, occupy a major place in Japanese culture . In medieval times they were associated with elite warriors, the “flower among flowers,” said Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney, an anthropologist who has written about the cherry tree.

During the Edo period, which began in the 17th century, the blossoms were nationalized as a symbol of Japanese identity, she said. And propagandists in Japan’s 20th-century military government compared killed soldiers to falling cherry petals, saying they had died after a “brief but beautiful life.”

During Japan’s rule over the Korean Peninsula, from 1910 to 1945, Yoshinos were planted as part of an effort to instill “cultural refinement” in colonial subjects, said David Fedman, the author of “ Seeds of Control, ” a 2020 book about Japanese forestry in colonial Korea.

Yoshinos have been intertwined with the thorny politics of colonialism ever since. South Koreans have occasionally cut them down in protest. And some argue that Yoshinos, which Japanese officials also sent to the United States in the early 1900s, should be replaced with king cherries — distinguishable by the lack of hair on their buds — claiming the latter are more Korean.

The politics of cherry trees have ebbed and flowed along with Japanese-Korean relations, and nationalist claims about them have mostly crowded out scientific nuances, said Professor Fedman, who teaches history at the University of California, Irvine.

“Even the genetics look complicated, and don’t give us the easy answers that we’re looking for,” he said.

Mr. Shin’s project is a reaction to decisions made by the Japanese authorities more than a century ago.

In the early 1900s, Japanese scientists described king cherries, found on Jeju Island, south of the Korean Peninsula, as the parent of the Yoshino. The claim that Yoshinos originated on Jeju then motivated South Koreans to spread them throughout the country in the 1960s.

Scientists have since debunked that theory. But another — that king cherries are Korean — lives on.

The theory has its own critics.

Wybe Kuitert, a retired professor of environmental studies at Seoul National University, said that “king cherry” refers to a set of hybrids, not a species with a geographically defined habitat. He characterized efforts by Korean scientists to pinpoint a “correct,” or original, king cherry species as misguided.

“In such a mess of hybrids, which is the correct one?” he said. “You don’t know. You can’t decide it by genomic sequences or DNA sampling.”

But Seung-Chul Kim, an American plant taxonomist at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea, whose cherry research has been funded partly by the government, said the initiative to replace Yoshinos was worthwhile. Even if the evolutionary trajectory of king cherries is unclear, he said, they evolved independently on Jeju.

Only about 200 king cherries grow naturally in South Korea, Mr. Shin said. His group aspires to replace all of the country’s Yoshinos by 2050, when they near the end of their roughly 60-year life span.

“Ultimately, I’d like to see Yoshino cherries go away,” said Jin-Oh Hyun, the group’s secretary general, a botanist who propagates king cherries in the central city of Jecheon. “But we need to replace them in stages, starting in areas that are the most meaningful.”

In 2022, the group surveyed the cherry trees lining a promenade near the National Assembly in Seoul that is thronged with visitors every cherry blossom season. And last year, it studied cherries in the southeastern port district of Jinhae, where a festival celebrating Yi Sun-shin , a Korean admiral who helped repel a 16th-century Japanese invasion, is held every spring.

The trees in both places were predominantly Yoshinos, the group found.

When Mr. Shin surveyed cherry trees in Gyeongju last week, the landscape included pines, bamboos, pansies, plums and a 400-year-old zelkova tree. But the cherries, which had not yet bloomed, consumed him.

“It would be great if people around the world could enjoy both the Korean and the Japanese trees,” he said, adding that the distinction was not widely known. “But things are one-sided now.”

Two arborists in Japan said that they respected South Korean efforts to replace Yoshinos.

“Cherry trees alone have no meaning,” said one, Nobuyuki Asada, the secretary general of the Japan Cherry Blossom Association. “That depends on how people choose to see and manage them.”

John Yoon is a Times reporter based in Seoul who covers breaking and trending news. More about John Yoon

Mike Ives is a reporter for The Times based in Seoul, covering breaking news around the world. More about Mike Ives

Hisako Ueno has been reporting on Japanese politics, business, gender, labor and culture for The Times since 2012. She previously worked for the Tokyo bureau of The Los Angeles Times from 1999 to 2009. More about Hisako Ueno

Chang W. Lee has been a photographer for The Times for 30 years, covering events throughout the world. He is currently based in Seoul. Follow him on Instagram @nytchangster . More about Chang W. Lee

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