Jeju Island
Jeju Island, South Korea, is a picturesque volcanic island renowned for its stunning natural landscapes that include lush mountains, tranquil beaches, waterfalls, and the iconic Hallasan Mountain, the highest peak in South Korea.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Jeju Island depends on what you're looking to get out of your trip, as different seasons offer different attractions.
Spring (April to June) is often considered the best time to visit Jeju Island. During this season, the weather is pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it a great time for outdoor activities. Additionally, Jeju is beautifully adorned with cherry blossoms and canola flowers during spring, offering spectacular landscapes.
Summer (July to September) can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F). Despite the heat, it's a good time to enjoy Jeju's beautiful beaches, such as Hyeopjae Beach and Hamdeok Beach. However, the island can be crowded with tourists during this time, and there's also a chance of typhoons, especially in late summer.
Autumn (October and November) in Jeju is a season of vibrant fall foliage. The temperatures are mild, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and the tourist crowds from summer have usually thinned out. This makes it an excellent time for hiking and exploring the island's natural beauty.
Winter (December to March) on Jeju Island is cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. However, it's less crowded during this time, and the island's scenery can be quite dramatic and beautiful with snow-capped mountains and trees. Winter is also when the Jeju Mandarin oranges, a regional specialty, are in season.
Keep in mind, the weather can change rapidly on Jeju Island due to its geographical location, so it's always wise to check the forecast and be prepared for different weather conditions no matter when you plan to visit.
How to Get There
There are two primary ways to reach Jeju Island: by air and by sea.
By Air: The most common and convenient way to reach Jeju Island is by flying. Jeju International Airport (CJU) is the third largest airport in South Korea and it offers many direct flights from major cities in South Korea such as Seoul, Busan, and Daegu. The flight duration from Seoul to Jeju is about 1 hour. There are also international flights from some cities in China, Japan, Taiwan, and other locations, though these are less frequent.
By Sea: If you prefer to travel by sea, there are ferries that connect the mainland to Jeju Island. The primary ferry terminals in mainland South Korea that have routes to Jeju Island are located in Incheon, Mokpo, and Wando. The journey by ferry can take anywhere between 4 to 12 hours depending on the specific route and the type of ferry (fast or standard). This option can be a good choice if you're looking to bring a vehicle to the island or simply enjoy slower, more scenic travel.
Once you arrive at Jeju Island, there are plenty of options for getting around, including car rentals, taxis, buses, and even bicycles for short distances. Please note that while there is a public transportation system on Jeju Island, the bus service may not cover all tourist sites, especially those located in more remote areas, so renting a car can be a good option if you're comfortable driving.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Jeju Island, South Korea
Top 25 Attractions in Jeju Island
Jeju Island, known as the "Hawaii of South Korea," offers a plethora of attractions, from natural wonders to cultural sites. Here are some of the top attractions:
Hallasan Mountain: The highest peak in South Korea, Hallasan is a dormant volcano with a crater lake at its summit. Hikers can choose from several trails of varying difficulties.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes: This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes Geomunoreum, the finest lava tube system of caves anywhere, and is visually stunning, with various shapes and structures formed by the lava flows.
Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Sunrise Peak): Formed by an underwater volcanic eruption over 5,000 years ago, this peak offers stunning panoramic views. It's a popular spot to watch the sunrise.
Manjanggul Cave: One of the longest lava tubes in the world, it's filled with fascinating geological features such as stalactites, stalagmites, and lava columns.
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall: a breathtaking waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. Cheonjiyeon waterfall is one of the island's most popular tourist spots.
Jeju Folk Village Museum: This open-air museum recreates traditional Jeju life, with over 100 traditional houses and other facilities.
Jeju Loveland: A sculpture park focused on erotic art, it's known for its humorous and blush-inducing sculptures.
Hyeopjae Beach: One of Jeju's most beautiful beaches with clear turquoise water and white sands. It offers views of Biyangdo Island.
Teddy Bear Museum: A fun museum showcasing teddy bears from various eras and countries.
Udo Island: A small island off the east coast of Jeju, it's famous for its scenic beauty, white sand beaches, and emerald waters. Udo literally means 'Cow Island' and it's named so because its shape looks like a cow lying down.
Jusangjeolli Cliff: These impressive rock formations on the southern coast of Jeju Island were created when lava from Hallasan Mountain flowed into the sea. The cliff is a designated cultural monument of Jeju Island.
Jeongbang Waterfall: This is the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the ocean. The area around the waterfall has a number of food stalls where you can sample local Jeju seafood.
Bijarim Forest: A dense forest home to over 2,800 nutmeg trees that are between 500 to 800 years old. A stroll through this tranquil forest can be a relaxing experience.
O'Sulloc Tea Museum: This museum is all about green tea, which is a specialty of Jeju Island. You can learn about the tea-making process, try tea picking, and taste a variety of green tea-based foods and beverages.
Hallim Park: A large park that features a variety of gardens, including a tropical botanical garden, a cactus and succulent garden, and a wildflower garden. The park is also home to two fascinating caves, Hyeopjaegul and Ssangyonggul.
Hallasan National Park: Besides the mountain itself, the park surrounding it is a beautiful place to explore, with a variety of flora and fauna, and hiking trails for all levels of fitness.
Aqua Planet Jeju: A massive aquarium that showcases the marine life found around the island. It's a great place for families with children.
Iho Tewoo Beach: Known for its distinctive twin horse-shaped lighthouses, this beach is a popular spot for watersports and offers a beautiful view of the sunset.
Yongmeori Coast: This coastline is known for its unique geological formations, which look as though they've been sculpted by a dragon moving in and out of the sea.
Jeju Stone Park: A cultural and historical park that reflects Jeju's history and folklore, focused on its characteristic stone culture.
Soingook Theme Park: A miniature theme park that displays over 100 replicas of world-famous architectural structures and monuments.
Jeju Glass Castle: A theme park that features various structures, sculptures, and exhibits all made of glass. This includes the world's largest glass ball and a glass bridge.
Sanbangsan Mountain: It's a massive dome-shaped lava mountain on the southern coast of Jeju. The mountain houses a small temple, Sanbanggulsa, which is situated in a cave and offers a panoramic view of the coastline.
Hamdeok Beach: Known for its pristine, emerald-colored water and white sand, it's considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Jeju. It's a popular spot for swimming and other water sports.
Jeju Maze Park: The park has two large mazes made from hedges and stone walls. It's a fun place to visit, especially for families with kids.
Top 20 Activities to do in Jeju Island
Jeju Island offers a wide array of activities for all types of travelers. Here are some of the top activities to do:
Hiking: With its unique and diverse landscape, hiking is one of the most popular activities in Jeju. Trails on Hallasan Mountain, the coastal paths around Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Sunrise Peak), and the Olle Trails are particularly famous.
Beach Activities: Jeju's beautiful beaches such as Hyeopjae Beach and Hamdeok Beach offer numerous activities including swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like paddle boarding and jet skiing.
Exploring Lava Tubes: Visit Manjanggul Cave to explore the underground world of Jeju. This lava tube is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and offers a unique caving experience.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Jeju Island's clear waters make it a great place for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can explore the beautiful underwater marine life, especially around Seogwipo and Udo Island.
Visiting Themed Museums and Parks: Jeju Island is home to a variety of unique and interesting themed museums and parks like Loveland, Teddy Bear Museum, Glass Castle, and Soingook Theme Park.
Tea Experience: Visit O'Sulloc Tea Museum to learn about Korean tea culture and try tea picking. Don't miss out on tasting the green tea ice cream.
Food Tour: Jeju's unique island geography offers distinctive foods. Try local delicacies like Jeju black pork, fresh seafood, and Hallabong oranges (a type of tangerine).
Horseback Riding: Jeju Island is known for its native breed of horses. Many farms offer horseback riding experiences through beautiful scenic trails.
Photography: The stunning landscapes and unique attractions of Jeju Island make it a photographer's paradise. Capture beautiful sunrises, beaches, waterfalls, forests, and local life.
Jeju Olle Trail Walks: These are a series of walking paths that circumnavigate the island. It's a fantastic way to explore Jeju's diverse and beautiful coastal landscapes at a leisurely pace.
Yacht Tour: You can take a yacht tour from the marina in Seogwipo City. These tours offer great views of the island from the water.
Bike Tour: Jeju's relatively flat terrain and beautiful landscapes make it a perfect place for cycling. You can rent a bike and explore the island at your own pace.
Visit a Haenyeo Village: Haenyeo refers to the female divers of Jeju who dive for seafood without using any breathing apparatus. Visiting a Haenyeo village gives you insight into their unique culture.
Jeju Folk Village: Spend a day in Jeju Folk Village to learn about the island's history and traditional way of life. You can see traditional houses and experience various cultural activities.
Explore Local Markets: Visit local markets like Dongmun Market and Seogwipo Olle Market to shop for fresh local produce, traditional Korean snacks, and local crafts.
Stargazing: Jeju's clean air and low light pollution make it a good place for stargazing. The island even has an annual star-scenery festival.
Visiting Local Art Galleries: Jeju Island has a thriving art scene. Visit galleries like the Jeju Museum of Art and Arario Museum to see works from local artists.
Windsurfing: With its strong winds and calm waters, Jeju is a popular place for windsurfing. There are several schools where beginners can learn this sport.
Canola Flower Fields: In spring, the canola fields in Jeju bloom and cover the landscape in yellow. Visiting these fields is a popular activity during this season.
Mandarin Picking: In winter, you can visit one of the many tangerine farms on the island to pick and taste fresh Jeju mandarins.
Best Shopping
Jeju Island offers a variety of shopping experiences, from traditional markets and duty-free shops to high-end boutiques and artisanal craft shops. Here are some of the best places to shop on Jeju Island:
Dongmun Market: One of the most popular traditional markets in Jeju, Dongmun Market offers a variety of goods, including fresh seafood, local produce, clothing, and household items. It's a great place to taste local snacks and street food.
Jeju's Underground Shopping Street: This shopping area in Jeju City is packed with shops selling clothes, shoes, accessories, and cosmetics. You'll find a mix of local and international brands here.
Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market: Located in Seogwipo City, this market offers a wide range of goods, including fresh food, street food, clothing, and souvenirs. Don't miss out on the local specialty, Jeju tangerines.
Chilsungro Shopping Street: This is the main shopping street in Jeju City. It's lined with a variety of shops and restaurants, and it's particularly famous for its fashion boutiques.
Jeju Folk Arts Complex: If you're interested in traditional Korean crafts, this is the place to go. Here, you can buy everything from pottery and embroidery to lacquerware and bamboo crafts.
Jeju Shilla Duty Free: If you're looking for luxury brands at tax-free prices, head to the Shilla Duty Free Shop. It carries a wide range of products, including cosmetics, perfumes, handbags, and electronic goods.
Playce Camp Jeju: This large shopping mall in Jeju City offers a mix of fashion boutiques, cosmetic shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.
Araiko Galbi Street: This street is lined with shops selling the famous Jeju black pork. You can buy some to cook at home or eat at one of the many barbecue restaurants on the street.
Jungang Underground Shopping Center: This underground shopping complex in Jeju City offers a variety of goods, from clothing and accessories to cosmetics and home décor.
When shopping in Jeju, keep an eye out for local specialties like Jeju mandarins, Jeju green tea, black pearl cosmetics, and Jeju volcanic stone statues known as "Dol Hareubang". These make for unique souvenirs to take back home.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Jeju Island may be best known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, but it also offers a variety of entertainment options and a lively nightlife scene. Here are some of the things you can do after the sun sets:
Bars and Clubs: You'll find a variety of bars and clubs in Jeju City and Seogwipo, the island's two main urban areas. Look for places that offer live music for an extra enjoyable evening.
Night Markets: Traditional markets like Dongmun Market in Jeju City and Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market often stay open until late and can offer a lively atmosphere with street food stalls, local crafts, and more.
Jeju Fire Festival: If you happen to be visiting in late winter (usually in March), you might get to experience the Jeju Fire Festival, a spectacular event that includes torch processions, fireworks, and the burning of large swathes of grassland to promote new growth.
Beachside Hangouts: During the summer, some of Jeju's beaches become popular night-time hangouts, with people gathering to socialize, play music, and enjoy the cool sea breeze.
Art and Culture Performances: You can catch various cultural performances showcasing traditional Korean music and dance. The Jeju Haenyeo Museum occasionally hosts performances related to the culture of Jeju’s female divers.
Casinos: There are several casinos on Jeju Island that offer games like blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. Some of the popular ones are the Paradise Casino, Shilla Jeju Casino, and Jeju Sun Hotel & Casino.
Night Hikes: For a unique experience, consider a night hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak). It's a popular spot to watch the sunrise and has a completely different atmosphere at night.
Jeju Starlight World Park and Planetarium: If you're a fan of astronomy, the planetarium offers a great chance to view the night sky, with various exhibitions and shows related to space and the stars.
Local Restaurants: Try Jeju's culinary delights at local restaurants. Many restaurants stay open until late, offering an opportunity to try dishes like Jeju Black Pork, fresh seafood, and pheasant dishes.
Jeju NANTA Theatre: Enjoy a NANTA show, a popular Korean non-verbal comedy performance that incorporates traditional rhythms of Korean Samul nori music.
Local Cuisine
Jeju Island is known for its distinctive local cuisine, much of which is based on the island's abundant seafood and unique agricultural products. Here are some must-try dishes and local specialties:
Jeju Black Pork: The island is famous for its native breed of black pig. The meat is often served as part of a Korean-style barbecue and is renowned for its tender, juicy quality and rich flavor.
Haemul-ttukbaegi: This is a spicy seafood stew that includes a variety of fresh seafood. The broth is spicy and flavorful, making it a perfect companion for a bowl of rice.
Dombe Meat: This is another way Jeju's black pork is served, with thin slices of meat layered on a large bread bun. It is similar to a sandwich and is a popular street food on the island.
Jeonbokjuk: This abalone porridge is made with fresh abalones, a type of shellfish that is abundant in the waters around Jeju. The abalones are cooked with rice until they are very tender and the rice has a creamy consistency.
Seafood Ramyeon: While ramyeon (Korean instant noodles) is popular all over Korea, Jeju's version is unique because it's served with fresh seafood. This adds a different flavor to the dish and makes it more hearty.
Godeungeo Gui: This dish is made with mackerel caught in the waters around Jeju. The fish is seasoned and grilled, resulting in a dish that's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Omegi Tteok: These are sweet rice cakes made with millet rather than the usual rice. They are often filled with sweet red bean paste and coated with powdered soybeans.
Hallabong: This is a type of tangerine that is unique to Jeju Island. It's larger and sweeter than ordinary tangerines and is enjoyed fresh or as part of desserts and beverages.
Sea Urchin Soup: Also known as 'seongge guk', this soup uses sea urchin roe, which provides a rich and unique flavor. The sea urchins used are typically harvested by Jeju's famous female divers, known as haenyeo.
These dishes reflect Jeju's maritime culture and unique agriculture, offering a culinary experience that is different from what you'll find in other parts of Korea. Be sure to try these local specialties when you visit!
Accommodations
Choosing the best area to stay in Jeju depends largely on what you're interested in seeing and doing. Here are some popular areas:
Jeju City: Jeju City, the island's main urban area, is a good base for travelers looking to explore the northern part of the island. The city offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. It has great shopping, dining options, nightlife, and is close to attractions like Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum, Dongmun Market, and the coastline for leisurely walks.
Seogwipo: Located on the southern side of the island, Seogwipo is a vibrant city with lots of attractions nearby. These include the Cheonjiyeon and Jeongbang Waterfalls, Halla Mountain, and the Jusangjeolli Cliff. The city has a variety of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses. Seogwipo also has a lively arts scene, with lots of galleries and a daily local market.
Jungmun Tourist Complex: This resort area, located just west of Seogwipo, is home to several high-end hotels and resorts. It's close to several popular attractions, including Jungmun Beach, Yeomiji Botanical Garden, and the Teddy Bear Museum. This area is a good choice if you're looking for a beach resort experience.
Hamdeok: Known for its beautiful beach, Hamdeok is a great area to stay if you're looking to spend time on the beach. There are several cafes, restaurants, and accommodations with ocean views. It's located on the northeastern part of the island, not far from Jeju City.
Pyoseon: If you're looking for a quieter stay, consider Pyoseon. Located on the southeast coast, Pyoseon is known for its rural charm and beautiful beach. It's also close to Seongeup Folk Village, where you can learn about Jeju's traditional culture.
Aewol: Aewol is located on the west coast of Jeju, and it's known for its beautiful coastal views and charming cafes. There are a number of guesthouses and boutique accommodations in this area, making it a great place for a relaxing stay.
Itinerary
Exploring the Natural Wonders of Jeju Island: A Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Northern Jeju Island Exploration
Morning
Start your day early with a visit to Manjanggul Cave, one of the longest lava tubes in the world. Explore the fascinating structures within the cave, including the impressive lava columns and tube corals.
Next, head to the nearby Gimnyeong Maze Park. Navigate through the maze made of hedges and enjoy the fun, outdoor activity.
Afternoon
Visit the Jeju Stone Park, an ecological and cultural park that displays the island's volcanic stone culture.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving Jeju Black Pork, a regional specialty.
Post lunch, head to Seongeup Folk Village to learn about the traditional culture of Jeju Island. You can see traditional houses and gain insights into the island's history and way of life.
Evening
Drive towards the coastline and visit the iconic Seongsan Ilchulbong or Sunrise Peak, a volcanic tuff cone listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Try to reach in time for sunset – the views are breathtaking.
For dinner, enjoy a meal at one of the local seafood restaurants in the area.
Day 2: Southern Jeju Island Adventure
Morning
Start your day with a hike up Mount Hallasan, South Korea's highest peak. Depending on your fitness level, you can choose from several trails – Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa are the most popular ones. Don't forget to pack a lunch!
Afternoon
After your descent from Mount Hallasan, take some time to relax and recover at Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, a three-tier waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
Visit the nearby Jusangjeolli Cliff to marvel at the unique rock formations created by lava flow.
Evening
Head to Jungmun Beach for some relaxation. The sandy beach and clear water provide the perfect end to your day of exploring.
Enjoy a dinner of seafood ramyeon or another local dish at one of the restaurants around the beach.
