Welcome to Jeju Island—South Korea’s tropical paradise, filled with volcanic landscapes, lush forests, stunning beaches, rich history, and unique culture. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a foodie, or someone looking to relax, Jeju has something magical to offer. Let’s dive into everything you need to know for the ultimate Jeju experience!
🏆 Top Destinations in Jeju Island
From jaw-dropping cliffs to traditional villages, here are the must-visit spots in Jeju:
1️⃣ Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) 🌅
- A UNESCO-listed volcanic crater, famous for its breathtaking sunrise views.
- Hike to the top (around 20–30 minutes) for a 360-degree panorama of the ocean and green landscapes.
- Tip: Visit early in the morning to catch the sunrise—it’s worth the wake-up call!
2️⃣ Hallasan Mountain 🏔
- The tallest mountain in South Korea (1,947m) and a dormant volcano!
- Offers hiking trails for all levels, from beginner-friendly Eorimok Trail to the challenging Seongpanak Trail leading to the summit.
- Expect mesmerizing views of Jeju’s volcanic landscapes and seasonal beauty (spring flowers, autumn foliage, and winter snow!).
3️⃣ Manjanggul Cave 🕳
- One of the longest lava tubes in the world, stretching over 7.4 km.
- Walk through cool, eerie tunnels created by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago.
- See the famous Stone Turtle Rock, which oddly resembles Jeju Island!
4️⃣ Jeju Folk Village 🏡
- Step back in time and explore Jeju’s traditional way of life.
- Thatched-roof houses, historical artifacts, and reenactments of old Jeju customs.
- A great place to learn about Jeju’s unique culture, including shamanism and old agricultural practices.
5️⃣ Oedolgae Rock & Jusangjeolli Cliffs 🌊
- Oedolgae Rock: A towering sea stack surrounded by blue waters, perfect for dramatic ocean views.
- Jusangjeolli Cliffs: Natural hexagonal rock formations created by lava cooling against the ocean—Jeju’s version of the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland!
🌿 Best Natural Wonders in Jeju Island
🌸 Camellia Hill
- A dreamy botanical garden with thousands of camellia trees blooming in winter.
- Perfect for romantic walks and Instagram-worthy photos.
🍃 Cheonjiyeon & Jeongbang Waterfalls
- Cheonjiyeon Waterfall: A magical waterfall surrounded by lush green forest—legend says fairies bathe here! 🧚♀️
- Jeongbang Waterfall: The only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the ocean!
🏝 Hyeopjae Beach
- Famous for white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a stunning backdrop of Biyangdo Island.
- A great spot for swimming and watching the sunset.
🐬 Udo Island
- A small island off the coast of Jeju, known for beautiful beaches, lava rock formations, and peanut ice cream!
- Rent a bicycle or scooter to explore at your own pace.
🍜 Must-Try Food in Jeju Island
1️⃣ Jeju Black Pork (흑돼지) 🐖
- A local delicacy! The pork is more tender and flavorful than regular pork.
- Best enjoyed grilled at a BBQ restaurant, dipped in Jeju’s signature anchovy sauce.
2️⃣ Fresh Seafood & Haenyeo Experience 🦑🐟
- Try live octopus (sannakji), grilled abalone, and raw sea urchin!
- Visit a Haenyeo (women divers) seafood restaurant, where you can watch them dive and prepare your meal fresh.
3️⃣ Jeju Tangerines (한라봉) 🍊
- These sweet, juicy mandarins are famous across Korea!
- Don’t forget to try Hallabong juice and tangerine chocolate.
4️⃣ Jeonbokjuk (Abalone Porridge) 🥣
- A nutritious and flavorful rice porridge made with fresh Jeju abalone.
- Traditionally eaten for health and longevity.
5️⃣ Peanut Ice Cream 🍦🥜
- Found on Udo Island, this creamy, nutty dessert is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!
🚗 How to Travel in Jeju Island
🚙 Rent a Car (Best Option!)
- Most convenient way to explore Jeju, since public transport is limited.
- International visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car.
🚌 Public Buses (Budget-Friendly)
- Affordable but takes longer to reach destinations.
- Use the Kakao Map or Naver Map apps for bus routes and schedules.
🚖 Taxis & Private Drivers
- Taxis are available, but they can be expensive for long distances.
- Hiring a private driver (with a tour) is a great option if you don’t want to drive.
🚲 Bicycle/Scooter (For Udo Island & Coastal Roads)
- Rent a bike or scooter for short-distance explorations, especially on Udo Island!
📅 Best Time to Visit Jeju Island
| Season | Weather & Activities |
|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (March–May) | Best time for cherry blossoms and flowers. Great for hiking and sightseeing. 🌸 |
| ☀️ Summer (June–August) | Perfect for beaches, swimming, and water sports. Can be hot and humid. 🏖 |
| 🍂 Autumn (September–November) | Best season for hiking Hallasan and enjoying autumn leaves. 🍁 |
| ❄️ Winter (December–February) | Snow-covered Hallasan & Camellia Hill in full bloom. Less crowded and peaceful. ❄️ |
🏆 Best Overall Time? Spring (April) or Autumn (October) for mild weather and fewer crowds!
💡 Jeju Island Culture & Etiquette
🙋♀️ Respect the Haenyeo (Female Divers)
- Jeju’s legendary women divers (Haenyeo) have a unique cultural heritage.
- Don’t interrupt them while they work, and always ask before taking photos.
🥢 Dining Etiquette
- Use both hands when receiving drinks from elders.
- Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles a funeral ritual).
♻️ Environmental Awareness
- Jeju is eco-conscious—always dispose of trash properly and respect nature.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Jeju Island is truly a destination where history, culture, and nature collide. Whether you’re hiking a volcano, exploring lava caves, tasting fresh seafood, or simply enjoying a beach sunset, Jeju offers an unforgettable experience.
So, when are you packing your bags for Jeju? ✈️🏝 Let me know if you need personalized travel tips! 😊
