Jeju Island Travel Guide: 20 Must-Do Activities in Korea's Volcanic Paradise
The Ultimate Jeju Island Travel Guide: 20 Unforgettable Things to Do (2025)
Leave the mainland behind and set your sights on a place of dramatic natural beauty, unique culture, and legendary landscapes. Welcome to Jeju Island, the "Hawaii of Korea." This volcanic paradise, a designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, feels like a world of its own. Formed by volcanic eruptions, its dark, porous rock contrasts beautifully with emerald fields, turquoise waters, and cascading waterfalls. Whether you're an avid hiker, a beach lover, or a cultural explorer, this Jeju Island travel guide will lead you through the 20 best experiences on this enchanting island.
Essential Jeju Travel Tips: Getting There & Around
Planning is key for Jeju, especially transportation. Here's what you need to know.
Getting to Jeju: The easiest way is by plane. The flight from Seoul (Gimpo Airport, GMP) to Jeju (CJU) is one of the busiest air routes in the world, with flights leaving constantly. You can also fly from Busan (PUS) and other major Korean cities.
Getting Around Jeju Island (The Big Decision)
Jeju's attractions are spread out, and public transport isn't as convenient as on the mainland. You have three main options:
- 1. Rent a Car (Most Recommended): This gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and change plans on a whim. You'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Book your car well in advance, especially during peak season.
- 2. Hire a Private Driver/Taxi Tour: If you can't or prefer not to drive, this is a great option. Drivers often act as knowledgeable guides and can take you on a customized, efficient route for a fixed daily price. Great for groups.
- 3. Use the Public Bus System: The most budget-friendly option. Jeju has a decent bus system that connects major tourist sites, but it can be slow and requires careful planning using Naver or Kakao Maps. Best for slow travelers on a tight budget.
Eastern Jeju: Sunrise & Volcanic Wonders
The east coast is home to some of Jeju's most iconic volcanic landscapes and UNESCO sites.
1. Hike Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
This is the postcard image of Jeju. A steep 30-minute climb takes you to the rim of a massive tuff cone crater. The reward is a breathtaking panoramic view of the coastline. As the name suggests, it's a legendary spot to watch the sunrise, but it's stunning at any time of day.
2. Explore Manjanggul Cave
Step into another world as you descend into one of the world's longest and finest lava tube systems. You can walk a 1km section of this subterranean tunnel, formed by flowing lava thousands of years ago. It's a cool, eerie, and fascinating geological wonder. Remember to bring a jacket, as it's chilly inside year-round.
3. See the Famous Haenyeo (Female Divers)
The Haenyeo are Jeju's legendary female divers, a symbol of the island's matriarchal culture and resilience. These women, many elderly, free-dive to incredible depths to harvest seafood. You can often see them in action near Seongsan Ilchulbong or attend a demonstration at the Haenyeo Museum.
4. Wander Seopjikoji Coast
A scenic headland famous for its dramatic coastal cliffs, a lone lighthouse, and sweeping fields of canola flowers in the spring. It has been the filming location for many K-dramas, and its walking trails offer spectacular ocean views.
5. Get Lost in Bijarim Forest
Find tranquility in this "forest of a thousand years," home to the world's largest single-species nutmeg tree forest. A peaceful, flat walking path winds through hundreds of ancient trees, some over 800 years old. It's a perfect place for a meditative walk.
Southern Jeju: Waterfalls & Coastal Cliffs
The city of Seogwipo is the hub for exploring the south's impressive collection of waterfalls and dramatic coastlines.
6. Witness Jeongbang Falls
This is one of Korea's most unique waterfalls as it's the only one in the country to fall directly into the ocean. The sight of the powerful freshwater stream crashing onto the rocky shore is truly impressive.
7. Discover the Three Tiers of Cheonjeyeon Falls
Known as "The Pond of God," Cheonjeyeon is a stunning three-tiered waterfall system. A short walk through a lush gorge takes you to each of the three falls. Don't miss the beautiful Seonimgyo Bridge, which has carvings of the seven nymphs from Korean legend.
8. Marvel at Jusangjeollidae Cliffs
A designated natural monument, these cliffs are a stunning example of columnar jointing. The rock formations look like perfectly carved hexagonal pillars, created when lava from Hallasan rapidly cooled upon meeting the sea. The viewing platform offers a fantastic perspective of this geological masterpiece.
9. Hike a Jeju Olle Trail
The Jeju Olle Trail is a series of 26 walking routes that circumnavigate the entire island. You don't need to do a whole route; just pick a section and walk for an hour or two. Route 7, which passes by the Oedolgae Rock, is one of the most popular and scenic coastal trails.
Western Jeju: Beaches & Tea Fields
The west coast is known for its beautiful beaches and trendy cafes.
10. Relax on Hyeopjae Beach
Arguably Jeju's most beautiful beach, Hyeopjae boasts fine white sand and stunningly clear, turquoise water. The view of the black volcanic rock and the nearby Biyangdo Island makes it incredibly picturesque. It's relatively shallow, making it perfect for families.
11. Sip Tea at O'sulloc Tea Museum
Immerse yourself in the world of Korean green tea at the O'sulloc Tea Museum. Learn about tea culture, wander through the vast, photogenic tea fields, and then head inside to the cafe to indulge in delicious green tea-infused desserts like ice cream, cake, and lattes.
12. Stroll Through Hallim Park
One of Jeju's oldest and most popular tourist attractions, Hallim Park is a huge botanical garden with nine different themed sections, including a subtropical garden, a bonsai garden, and two lava caves (Hyeopjaegul and Ssangyonggul).
Central & Northern Jeju: The Heart of the Island
This region is dominated by Hallasan Mountain and the island's main city, Jeju City.
13. Conquer Hallasan National Park
The crown jewel of Jeju, Hallasan is a dormant shield volcano and South Korea's highest peak (1,950m). Hiking to the summit is a full-day commitment (6-9 hours round trip), but the views from the top and the beautiful crater lake are an incredible reward. There are several trails of varying difficulty. Note: You must book a hiking reservation online in advance for the summit trails (Seongpanak & Gwaneumsa).
14. Explore the Mysterious Dokkaebi Road
Also known as the "Mysterious Road," this is a fun optical illusion. Due to the surrounding topography, this slight downhill slope appears to be an uphill slope. Stop your car, put it in neutral, and watch it seemingly roll "uphill" on its own.
15. Eat Your Way Through Dongmun Traditional Market
Located in Jeju City, this is the island's largest and oldest permanent market. During the day, it's a bustling market for locals. At night, it transforms into a vibrant night market with endless street food stalls selling everything from fresh grilled seafood and black pork skewers to creative desserts.
16. See the Dragon's Head at Yongduam Rock
Near the airport in Jeju City, Yongduam Rock ("Dragon's Head Rock") is a volcanic rock formation that, as its name suggests, looks like the head of a roaring dragon.
17. Have Fun at Jeju Loveland
A unique and quirky (adults-only) theme park, Loveland is an outdoor sculpture park dedicated to sensuality and eroticism. It's a fun, lighthearted, and very popular attraction.
18. Learn History at the 4.3 Peace Park
For a sobering look into Jeju's tragic modern history, visit this memorial park. It commemorates the victims of the Jeju Uprising (1948-1954), a dark period that profoundly shaped the island's identity. It's a powerful and important place of remembrance.
19. Taste Jeju's Black Pork
You can't leave Jeju without trying its most famous culinary specialty: Heuk-dwaeji (black pork). This heritage pig breed has a distinct, rich flavor and a wonderfully chewy texture. Head to "Black Pork Street" in Jeju City for an authentic Korean BBQ experience.
20. Go Cafe-Hopping
Jeju has an incredible cafe scene, with hundreds of aesthetic cafes, many boasting stunning ocean views. Finding a beautiful spot to enjoy a coffee and a pastry is an essential part of the modern Jeju experience.
The Perfect 4-Day Jeju Itinerary (By Car)
- Day 1: East Coast Exploration. Land at CJU, pick up your rental car. Drive east to hike Seongsan Ilchulbong, explore Manjanggul Cave, and see the Haenyeo.
- Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls. Drive south to Seogwipo. Visit Jeongbang and Cheonjeyeon waterfalls, marvel at the Jusangjeollidae Cliffs, and walk a portion of an Olle Trail.
- Day 3: West Coast & Tea. Head west to relax on Hyeopjae Beach and then indulge at the O'sulloc Tea Museum. Enjoy a final sunset on the west coast.
- Day 4: Central Jeju & Departure. Depending on your flight, either tackle an early hike at Hallasan (if you're ambitious) or explore Jeju City, visit Dongmun Market for last-minute souvenirs, and see Yongduam Rock before dropping off your car at the airport.
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