Jeju Island

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About Jeju Island

Nestled in the southwest of the Korean peninsula is a picturesque volcanic island recognized as a popular local and tourist destination. Jeju is South Korea’s largest island with almost 10% of the area being home to UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. It is also known as ‘Jejudo’ and is often called “Samda-do” because it has an abundance of wind, stone, and women. It is a captivating fusion of rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. 

A cultural heritage that locals clearly take pride in is the local group of female freedivers–who are now about 98% aged 50 and above and deemed as the island’s most valued treasure. It is even recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage List. As for the natural beauty, Jeju Island is brimming with an array of iconic landscapes worth visiting, including pristine beaches, cascading waterfalls, lush green forest, dormant volcanic mountains, and the infamous lava tube caves. People also say that you haven’t been to Jeju if you’ve never tasted the savory and fresh-from-the-sea seafood. 

Overall, Jeju Island is definitely a place that should be listed in your itinerary when coming to South Korea. Although a stark difference from the mainland's tall buildings, vibrant nightlife, and sophisticated industry, the island is an oasis of resort complexes and attractions, especially for those seeking a relaxing and stress-free retreat away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Whether for a solitary excursion, family vacation, best friend bonding trip, or a quiet honeymoon, Jeju Island is the ultimate one-place-fits-all destination.

Top 15 Things to Do in Jeju Island

There are a ton of tourist attractions that the island has to offer and you cannot possibly visit each and every one of them. To make life easier, we have cherry-picked some of the best things you can do that offer a diverse range of holiday experiences!

1. Sehwa Fifth-Day Market

Situated in eastern Jeju, this traditional market has unique operation hours, where it only opens on days ending with 5 or 0. It houses a variety of local-owned shops selling thousands of goods only you can ever imagine. Get snacking by trying some of the traditional Korean street food available throughout the market.

2. Jeju Olle Trails

The Jeju Olle Trail is a 26-route long-distance footpath spanning along the coastline of the island and marked with signposts and colourful ribbons. It covers a total of 400 kilometres of ground and passes through a diverse scenic landscape ranging from rock cliffs to villages. It’s a challenging yet exhilarating hiking experience that is accessible year-round

3. Ossuloc Tea Museum

Surrounded by endless green tea fields, Ossuloc Tea Museum is a hot tourist destination in Seogwipo City. From exhibits and displays of all things tea-related to an on-site cafe and restaurant, the museum offers a fun experience for tea enthusiasts and Korean tea history. Don’t forget to purchase some of the best Korean teas and bring them home with you. 

4. Seongsan Ilchulbong

Also known as ‘Sunrise Peak’, Seongsan Ilchulbong is one of UNESCO's world heritage sites and is an archetypal tuff cone towering 180 metres above sea level. To get to the top, you’ll need to take the stairs, which will take you about an hour to climb up and down. However, the climb will surely pay off with a striking panoramic view of the East China Sea. 

5. Waterfall

One of the three famous waterfalls in Jeju, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, is situated in the heart of a variety of subtropical plants near Seogwipo City. Aside from its beautiful scenery, it is equipped with visitor facilities, shops, nearby cafes, and a well-maintained hiking trail that leads to the 22-metres-high natural attraction. A perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers.

6. Hallasan Summit

If you’re an adrenaline junkie and an experienced hiker, hiking to the highest peak in South Korea is a must-do activity while visiting Jeju. Sitting 1.947 metres above sea level, Hallasan Summit offers a stunning panoramic view of Jeju Island and the surrounding sparkling blue ocean. Make sure to prepare a hiking permit, along with your physical and mental health. 

7. Jungmun Saekdal Beach

Located at Jungmun Resort and surrounded by cliffs, this white sandy beach has a bow-like shape that hosts many recreational facilities nearby. Crowned as Korea’s best beach that ticked off every evaluation category, visitors can enjoy numerous water sports, including windsurfing, parasailing, and other fun water activities. Prepare lots of sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned!

8. Aqua Planet Jeju

In Jeju for a family trip with kids? Don’t think twice and get them up and running in the morning for a visit to East Asia’s largest aquarium facility. The Aqua Planet Jeju is home to 27.000 fish and is located in the Jungmun Tourist Complex, only steps away from other famous tourist attractions. Enjoy a magnificent underwater show and interactive experience with the marine animals. 

9. Baalamb Cafe & Farm

Just a 20-minute walk from its nearest bus stop is the quiet and comfortable Baalamb Cafe & Farm with its vast pasture, home to a family of sheep and rabbits. After enjoying a cup of hot coffee and a delicious bagel at the cafe, go out to the field and try feeding the friendly sheep and rabbits with carrots. Such a therapeutic activity for animal lovers out there.

10. Jeju Shinhwa World

This vast entertainment complex situated on the western part of Jeju Island offers a multifaceted collection of attractions for everyone. Ranging from South Korea’s largest casino, resorts, and theme parks, to outdoor recreational activities, it will leave an impressive Jeju trip in your heart. Spend a day from your Jeju nature exploration to dive into Jeju Shinhwa World. 

11. Jeju Sanbangsan Carbonate Hot Springs

The best thing to do after exploring the beautiful nature of Jeju Island is to take a nice hot bath while daydreaming about tomorrow’s adventures. Soothe and unwind your fatigue in a tub of naturally carbonated water at Sanbangsan Carbonate Hot Springs. Enjoy a nice view of the Sanbangsan mountain from their outdoor open-air bath.

12. Cape Seopjikoji

What’s a trip to Jeju Island if you don’t have any IG-worthy pictures to share or for safekeeping. Get your camera ready for the most gorgeous light stroll along the coastline of the east coast of Jeju. From the serene teal-coloured sea by the lighthouse, vast fields of canola flowers that bloom during spring, to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, the views are a feast to the eyes.  

13. Wal Chong Gallery

Another great way to spend the day on Jeju Island, especially for seasoned art lovers, is by visiting the Wal Chong Gallery. Also known as Walart Museum, it is home to many local and international contemporary artworks. Immerse yourself in the calming atmosphere within the gallery and take a look into their gift shop if you’re interested in buying any exhibition-related products.  

14. Kyul Hyanggi Farm

Spend a relaxing morning picking sweet and juicy tangerines straight from the tree at the easily accessible Kyul Hanggi Farm. Once you arrive, be prepared to be left to your own devices as you wander through the farm to pick tangerines (and eat some) to bring home. Enjoy a cup of tea with tangerine jam bread for a complete tangerine-picking experience.

15. Seongeup Folk Village

Experience an unparalleled glimpse of Jeju’s historic and authentic past life as you walk through the popular Seongeup Folk Village. From sightseeing the ‘hanok’ or traditional houses, witnessing the daily lives of Jeju locals, to trying local food and crafts, exploring this charming village amidst the stunning natural backdrop is a journey through time. 

Best Restaurants in Jeju Island

A great Jeju trip will not be a great one without trying some of the best delicacies in the area. From fresh-from-the-sea seafood to American-themed burgers with a twist, here are the five best restaurants on the island you should definitely try. 

1. Suduribomal Kalguksu

This kalguksu (knife-cut noodle) restaurant specialising in bomal (top shell) kalguksu only has 3 items on their menu; kalguksu, abalone porridge, and water dumplings. Order everything they have and you’ll be blown away by all the flavours inside your mouth. 

• Location: 192 Cheonjeyeon-ro, Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
• Opening Hours: Daily, 08.00 am - 16.00 pm
• Price: S$8.00 - S$13.00 per serving

2. Fantastic Burger

Looking for some Western food on the island? Fantastic Burger is the perfect place to get a yummy burger and fries with a little twist of overflowing white cream. More of a gourmet, get ready to have your hands dirty and mouth totally filled to the brim. 

• Location: 6 Tonjungang-ro 15 Beon-gil, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
• Opening Hours: Daily, 10.00 am - 18.30 pm
• Price: S$10.00 - S$20.00 per serving

3. Seogwipho Dining & Bar

If you’re in Seogwipo City and craving some Vietnamese dish, get yourself moving to the western side of town and into the Seogwipho Dining & Bar. The restaurant is famous for specialising in blending pho and tom yam kung (Thailand soup). Have a delightful lunch with their special Tomyang Kung Pho Beef Brisket. 

• Location: Seogwipo Lake, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
• Opening Hours: Daily, 11.00 am - 21.00 pm
• Price: S$11.00 - S$16.00 per serving

4. Manong Chicken #2

Although the restaurant has a chain all over Seogwipo, the most recommended place you should visit is the Manong Chicken #2 located in downtown Seogwipo. This fried chicken restaurant only serves take-out or delivery, so you can enjoy a bucket of this delicious chicken while relaxing in your hotel room.

• Location: Jungan-ro 62 Beon-gil, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea 63591
• Opening Hours: Sun-Tue & Thu-Sat, 10.00 am - 20.30 pm
• Price: Starts from S$ 20.00 per serving

5. Seongsan Fisheries Restaurant

If you’ve never tried Jeju seafood, you certainly have never been to Jeju. Seongsan Fisheries is a place where you can get freshly-cut mackerel sashimi and a very hospitable owner. He will show you the best way to eat your sashimi for a tongue-melting sashimi experience. Complete your meal journey with a refreshing fish bones/fin soup.

• Location: 29 Seongsanjungang-ro, Seongsan-eup Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
• Opening Hours: Daily, 16.00 - 23.00 pm
• Price: S$30.00 - S$40.00 per serving

Best Hotel Recommendations in Jeju Island

A restful sleep and comfortable bedding are necessary after a long day of hiking, swimming, and exploring the island grounds. Below are the five best hotel recommendations in Jeju Island you would want to check out

1. Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju

Another five-star resort located on the eastern coast of Jeju is the magnificent and elegant Haevichi Hotel & Resort. Featuring indoor and outdoor pools, a rejuvenating spa, a restaurant with buffet breakfast, and golf courses, the hotel is a blissful retreat for travellers. Get yourself a celebrity treatment in this world-class hotel.

• Location: 537, Minsokhaean-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea.
• Room Rate: Starts from S$ 286 per night/room.

2. Lotte Hotel Jeju

This luxurious five-star hotel is situated on the picturesque coastline of Jeju Island, right in the heart of Jungmun Tourist Complex. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities and elegant rooms and suites overlooking the open sea, the hotel is a perfect island getaway. Whether you come with a significant other, family, or solo, Lotte Hotel Jeju promises a memorable stay.

• Location: 35 Jungmungwangwang-ro 72beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea.
• Room Rate: Starts from S$ 251 per night/room.

3. Booyoung Jeju Hotel & Resort

Booyoung Jeju Hotel & Resort is a 3-star hotel located on Jeju’s scenic shores. Overlooking the East China Sea, the resort is approximately within a 3 km radius from nearby attractions. It features an array of amenities, including seasonal outdoor pools, a kids’ club, and even a sauna. 

• Location: 222 Jungmungwangwang, Jungmun Beach, 62547 Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea.
• Room Rate: Starts from S$ 200 per night/room.

4. Jeju Oriental Hotel

Offering 321 spacious rooms overlooking the sparkling beach or city, Jeju Oriental Hotel is an accommodation suitable for travellers staying in Jeju for only a few days. It’s a 10-minute drive from Jeju International Airport and Jeju Port, surrounded by a selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants. 

• Location: 47, Tapdong-ro, Jeju City, Jeju-do, South Korea.
• Room Rate: Starts from S$ 74 per night/room.

5. The Island Blue Hotel

For backpackers on a budget, The Island Blue Hotel is the perfect choice to stay. This budget-friendly hotel has a number of nearby tourist attractions, including the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Olle Market. Boasting a total of 150 rooms, guests can enjoy Jeju culture and various cuisines on foot. 

• Location: 3, Taepyeong-ro 431beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea.
• Room Rate: Starts from S$ 55 per night/room.

Tips When Visiting Jeju Island

A holiday to Jeju Island is surely something short of a unique and memorable lifetime experience, but you also need to write down some useful tips to ensure a safe and sound trip. Firstly, planning your itinerary is a crucial part of flying to this attraction-filled island. Be sure to note down the right months to visit and try to avoid any rainy, typhoon, or snowfall periods. Don’t forget to list down your destinations and bring comfortable and necessary clothes for the period of your stay.

Secondly, when arriving in Jeju, make sure that you have decided on the vehicles you will be using. It’s more convenient for travellers to rent a car since it can give you the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. However, if you prefer to take the bus, remember to purchase a Jeju Tourist Pass. Better yet, opt for a guided tour. 

Lastly, don’t miss out on Jeju’s many local cuisines and popular attractions that will keep you on your toes. So as not to rush yourself, it is best to plan your stay with a minimum of a two-night and three-day trip. If you do go less than that, there’s nothing much you can do, and exploring the island needs time. 

Find the right hotel, attractions, and transportation for an unforgettable Jeju trip. Download the Traveloka app to book your flight, tickets, and rooms for easier travel preparation and get any exclusive deals and discounts. Start planning your unforgettable getaway today!