Located kilometres off the coast of South Korea, Jeju Island is a jewel of the Korean peninsula. One of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders, this volcanic island is home to rolling forests, majestic features and a rustic culture reminiscent yet distinct from that of mainland South Korea. There’s thus no wonder it has been a muse for myths in centuries past, and a popular holiday destination in modern times.
Besides being the hometown of K-pop idols such as Soyou of Sistar, Kim Jinhwan of iKon, Boo Seungkwan of Seventeen, Kang Mina of Gugudan and Im Dayoung of Cosmic Girls, Jeju Island is an idyllic island teeming with marvels both natural and artificial. Wondering just what there is to do here? Enjoy the most of this arcadian locale with these 15 fun activities!
1. See the sunrise from Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
There’s no better way to start off a day on Jeju Island than to head to Seongsan Ilchubong Peak. Sitting on the island’s east coast, this peak is arguably one of the best places to watch the sunrise. Stand atop this tuff cone as you watch the golden sun cast its light over far-stretching seas, reminding you just why the country is so aptly nicknamed ‘The Land of the Morning Calm’. Remember to visit during spring, when this UNESCO World Heritage Site (a title shared with Hallasan and Geomunoreum Lava Tube System) is made all the more beautiful by blooming canola flowers.
Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
Address: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Price: Adults (25 to 64) – 1.74 USD; Teenagers (13 to 24) & Children (7 to 12) – 0.87 USD
Opening Hours: 1 hour before sunrise till sunset.
Duration: 50 minutes
Contact: Travel hotline for Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese speakers – +82-2-1330
2. Hike up Hallasan
A central feature of Jeju Island, Hallasan is to South Korea what Mount Olympus is to Greece. A dormant volcano, it is also the highest mountain in South Korea, and is surrounded by some of the island’s best features, including verdant forests, a field of azaleas and up to 360 satellite volcanoes. Breathtaking views can be seen while ascending one of its six hiking trails, of which two, the Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak trails, lead to the summit. At the summit, look towards the centre of its crater for an ethereal sight of the tranquil Baekrokdam, or White Deer Lake. Take note not to visit during cloudy, foggy or rainy weather though, as that’s when all is obscured by cloud cover!
Hallasan National Park
Address: 2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Price: Free
Opening Hours: From daylight till sunset
Duration: 1 to 10 hours, depending on trail taken
Contact: Travel hotline for Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese speakers – +82-2-1330
3. Go underground in the Manjanggul Lava Tube Caves
Consisting the latter third of the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System is considered the finest volcanic lava system in the world. Within this complex network of rugged tunnels, hardened basaltic lava has formed a spectacle of striped walls and piercing stalactites. First-time visitors may want to begin with the two most famous caves, Manjanggul and Gimnyeonggul, and bring a jacket with them – it can get rather chilly in there!
Manjanggul Cave
Address: 182 Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Price: Adults (25 to 64) – 1.74 USD; Teenagers (13 to 24) & Children (7 to 12) – 0.87 USD
Opening Hours: 9am–6pm daily (last admission at 5:10pm)
Duration: 40 to 50 minutes
Contact: +82-64-710-7903
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4. Explore Jeju’s countryside via the Olle trails
Looking for a laid-back, simple way to appreciate the beauty of Jeju? Spend a day on the Olle trails! First opened in 2007 by an ex-journalist, these routes pass through many of the island’s characteristic landscapes, capturing the beauty and essence of this idyllic escape. Villages, beaches, farms, forests and coastlines line these 21 routes, all of which are of easy to moderate difficulty and take between three and eight hours to hike. Take note to try out routes 1-1, 6, 8, 10 and 12, as these are some of the more popular routes.
Olle Trails
Address: Olle Tourist Centre, 22 Jungjeong-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
Duration: 3 to 8 hours, depending on route taken
Contact: +82-64-762-2190
5. Step back in time with Jeju Folk Village Museum
Step into Jeju’s rustic past with the Jeju Folk Village Museum. A sprawling locale, this museum is much more than displaying and dioramas – the entire place itself is a life-sized recreation of Jeju’s past villages and traditions! Step through the traditional main gate, from which you will travel back to Jeju in the 1890s. Explore the 100 traditional houses dispersed throughout the mountain, hill-country, fishing and shamanism villages, all of which house up to 8000 traditional artefacts. Be sure to experience these villagers’ ways of life through horseback riding and handling cooking utensils used to make tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes)!
Jeju Folk Village
Address: 631-34, Minsokhaean-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Price: Adults (19 & above) – 8.72 USD; Seniors (65 & above) – 6.98 USD; Teenagers (12 to 18) – 6.10 USD; Children (4 to 11) – 5.23 USD
Opening Hours: October to February – 8:30am–5pm; March – 8:30am–5:30pm; April to July 15th – 8:30am–6pm; July 16th to August – 8:30am–6:30pm; September – 8:30am–6pm
Contact: +82-64-787-4501 ext. 2
6. Learn the heritage of Korea’s ‘mermaids’ at Jeju Haenyeo Museum
Of course, what is visiting Jeju without learning about some of their most important figures? Jeju’s haenyeo are hardy women who, with nothing but diving suits and basic breathing equipment, dive into the chilly waters of the island to retrieve abalone, octopus, oysters, sea urchins and other harvests to make a living. Their independent spirit, iron will and contributions to the island’s economy leave no wonder as to why they are dubbed Jeju’s ‘mermaids’. Explore their legacy at the Jeju Haenyeo Museum, a location dedicated to remembering their dying trade.
Within its three main exhibition halls, the Jeju Haenyeo Museum explores various aspects of a haenyeo’s life, beginning with a restoration of a traditional haenyeo home, their usual meals, as well as the utensils they use. The second hall goes on to display haenyeos diving equipment, working outfits and historical records; while the last hall is an exhibition of the fishing industry’s culture, including items such as traditional fishnets and models of ships and salt farms. Be sure to check out their observatory, and buy a souvenir unique to Jeju’s heritage at the gift shop!
Jeju Haenyeo Museum
Address: 26 Haenyeobangmulgwan-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Price: Adults (25 to 64) – 0.96 USD; Youth (13 to 24) – 0.44 USD
Opening Hours: 9am–5pm daily; closed every first and third Monday of the month
Contact: +82-64-782-9898
7. Have fun at Hallim Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For a fun day out, escape to Hallim Park, a vast 80-acre park near the island’s west coast. One of the most popular tourist spots on the island, Hallim Park is home to a diverse luxuriant flora, including an assortment of subtropical plants, palm trees and bonsai. Part of the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System can also be found here, with the entrance to Hyeopjaegul and Ssangyonggul Caves, the only two-dimensional caves in the world, being located here.
As a garden, the best time to visit Hallim Park would be spring, as that is when flowers such as tulips, cherry blossoms and canola flowers burst into full bloom. For a more mellow experience, head there in autumn, when falling auburn leaves complement the scent of chrysanthemums in the air.
Hallim Park
Address: 300, Hallim-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Price: Adults – 8.72 USD; Teenagers (12 to 18) – 6.10 USD; Children (3 to 12) – 5.23 USD; Seniors (65 & above) – 7.85 USD
Opening Hours: March to September – 8:30am–7pm; July 15 to August 20 – 8:30am–7:30pm; October to February – 8:30am–6pm. Last admission is 1.5 hours before closing time.
Contact: +82-64-796-0001 ext.4
8. Sink into the sand and sea of scenic Hyeopjae Beach
After your trip to Hallim Park, have fun amongst Jeju’s natural beauty with a trip to the nearby Hyeopjae Beach! One of Jeju’s most scenic beaches, crystalline waters and sugary sands of crushed shells define this gorgeous coastline. Enjoy a photo opportunity as you frolic along this coastline, or splash in the sea during the summertime swimming period! If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can head over to Hallim Port and take a boat to the nearby Biyangdo Island.
Hyeopjae Beach
Address: 329-10, Hallim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Price: Free
Opening Hours: Only open from early July to end August. Operating hours are 10am–10pm.
Contact: Travel hotline for Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese speakers – +82-2-1330
9. Cross Seonimgyo Bridge and see Cheonjeyeon Waterfall
One of the island’s most gorgeous wonders, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall consists of three spectacular sections which eventually flow to the sea. Follow the signboards within its vicinity to trace the path of the falls’ three sections. While the third section makes a tough hike, the first and second sections bring one to stunning rock pools filled with turquoise waters and surrounded by surreal lava pillars.
The waterfall’s status of ‘The Pond Of God’ is discernible by the majestic architectural feats around it. With seven nymphs carved into both sides, Seonimgyo Bridge depicts the legend of seven divine nymphs who descended upon the earth at night. The octagonal Cheonjeru Pavilion further adds to this story with its painting of the legend involving the nymphs and the mountain god.
Cheonjeyeon Falls
Address: 27, Saekdal-ro 189beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 8am till sunset
Duration: 30 to 40 minutes
Contact: Travel hotline for Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese speakers – +82-2-1330
10. See the wonder of Jeongbang Falls
One of Jeju’s most famous waterfalls, Jeongbang Waterfall is the only waterfall in Asia to fall straight into the ocean. This thunderous wonder sits in the island’s south, just past Seogwipo, a laid-back city reminiscent of Korean seaside towns.
Stroll around the cove that connects Jeongbang to the sea – if you get close enough, you may even feel the spray of the waterfall! Also look out for the evergreen tree leaning out from the cliff, appearing as if it would fall into the sea; and ascend this same cliff for a breathtaking view of the ocean.
Jeongbang Falls
Address: 37, Chilsimni-ro 214beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Price: Adults – 1.74 USD; Children – 0.87 USD
Opening Hours: 8:30am till sunset. Times subject to change based on local weather conditions.
Contact: Travel hotline for Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese speakers – +82-2-1330
11. Admire the bizarre pillars of Jusangjeollidae
Another stunning spectacle sitting near Seogwipo is Jusangjeollidae, a surreal cliff face formed from bizarre volcanic pillars. With such sharp, angular forms, one might think this to be Mount Rushmore of Jeju – crafted into place by stone masons – but it’s not! These characteristic features were formed by dried lava from Hallasan in centuries long past. Besides admiring the scenery from here, head down the cliff during low tides to admire the pillars up close, and take a tranquil walk through the surrounding pine forest on your way back.
Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff (Jusangjeollidae)
Address: 216, Jungmungwangwang-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Price: Adults – 1.74 USD; Teenagers & children – 0.87 USD
Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Contact: +82-64-738-1393
12. Glimpse upon the glittery at Jeju Glass Castle
Not for the clumsy or butterfingered, Jeju Glass Castle is the world’s first-ever glass museum. The exterior alone is enough to inspire the awe in you – in the midst of a peaceful garden landscape lies, quietly mingling with verdant greenery, glass flowerbeds, a glass waterfall and lake of mirrors with fish made of recycled soju bottles. Enter the indoor centre for more crystalline wonders, such as a Pyrex glass hareubang (stone statues of mythical gods), a towering glass beanstalk, as well as the world’s largest glass ball and diamond! Further inside is the Mirror Room, an ethereal compound lined with mirrors and constellations constructed from 5,000 pieces of Pyrex glass. For an extra fee, complement your visit here by creating your very own glass masterpiece!
Jeju Glass Castle
Address: 462, Nokchabunjae-ro, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Price: Adults – 9.59 USD; Teenagers (12 to 16) – 7.85 USD; Children (3 to 11) – 6.98 USD
Opening Hours: 9am–7pm daily. Last admission is at 6pm.
Duration: around 1 hour for all activities
Contact: Travel hotline for Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese speakers – +82-2-1330; +82-64-772-7777
13. Let your inner child run wild at the Teddy Bear Museum
If you’ve got a soft spot for all things cute and cuddly, head on over to the Teddy Bear Museum! A must-see on Jeju Island, the Teddy Bear Museum exhibits teddy bears from all around the globe in different costumes and dioramas. These include popular artworks, historical scenes, celebrity icons, all of which have been recreated with teddy bears! And it doesn’t just stop within the gallery – the garden also hosts its own series of teddy bear sculptures and models.
Be sure not to miss the world’s smallest teddy bear – at just 4.5mm – on display here! For K-drama fans, this was also a filming site for the 2006 drama Princess Hours (Goong), starring Running Man regular Song Jihyo!
Teddy Bear Museum
Address: 2889 Saekdal-dong, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea
Price: Adults – 8.72 USD; Teens – 7.85 USD; Children – 6.98 USD; Infants (under 3) – Free
Opening Hours: 9am–7pm daily. Last admission at 6pm.
Duration: The tour is 1 hour long.
Contact: Travel hotline for Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese speakers – +82-2-1330; +82-64-738-7600
14. Find food, fruit and more at Seogwipo’s Markets
Take a break from tourist activities and get in touch with local life at Seogwipo’s markets! If you’re planning to prepare a feast back at your accommodation, these places are your best bet for fresh produce; straight from the farms around the island!
Venture into Seogwipo’s Maeil Olle Market. Open daily, this market houses over 200 shops with produce ranging from live seafood to kimchi, giving you an insight to the daily life of a Jeju islander. Even if you aren’t grocery shopping, you can taste local flavours with a bite to eat at a kimbap (rice roll) or tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) stall here. If you’re exploring the markets on a date ending in 4 or 9 (i.e. the 4th, 9th, 14th etc. days of the month), you’re in luck! This is when the Five Day Village Market is held in the city’s east, with stalls selling a larger diversity of items, from more fresh produce and live animals to clothing and crafts.
Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market
Address: 22, Jungjeong-ro73beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Price: Admission is free; prices vary from shop to shop.
Opening Hours: 7am–9pm daily
Contact: hsc3721@hanmail.net
Seogwipo Rural Five-Day Market
Address: 142 Topyeongseo-ro11beon-gil, Donghong-dong, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea
Price: Admission is free; prices vary from stall to stall.
Contact: +82-64-763-0965
15. Tickle your funny bone at the non-verbal Nanta show
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
When it comes to travelling, some people opt to miss out on performing arts events due to their inability to understand the language spoken. This won’t be a problem here! The Nanta show is a non-verbal comedy musical revolving around three cooks who have to prepare a wedding banquet on a waning time limit. To make things worse, their manager has asked his incompetent nephew to join them! The main mode of music in this show is the samul nori rhythm, a genre of traditional Korean music, performed with improvised props such as kitchen utensils and equipment. The longest running show in Korean history, this show also includes elements of acrobatics, magic and audience participation sure to tickle your funny bone.
Jeju Nanta Theatre
Address: NANTA Theater, 56-26, Seondolmokdong-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Price: Regular seats – 43.60 USD; VIP Seats – 52.32 USD
Opening Hours: Performances usually begin at 5pm or 8pm.
Duration: 100 minutes
Contact: +82-64-723-8878
Nothing jejune about Jeju!
There’s so much to do here! Even beyond these activities, Jeju Island is an idyllic wonderland far-flung from the claustrophobia of the city and the woes of daily life. We hope this list will help you explore Jeju’s splendour in all its glory, and give you a start to an adventure worth a lifetime’s memory.
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