Things To Do
in Jeju
Jeju, South Korea is a picturesque island known for its stunning natural beauty, including volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and beautiful beaches. The island is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore unique geological formations like the iconic Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. Visitors can also enjoy cultural attractions such as traditional villages, museums, and delicious local cuisine.
With its mild climate and range of outdoor activities, Jeju offers a relaxing and enjoyable getaway for all types of travelers.
- "안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida)" - Thank you
- "실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)" - Excuse me
- "죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)" - I'm sorry
- "얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?)" - How much is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Hallasan National Park, exploring scenic trails and witnessing stunning views from the summit. Bring plenty of water and snacks to stay energized during your hike.
Visit the Manjanggul Lava Tube, one of the longest lava tubes in the world. Enjoy the unique geological formations and learn about the volcanic history of Jeju.
Wind down at a local seafood restaurant trying out fresh sashimi. Relax by the ocean and savor the beautiful sunset.
Spend the morning at Hyeopjae Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand. Enjoy a swim or relax under the sun.
Head to Biyangdo Island for a scenic walk and take in the lush landscapes. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying nature.
Return to Jeju City and explore the vibrant night markets. Try local delicacies and shop for unique souvenirs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including beaches, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
- Mild climate, making it a year-round tourist destination.
- Rich cultural history and unique local traditions.
- Variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and water sports.
- Delicious local cuisine, famous for seafood and tropical fruits.
- Tourist crowds can lead to a crowded experience during peak seasons.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Higher cost of accommodation and dining during tourist season.
- Some areas may lack English signage, posing challenges for non-Korean speakers.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with typhoons impacting travel plans.
Best Activities in Jeju
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful landscapes and volcanic terrain of Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea.
Relax on the pristine beaches of Jeju, such as Hyeopjae Beach or Jungmun Beach, and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.
Discover Jeju's scenic coastal roads and countryside on a bicycle, with rental shops available around the island.
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Jeju to explore vibrant marine life and unique underwater volcanic formations.
Tours
Uncover the best of Jeju with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Jeju
Visit one of these nice places.
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its breathtaking sunrise views and unique volcanic landscape.
A picturesque waterfall that cascades directly into the sea, offering a stunning backdrop for photographs.
Home to South Korea's highest mountain, Hallasan, and offering various scenic hiking trails and viewpoints.
A tranquil forested area with a well-maintained walking trail, providing opportunities for nature photography.
Food in Jeju
Jeju Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty rice porridge made with fresh abalone, a local delicacy. It's a comforting and flavorful dish often enjoyed as a breakfast or a light meal.
Must-Try!
Jeju's famous black pork is renowned for its tender and distinct flavor. It's often grilled and served with a variety of side dishes, creating a memorable dining experience.
A savory pancake filled with a variety of fresh seafood such as shrimp, squid, and scallions. It's a popular dish enjoyed as a snack or appetizer in Jeju.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Jeju better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market offers a wide array of fresh seafood, fruits, and local specialties. Visitors can also indulge in a diverse selection of street food, including grilled skewers, hotteok (sweet pancakes), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
A bustling market where visitors can savor a variety of street foods such as fresh kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), odeng (fish cake skewers), and bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste) while exploring local crafts and products.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Jeju, it is important to show respect to elders through polite language and gestures, such as bowing and using formal speech.
When entering someone's home or certain traditional establishments, it is customary to remove your shoes as a sign of respect for the space.
Engaging in local customs and traditions, such as participating in tea ceremonies or traditional performances, is a way to show respect for Jeju's culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Jeju with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Jeju
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not generally expected in Jeju, Korea, South. It is not a common practice in Korean culture, including Jeju. In restaurants and other service industries, the bill usually includes a service charge, and tipping is not necessary. However, some upscale hotels or Westernized establishments may accept tips, but it is not expected.
Payment in Jeju, Korea, South is predominantly cash-based. While credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments, it is advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors, local markets, and transportation. Some businesses may not accept international credit cards, so it's important to have some local currency on hand. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Jeju.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to see cherry blossoms and enjoy pleasant weather. Ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Warm and humid weather, perfect for beach activities, water sports, and hiking. Also a time for various festivals and events.
Beautiful foliage, mild temperatures, and less crowded attractions. Great for hiking and enjoying outdoor nature.
Cold weather with occasional snowfall. Best for exploring indoor attractions, enjoying hot springs, and taking part in winter festivals.
Jeju at Night
Hiking in Jeju
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Home to Hallasan Mountain, the highest peak in South Korea, this national park offers scenic trails with diverse flora and fauna, magnificent views, and unique volcanic landscapes.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this volcanic cone features an easy hike to the summit which rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the sunrise and the surrounding ocean.
A series of walking paths encircling the island, the Jeju Olle Trail provides various sections that lead through beautiful coastal scenery, forests, and traditional villages.
A short, scenic hike leads to this stunning waterfall, where visitors can enjoy the sight of water cascading into a serene pool, surrounded by lush greenery.
Explore one of the world's finest lava tubes with a unique underground trail that showcases fascinating geological formations, including stalactites and stalagmites.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Jeju through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Jeju by plane.
Located in Incheon, approximately 48 km west of Seoul, ICN is the primary international airport serving South Korea and one of the busiest airports in the world.
Situated in Gimpo, about 15 km west of Seoul, GMP is the second-largest airport serving the Seoul metropolitan area and handles domestic and some international flights.
Located in Gimhae, Busan, approximately 20 km west of Busan city center, PUS serves as the main international airport for the southeastern region of South Korea.
Located in Muan County, approximately 30 km from Mokpo, MWX provides international and domestic flights, serving the southwestern region of Korea.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly ethnic Koreans make up the majority of the population in Jeju.
Includes individuals from Southeast Asia and other regions employed in various sectors like agriculture and construction.
A significant number of domestic and international tourists visit Jeju annually, affecting local demographics.
Families formed through marriage between Koreans and foreigners, often contributing to a diverse cultural landscape.
The Soul of Jeju
Discover the essence of Jeju through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Jeju, with many local clubs and a strong fan base. The Jeju United FC competes in the K League, attracting many supporters.
Baseball enjoys immense popularity in Jeju, with local teams frequently competing in amateur leagues and many residents following professional teams in the KBO.
Volleyball, both indoor and beach, is widely played in Jeju, particularly given its beautiful coastlines that provide great venues for beach volleyball.
Basketball is also popular among the youth in Jeju, with many public courts available and local school teams competing in various tournaments.
Jeju is known for its stunning golf courses, making golf a favored recreational activity for both locals and tourists, especially given the island's picturesque landscape.
With its mountainous terrain and scenic trails, hiking is a favored activity in Jeju, especially on Hallasan Mountain, attracting both locals and tourists.
Surfing has been gaining popularity in Jeju due to its beautiful beaches and suitable wave conditions, drawing both beginners and seasoned surfers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jeju.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Jeju's cuisine heavily features seafood and pork, many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, particularly in popular tourist areas. Additionally, Buddhist temple cuisine, known as 'sunsi' or 'balwoo' in Korean, provides vegetarian-friendly dishes and can be found in certain temples on the island.
Though gluten-free options may be limited in traditional Jeju cuisine, some modern cafes and restaurants offer gluten-free dishes and are generally accommodating to dietary preferences. It's advisable to communicate dietary restrictions clearly when dining out to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Jeju with these cultural adventures.