Things To Do
in Jeju
Jeju Island, located off the southern coast of South Korea, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including volcanic landscapes, lush green hills, and pristine beaches. The island features Hallasan, South Korea's highest peak, which is a shield volcano and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Jeju is also famous for its unique cultural heritage, including traditional folk villages and the iconic Haenyeo, female divers known for harvesting seafood.
As a popular tourist destination, Jeju offers a blend of outdoor activities, relaxation, and rich local cuisine, making it a favorite getaway for both locals and international visitors.
- "Annyeonghaseyo" - Hello
- "Kamsahamnida" - Thank you
- "Jal jinaess-eoyo" - How have you been?
- "Mianhamnida" - I'm sorry
- "Eotteoke jinaeseyo?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Hyeopjae Beach, known for its beautiful white sand and turquoise waters. Take a refreshing swim or relax under the sun.
After lunch, visit Geumneung Beach for more picturesque views and great spots for beach activities. Don't forget to grab some local snacks from nearby vendors.
End the day with a sunset at Gwakji Beach, famous for its beautiful vistas. Enjoy some seafood at a beachside restaurant.
Begin with a hike up Hallasan Mountain, the highest peak in South Korea. The trails offer diverse flora and stunning views.
Take a break at one of the resting areas and have a packed lunch amidst nature. Continue your hike and explore the unique landscapes.
Return to your accommodation to unwind. Enjoy a warm traditional Korean meal to refuel after a day of adventure.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and waterfalls
- Mild climate, making it a year-round tourist destination
- Unique volcanic features, such as Hallasan Mountain and lava tubes
- Rich cultural heritage with traditional villages and historical sites
- Delicious local cuisine, including fresh seafood and specialty dishes like black pork
- Variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, snorkeling, and cycling
- Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons, leading to crowded attractions
- Higher cost of living and accommodations compared to mainland South Korea
- Limited public transportation options in some areas, making it necessary to rent a car
- Weather can be unpredictable, with occasional typhoons in summer
- Some areas may lack English signage, posing difficulties for non-Korean speakers
- Environmental concerns related to over-tourism and preservation of natural sites
Best Activities in Jeju
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A popular outdoor activity in Jeju, Hallasan Mountain offers stunning views and diverse ecosystems. The hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding, taking you through various trails filled with unique flora and fauna.
The Jeju Olle Trail is a series of walking paths that cover the coastline and countryside of Jeju Island. Each course offers breathtaking scenery, including cliffs, beaches, and quaint villages, making it a great way to explore the island.
Hyeopjae Beach is famous for its crystal-clear water and white sand. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and beach volleyball, making it perfect for a fun day outdoors.
Jungmun Beach is well-known for its vibrant water sports scene. You can enjoy jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides, catering to both thrill-seekers and families looking for fun in the sun.
The Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls consist of three stunning falls surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can hike along the scenic paths, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, and take in the natural beauty.
Rent a bike and explore the island's beautiful landscapes on two wheels. Various biking trails are available, offering a unique way to see Jeju's natural wonders at your own pace.
A ferry ride away from Jeju, Udo Island offers gorgeous beaches, scenic bike trails, and delicious local seafood. You can rent a bike or scooter to explore the island at your leisure.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for breathtaking sunrise views. The hike up to the peak is relatively easy and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Visit one of Jeju's famous grapefields and experience picking fresh, delicious grapefruits. Engage in the local farming experience and taste the sweet fruits right from the tree.
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, this volcanic cone offers stunning views of the sunrise over the ocean, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers.
Home to the tallest mountain in South Korea, Hallasan provides breathtaking views from the summit, along with diverse landscapes and flora that create excellent photographic opportunities.
One of the few waterfalls in Asia that falls directly into the ocean, Jeongbang Waterfall is a picturesque spot, especially during sunset when the light reflects off the water.
This lava tube cave offers fascinating geological formations. The unique rock structures and the cool, dark environment present intriguing photographic challenges.
Just off the coast of Jeju, Udo Island captivates visitors with its vibrant blue waters, sandy beaches, and stunning coastal landscapes, ideal for capturing beach and nature scenes.
This half-moon shaped island is famous for its row of ginkgo trees, especially beautiful in autumn. It transforms into a picturesque scene, creating perfect opportunities for photography.
This tranquil walking path through a dense forest is perfect for capturing the beauty of nature, especially during the early morning mist or autumn foliage.
A scenic coastal rock formation with walking paths that offer panoramic views of the sea, especially stunning during twilight hours.
A beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and rock formations, providing a serene setting that is perfect for photography.
Although not in Jeju, this iconic palace on the mainland is worth mentioning for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, making it a great photo location.
Food in Jeju
Jeju Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try specialty of Jeju, this dish features the prized black pork known for its rich flavor and juicy texture, often grilled at tabletop restaurants.
Must-Try!
A traditional dish that combines rice with sautéed abalone, vegetables, and a spicy sauce, showcasing fresh seafood.
Served fresh and raw or grilled, this delicacy highlights the fresh coastal flavors of Jeju.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Jeju better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market in Jeju City, offering a variety of local snacks including tteokbokki, fish cakes, and fresh produce. It's a great spot to immerse yourself in local food culture.
A vibrant market with an array of street food options, from spicy fish soup to Jeju mandarin snacks, perfect for food exploration and tasting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Jeju, as in the rest of Korea, it is considered polite to bow slightly when greeting someone. A handshake is also common, but it should be accompanied by a slight bow and using both hands to offer your hand shows extra respect.
When dining in Jeju, wait for the eldest person to start eating before you begin. It is also polite to use both hands when pouring drinks for others, showing consideration and respect for your dining companions.
It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home or certain traditional accommodations. Always look for a shoe rack or designated area for shoes, as this shows respect for the home and its customs.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Jeju with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Jeju
Ensure a smooth experience
In Jeju, South Korea, tipping is not a common practice. Service charges are usually included in the bill at restaurants and other service establishments. Giving small amounts of change as a gesture of appreciation is sometimes accepted but not expected. Visitors are generally advised not to tip as it may cause confusion.
Payment methods in Jeju are diverse, with credit and debit cards being widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and shops. Mobile payment options, such as Samsung Pay and KakaoPay, are also popular among locals. Cash is still in use, especially in smaller shops and markets, so it is advisable for visitors to carry some cash.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Jeju.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (April to June) is one of the best times to visit Jeju, South Korea. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Cherry blossoms bloom, creating beautiful landscapes, and outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing are enjoyable.
Summer (July to August) in Jeju can be hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This season attracts many tourists looking for beach activities. Expect occasional rain and typhoons, but it’s also a vibrant time for festivals and events.
Autumn (September to November) is another ideal time to visit Jeju. The weather is cool and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Fall foliage offers stunning views, especially on hiking trails and mountain areas.
Winter (December to February) in Jeju is relatively mild compared to mainland Korea, with temperatures averaging between 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). While it’s a quieter season for tourism, visitors can enjoy peaceful landscapes, and the chance of snow in higher elevations adds a unique charm.
Jeju at Night
Hiking in Jeju
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Home to South Korea's highest mountain, Hallasan, this national park offers several trails that lead you through lush forests and stunning volcanic landscapes.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this tuff cone offers a relatively short hike with breathtaking views at the top, especially at sunrise.
While primarily a cave attraction, the surrounding walking paths provide a scenic exploration of Jeju's unique geological formations and natural beauty.
A network of scenic walking paths around the coast of Jeju, the Olle Trails offer a variety of routes with beautiful views, beaches, and local culture.
This scenic area features beautiful waterfalls and lush vegetation. The hiking path to the falls is both accessible and picturesque.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Jeju through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Jeju by plane.
Located in Seoul, Gimpo International Airport serves as a major domestic and international gateway, connecting Jeju with various destinations in Asia and beyond.
As the largest airport in South Korea, located near Seoul, Incheon International Airport is a primary hub for international flights, providing connections to countries around the globe.
Situated in Busan, this airport serves both international and domestic flights, making it a significant access point for travelers in the southeastern region of South Korea.
Located in Muan, this airport provides both domestic and limited international flights, serving as another option for travelers near Jeju.
This airport in Daegu offers a mix of domestic and international flights, contributing to the transport connectivity in the southeastern part of Korea.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group, comprising native ethnic Koreans who make up a significant percentage of the population in Jeju.
A growing number of expatriates and foreign workers from various countries, attracted by the island's economy and lifestyle.
Visitors from around the world who come to Jeju for its natural beauty, culture, and tourism attractions.
The Soul of Jeju
Discover the essence of Jeju through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is very popular in Jeju, with local teams and children playing in various leagues and parks.
Baseball attracts many fans in Jeju, with local games and a strong following among residents.
Given Jeju's beautiful beaches, beach volleyball is a favorite among both locals and tourists.
The scenic trails of Hallasan Mountain and coastal paths make trekking a popular activity on the island.
Cycling along the coast and through the scenic countryside is favored by both locals and tourists.
Jeju Island is known for its beautiful golf courses, making golf a popular sport for both residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jeju.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Korean cuisine heavily features meat and fish, there are vegetarian-friendly dishes available such as vegetable bibimbap and tofu stew found in various local restaurants.
Vegan options can be limited, but dishes like vegetable stir-fry and kimchi can be adapted. Some restaurants in Jeju City are becoming increasingly accommodating to vegan diets.
Gluten intolerance is less common in Korea; however, rice-based dishes like bibimbap or rice cakes are naturally gluten-free, and many restaurants can adjust dishes to meet gluten-free needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Jeju with these cultural adventures.
