The island is one of the most relaxing vacation spots found in Korea thanks to its unique local atmosphere and beautiful natural environment. The volcanic lava tubes that make up nearly 10% of the island’s area are a designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. So it's no surprise that many visitors not only come for a relaxing time away from the bigger cities but also to adventure into nature and discover a very wild but beautiful landscape!

Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, Manjanggul Lava Tube, and Hallasan National Park are must-see sights. Additional attractions include forests, waterfalls and volcanic cones. With so many beautiful things to see, it can be hard to know where you should plan your trip.  Divided by regions you can find the highlights below of what to see and do in Jeju Island!

Jeju City ▼

Jeju-si or Jeju city: Its the main commercial and political centre of the island. It also hosts the majority of Hotels, motels and budget accommodation options so if you are staying a short time in Jeju, the city is your best option. From here most of the tours will depart and the northern side of the island also offers the best beaches! 

In Jeju-si itself there are also a few interesting things to see and do. Below you will find more details:

Yongduam, or Dragon Head Rock, is a natural rock formation and is a popular tourist spot that anyone can stop to view for free! Much of Jeju’s topography was formed by solidified lava. The formation is close to the airport and has visitor facilities, such as a car park and an observation deck. If you’re trying to decide where you should begin your Jeju sightseeing, Yongduam should be at the top of your list. You can get there by bus 432 or 453. As you walk on the road you will see a rock monument, here there is a pathway that takes you down to the base where you can get a good view towards the dragon head.  You can continue to walk around the area where at night there is a rainbow bridge and several restaurants if you want to have dinner here.  

Dongmun Market Place: This is Jeju Island’s largest and oldest permanent market. A street market, night market, traditional market, and seafood market are all combined in one place, and there are many places where you can eat and shop, so it is popular with tourists.

To get there you can walk if you are in the city centre or local busses stop just outside the main entrance. (Numbers 312, 315, 316, 325, 326, 332, 344, 351, 352, 380, 412, 421, 466).

Samsunghyeol Shrine: Designated and protected as Historic Site 134, Samgseonghyeol Shrine is known as the legendary birthplace of three demigods of Jejudo Island — Goeulla (Go), Yangeulna (Yang), and Bueulna (Bu). The 3 holes that they came out of can still be found at the site bearing the shape of the Chinese character 品. The three holes have not been dampened by snow or rain so far and the trees around them almost seem to be bowing towards them. You can see the relics in the museum and the animation of the legend of Samseonghyeol Shrine in the multimedia room in four different languages. The entrance is 2500W.  You can reach there by bus 365, 370, 440, 441, 446, 447, 455, or 461. More info at samsunghyeol.or.kr

Seomun Market: is another market, but not as crowded as Dongmun Market. Making it a great place for avoiding massive crowds. More than anything else, Seomun Market has a well-established restaurant area where you can eat Hanu beef and Jeju black-pig pork purchased at a butcher shop in the market. Plus, the prices are far more reasonable than anywhere else. What’s more, the restaurants here are known more among Jeju locals than tourists, so you’ll feel as if you’re discovering a hidden secret. To get there you can take bus 202, 291, 316, 325, 326, 344, 365, 370, 431, 440, 442, 445, 446, 447, 455 and 465.

Other places of interest in Jeju City: Jeju Museum of Art, Jejuhyanggyo Confucian School, (walk through this historic place and discover a few secrets from times past). Samyang Black Sand Beach, (catch a sunset or simply enjoy the scenery from the shore). Dodubong, (Appreciate the stark difference between the city and nature's rugged beauty at this beautiful location. Sarabong Park. (the biggest park in jeju-si).

Seogwipo and region ▼

Seogwipo town: Technically covering the entire south side of the Jeju island, Seogwipo city, consists of a rather small urban centre and port on the coast, directly south of Jeju's most prominent landmark: Mt. Halla. However, the city has grown now and has spread along the coast westwards up to the township of Jungmun and some of the coastal villages beyond.

Seogwipo is another good option for accommodation, specially when staying longer in the island and travelling around. The city also has some more fancy accommodation and you will be able to find the island's only stadium here. Along some of the best waterfalls are in easy reach from Seogwipo centre, as well as some great walks, trails and beaches. There is also a good daily market which sells both fish, meat, fruit and typical Jeju products and souvenirs which gets very popular in the evening. To get to Seogwipo, you can take bus 600 (airport express), 181 from the airport or Jeju city or 202 (local bus around the west of the island).

Waterfalls:Jeongbang Waterfall is one of three main Jeju waterfalls, along with Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Cheonjaeyeon Waterfall.

• Jeongbang is the only one in Korea which spills directly into the sea. Harmonized with the sea, two 23m-tall columns of water fall with a sound like thunder and offer us a magnificent view. Cliffs and old pine trees surrounding the waterfall are always scenic. It takes about 5 minutes to walk to the waterfall down steps and the admission ticket is 2000 KRW. There is also an exhibition centre close by, which costs 500KRW to get in and offers some nice additional views to the cliffs. There is a small exhibition building but no translations in English. To get to Jeongbang Waterfalls you can get bus 651 or 652 from Seogwipo main square. 

• Cheonjiyeon Waterfall:  Also located within Seogwipo City, Cheonjiyeon Falls, gets its name because it means “sky connected with land.” It is 22m high and 12m wide.  It is also famous for the Natural Habitat for Giant Mottled Eels, which are nocturnal. The rock itself does not look too unique, but when the surface of water reflects the rock, the rock and the reflection look like a face. When seen from the left, it looks like the face of an adult, but when viewed from the right, it looks like the face of a baby.  The face is clearer in the afternoon, when the sun starts sinking in the west, than in the morning. Admission applies of 2500W per adult. To get there, you can take bus 880 (tourist bus) or local bus 611, 641 or 692. 

  
  

• Cheonjaeyeon Waterfall: Located 30 min from Seogwipo, by bus. This is the last of the three main watermfalls in the island. However, its consisted of 3 different levels of waterfalls in itself. The first upper cascade is 22 m high and the second 30 m high. The height of the third cascade is not mentioned, but it definitely is less tall than the first two.

  
  

  The first cascade marks also the beginning of the stream,  it appears above the falls from a cave. Water is falling into a turquoise-coloured pool, Cheonjeyeon pond, which is 21 m deep. Often this part of the falls is dry (unless it has rained on the day) but the place is beautiful anyway with majestic basalt columns around the pond.

  
  

  The second cascade comes after some 140 meters and, in general, has more water in it than the first. Here the water flows down along a steep, moss-covered basalt rock into the next pond.

  
  

  After some 300 meters is the final cascade. With a single drop, the stream falls into one more deep-blue pond. Some 900 meters further the stream reaches the sea.

  
  

  As you enter the entrance, located here 📍, there is a ticket to buy (3000 Won). The river is crossed by a the Seonimgyo Bridge, a beautiful bridge that is adorned with seven nymphs. Note that swimming in the falls is forbidden. To get there you can take bus 510, 520, 521,or 690. (The entrance is next to the botanical garden).

Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff: This is a must see place in Jeju, to see natural wonders and admire the formation of impressive basalt columns hundred of years old. Their name is Jusangjeolli, stone pillars piled up along the coast and is a designated cultural monument of Jeju Island. Jusangjeolli Cliff was formed when the lava from Hallasan Mountain erupted into the sea. They are rock pillars shaped like cubes or hexagons of various sizes and almost seem as if stone masons had carved them out.  The waves of the high tide crashing into the side of the cliff provide a breath-taking view of the ocean surrounding the pillars.

• The admission is 2500 Won. By public busses, take 510, 520, 240.

Jungmun Beach: is surrounded by cliffs and has a sandy beach. Also the views to it and the overall panorama is very romantic. It is located in Jungmun Resort, so visitors can enjoy many recreational facilities around the beach. Wind surfing, water-skiing and para-sailing. You can swim in the cobalt coloured ocean, or view the great views below whilst having a drink on some of the bars and restaurants situated above. To reach there by public busses, take 510, 520, 240.

Olle Walking Trails and hike to Gogeunsan Mountain: Olle in the local dialect means a winding path to your front door, and Olle coastal trails now wind around much of the island. You will notice when you are walking along these trails, from the hanging orange and blue ribbons which are placed every 50m or less along the whole island. The trails cover all the island, but you can easily select which trails you wish to do on a particular day and the level of difficulty. From easy to advance. The trails are free and open to everybody. Please keep the trails clean and respect the signs which are placed around them. 

One interesting trail to do close to Seogwipo is the Gogeunsan Mountain hike. It is a moderate hike and takes around 30 min from the base of the mountain to the top or 2 hours if you are walking from Seogwipo city. The decent route is easier and takes 1 hour from the top to the Seogwipo Intercity bus station.  To start the hike we recommend taking the bus 644, 655, 641 or 691 from Seogwipo city centre and alight here 📍.  After take the Olle Trail and follow the ribbons. 

West Jeju ▼

Osulloc Green Tea fields and Tea House: Initially, O’sulloc originated from a rocky volcanic field back in 1979. After recognizing the value of the ecosystems & pristine lands of Jeju Island, O’sulloc founder, Jangwon Seo Seong-wan launched a project to grow a tea field called Dolsongi. With his ambitions to revive the Korean tea tradition that was slowly beginning to fade, O’sulloc was thus developed.  Today, O’sulloc is globally recognized for its advanced organic farming methods & the production of high quality teas. The company also maintains a signature fermentation process using Korean traditional paste extracts that have aged on Jeju island. Their premium teas have even won prestigious international tea contests every year for its palatable taste! You are able to see the museum and taste some good teas and some expensive prices! To get there take bus 151 from Jeju Bus Terminal or Bus 181 from Seogwipo and Change at Donggwang Interchange for bus 255 (stop 2).

Hyeopjae Beach consists of a clear emerald sea and black basalt formed from solidified lava. You can sit back and appreciate the seascape from a small park near the beach. The nearby Olle Trail takes you along Hyeopjae Beach and its surroundings. The beach is open at night in summer, making it a great place to relax and cool off on a hot night. To get there take bus 202 from Jeju city (best) or from Seogwipo city centre. 

Hallim park: Located about 33km west of Jeju city, Hallim Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Jeju Island. The park has a great combination of nature and culture. The main attraction is Hyeopjaegul Cave and Ssangyonggul Cave, known as the only two-entrance caves in the world. The caves, were formed by an eruption of Mount Halla many years ago. Many people believe that the caves were below sea level at the time of formation based on discovering fossilized seashells and abalone shells. Only a 500-meter length of Hyeopjaegul and Ssangnyonggul caves are currently open to the public.

Other things to see at the park are: The Stone and Bonsai garden,  the garden is large, offering a collection of 300-year-old pines, quince trees, crape myrtles, and maple trees. The Jea-am Folk village, the folk village is an interesting feature of Jeju island. It preserves Jeju Island’s traditional lifestyle and culture during the 19th century. You can see roof houses, stone walls, and sculptures of people and animals in the village. The bird garden, interesting to see the elegant peacocks walking around the garden, Ostriches, the biggest bird in the world, could also be found here.

The entrance fee is 12000 Won. To get there take bus 202 from Jeju city (best) or from Seogwipo city centre. 

Gwakji Beach: is 350m long and 70m wide, Gwakji is known for its white sands and clear blue water. This beach also has a spring that will make you shudder from its cold temperature even in the peak of the summer. Picking the abundant clams and other shellfish is another bonus that can be enjoyed aside from swimming. Its has a more local feel that the other beaches and its less crowded. It also has a few restaurants where to enjoy the Jeju sea food. To get there take bus 202 from Jeju city (best) or from Seogwipo city centre. 

Marado island: If you are staying in Jeju a little longer, its a beautiful trip to go to Marado island, which has also the characteristic of being South Korea's most southern territory. See the next Tab for more info!

East Jeju ▼

Jeju Folk Village: is the Most Jeju-like Place in Jeju! Folklore symbolizes the spirit of its people, and is a living culture that adapts and changes to its times and surroundings as it is passed down from generation to generation. As time passes, new elements are added or existing ones are removed. As such, folklore can be considered a concrete aspect of life and basic culture that contains the spirit and ideals of the people. Jeju Folk Village has comprehensively organized Jeju’s traditional folklore materials by setting 1890, the end of the Joseon Dynasty, as its base year and has put them on display for all to see. It is a place where Jeju’s folk culture is properly preserved, where people can see trees and flowers in a single glance. To get to the Folk Village, you can take bus 221. 222 from Seogwipo centre or express bus 121 from Jeju City.

Seongeup Folk Village is one of few folk villages that maintains the proper look of old Jeju villages. Unlike most other recreated folk villages, Seongeup Folk Village is actually inhabited by locals.  Some of the traditional houses here are run as guesthouses and shops. In addition there are thatched houses surrounded by basalt stone fences, plus other historical buildings like Hyanggyo and Seongmun nearby that are worth a look. The location should not be confused with the other Jeju Folk Village (above). To get to Seongeup Folk Village📍 you can take bus 221. 222 from Seogwipo city centre. 

Dongsan Herb Garden: In about 66,115㎡, there are about 150 types of herbs and wild flowers in each garden and small hill, and is formed with various contents including a scale of experiencing mandarin farm. While taking a walk along the garden's paths, you can smell the herbal scents that will give you a refreshing feeling. There is also fantastic scenery here and don't forget to take pictures with the background of its landscapes. Herb Dongsan offers a great day out activity, but it's highlight is also the night light scenes. With the night time taking on a much more magical view and romantic place for couples to visit!

A maze garden near the entrance greets visitors with a mixture of herbs and flowers. From here, gardens branch out in every direction, each with different themes. There is also a café and shop within the gardens. The entrance fee is 9000 Won. The gardens are open till 22h. To get there you can take bus 222 or 295 from Seogwipo city centre.

Seongsan llchulbong Peak: Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, was formed more than 5000 years ago by volcanic eruptions. It’s used to be a separate island, but it’s now connected to Jeju’s main island.        You have to climb to the top to see the true form of Seongsan Ilchulbong Mountain in Jeju. This majestic 182m high tuff volcano shapes like a large crater. Its forested crater has a basin shape with a diameter of about 600m and a depth of 90 m. Around the crater are 99 alternating rocks, giving this place a crown-like appearance on the background of a green valley. It's not possible to walk around it when you reach the top, however there is plenty of space to admire the view and take pics.

The entrance fee is 2000 Won. As you enter the base, remember to stay on the right side, because this lane is for the paying public who wish to go up to the top. The walk takes about 25 min up, with around 300+ steps to hike. It is a one way system. And remember to take some water with you, as you will need some energy to recover once at the top. The walk down is more comfortable from the other side of the peak. When going down, you can then opt to take a small boat trip or watch the woman diver show, famous in Jeju. (see below tip).

Seopjikoji: gets its name from its shape, jutting out to sea, with 'koji' being the Jeju dialect for a cape. Located just south of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Above), the cape is a popular tourist attraction. From here you can see the Ilchulbong Peak cone along with a beautiful view of the ocean and fields of canola flowers can easily be seen from the peak of Seopjikoji. On the island you can find some interesting features like a beacon fire station, reaching 4 meters in height with a diameter of 9 meters, built using volcanic rocks.  The white lighthouse, a candy style house and the Aqua Planet Theme park. Seopjikoji has been used as a filming site for many Korean movies and dramas. 

To get there, it's a little remote location by public transport, but you can take bus 295, or connect with bus 721-2 if you know the times. Then walking around the whole island can take 90 min. To access the cape and walk around is free of charge.

Manjanggul Cave: The cave is the 12th longest lava tunnel in the world. This lava tube was formed hundreds of thousands of years ago. Unlike most normal caves formed from natural erosion, Manjanggul Cave (만장굴) was formed between 200,000 and 300,000 years ago when the 456m volcano Geomunoreum erupted. Accordingly, magma flows with extremely high temperatures deep underground were formed from the materials that make up the Earth’s crust. Eventually, this magma rose to the surface and erupted in the form of lava. The lava then flowed down the coast, and the path extended for more than 13km, from which many lava tubes were created.

The Manjanggul lava system is currently the largest cave in this system. The total length is more than 7400m long, with sections up to 25m high and 18m wide. However, the cave also has small parts, barely large enough for one person to pass through. There are three entrances to the Manjanggul lava tube, but visitors can only use one of them and walk a section of the tube which is 1km in length. The floor is wet and uneven so hold on to the railings as you may easily slip. At the end of the tunnel, is a giant lava column formed when volcanic lava spills from above. This is the highlight of the tube. Once you reach here, you need to turn back. There’s a small museum onsite where you can read more about the origin and features of the cave.

The entrance ticket is 4000 Won. To get there by public bus, you can take bus 101 (from Seogwipo) and then change for 711-2. (the 711-2 has a reduced timetable, so check the timetable to be sure you are not waiting too long). When you go back, also take this bus 711-2 and you can then connect to other busses like 201 which stops at the beautiful beaches nearby. (see below)

Gimnyeong Seonsegi Beach: Cobalt blue ocean and quality sand are the pride of Gimnyeong Beach. The majestic Manjanggul Cave is located not far away, and offers a cool hiding spot in its great caves, away from the blazing sun. So either you could come to the beach first, or make it your after destination from the cave. To get there, you can take bus 711-2 (from the caves) or direct from Jeju city bus 201.

Hamdeok Seoubong Beach: is located along Jeju Olle Trail. It is also referred to as Hamdeok Seoubong Beach due to the volcanic cone nearby. Located just 20 kilometers from Jeju International Airport, the beach is famous for its great scenery of emerald-blue waters, tall palm trees, and white sandy shore. The beach is considered one of Jeju's top three beaches. To the western end of the beach, there is a bridge built over the water. Additional amenities include a grassy field perfect for picnics and a coastal walking trail. In particular, many people visit during summer evenings to enjoy the night sea. Seoubong Volcanic Cone is beautiful in spring when it is covered in yellow canola blossoms. Climbing up to the summit offers fantastic views of the entire area, including Hallasan Mountain on clear days. 

To get there by public bus, take bus 201 or bus 101 (express) from Seogwipo. Or busses 335, 336 or 300 to Jeju City (bus station) or bus 325 and 380 to the Jeju Dongmun market.

Jeju Stone Park: The Park was inspired by Jeju's culture and applications of stones. The main theme focuses on the foundation and identity of Jeju Island, based on the myth of Seolmundae Halmang (Grandmother Seolmundae), who created Jeju Island and the stones of Obaek Janggun (Five Hundred Generals). The park serves as a historical and cultural space where collected stones respresent Jeju's foundation and culture. There are 3 main areas to see and walking around will take approximately over 1 hour to see it all. Admission 5000 Won. To get there by public bus you can catch the express bus 131 from/to Jeju city or the 231 from Jeju city or Seogwipo.