5 Must-Do Summer Activities in Jeju for an Island Escapade to Remember

Need a change of scenery?

You can’t go wrong with Jeju. Its pristine white sand beaches, lava tubes, and lush mountainside provide a much-needed respite from the busy streets of the big city. It’s definitely the place to be if you want to rest and relax, thanks to its seaside hotels, famous spas, and calm countryside. But there are also plenty of things to do for people who love to be active. From hiking up picturesque peaks to diving into crystal clear waters, there’s never a shortage of attractions in Jeju Island!

For an island escape like no other, check out our picks of 5 of the best things to do in Jeju in summer.

Situated in the southwest corner of the Korean peninsula, Jeju or Jeju-do is a volcanic island that’s home to lava tubes, sprawling tea fields, and pristine beaches. Spanning a surface area of 1,849 square kilometers, it’s also the largest island in South Korea.

There are two ways to reach Jeju Island: by plane or ferry. For the fastest way to get to the island, take an airplane to Jeju International Airport! Located on the northern side of the island, the airport serves 29 direct domestic and international routes. From Mainland Korea, a flight typically takes just around an hour. There are also flights from Hong Kong, Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia.

By ferry, you can get to Jeju in 2 to 4 hours, depending on your departure point. There are ports all over the mainland like Mokpo, Wando, Usuyong, Yeosu, and Nokdong. There’s even an overnight ferry from Busan that takes around 12 hours.

Since the island has limited public transportation options, the best way to travel from one attraction to another is by hiring a private car charter in Jeju. You don’t have to worry about getting an international driver’s license or navigating tricky roads. Just choose where and when you want to go and how long you want to stay. You’re in complete control of your day. To give you an idea of how to maximize the private drive hire, here’s a sample itinerary:

Start the day right with an early morning hike up to the summit, where you can get uninterrupted views of the sunrise. Worried about challenging trails? Don’t fret. From the car park, it’s only a 30-minute walk through paved pathways and wooden stairs to the peak.

Continue the stunning views to the Seopjikoji seaside. Teeming with bright yellow canola flowers and incredible waterside views, it’s become famous for its idyllic scenery. It’s even been featured in several K-dramas, like Song Hye-kyo and Lee Byung-hun’s All In and Kang So-ra and Yoo Yeon-seok’s Warm and Cozy.

After a jam-packed morning, head to one of Jeju’s finest restaurants, Sangchunjae. Known for its delicious bibimbap, the restaurant also serves freshly-caught octopuses, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins, which are difficult to find in Seoul.

End your day on a high note with a visit to Manjanggul Cave, one of the most stunning Jeju Island attractions. At 13.4 kilometers long, it’s one of the longest lava tunnels in the world, and visitors can explore a kilometer of it. Inside, you’ll see the Stone Turtle, which is a lava formation in the shape of Jeju-do, and the largest lava column that stands at eight meters tall.

Whether you’re traveling with kids or you just love animals, stopping by Aqua Planet is a must. As one of the biggest aquariums in Asia, it’s one of Jeju Island’s attractions that you can’t miss. Feel like you’re at the bottom of the ocean as you walk by the massive aquarium containing over 48,000 marine animals. Go to the basement floor, where you can enjoy up-close encounters with aquatic creatures in the world’s largest touch pool.

No island vacation is complete without a trip to the beach. Check out our picks for three of Jeju’s finest:

Ride the waves at Woljeongri Beach, one of the most fun things to do in Jeju Island! You can rent a board at one of the shoreside shops or take a lesson on-site. If you’re not much of a surfer, you can go for a swim or go sailing. Woljeongri Beach is also a great place for families because kids can play in the shallow water.

It’s no surprise why Gwakji Beach is a favorite among the locals. Its stunning white sand beach and aquamarine waters are a sight to behold. Besides the typical beach activities, you can also try your hand at picking out clams and other shellfish around its 350-meter long beach area.

As the regular host of concerts, parties, and sporting competitions, Hamdeok Beach is one of the most unmissable Jeju Island attractions. On top of all the events, it also boasts two smaller beaches, where you can escape the crowds and glimpse the nearby Seoubong peak, a stunning volcanic cone on the eastern side.

Jeju’s not just blessed with incredible beaches but also with stunning mountains that have great walking trails. Check out two of the island's most popular hiking routes where you can soak up all the breathtaking scenery:

Get the best of both worlds when you follow Route 10 of the Jeju Olle Trail. At the very top, you’ll get an incredible view of the sea on the left and unobstructed vistas of lush mountains on the right. Along the way of the 15.6 km-trail, you’ll take in the captivating Yongmeori Coast, the historic Victims Memorials, and the Altteureu Airfield.

No visit to Jeju-do is complete without a trip to Mount Hallasan. As the highest peak in South Korea, it’s one of the top attractions in Jeju Island. Once you reach the crown-shaped summit, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the crater lake. With an elevation of 1,950 m, it takes half a day to reach the top and return back. Beginners can try the Seongpanak Trail while more advanced hikers can take on the Gwaneumsa Trail.

What could be better than enjoying delicious coffee while basking in the beachside panoramas? Discover some of Jeju’s finest coffee complete with gorgeous scenery at these cafes:

Two words to sum up Cafe Aewol Monsat? Fantastic, baby! Owned by Big Bang’s G-Dragon, the cafe is one of the most famous in the island because of its overlooking views of the ocean as well as its sleek and modern interior. When you’re there, try out the best-selling Shakerato, a cold brew espresso drink.

Featured on K-dramas Warm and Cozy and Goddess of Marriage, Bomnal Cafe has a cozy, laid-back vibe, perfect if you want to take a breather while taking in the fresh ocean breeze. Beat the summer heat and order the tasty mango ice cream.

After enjoying Jeju’s summer activities, take a break at Cafe Delmoondo. Located across Hamdeok Beach, you can bask in the postcard-worthy oceanside scenery as you enjoy the cafe’s snacks and drinks. Besides the fantastic coffee, savor the rich fondant au chocolat or for a healthier alternative, try the Jeju carrot pound cake.

Now that you know the best things to do in Jeju in the summer, you’re all set for your island escapade. Don’t forget to bring your cameras, most comfortable shoes, and your fave swimsuit for your jam-packed trip to Jeju-do.