Best Things to See and Do in Jeju
Located just off the coast of South Korea lies Jeju, an island that offers the perfect holiday getaway for locals and tourists alike, with countless options for what to do in Jeju. A trip to Jeju promises healing and revitalisation for the soul - for weary city dwellers in need of rejuvenation, Jeju beckons with sublime sights and adventures galore.
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Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization
Check off Jeju’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural attractions, from the mammoth Hallasan Mountain (tallest mountain in South Korea!) to the Geomunoreum Lava Tubes and Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak). Craving adventure? Breathtaking hikes are aplenty along with other thrilling activities including go-kart racing, surfing and scuba diving. Another thing you can’t miss in Jeju is to catch the famous haenyeo (female divers native to Jeju) in action and learning more about them at the Jeju Haenyeo Museum.
If you’re looking to add some colour to your South Korea holiday itinerary beyond Seoul - I highly recommend taking a few days (don’t just do a day trip - stay a night or two!) to discover what Jeju has to offer - it’s an underrated gem that’s not to be missed.
About Jeju Island
Jeju Island, also known as Jeju-do or Cheju, is a volcanic island located off the southern coast of South Korea. Often referred to as the “Hawaii of Korea,” Jeju Island is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, mild climate, and unique cultural heritage. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jeju boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The island’s volcanic origins have given rise to dramatic landscapes, including majestic mountains, lush forests, and pristine beaches.
In 2023, Jeju attracted over 13 million visitors, drawn by its enchanting scenery and rich history. Spanning approximately 2.5 times the size of Singapore, Jeju Island can be circumnavigated in about 4 hours by car, offering endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Travelling to South Korea
Before you book your South Korea holiday, make sure to familiarise yourself with the South Korea Travel Requirements.
How to go to Jeju
Image credit: Anna Zvereva
There are two main ways to travel to Jeju:
- If you are travelling straight to Jeju from Singapore, you can book a direct flight from Singapore to Jeju International Airport via Scoot.
- If you are travelling to Jeju from Busan or Seoul, the fastest way is to fly. It only takes about 1 hour from Busan or Seoul.
Now that you are all prepped for your trip, here’s what to add to your itinerary!
1. Hallasan
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization
Start off with Mount Halla (or Hallasan), a shield volcano which is also South Korea’s tallest mountain, and of course, its most famous peak! Standing at 1,950m above sea level, Mt Halla is best explored via a hike which will take around 6-8 hours, depending on which trail you decide to take.
Hallasan is not only a natural wonder but also steeped in Jeju folklore, with legends of demi-gods and mythical creatures adding to its mystique.
The best time to visit? Locals recommend coming during seasons like spring and autumn, when you can enjoy colourful springtime azaleas dancing in the wind as you climb or crisp, golden leaves!
📍2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
For a fuss-free way to explore Mt Halla, take on the Jeju Island UNESCO Day Tour (Jeju South Route Day Tour) which includes tour stops at some of Jeju’s best UNESCO-listed sites:
- Hike Mt Halla Eoseungsaengak Trail (note: this is not the full hike trail, it is the shortest trail and will take less than an hour - very beginner-friendly!)
- 1,100 Altitude Wetland at Hallasan National Park (part of the Jeju Biosphere Reserve)
- Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff (formed when the lava from Hallasan Mountain erupted into the sea, they are rock pillars shaped like cubes or hexagons)
- Yakcheonsa Temple(one of the biggest Buddhist temples in Asia)
- Olle Trail Course no 7 (a scenic walk which passes which passes Oedolgae Rock, Beophwan Port and Gangjeong Village)
- Cheonjiyeon Falls(famous waterfall that’s named ‘Pond of Emperor of Heaven’)
2. Seongsan Ilchulbong
UNESCO World Heritage-listed Seongsan Ilchulbong (or Sunrise Peak) is a tuff cone formation formed over 5,000 years ago. True to its namesake, many flock here in the wee hours to catch the glorious sunrise over the ocean and surrounding volcanic landscape. You can also spot Hallasan from here too!
I didn’t make it early enough for sunrise, but I dare say that it’s a fantastic place to visit whatever the time of day because the views are just simply spectacular. Don’t miss out on the cute little souvenir shop at the foot of Seongsan Ilchulbong, which sells cute Jeju-themed merch like hallabong (Jeju tangerines) hats, woven bags and mini Dol Hareubang (Jeju statues).
📍284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
For a tour that covers Seongsan Ilchulbong, check out Jeju Island UNESCO Day Tour (Jeju East Route Day Tour) which includes:
- Manjanggul Cave (UNESCO World Natural Heritage-listed lava tunnel)
- Woljeongri Beach(famed for sensational coastal scenery and waterpsorts)
- Haenyeo Museum(learn more about the Jeju female divers aka haenyeo)
- Seongsan Sunrise Peak (UNESCO World Natural Heritage-listed volcanic tuff cone)
- Herb Park(pretty garden and herb park that has blooms all year round)
3. Manjanggul Cave
Another must-visit in Jeju is the Manjanggul Cave, which is not so much of a cave but a huge lava tube that’s part of the Geomunoreum Lava Tube system. Manjanggul boasts the longest lava tube in Asia, stretching 7,400m and maximum height of 25 meters and width of 18 meters.
While the majority of the cave is closed off, tourists can still visit a 1-km section and spot various geographical features such as stalactites, stalagmites and stone pillars.
For those interested in learning more about Jeju's geology and marine history, a visit to the Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum is highly recommended too!
📍182, Manjanggul-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
For a tour that covers Manjanggul Cave, check out Jeju Island UNESCO Day Tour (Jeju East Route Day Tour) which includes:
- Manjanggul Cave (UNESCO World Natural Heritage-listed lava tunnel)
- Woljeongri Beach(famed for sensational coastal scenery and waterpsorts)
- Hanyeo Museum(learn more about the Jeju female divers aka haenyeo)
- Seongsan Sunrise Peak (UNESCO World Natural Heritage-listed volcanic tuff cone)
- Herb Park(pretty garden and herb park that has blooms all year round)
4. Jeju Arte Museum
Image credit: Jeju Arte Museum Facebook
Step into a whole new world at Arte Museum, one of Jeju’s coolest must-dos. As Korea’s largest media art museum, visitors can get ready for an immersive experience like no other. Lose yourself in the many colourful media art exhibitions and digital installations, all bound together by the theme ‘Eternal Nature: Nature beyond Time and Space’.
Image credit: Jeju Arte Museum Facebook
Image credit: Jeju Arte Museum Facebook
Needless to say, this museum will be an Instagram heaven so make sure to have your phones fully charged and at the ready!
📍(1503 Eoeum-ri) 478 Eorimbi-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju, Jeju-do
⏱️ Daily, 10am to 8pm
5. Learn More about Jeju Haenyeo
Learn more about Jeju’s special Haenyeo women at the Jeju Haenyeo Museum! You might be thinking, what’s so special about these haenyeo? Well, they are a specifically female community of divers who dive about 10m under the sea for up to seven hours a day to gather seaweed, shellfish and molluscs for a living. Some of the haenyeo are at least 80 years old!
P/S If that isn’t impressive enough, you should know that they actually dive without oxygen masks - how amazing is that?
📍Hado-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
⏱️ Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm (Closed on Monday)
This Eastern Discovery Jeju Tour will give you a glimpse into the lives of haenyeo through the Haenyeo diving performance, from pre-diving rituals to their actual diving and catch. The tour also includes:
- Horse riding session
- Seongeup Folk Village(Cultural village where you can learn more about Jeju traditions)
- Women Diver Show
- Seongsan Sunrise Peak (UNESCO World Natural Heritage-listed volcanic tuff cone)
- Manjanggul Cave (UNESCO World Natural Heritage-listed lava tunnel)
6. Camellia Hill
Have your breath taken away at Jeju’s famous Camellia Hill, which is home to over 6,000 camellia trees and 500 different species of wildflowers on the south coast! Marvel at the gorgeous blooms and don’t forget to don your best outfit for a dreamy, fairytale-like photoshoot.
The best part about this park is that you will always get to enjoy gorgeous sights throughout the year as camellias aren’t the only species in the park. You will also find other pretty blooms whatever the season, for instance, there are tulips in spring, the famous cherry blossoms (or beot-kkot) in April, hydrangeas in summer and other various wildflowers in autumn.
📍166, Byeongak-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
⏱️ December to February, 8.30am to 6pm
March to May & September to November, 8.30am to 6.30pm
June to August, 8.30am to 7pm
7. Snoopy Garden
Fan of Snoopy or not, Snoopy Garden is a cannot-miss in my books! This adorable Peanuts-themed garden is the perfect place to spend an afternoon at. Boasting five indoor halls, each with a different theme, along with 11 outdoor zones - Snoopy Garden has photo spots galore and cuteness in every corner.
Start by making your way through the indoor gallery, where comic strips and murals adorn the walls and then head out to the outdoor zones to explore! My favourite area is Beagle Scout Camp, where the mini waterfall and campground are.
The most popular photo spot has got to be Warm Puppy Lake, which is where you have to queue up for a shot with Snoopy at the lake! If you are short on time, I suggest making a beeline for this area before you head to the other zones for your photos.
📍930, Geum Baekjo-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
⏱️ March to September, 9am to 7pm
October to February, 9am to 6pm
8. Go Kart Racing at 9.81 Park
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization
Chasing an adrenaline rush? A spin (or zoom) on a go kart around 9.81 Park will definitely have you feeling alive in the blink of an eye! Race your buddies and enjoy the scenery of Jeju at the same time, you can go up to 60km/h depending on which route you take.
Parents, fret not, kids are allowed on the course, and there is also a double seater option that allows you to ride together. Other indoor attractions at this park include laser tag and bumper cars too; it’s fun for the whole family!
#KlookTip: For the best experience, do wear covered shoes. For ladies, I recommend wearing pants or shorts instead of skirts or dresses as it is more comfortable when you stretch out your legs in the kart.
📍880-24 Cheondeok-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-do
⏱️ Daily, 9am to 8pm
9. Osulloc Tea Museum
Did you know that Jeju is brims with green tea fields? As the largest producer of tea in Korea, it’s no wonder that the O’Sulloc Green Tea Field is one of the most popular attractions in Jeju. Step into the O’Sulloc Tea Museum to learn more about this popular beverage, tea-drinking practices in Korea and the history of tea. You can also enjoy a relaxing tea break at the cafe and pair your tea with some sweet treats before heading out to explore the tea fields!
Don’t leave without visiting the gift shop, where you can snag some cute packaged teas as the perfect gifts and souvenirs for friends and family. You might also want to stop by the Jeju Innisfree House which is just beside the Tea Museum. K-beauty fans can spend hours trawling the shelves and grab all your favourite products!
📍15 Sinhwayeoksa-ro Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo city, Jeju-do
⏱️ Daily, 9am to 6pm
10. Jeongbang Falls
While there are quite a number of waterfalls around Jeju, Jeongbang Falls is probably one of the more unique ones since it is the only waterfall in Asia to flow directly into the sea. Marvel at the magnificent sight and don’t forget to take some photos too! The rocks nearing the foot of the waterfall can get slippery, so do be careful when snapping your IG-worthy pic.
📍37 Chilsimni-ro214beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Explore the Jeongbang Falls along with other Southern Jeju gems on the Southern Jeju Adventure Day Tour which includes:
- Mysterious Road (where objects seem to move upslope)
- Hike Mt Halla Eoseungsaengak Trail (note: this is not the full hike trail, it is the shortest trail and will take less than an hour - very beginner-friendly!)
- Alive Museum (Optical illusions museum)
- Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff (formed when the lava from Hallasan Mountain erupted into the sea, they are rock pillars shaped like cubes or hexagons)
- Oedolgae Rock (a famous natural landmark also known as ‘Lonely Rock’)
- Jeongbang Falls(unique waterfall that flows straight to the ocean)
11. Seogwipo Forest of Healing
Image credit: Jeju Tourism
In need of a quiet, healing hike? The Seogwipo Forest of Healing is here to refresh your soul. Pick your trail (10 to choose from depending on what you would like to see) and take a walk through towering cypress and cedar trees. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of nature around you - birds chirping, insects whistling, the leaves rustling in the breeze.
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization
I recommend doing a Forest Healing tour, where a Forest Master will bring you on a trail and lead you through various meditation and breathing exercises to help you practice mindfulness and reconnect with yourself. There are also many opportunities to just sit back and while away in the forest with hammocks, benches and chairs around. When you are ready to leave, cap off your walk with a foot bath in the forest!
#KookTip: Do call ahead to make a reservation as there is a limit to the number of visitors per day.
📍2271, Sanroknam-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
📞 (+82) 064-760-3067
12. Jeju Shinhwa World - Theme Park & Water Park
Jeju Shinhwa World is like our Resorts World Sentosa of sorts. It houses casinos, hotels and plenty of dining and entertainment facilities, with two of the main attractions being Shinhwa Theme Park and Shinhwa Water Park.
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization
Let your inner child (or actual children) run wild at Shinhwa Theme Park, which is dedicated to a local Jeju Korean animation character, Larva! Enjoy thrilling rides as well as the quintessential character meet and greets, and theme park parade.
Image credit: Jeju Tourism
Shinhwa Theme Park is also home to Jeju’s ONLY rollercoaster, Dancing Oscar - that’s a good enough reason to conquer your fears and get on the ride, right?
📍98 Sinhwayeoksa-ro 304-beongil, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju-do
⏱️ Daily, 10am to 9pm
Those who prefer to have it wet and wild can make a dash to Shinhwa Water Park for a splashing good time. With over 15 wave pools, slides, rides, spas and even a Korean jjimjilbang style sauna on the premises, there’s something for everyone in the family!
📍38 Sinhwayeoksa-ro 304-beongil, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju-do
⏱️ Daily, 10am to 8pm
13. Indulge in Jeju Black Pork
Jeju is famous for their black pork - so how can you not try it while you’re here? There are plenty of black pork BBQ restaurants across the island, so you don’t have to worry about specially hunting for a restaurant.
Here’s what your typical meal will look like - you will be seated around a grill and your waitress will grill the black pork for you (along with other meat depending on what you order, Korean grilled beef is super good too!). There will typically also be a serving of lettuce leaves on the side, so you can eat how the locals do: place a piece of meat on the lettuce leaf, add some roasted garlic, kimchi or gochujang, then wrap it up and devour! Yum!
14. MINT at Glasshouse Jeju
Saving best for last! MINT Restaurant is hands down the best dining experience I had in Jeju. Located on Phoenix island which is surrounded by the ocean, MINT is where you’ll get to enjoy a 3 or 4-course meal with sweeping views of both the sea and vast rolling hills thanks to the restaurant’s floor to ceiling glass windows.
The building is an architectural masterpiece itself, designed by visionary Tadao Ando. The food? Phenomenal! MINT serves korean-italian fusion fare and my favourite parts of the entire meal were the main and dessert. I had a fish cutlet (sort of like a fancy fish and chips but with polenta instead of chips), which was super delicious and the dessert was a refreshingly light and tasty orange mousse with raspberry sorbet.
Highly recommend coming here, especially if you’re looking for a romantic date spot in Jeju (couples, bookmark this place!)
📍93-66 Seopjikoji-ro,Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Do note that you have to take a shuttle bus from the hotel to the glasshouse, where MINT is.
15. Stay at Grand Hyatt Jeju
If you’re still deciding on your Jeju accommodation, let this be a sign to book your stay at Grand Hyatt Jeju! Located just a 10-minute driveaway from Jeju International Airport, this hotel makes for a great base to jumpstart your Jeju adventures. Each room is spacious and cosy, and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sparkling cityscape and beyond.
My favourite part of the room besides the crazy beautiful view from the floor-to-ceiling windows has definitely got to be the bathroom - check out that bath tub (buy bath bombs!) and Balmain toiletries! Just imagine getting into a nice warm bath and having a relaxing soak before climbing into the sumptuous bed and falling asleep - this room truly puts you in a vacation mood and I was so reluctant to check out when it was time to leave 😭
P/S: Grand Hyatt Jeju is no regular hotel. It is also part of Jeju Dream Tower, which is an integrated resort with a slew of amenities, including 14 restaurants and bars, 2 premium spas, 8 residential-style event spaces and an outdoor pool deck with a heated infinity pool - with everything you could ever need or want at your fingertips. It’s time to get that vacay started and enjoy some well-deserved pampering!
📍12 Noyeon-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
16. Jeju Stone Park
Image credit: Jeju Tourism
Jeju Stone Park is a unique theme park on Jeju Island that beautifully showcases the island’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. This fascinating park features an extensive collection of stones and rocks from around the world, along with sculptures and exhibits that delve into Jeju’s history and mythology. Visitors can wander through various sections of the park, including the serene Stone Garden, the meticulously curated Bonsai Garden, and the traditional Jea-am Folk Village.
The park is also home to a variety of plants and trees, with camellias in full bloom from December to March, adding a splash of color to the landscape. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Jeju Stone Park offers a captivating experience for all.
17. Shopping and Markets
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organisation
Jeju Island is a shopper’s paradise, famous for its local products such as black pork, seafood, and tangerines. The island offers a variety of shopping experiences, from bustling traditional markets to vibrant street and night markets.
Popular shopping destinations include the Jeju Folk Village Market, Seopjikoji Market, and the Jeju City Traditional Market. Here, visitors can find an array of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional clothing, perfect for taking a piece of Jeju home with you.
Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts or sampling delicious local treats, the markets of Jeju Island provide a delightful and authentic shopping experience.
Getting Around in Jeju
I highly recommend getting a car to travel around Jeju simply because it makes it much easier to get to your favourite Jeju attractions (especially natural landmarks that are not necessarily easy to reach via public transport). Get fuss-free car rental on Klook with free cancellations!
For those looking to explore beyond Jeju, Udo Island is a quieter alternative with scenic beaches, sea caves, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
#KlookTip: Car rentals in Jeju can be very popular, so do make your bookings in advance especially if you plan to travel during the peak season!
For those who can’t drive, fret not - we also have private charters that allow you to customise your itinerary according to your needs and enjoy your tour with an experienced local guide.
Travel Tips
When traveling to Jeju Island, renting a car is highly recommended to easily navigate the island and reach its many attractions. However, public buses and taxis are also available for those who prefer not to drive.
Be prepared for variable weather conditions, especially during the summer months, and pack accordingly. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the island’s renowned cuisine, including the famous black pork and fresh seafood.
Lastly, always respect Jeju’s unique cultural heritage and natural environment to ensure a pleasant and sustainable visit.
South Korea Travel Essentials
South Korea SIM Card
For my trip to Busan, I used an e-SIM which allows you the convenience of staying connected on your travels without having to purchase a physical sim card. All you need to do is to activate it via a QR code sent to your mobile phone!
Travel Insurance
While travel insurance is no longer compulsory, it is still recommended that you get it for peace of mind. You can get your travel insurance on Klook, which includes Covid-19 coverage.
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Conclusion
Jeju Island is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors. From its breathtaking natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage, Jeju Island is a must-visit for anyone traveling to South Korea. With its mild climate, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultural experiences, Jeju Island is an ideal destination for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or food, Jeju Island has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this enchanting island paradise!
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