Top Things to do in Jeju Island
10 Free Things to do in Jeju Island That You Shouldn't Miss
Where else can you find an azalea-framed volcano to climb, a sisterhood of deep-divers, and ancient stone statues on which to make wishes? Jeju Island. A favorite with newlyweds (and K-drama fans), this popular retreat is also home to miles of golden beaches, winding coastal trails, and Jeju Waterworld, the area’s largest water park. No matter what your fancy, one thing is for certain: a day of sightseeing isn’t complete without enjoying some of the isle’s delicious raw seafood and famed barbecued black pork.
Restaurants in Jeju Island
1. Hamdeok Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 510 reviews
Reviewed By zincx09
The beach has beautiful, clear emerald waters (the pictures doesn’t do the place justice as its much better experienced in person), and a really nice cafe by the sea with good pastries. We got there by Bus 101 from CJU airport followed by a short walk. Near the beach there are tons of places to eat, such that you will be spoilt for choice. Easy to hail a taxi there too for those who wants to travel to their next location by cab. Parking lots available too for those who are driving. Highly recommend this place for beach and sea lovers and those who enjoy coffee by the sea.
2. Hallasan National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,074 reviews
Reviewed By brightmind_tgl - Sydney, Australia
An UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site, the Hallasan National Park is loaded with walking trails and is home to South Korea’s highest mountain named the Shield Volcano Hallasan. You’ll find about 1800 different kinds of plants and a number of alpine animals along the way up. The park is a unique place for nature lovers. Settled right in the heart of Jeju island, this park with high density woods and blooming hillsides is concidered as a treat to be at. Transportation: start with chosing a right trail for you. There many different ways up to the mountain, but only one of them will bring you to the summit. To get to the entrance you’d probably need to take one of the public busses or rent a car. Both options are convenient. Equipment: You’d definitely need to be prepared for a long and tiring walk. All the trails are devided into segments, based on their difficulty. Some of the parts of the trail would be paved, some wouldn’t be equipped at all. You’d be grateful for those parts where you’d be able to walk and step on the wooden bridges and paths. But except those short and the easiest parts of the way, you’d need to climb on the steep and narrow rocks, hop along cobblestones and boulders. Timing: don’t rush, remember when you’re on the top, that was only a half of your journey. There is the same long way down the mountain when you’re on the summit. Tips: be prepared for considerable change of the temperature and other weather conditions. We started in a pleasant sunny day and finished when it was drizzling and the fog was literally embracing us. Add up some wind and decreased temperature and you’re almost in our shoes out there. You’d definetely need to wear tracking boots or something alike, protecting and supporting your feet well. Otherwise you risk hurting your ankles and knees. (as us, cause we were not prepared) You’d also want to change your clothes after 6-7 hours tracking up and down this mountain. Believe me you’ll be sweating af.
3. Udo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,064 reviews
Reviewed By WPC1114 - Hong Kong, China
we went here early morning but already have a lot of visitor. The ferry very convenient, when you in ferry terminal, remember need to fill up a form (like immigration) total 2 sheets and need to keep it because need to check when you return. around 20 mins will be arrive. Udo is very big and beautiful Island, have a lot of local culture and you can spend at least half day to visit. Trips: Although have a lot of restaurants but the price have a little bit higher.
4. Jeju Olle Trail Routes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Vinodok - Busan, South Korea
Thanks to Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and Jeju Olle walking Festival, we got an opportunity to participate in the Jeju Olle Walking festival 2020 despite there was a limitation on the number of the participant due to spread of Covid-19. This year, the festival is held in a new and unique way with the slogan “Walk Apart, Finish Together”. All participants have to register online in advance; only up to 15 participants accepted for each of 23 routes for 23 days. Also, all the participants were given Clean Kit set that includes face masks, sanitizers, and others needed for personal hygiene. Since we had just one day to participate in the walking festival, Route 10 was chosen for our team. Route 10 start from Hwasun Golden sand beach, then passes through major touristic attractions Sanbangsan Mountain, Yongmeori Coast, Songaksan Mountain, Altteureu Airfield, Victims Memorials, and finally Hamo beach which is close to the endpoint. The total distance is 15.6 km with a maximum elevation of around 60 m. The walking experience in this route was amazing. We pass various landscapes, from beaches to forest, coastal walk to mountain hiking, and finally to radish and potato farms at Altteureu Airfield site. The various volcanic and sedimentary rock structures at Sanbangsan Mountain foothills and Yongmeori Coast were amazingly gorgeous. Walking along the perimeter of volcanic mountain Songaksan was a unique experience. The cliffs of the mountain close to sea were spectacular and walking along the top of those cliffs was just amusing. This type of walking, I think, gives the opportunity to explore the hidden natural beauty of Jeju Island and its traditional cultures which we could miss if visited by other means. Thus, the Jeju Olle Trails is highly recommended for those who love hiking or walking and want to explore hidden natural beauties while enjoying local customs and local foods. I, personally, wish to complete all the Olle walking trails and get the certificate of completion from the organizer.
5. Gwaneumsa Temple
6. Hallasan Seongpanak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By JDTS
There are several trails to various peaks of Hallasan. Travelling with family and limited time, we only hiked one of the shorter trails i.e. Eorimok. The 1.3 km trail begins where the car park is. From the car park, it is only a 300 meter hike uphill and you are at the top (the lower peak). Being December, there is already snow (or frost?) at the peak. Magical... Oh, and we took a public bus from Jeju bus terminal which costs us less than KRW 2,000 per person, and the park entrance is free. You only pay for parking if you drive there
7. Songaksan Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By persianinseoul - South Korea, null
You get an amazing view when you go up the stairs. the view also changes a lot, from pine trees to sand beach, volcanic rock beach, and the view of Halla mountain (the highest mountain in South Korea). Everywhere was very clean and the path was clear and guide signs were easy to find. I also really enjoyed the ocean view. It's perfect if you go there on a clear day.
8. Hyeopjae Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 467 reviews
Reviewed By stepme
We stayed at Seowipo, near to the seogwipo-si (former) intercity bus terminal and took bus 110 from Jungang Rotary bus stop to Jungmun Tourist Complex. The bus journey about 30 minutes and cost less than 2000won one way. The bus driver could provide change if needed. There was a TV screen at the front of the bus that will flash and announce the current and coming stop in english clearly (Although I did not see Jungmun Tourist Complex on the TV screen, therefore I used GPS to locate instead. You can press the bell to alight. For my other bus trip, the stops were announced correctly and was reliable). We actually stopped that Jungmun Tourist Complex to go the the Teddy bear museum and Cheonjeyeon Falls before proceeding to the beach. Just to note that the bus ride can be a nausea one as the driver usually travel at a high speed as there were many stops they need to embark on. We needed to change bus 702 (opposite the tourist infrmation counter) to Hyeojae beach. It cost 3300 won. The journey on the bus we great as you will pass by paddy field, wind mills and wild flower fields. You will see a beautiful beach 1st ( I think it is Geumneung Beach) but don’t get down, get down at Hyeopjae beach as the view is nicer (about 2 stops away). You can walk down the stretch later (There is a public toilet down the stretch if you need). The weather then (April 26) was 12 to 17 degree Celcius and remember to buy a jacket and windbreaker as it was very windy when we were there. We so blessed that the sky cleared up to reveal one of the most beautiful turquoise beaches I have been. The beach was wide and the colours of the water clear and blue. There are many café where you can buy a hot drink from. Noted that the café only allow you to use the toilet if you buy a drink (the receipt will print the password to get into the toilet). You can always use the public toilet. We decide to walk along the orange and blue ribbon trail (Jeju Olle Route 14) and it was one of the best trail for me. We complete only part of the the trail where we walk through the villages to the fishing port. The route will bring you to a serene path with light house and the wind mills. The the path became rocky nearing the windmills, and we decided to walk out through the rocky back alley of a shellfish place (away from the orange/blue ribbon) and landed at a bus stop. We took bus 702 back to seogwipo. It was a must go beach but only on a clear blue day where the magnificent of the beach will show up.
9. Sehwa Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By knraedavis - Seongnam, South Korea
Amazingly clean and beautiful beach surrounded by cute cafes. Accessible by the bus and safe for swimming and snorkeling.
10. Jeju April 3rd Peace Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By thelonious22
Jeju 4-3 Peace Park educates visitors thoroughly about the Jeju 4-3 Incident which was really almost a genocide when Korean government and US military killed over 30,000 Jeju residents and tortured many more. With Korea on the brink of dividing into two, Jeju residents wrongly suspected of being Communists ended up being victims. The government didn't even go public about the incident until the late 1990's and only officially apologized in the 2000's. The museum describes the build up to the incident and depicts all the horrible details of what the Jeju residents went through. Having gone through grade school in the 1980's when the incident was not public knowledge, this was a very educational experience for me.
