Sightseeing
Jeju island is a fantastic destination with stunning natural sights and fascinating cultural attractions. From the magnificent waterfalls to the ancient historical sites, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Jeju.
Sightseeing is a must-do activity for those exploring Jeju’s natural and cultural beauty. Here we’ll take a look at some of the best places to visit for sightseeing in Jeju:
Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
A visit to Jeju Island is incomplete without a sightseeing trip to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. It is located on the island’s eastern edge; this volcanic peak rises from the ocean and is designated as one of South Korea’s Natural Monuments. The views from the top are incredible, and you can hike around its slopes for an even better experience.
This tuff cone was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions about 5000 years ago and has since been added to some notable landmarks like UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 60 Wonders of Korea. The peak is easily accessible from Seogwipo, so that you can take a bus or rental car. There are also plenty of stairs up the slopes for an activity-filled adventure into nature.
The panoramic view from the top attracts most visitors, with expansive views across Jeju’s coastal towns, rolling hills, and beaches. However, there are some interesting flora and fauna if you’re lucky enough to catch them in the right season! Throughout springtime, watch out for rare wildflowers, while summertime offers opportunities to spot local bird species enjoying their natural habitat.
Manjanggul Lava Tube
Manjanggul Lava Tube is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jeju, South Korea. This 4km long lava tunnel can be found in the eastern part of the island, near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes. The Manjanggul Lava Tube is one of the world’s best-preserved lava tubes and is home to various unique cave plants specific to cave environments.
Sights inside this lava tube site include a variety of rock formations created by previous volcanic activity, including some spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Other attractions include vast sections where one can wander through dark tunnels lit only by artificial light fixtures, experiencing incredible adventure and discovery. Visitors can also observe diverse wildlife inside and outside the tube, such as bats, swallows, and spiders.
The Manjanggul Lava Tube is also home to several geological features, first extensively studied in 1965, which earned its recognition as a geological preservation area nationally recognized in 1970 under Korean law. So, if you are looking for a fantastic experience that combines education with fun, a visit to Manjanggul Lava Tube is not to be missed!
Udo Island
Udo Island is located off the coast of Jeju, South Korea, and is what many imagine overwater bliss to look like. Famous for its rolling hills, white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters, Udo has become a popular tourist destination since opening to visitors in the 1980s. In addition to renting a bike or taking a boating excursion around the island, visitors can explore the various sites available on Udo Island.
One of the most well-known attractions on Udo is Chondol beach. It is known for its crystal clear turquoise blue waters and white sand beaches with views of neighboring islands in the province. There are also numerous walks available, including Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, which flows from an untouched cliff of basalt columns, or Sanbangsan Mountain for incredible views if you decide to take on a more challenging trail. Additionally, visitors can check out Suwolbong Peak, which provides stunning views of the peak, and Gwaneumsa Temple, which honors an old woman who once lived atop Vivalla peak as believed by locals to ward off evil spirits from Udo Island.
Adventureland offers parasailing, banana boat rides, and snorkeling activities in some of Jeju’s most treasured seascapes for those seeking something more adventurous. In contrast, East Sea Station offers glass-bottom boat rides so you won’t miss out on all the marine life beneath Jeju’s ocean surface.
Hyeopjae Beach
Hyeopjae Beach is located west of the city on Jeju Island. It has been designated a Marine biosphere reserve known for its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and incredible natural beauty. Visitors can also enjoy various beach activities such as picnicking, camping, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking here.
This beach also offers breathtaking views of mountains and cliffs, making it one of Jeju’s most popular places. Say hello to a world of lush pine trees caressing the crystal blue sea while you spend your days here on Hyeopjae Beach!
Activities
Jeju Island is a stunning destination with diverse activities to entertain the young and the old. From visiting scenic beaches to exploring pristine forests, plenty of activities will make your trip to Jeju Island unforgettable.
Here are some of the best activities that you can enjoy on your vacation:
Jeju Olle Trail
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the beauty of Jeju Island, then the Jeju Olle Trail is it! The Jeju Olle Trail is a series of trails that surround the perimeter and span the length of Jeju Island. This route, which has existed since 2007, offers travelers a unique chance to explore some of the most beautiful spots on this idyllic island.
Each trail delineates a different course and can vary in difficulty, with one beginning route (Jeju Olle Route 1), three intermediate routes (Jeju Olle Route 2-4), and four expert routes (Jejue Olle Route 5-8 plus Extra Routes). Over 600 kilometers of pathways have been opened to intrepid travelers wanting to discover new places and take on the challenge. The bonus is the chance to enjoy local hospitality along the way as guests can get familiar with local cultures and widen their understanding of communities throughout South Korea.
The scenery along these trails is stunning, with postcard-worthy views such as sunrise over Udo, lake views at Geomun Oreum, or hillside forests at Songaksan Oreum – just some highlights from each set of trails that are available to explore. Whether you plan on running or walking, conquering each trail will be truly rewarding, making for an unforgettable trip filled with activities for all ages!
Horse Riding
Jeju Island is a paradise for all sorts of activities, but horse riding is among the most popular. There are many trails and routes, and various tour companies offer guided tours, including horse riding. The scenery in Jeju is stunning, and the experience of riding out into nature here is like nothing else.
Trips can be anything from an hour’s ride around a nearby beach to a full day’s excursion that takes you through some of the island’s wilder regions. Horse riding in Jeju allows visitors to explore the island’s natural wonders and escape the tourist crowds. Beginners or experienced riders can find trails suitable for them, so no matter your experience level, it’s easy to enjoy horse riding here.
Most tour companies provide professional tuition and safety equipment, so even those who have never ridden before should feel comfortable signing up for one of these trips. Whether you’re looking to add a new skill or explore more of Jeju’s beautiful countryside, horse riding has plenty to offer every visitor!
Scuba Diving
Jeju Island in South Korea offers incredible underwater sights, making it a significant destination for diving. With its crystal clear waters and vibrant aquatic life, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to dive into these waters. Certified divers can explore Jeju’s diverse ecosystem and view spectacular marine creatures such as the yellowtail barracuda, blue mollies, lionfish, moray eels, and even whale sharks.
In addition, spots such as Dokdo-dong are known for colorful coral gardens and schools of tropical fish.
Dive shops around the island offer equipment rentals and instructors for your convenience and guided boat tours to explore different sites around the island. Whether you’re a veteran scuba diver looking for an exciting new adventure or just beginning your explorations in this beautiful underwater world – there’s something for everyone in Jeju!
Golfing
Jeju Island, located off the coast of South Korea and often referred to as the “Hawaii of Asia,” is an excellent destination for various activities. Among the approved activities that tourists flock to Jeju for, golfing stands out as an exciting and thrilling experience.
Golfing in Jeju is an all-season activity, with many golf courses offering flawless conditions throughout the year. With over 40 courses and clubs on the island, plenty of options are suited to your golfing needs. Whether you’re looking for a scenic round or something more challenging, there’s no shortage of high-quality courses you can choose from.
These clubs add just a bit more character to your stay in Jeju! From beginner-friendly groups to seasoned veterans, these clubs will surely boost your game! Even special night golf events allow visitors to play under the stars and show off their skills after dark!
The warm climate makes it perfect for playing 18 holes any day of the week; Jeju is situated in a subtropical region that takes care of all levels. So if you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy your vacation, consider trying golf on the beautiful island that made South Korea famous – Jeju Island!
Food and Drink
Jeju Island is one of the most popular destinations in South Korea, known for its stunning landscapes, culture, and delicious local cuisine. There are a wide variety of food and drink experiences in Jeju, from the traditional local delicacies to the modern and innovative restaurants and bars.
This article will explore some of the best food and drink experiences that Jeju has to offer.
Jeju Black Pork
Jeju Black Pork is one of the most popular dishes on the island. The pork comes from specially raised pigs that are presented on the volcanic soil of Jeju-do. This pork dish’s black hair texture and unique flavor have made their way onto tables across South Korea.
Jeju Black Pork is usually served accompanied by chili peppers, garlic, onions, and kimchi or steamed with radishes and vegetables. It is commonly cooked as bbq, broiled, or stewed to tender perfection. Depending on your preferred flavors and presentation style, this dish can be served as a main course or appetizer.
One of the best places to find Jeju Black Pork is Tongdong Myeonok, an award-winning restaurant in Seogwipo City specializing in locally sourced black pork dishes. They even offer cooking classes for those who want to learn more about cooking this flavorful dish.
Jeju Haenyeo Seafood
Jeju Haenyeo Seafood is a must-try for any seafood lover visiting Jeju, South Korea. Haenyeo is female free divers who dive for seafood without breathing apparatus, mainly focusing on abalone, conch, and other shellfish. These fearless women are a centurial legacy of Jeju, and the island’s coastline is dotted with women in colorful dive suits in search of their catch.
At many of the restaurants in Jeju offering Jeju Haenyeo cuisine, visitors can feast on an abundance of fresh seafood dishes bursting with flavor directly from the ocean surrounding them. Agriculture and fishing combine to make up 68% of the island’s food storage system. As a result, you can enjoy traditional dishes such as grilled fish with seaweed (jeotgal ganjang) or steamed seafood casserole (haemul jeongol) on any given day.
Other delicious local favorites include:
- Sashimi platters (jeonbok hoe) mainly consist of fresh and diverse raw fish like abalone, octopus, and tuna.
- Scallop stir-fry (daehong jeonbok-bokkeum) combines stir-fried vegetables with minced scallops.
- Octopus side dish (ojingu buchimgae) featuring stir-fried octopus meat surrounded by crunchy vegetables like onions and peppers.
- Crab soup (ganjang gaejang) is made from crab boiled in soy sauce served over cooked rice.
- Squid stew (ojingeo juk) featuring cooked squid mixed with potatoes and carrots in thick broth soup.
Whatever you choose to try, enjoying freshly caught seafood on the island adds another memorable experience to your trip!
Jeju Bingsu
Jeju Bingsu is a delicious and popular snack in Jeju, South Korea. It is a shaved ice dessert topped with different sweet syrups and fruits sourced from the island of Jeju itself. It can be found anywhere on the island, from street vendors to high-end restaurants.
This refreshing and cooling treat can vary significantly in style owing to the many different ways it can be enjoyed. However, its core ingredients remain consistent: finely shaved ice mixed with syrup or condensed milk, chewy sweet red beans, tteok (sweet rice cake), and sometimes small mochi balls or dango jellies. In addition, most establishments offer multiple toppings such as nuts, honey droplets, and fruit syrups (strawberry is particularly popular) that are sourced fresh from Jeju’s picturesque farming regions. Popular versions also often include vanilla ice cream or creamy yogurt to complete the dish’s irresistible taste experience.
For those intending a trip to Jeju Island for sightseeing and adventure or merely looking for an indulgent snack not found anywhere else – Jeju bingsu is worth sampling at least once!
Local Craft Beer
Jeju Island, the largest island in South Korea, is known for its distinct traditional cuisine. However, as a popular tourist destination, Jeju also offers various flavors from craft breweries around the island.
Local craft beers allow visitors to taste unique blends of local ingredients and traditional brewing techniques distinct to Jeju. Some of these specialties include an unfiltered “Koreang” pale ale made with Jeju tangerines, chewy “Oma Ale” with stinging nettle extract, and “Okinawan Ale” with locally grown cotton flowers.
Not to be overlooked, several wineries have opened up on Jeju Island in recent years, offering visitors a chance to sample handcrafted wines made from indigenous grapes such as chamoe, Hallabong citrus fruits, and other unique flavors unique to the region. In addition, many of these wineries offer tours and free wine tastings at their onsite cafes.
Jeju offers other types of drinks, such as Korean tea blends, which are essential for socializing among locals and are served during banquets or special events. In addition, tourists can visit different tearooms scattered throughout the island and savor some savory Southern Currant Tea or Beach Rose Tea accompanied by seaweed salads or sesame pancakes like the locals do!
Shopping
If you want to shop during your stay in Jeju, South Korea, you have come to the right place. Jeju offers everything from traditional markets to modern shopping malls, so there is something for everyone. Whether you want to find unique, handmade items or trendy, contemporary pieces, you will find them here in Jeju.
Let’s dive into all the fantastic shopping opportunities that await you in Jeju:
Jeju Shinhwa World
Jeju Shinhwa World is an ample entertainment and shopping complex in Seogwipo in the southern part of Jeju Island. Visitors to Jeju Shinhwa World can experience a variety of thrill rides at the amusement park, enjoy shopping at one of the many stores, take in the natural beauty of Lake Jungmun, or wander through exciting interactive museums. Jeju Shinhwa World offers something for everyone and is a great way to spend your time while in Jeju!
The main draw of this complex is its various shops and boutiques, including everything from domestic and international brands to traditional souvenir shops. If you’re looking for quality gifts or collectible souvenirs representing Jeju’s culture, stop by one of Shinhwa World’s shops. Various sporting brands can also be found here, like Nike and Adidas, as well as popular clothing brands, such as Uniqlo and BEAMS.
In addition to its extensive selection of shops, this complex also houses an array of attractions and amusements that provide an enjoyable day out for families or groups on holiday. Visitors can experience a range of thrilling rides like roller coasters or relax alongside Lake Jungmun under the sun. Those looking for something educational can explore museums like Da Vinci Experience Museum or 3D Trick Art Museum & Gallery!
Finally, no trip to Jeju would be complete without its iconic seafood restaurants, which are plentiful around Shinhwa World. Sample traditional dishes from hot stone meals to fresh seafood marinated with herbs at nearby eateries located near Lake Jungmun!
Jeju O’Sulloc Tea Museum
The Jeju O’Sulloc Tea Museum is a fantastic place to explore and shop for green tea products from around Korea. Located near Seoguipo City on Jeju Island, this museum features a variety of attractions, including two unique exhibitions.
You can learn about Korean tea’s traditional art and culture, tour the museum’s beautiful grounds, or shop for various tea-related items. The entire complex is bordered by lush greenery surrounding a large pond where visitors can relax and admire the scenery.
The museum’s highlight is its Herbal Tea Garden, which displays over 6,000 varieties of green tea bushes grown in ideal conditions throughout Jeju Island. With so many types, shoppers have plenty to explore – and you can even sample different blends onsite!
More museum stores offer various teaware pottery pieces that feature traditional Korean designs. So whether you’re looking for something special to take home or enjoy coffee or tea while exploring local culture, this museum has something for everyone!
Jeju Stone Park
Jeju Stone Park is a place of natural beauty and cultural heritage in South Korea. It is located in the Jeju Province on the country’s northeast coast and is a sprawling volcanic park with over 600 monuments and 45 ancient castles.
The park resides within 200 hectares and includes the impressive Cheonjiyeon waterfalls, Seopjikoji Beach, and many preserved stone walls used for fortifications long ago. The main playground inscribed within this vast natural formation contains at least four attractions offering different experiences to visitors. The main attractions include:
- Dragon Head Rock: A naturally formed rock shaped like a dragon head.
- Gangjeong Folk Village: An open-air museum showcasing traditional Korean culture.
- Yakseom Cave: An enthralling subterranean cave.
- Sagye Beach: A tranquil beach perfect for swimming during summertime.
When you enter Jeju Stone Park, you can enjoy numerous activities that are fun for everyone – such as climbing up hills, walking among waterfalls, walking around ancient walls, and visiting folk villages. Besides that, experience cultural events such as shows or performances that tell stories related to the diverse history of Jeju Island by using masks and dances. As you explore each section of this enchanting park, there will be enough surprises to keep any attention captured here all day!
Jeju Ecoland Theme Park
Jeju Ecoland Theme Park is a popular spot for Jeju-do, South Korean visitors. The park opened in 1978 and was the country’s first-ever theme park. It is over 40,000 square meters and has abundant attractions to entertain everyone.
The main draws are the water attractions, which include a wave pool, water slides, and a lazy river ride. Visitors can also enjoy the Bike Adventure touring around the Jungle Adventure, where you can spot numerous wildlife species, including monkeys and tropical birds. There is also a botanical garden with over 500 species of plants from all over the world.
If thrill rides are your thing, you will find plenty to choose from – you can experience dinosaurs up close with their 4D Jurassic Tour or fly on hang gliding simulators overlooking Jeju’s beautiful landscape. In addition, shoppers will love exploring Prazerland, filled with shops selling souvenirs and novelties and fresh local produce from the island – perfect for snacks on the go!
Finally, be sure to check out Children’s Kingdom – a play area dedicated just for kids – where they can ride small rollercoasters, try their hand at toy guns, or even climb jungle gym sets!