A trip to South Korea isn’t complete without a visit to Jeju island. Get off the mainland into this completely different place with scenic landscapes.
Spend at least 3-4 days on Jeju to get to see the most popular areas. The weather is also unpredictable, therefore give yourself some flexibility with planning where to go on Jeju.
Day 1
After arriving by plane and picking up the rental car, we immediately drove East.
Seongsan Ilchulbong (성산 일출)
On the Eastern tip of Jeju island, Seongsan Ilchulbong volcano is situated. From the parking lot you can hike to the peak of 180 meters. Entrance fee is ₩5000 and it’s an immediate climb up along the flights of stairs, with each turn the view is getting better. It takes about an hour to complete the full trail to the top and back down. At the top you look directly into the crater and have a panorama view of the surroundings below.
At the bottom you can also walk further down to the ocean to witness a Haenyeo performance of female free divers in Jeonju. When hungry after the climb, there is a really good burger joint “Big Burger” almost hidden behind the stalls.
Seopjikoji (섭지코지)
Only a 10 minute drive from Seongsan Ilchulbong, you find the Seopjikoji boardwalk. An easy path along the coast with a few viewpoints and a short climb up to Bangdupo lighthouse.
Day 2
Unfortunately a drizzly day on Jeju, time to change plans last minute to still make it an interesting and enjoyable day.
Osulloc Tea Museum
Both Osulloc Tea Museum and Innisfree Green Cafe are at the same location. At the Ossuloc Tea Museum is a cafe and a large store selling their various tea selections. The organic Sejak green tea is their signature tea, along with the tangerine tea as its the island trademark fruit. The products are on the expensive side for what I’m used to paying for tea, but it was a great gift for my Korean friend back home. Walk through the rear door at the cafe to walk onto the tea fields. The fields are open to the public and unobstructed to take photos in.
Arte Museum Jeju
As we were looking for a fun indoor activity, Arte Museum Jeju crossed our search and it did not disappoint! It’s an immersive media exhibition with multiple spaces offering different light projections. Step into a natural landscape with beaches or a giant waterfall, but also a large space gets filled with works of famous artists like Van Gogh. The entrance fee is ₩12.000 and definitely worth the stop.
Jusangjeolli Cliff
In the afternoon when the sky cleared up a bit, we made a final stop at Jusangjeolli Cliff. A volcanic rock formation, with the cliffs being formed as a result from the lava streaming into the ocean from Mount Hallasan. In front is a designated parking lot and the entrance fee of ₩2.000 gives you access to a loop walking path with viewpoints of the cliffs.
Day 3
When it’s pouring all day, we decided to have a chill day. Staying around Seogwipo, visiting the two nearby waterfalls and relaxing at the hotel.
Jeongbang Waterfall
What makes Jeongbang Waterfall unique is that it’s the only coastal waterfall in Asia that directly falls into the sea. Admission is ₩2.000 and oddly enough the desk didn’t except cash, only card, which was a first for me in South Korea. The waterfall can easily be reached from the parking lot and is only a few steps down.
Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls
Surrounded by lush green forest is the 3-tiered Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls. Same admission fee of ₩2.000 and card only. What really drew me was not the waterfall itself, but the surroundings, especially when walking from Seogwipo town along a quiet forested path.
Dinner at Jerry’s Pub
A hidden gem in Seogwipo is Jerry’s Pub. Our hotel was close to this place and I was looking for something within walking distance. The menu offers hearty food, with giant portions of fried chicken being served, or my favorite, the black pork tenderloin. One meal can easily be shared with 2 people.
Day 4
On the last day we had a full day before our flight to Seoul departed at 18:00. Let’s make the most of the clear skies and head early to Hallasan National Park.
Yeongsil trail
Yeongsil trail is a moderate and gorgeous hike in Hallasan National Park. For this trail you don’t need a permit, which you do need to walk at the end of the trail further from Wise shelter to Baengnokdam (summit).
It’s advisable to start early to be able to park your car in the second parking lot. There are 2 parkings, the first just through the entrance barrier and where the bus stop is. From here continue on for a few kilometers to the second and final parking lot at the very end of the road.
The first part of the hike are easy steps through the forest along creeks and across bridges. From there you get above the tree line and it’s only climbing stairs. We hiked above the field of clouds and encountered the unexpected exposure to the intense sun. Going further up the view got more magnificent. The third part of the hike is when it flattens out again, but walking through vegetation with unfortunately loads of insects. Until the last part a broad and flat area with beautiful pink flowers and one last short climb to an additional viewpoint.
At Wise shelter is the end of Yeongsil trail and time to walk the same route back to the parking lot.
Hawaii comparison
Jeju island is referred to as the Hawaii of Korea. Which reminds me of Madeira, being called the Hawaii of Europe. Why do all places need to be compared to Hawaii? They should stand strong on their own.
Where to stay?
Seogwipo is the best location to visit the most important sights of the island. It’s centrally located on the South, giving easy access to both the West and East side of Jeju.
How to get around on Jeju island?
Whilst mainland South Korea can easily be crossed using public transportation, a rental car is truly the best option to get around on Jeju island.
At the airport I got my rental car from The Safe Rent a Car. The shuttle bus takes you to a location very close to the terminal where your car awaits. The pick-up process was very easy, with the full package all insurances are included, plus the additional driver and built-in GPS.
Driving in a foreign country always takes a bit of getting used to. In South Korea, multiple colored lines are at busy crossroads, which seemed confusing at first, but with the navigation it tells you which colored line to follow. Easy peasy!
