jeju island tourism itinerary

The Best Jeju Island Itinerary for 2-5 Days (+ Hour Breakdown)

The first time I went to Jeju Island I spent 3 nights in the summer and tried to fit in as many attractions as I could.

I went back to Jeju Island in 2023 and ended up staying 6 nights and was able to visit more places.

Whichever amount of days you stay in Jeju Island for, planning ahead will help you make the most of your Jeju Island itinerary.

Here are sample 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day Jeju Island Itinerary schedules to see the main Jeju Island attractions with nature trips, beaches, waterfalls, and UNESCO Heritage sites.

If you’re new to South Korea, make sure to read my  travel guide to South Korea .

🎥 Watch my vlogs for more Jeju Island tips:

Table of Contents

How many days do you need in Jeju Island?

For most tourists who are spending two weeks in South Korea and want to see other cities too, 3 nights in Jeju Island would suffice.

2 days in Jeju :

If you’re in a rush and can only spend 2 days + one night in Jeju Island, you can get a taste of Jeju’s main attractions like Seongsan Ilchulbong, waterfalls, and beaches.

In this case I would book a Jeju Island tour to maximize time.

3-4 days in Jeju :

You’ll have time to check out additional cultural sites, beaches, and nature sites, including a quick Hallasan Mountain hike .

5 days or more in Jeju :

You can add a Hallasan Mountain hike or a trip to Udo Island to your Jeju Island Itinerary. You can also add more of the lesser-known nature and cultural sites.

Jeju Island Travel Essentials

Book Before Your Jeju Trip: 🚕 Hire a private chartered car for a Jeju Island day tour 🏢 Book discounted hotels in Jeju on Agoda 🎫 Browse through dozens of available Jeju tours 🚌 Buy a Jeju Bus Hop On & Hop Off Day Pass here 🚙 Rent a car in Jeju Island for as cheap as $28 USD a day

Getting Around Jeju Island

I have a full guide on getting around Jeju without a car . If you’re traveling by bus like I did, it’s a must read.

If you’re only spending 1 or 2 nights in Jeju Island, taking public transit is possible and the bus rides are scenic, but if you want to save time without rushing, here are some other options:

Use the Kakao T taxi app to travel to/from from different destinations. Uber in Korea only seems to work in Jeju City.

Private Driver

You can hire a driver for a day that will take you to the destinations on your custom Jeju Island Itinerary.

Car rentals in South Korea go for as low as $28 USD a day. Check the rates here .

Join a Tour

Group and private tours provide transportation to and from main Jeju attractions. Choose from dozens of Jeju Island tours .

Jeju Island Itinerary Tips

Here are some tips to help you save time and make the most of your Jeju Island Itinerary:

• Visit popular attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. But in general, start the day early.
• Combine nearby attractions to minimize travel time between locations.
• Check the weather forecast and plan indoor activities for rainy days.
• Use the Naver Map app to navigate the island. Google Maps is not maximized for Jeju. There is strong network signal throughout the island.
• If you’re going to hike Hallasan Mountain , save it towards one of the last days in your Jeju trip so you’re not sore for most of your trip.
• Bring good walking shoes!

Read more tips in my Jeju Island Travel Guide .

Most Popular Places to Visit in Jeju

Make sure to choose at least 1 or 2 of these to include in your Jeju Island Itinerary:

• Seongsan Ilchulbong aka Sunrise Peak

Hike Hallasan Mountain

• Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff

Want to Mix and Match for your Jeju Island Itinerary? Here are my Jeju Island blog posts:

• 5 Amazing Waterfalls in Jeju Island You Can Visit

7 Best Beaches in Jeju to Visit (with Photos & Reviews)

• 22 Things to Do in Jeju Island by Area

Sample Jeju Island Itinerary Based on Days

Here’s a summarized sample Jeju Island Itinerary for different number of days. 2 days = 1 night, 3 days = 2 nights, etc.

These are assuming you arrive in Jeju Island in the earlier part of the day. What you choose will also depend on where you’re staying and what time your flight out is.

2-Day Jeju Itinerary

Day 1 : Seongsan Ilchulbong, Seopjikoji, Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, Oedolgae Rock, Jeongbang Waterfall.

Day 2 : Choice of beach, Yongyeon Pond, Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road.

3-Day Jeju Itinerary

Day 1 : Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, Oedolgae Rock, Jeongbang Waterfall, Saeyeongyo Bridge, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, beaches.

Day 2 : Seongsan Ilchulbong, Seopjikoji, Hamdeok Beach, Woljeongri Beach.

Day 3 : Handam Coastal Walk, Aewol Cafe Street, Hyeopjae Beach.

4-Day Jeju Itinerary

Day 3 : Hike Hallasan Mountain or visit Udo Island.

Day 4 : Handam Coastal Walk, Aewol Cafe Street, Hyeopjae Beach.

5-Day Jeju Itinerary

Day 3 : Handam Coastal Walk, Aewol Cafe Street, Hyeopjae Beach, Osulloc Tea Museum, Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road.

Day 4 : Hike Hallasan Mountain or visit Udo Island.

Day 5 : Seaside cafe or Yongyeon Pond & Bridge and Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road.

Full Jeju Island Itinerary

Day 1 of jeju island itinerary: seogwipo city (south), morning (2-4 hours).

1. Jeongbang Waterfall

Entrance : 2,000 won ($1.50 USD)

Jeongbang Waterfall  is the most popular waterfall in Jeju Island, sitting at 23m (75 feet) high. It’s one of the few waterfalls in the world to flow directly into the sea.

It can get crowded, so morning is the perfect time to visit.

2. Saeseom Island and Saeyeongyo Bridge

Nearby is  Saeyeongyo Bridge , the longest pedestrian bridge on Jeju Island. It’s impressively shaped like a sail and connects to Saeseom Island.

Though you won’t spend too much time on the island itself, the views from the bridge are beautiful and worth visiting.

3. Oedolgae Rock

Entrance : free

Oedolgae Rock  means “Lonely Rock.” This lone rock formed 150,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption. There’s several viewing points of the rock formation and of the sea.

Noon (2-4 hours)

1. Eat lunch nearby or head more to the western part of south Jeju to Jungman Tourist Complex , where there are several cafes and restaurants.

2. Cheonjeyeon Waterfall

Entrance : 2,500 won ($1.88 USD)

Cheonjeyeon Waterfall is the second-most popular waterfall in Jeju Island, which has three distinct tiers, each providing unique viewpoints. Its name, “Cheonjeyeon,” translates to “Pond of God.” The tallest waterfall tier is 22 meters (72 feet) high.

3. Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff

Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff  is one of my favorite places to visit in Jeju Island. It was shaped by lava cooling against the coastal rocks when a volcano erupted underwater.

There’s viewing points and bridges throughout the area.

Evening (2-3 hours)

1. Jungmun Saekdal Beach

Catch the sunset or go for an evening stroll at Jungmun Saekdal Beach , a popular beach for surfing. There are cliffs along the beach for walking trails and beach viewpoints, as well as restaurants and bars.

Day 2 of Jeju Island Itinerary:

Morning (2-4 hours): east jeju island.

1. Seongsan Ilchulbong aka Sunrise Peak

Entrance : Free to hike on the left side, 5,000 won or $4 USD to hike on the right side.

Hiking  Seongsan Ilchulbong  aka Sunrise Peak is in the top 5 things to do in Jeju Island, and a main attraction in the East Coast.

It’s a  UNESCO Heritage Site  and was formed by a hydrovolcanic eruption.

The hike is beginner-friendly and takes about an hour in total . However, prepare for a lot of stairs. You can bring water with you and there are rest benches and viewpoints on the way up.

Optional : Close to Sunrise Peak is Seopjikoji , which a popular view point, but I didn’t have time to visit the first time.

2. Hamdeok Beach

Hamdeok Beach is located towards the north of Seongsan Ilchulbong. It’s my favorite beach in Jeju Island, and not really for the beach but for the whole surrounding area.

There’s two beach areas along with trails that lead to gorgeous viewpoints where you can see the teal waters from above.

3. Woljeongri Beach

Woljeongri Beach  is also on the same coast as Hamdeok Beach and is located in a beach town area that’s surround by windmills. It’s along a beautiful coastline of cafes, restaurants, and galleries.

Noon (2-4 hours): West Coast

1. Lunch : head back to Jeju City to grab lunch or continue to the West Coast for lunch.

2. Aewol Cafe Street

Right next to Handam Coastal Walk is  Aewol Cafe Street , a popular area of cafes and restaurants with seaside views.

3. Handam Coastal Walk

Within walking distance of Aewol Cafe Street is the  Handam Coastal Walk, one of my favorite places to visit in Jeju Island.

It’s a paved trail along the coastline, with beautiful views of the sea, lava rock formations, and lush greenery. If you keep walking you’ll also reach Gwakji Beach.

If you are staying in Jeju City:

1. Yongyeon Pond & Bridge

Yongyeon Pond is a short 10-minute bus ride north of downtown. While there, you can explore the pond and water valley with its teal waters, as well as walk across the bridge, which is lit up at night.

2. Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road

The  Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road  follows northern Jeju’s coastline, featuring colored tile blocks. It’s an nice spot to catch the sunset, and there are restaurants and cafes located across the street for dinner.

If you are staying in Seogwipo City:

2. Jungmun Tourist Complex

You can also head to the  Jungmun Tourist Complex  for dinner nearby which has lots of resorts, cafes, and museums.

Day 3 of Jeju Island Itinerary: Back to West Coast

1. Hyeopjae Beach

Hyeopjae Beach  is located in the northwestern side of Jeju Island. The beach is known for its white sand, black lava rocks, and clear waters that’s safe for swimming.

You can also sit on the black lava rocks formed by volcanic eruptions, which is a highlight of Hyeopjae Beach and a popular photo op.

2. Geumneung Beach

Right next door to Hyeopjae Beach is  Geumneung Beach . The water is quite shallow but the water is pristine with beautiful viewpoints of both beaches.

Across the road from Geumneung Beach are Hallim Park, Hyeopjae Cave, and Ssangyong Cave that you can visit while there.

1. Osulloc Tea Museum

Grab lunch while at the Osulloc Tea Museum , a popular destination in Jeju Island.

The museum offers insight into the history and culture of tea in Korea, including tea-making processes and traditions. You can explore the tea fields and sample different tea varieties.

2. Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road

Located to the west of the Osulloc Tea Museum is the Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road , where you can get directly under the windmills (or from viewing paths and bridges).

It’s a 15-minute walk away from the bus stop, but you walk through local views like garlic farms. You can also take a Kakao T taxi there.

Evening (2 hours)

1. Suwolbong Peak Summit

Catch the sunset at Suwolbong Peak Summit , which is located a quick ride south of the Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road.

Walk along the coastal paths and get panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and unique rock formations.

Day 4 of Jeju Island Itinerary: Hike Hallasan Mountain

Hallasan Mountain should be saved towards the end of your Jeju Island Itinerary, so you won’t spend the other days of your trip sore and tired from hiking.

There are different hiking trails to take.

The shortest route is Eoseungsaengak Trail closer to Jeju City, and is the trail I hiked. It takes less than 30 minutes to reach the top, but with lots of stairs.

📖 Read my Guide to Hiking Eoseungsaengak Trail (+ How to Get There)

Other shorter hikes : Eorimok Trail and Yeongsil Trail, which take 2-3 hours one way. The other trails take around 4-5 hours each way.

If you don’t want to hike alone, you can also  join a Hallasan group tour  that includes other popular destinations.

Relax at one of the many beaches in Jeju Island and eat a restaurant with amazing water views.

Plant-based? Here are delicious vegan food in Jeju to try.

Alternative to Hallasan Mountain

Take a trip to Udo Island located off the east of Jeju Island. I have not visited Udo Island yet, but it’s definitely on my list.

Day 5 of Jeju Island Itinerary

On your last day before you head back to the airport:

• Shop for souvenirs
• Eat at a seaside cafe or restaurant
• Take a coastal walk
• Visit a nearby beach

More Things to Do in Jeju Island

Here are other sites in Jeju Island if you’d like to switch out or add activities to your Jeju Island Itinerary. I have not been to these places yet:

North and Central Jeju:

• Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest
• Halla Arboretum
• Jeju Love Land
• Jeju Museum Of Art
• Jeju Light Garden

South Jeju / Seogwipo City:

• Kayak on Soesokkak
• Seogwipo Forest of Healing
• Namwon Keuneong Promenade
• Other waterfalls in Jeju Island
• Hello Kitty Island

East Coast:

• Dakmeoru Coast
• Jeju Folk Village
• Manjanggul Lava Cave
• Suwolbong Peak Summit
• Jeju Swiss Village

West Coast:

• Arte Museum Jeju
• Osulloc Tea Garden
• Hyeopjae Cave

More Jeju Island Posts

Essential Tips to Getting Around Jeju Without a Car

5 Amazing Waterfalls in Jeju Island You Can Visit (2024)

Guide to Hiking Eoseungsaengak Trail (+ How to Get There)

7 Essential Seoul Travel Tips for First-Timers (+ everything I wished I knew)

8 Best Vegan Restaurants in Jeju Island

Roseanne Ducut is a solo female traveler and Filipina from the Bay Area, California. She writes practical and culture-rich travel guides and encourages solo female travelers to take #yolo trips. A veghead for over 15 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.

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First Timer's Jeju Itinerary (3 Days, With or Without Car)

Updated: Oct 7, 2023 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 42 Comments

I’ve just completed my fourth trip to Jeju Island, so I think it's about time I update my itinerary— a lot can & has changed in two years! Originally I wrote this Jeju itinerary to fit all seasons, but I've since added tips for visiting in winter, and for traveling by car or by bus.

I believe that even if you only have a long weekend to explore Jeju, maybe from Seoul or Busan , there's no reason it can't still be fantastic. Both now and during the three years I was teaching English abroad in Korea, Jeju has been by far my favorite weekend getaway.

It's the perfect addition to a Korea itinerary , especially considering how inexpensive the flights are. But n o matter how many chances you have to visit, if you carefully decide on what to do, what to eat, and where to stay in Jeju, then the memories will last a lifetime.

Click here to read about to where to stay in Jeju!

Since this is a truly massive Jeju travel guide, please click around using the table of contents.

• 🛫 Visiting South Korea (Update)
• ⛄ Visiting Jeju Island In Winter
• 🚗 Arrival & Getting Around in Jeju
• 🎒 Where to Stay on Jeju
• 🤔 What to Do in Jeju
• 🍲 What to Eat in Jeju
• 📝 Sample Jeju Itinerary: 3 Days
• 💡 Travel Tips For Jeju Island
• 🔍 Practical Travel Info
• 📋 Jeju Island Travel FAQ
• 🎢 Jeju Attractions Map

🛫 Visiting South Korea (Update)

Those of you looking to visit South Korea are probably as confused by all the changes as I was before I visited again post-covid. But as of March 20th, 2024, masks are still required in medical settings like hospitals but are NO LONGER REQUIRED in all other indoor public places, including public transport.

Here are what document you need to visit Korea as a tourist:

• K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization , applied for at least 72 hours before departure) OR Visa to visit Korea (countries which previously had a visa exemption now need to apply for a K-ETA). From April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries will also temporarily NOT need a K-ETA or visa to visit Korea (includes: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam)). If you're a valid ABTC card holder (APEC card), you are not required to apply for a K-ETA [excluding Americans & Canadians].
• Q-Code (can also be filled out upon arrival) : visitors need to fill out information for the Korean quarantine system, known as Q-Code . Note that all travelers are now allowed in regardless of vaccination status, but you do need to have filled out your Q-Code before going through immigration.

If for some reason you need to take a covid test in a South Korea airport, the cost of a covid test in Incheon Airport is currently ₩80,000 ($60USD), with some options within Seoul as inexpensive as ₩65,000 ($50USD). There's no testing requirement to leave South Korea.

Buy a PDF Version of This Post!

⛄ Visiting Jeju Island In Winter

Does it snow on Jeju? How cold does Jeju get in the winter? When is low season on Jeju? So many people have asked me about traveling to Jeju in winter that I decided to add a section on just for that. To answer the overall query: it's totally possible to visit Jeju Island during winter, and Jeju is seriously one of the most underrated places to visit in Korea during winter.

To answer the above questions: yes it snows, it can get as cold as -7C/20F, and winter is low season on Jeju. But no worries, there are plenty of things to do on Jeju , even when the temps hit single digits. Just remember:

• Pack layers, including thin heat tech layers you can remove every time you go inside places. Wintertime on Jeju runs from November to March, though the end of March will see cherry blossoms and can have some very warm days (though still some cold nights).
• Jeju weather is fickle, just like on the Korean peninsula, so in the winter it's possible to have snow anytime, though it is rare outside of December and January. Jeju in December is also really pretty, especially if it's just snowed on Hallasan. Be extra careful when driving.
• On that note, winter activities on Jeju include picking hallabong (Jeju oranges) and gyul (Jeju tangerines), without much other interference. Most things don't close on Jeju in the winter, even Hallasan; you can still hike everywhere, though I wouldn't recommend a beach day.
• Popular things to do on Jeju in winter include: Love Land, the Aquarium, wandering Camellia Hill, and visiting all of Jeju's many museums!
• If you're on Jeju from mid-December to mid-January, definitely check out the Jeju Winter Festival, if only for the street food.

So if you're deciding between Jeju or Busan in winter , I'd suggest heading to Jeju. It's quieter and the flights are more affordable, and so is the food & accommodation. Plus, unlike Busan the snow stays untouched and pristine for quite awhile on Jeju!

🚗 Arrival & Getting Around in Jeju

Transportation in Jeju can be a bit of a mess. Since it's an island, actually getting to Jeju is a relatively simple matter of taking a flight. Note that if you are flying out early from Gimpo Airport, the airport closes each night from 12am-4:30am. Though some people have a fear of flying, and may choose to get to Jeju by ferry .

Either way, once you arrive you will find yourself on the north side of the island, nearly inside Jeju City. It's certainly possible to get around Jeju by public bus or taxi, but not recommended, as the first costs lots of time, and the other costs lots of money.

But for those who hate to drive as much as I do, I've also shared tips below on how to get around Jeju by bus. As for the infamous tour packages that most Koreans seem to favor, the jury is still out on that one.

I've experienced some amazing tours in South Korea, but it certainly limits what you see and how much time you spend there. The best option by far is to rent a car, or bring your own over on the ferry from the mainland.

I've gotten around Jeju by tour bus, public bus lines, and driving a rental car. There's no metro or train system on the island, though there are ferries. So if you choose not to or simply can't rent a car on Jeju, you're left with the bus.

Traveling Jeju By Bus

As I've said, this is not my favorite option, but it's doable. If you travel Jeju by bus, you'll want to stay along the coast so you're no more than two buses from where you want to go. I recommend staying in Seogwipo, so that you can follow the itinerary below.

Your favorite bus line on Jeju will be the 201, which takes you in a ring around the island. The scene along the coast is particularly gorgeous from April to June. For your initial arrival, Jeju airport limousine bus 800 and 800-1 will take you from the airport to Seogwipo the most directly, with buses every 15 minutes between 6am-10pm daily. 

Most of the bus routes stop running just before 10pm. If you arrive after 10pm, I'd recommend staying in Jeju City for the first night; you can take the 3000's lines to a few different places, but those also stop at 12am. Taxis will always be waiting to take you somewhere, but the lines are always long at night.

Introducing the T-Money card, a transportation card like no other. Mine was attached to my credit card while I lived in Korea, but you can also get one at any of the convenience stores in Korea. You can use your T-Money card to get all around the island, even in most taxis (but always bring cash just in case).

Most fares will be ₩1250 (~$1USD) each way, though the cost of taxis depends completely upon distance. Be sure to download the Naver Maps app before arrival so that you can get bus route info immediately.

Driving in Jeju

Driving in Jeju is quite safe, with lots of open roads and several paths across the island in addition to the loop around it. A self-drive in Jeju is also the best way to see the beauty of the island's countryside vistas, stay flexible with plans in case of weather interruptions, and stay in cheaper hotels if budget is an issue. 

The only requirements to rent a car in Jeju is a license in your home country and an international license (which is applied & paid for separately, almost always before you arrive to South Korea).

Koreans drive on the right hand side of the road, just as they do in the US and most of the rest of the world. Driving in Jeju City isn't very challenging, though going into more rural parts can be challenging since the roads narrow quite a bit.

Your Korean GPS will give you numerous speed warnings every time you're approaching speed cameras (so you have no excuse for getting a ticket!), so don't freak out when it chirps and beeps at you a lot.For a car rental, Jeju Island is one of the easiest spots I've ever rented in.

We just followed the signs in the airport, took the shuttle to Lotte Rental Cars, pulled a number for help in English, and we were in our car within 15 minutes. That was on a public holiday, too! Rental Car places are called " ren-ta-ca ," so try saying that if nobody seems to be able to help you in English.

Having a car on Jeju got us to about twice as many sites across the island, not to mentioned allows you to rent a scooter on Udo Island (if that's your kind of thing).

🎒 Where to Stay on Jeju

Choosing where to stay on Jeju Island may not seem like as big a decision as it actually is. Jeju is by no means small, but it is of a manageable enough size that you could spend one night in each part of the island and still see everything you're interested in.

Yet most people wouldn't choose to change accommodation every night if they don't have to. So in this post I narrowed it down to the four best regions in which to base yourself, and a different spot for every budget and comfort level.

If you're unsure of where to stay at all, or just have a day or two, then I highly recommend you stick to the transportation hub of Jeju City. If you're spending at least 3 days on Jeju, consider splitting up your accommodation and staying in two different parts of the island.

If you follow my sample Jeju itinerary below, it would be best to stay near Udo Island on the first night, and then in Seogwipo for the last 2 nights. I know that all the place names can be confusing, so I made a map of Jeju attractions that goes along with the 3 day Jeju itinerary below. Click here to scroll to it now.

Click here to see reviews of Jeju accomodation on Agoda.

🤔 What to Do in Jeju

Jeju has innumerable sites that involve the sea and nature, including 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But the island has its fair share of quirk and Korean tradition (naked hot tubs, anyone?). This list could seriously go on for hours if I listed out everything that locals do for fun.

So to stick to the more accessible stuff for 3 days in Jeju, I'll share just the weird, the natural, and the educational, divided by region. Don't forget to carry around a few extra thousand-won notes to pay for parking! 

Surprisingly, I found the points of interest in Jeju to be more accessible than those in Seoul or Busan. Most everything was available in Korean, English and Chinese, and many more people were able to speak English than I expected.

So don't shy away from something that sounds interesting, just because it looks rural. Looks can be deceiving, and Jeju Island is the land of things-built-only-as-tourist-attractions.

Love Land (erotic museum) /// ₩9000 entrance /// 9am-midnight daily

Love Land is a very blasé name for this unusual park full of penises and other erotic sculptures. It was actually opened in 2004 by a group of art students from Seoul's Hongik University (of 'Hongdae' fame). Please note that you must be at least 19 to enter the park .

Hallasan Hiking /// free /// roughly sunrise to sunset

It's tough to designate a specific starting point to hike Hallasan, considering that it's at the center of the island. Hallasan is actually an active volcano, though it ' spews no lava or smoke at the moment, and it's the reason why Jeju island exists at all. T 's safe to hike, and t he views from the top are unforgettable .

Note that it is not safe to Hike Hallasan in the rain and that you should bring extra layers no matter the weather when you start.

Orange Picking Experience /// ₩3000-₩6000 /// usually 8am-6pm

With peak orange season from November to February, orange picking is a winter activity on Jeju that most everyone participates in, local or tourist. You pay a flat fee per person to pick and eat as many oranges as you want & bring home a kilogram.

Manjanggul (lava cave) /// ₩3000 entrance /// 9am-6pm daily (closed first Wednesday of every month)

As one of Jeju's 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the 1,000 meters of cave open to the public gets quite packed on weekends. The slippery floors can become extra hazardous, so bring grippy shoes and plan to spend about an hour exploring the cave and surrounding property.

Jeongbang Waterfall /// ₩2000 entrance /// 8am-6pm

Jeongbang's claim to fame is as the only waterfall in Asia to fall directly into the ocean, which is honestly really cool sight. There's also a tiny beach in front of it, just before the vast ocean extending way beyond. The walk down is worth it in nice weather, but can be a bit treacherous in rain or snow.

Olle Trails (Oedolgae Rock) /// free /// roughly sunrise to sunset

A rock may not sound like a very impressive attraction, but this stunning viewpoint is the perfect spot from which to admire the ocean & the many small islands off the coast of this side of Jeju-do. Many people come here each day just to trek the well-trod trails and stop at a lookout every once in awhile to soak it all in.

Jusangjeolli Lava Cliffs /// ₩2000 entrance /// roughly sunrise to sunset

Often compared to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Island, the Jusangjeolli cliff faces are another act of nature bestowed upon Jeju by the volcano that formed its body. Easily less than 5 minutes from the parking lot, the cliffs are deep grey rectangular and square formations which jut picturesquely out into the ocean.

Jeju Folk Village (Jeju Minsokchon) /// ₩11000 /// 8:30am-5pm or 6pm (spring & summer)

Jeju Island is the land of the unexpected, and on my last trip I ended up in this tiny mountainous village for lunch, in an area I later learned was called Minsokchon . The traditional Jeju Folk Village appears as if it had sprung out of the mountains, populated with short, flat-rooved structures which recall traditional living on the island.

Aqua Planet Jeju /// ₩37200-₩40900 /// 10am-7pm

If you're visiting Jeju with kids, this is a must-see. This massive aquarium has not only penguins and sea lions, but whale sharks. They offer daily demonstrations and educational programs about the animals (in Korean), while all of the aquatic animals found around Jeju are in their large main building (with English signage).

Seopjikoji (scenic view point) /// free /// roughly sunrise to sunset

Just across from Seongsan is Seopjikoji, an area famous for being the filming location for several dramas and a gorgeous area, to boot. The draw here is the defined walking trail along the cliffs and a beach side restaurant, though the most gorgeous scenes are when the canola flowers bloom in the spring .

Submarine Ride to & from Udo /// ₩36000-₩55000 /// departing 8:55am-4:30pm

This is not a cheap activity, but it is one that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Jeju is famous not only for its women divers, but also for its scuba diving. Children of all ages are able to experience the beauty of the ocean, without the need to swim in it.

Explore Udo /// ₩10.500 (same-day round trip ferry) /// 7:30/8am-⅚:30pm (varies by season)

Despite the fact that Jeju has become famous for their black pork, Udo Island is actually named for a cow, which the island is said to be shaped like. Like the rest of Jeju, Udo is know for its great views and it's beaches, but unlike the rest of Jeju, Udo has a special dessert: peanut ice cream.

Seongsan Ilchulbong (sunrise peak) /// ₩2000 /// Summer 7:10am-7pm & Winter 7:30am-6pm

The immensity of the green and the brightly colored flowers that greet you here in the spring could very well distract you from ever climbing to the top. This fairy tale mountain was formed long ago by a volcanic eruption, just like the rest of Jeju , and is great for a quick hike, and horseback riding and boating for a bit extra.

Western Jeju-do

The Chocolate Museum /// ₩6000 /// 10am-6pm

Built to resemble a castle, this massive museum is actually the second-largest chocolate museum in the world, behind the one in Cologne, Germany. Its exterior is covered in a volcanic landscape inspired by the island, while the inside smells as if it were coated in chocolate.

There are exhibits on chocolate history and chocolate making, as well as a cafe and a sales area where you can buy boxes of the sweet stuff. It's a chocolate lover's paradise, but I'll also admit that I've seen better . Note that the Jeju chocolate museum closes an hour early in winter and an hour late in summer.

Sanbangsan Carbonate Springs /// ₩12000 base entrance /// 6am-midnight (indoor hot springs)

This will be one of the strangest experiences of your life if you've never been to a Korean sauna. Everybody here is naked, albeit separated by gender. The hot springs, glorified swimming pools in many ways, are available in a variety of temperatures and with various healing properties.

O'Sulloc Tea Fields & Museum /// free /// 9am-6pm

Being a tiny museum near a massive tea field, I wouldn't expect much in the way of tea education. But if you came for the green tea products, then this is your spot. The small museum is attached to a massive cafe serving up a variety of teas from their farm, plus coffee and desserts , with an Innis Free cosmetics store a hundred meters away .

The best part for most people will be the tea plantation itself, however, which is situated across the street from the museum and simply laden with photo-ops. There are honestly so many things to do in Jeju , but it's all so different that it's unlikely that everything will appeal to you.

So just pick your favorites in each area, and then move on to the next one.

🍲 What to Eat in Jeju

Confession time: despite being a food blogger, I don't center my schedule around meals. I might center the occasional day around dessert for dinner, but for the most part, I carry my chocolate & some almonds in my bag and like to see where the wind takes me.

It's how I travel anywhere, so it's not really fair of me to recommend you any specific restaurants around which to plan your day. However, I freely offer food recommendations, and the must-try foods on Jeju are...

• Sannakji  ("live" octopus)
• Abalone (Sea Snails)
• Green Tea Anything
• Hallabong (those big oranges grown throughout the island)
• Peanut Latte
• Jeju Chocolate

Bonus: many local friends told me that Jeju is known for their Indian food, so if you're feeling some international fare, consider going out for Indian food in Jeju (see travel tips below). 

📝 Sample Jeju Itinerary: 3 Days

3 days is enough to see the major sites of Jeju, so on the map I've outlined where to go for each day. This assumes that you can arrive at the first spot around 9am, and will be tired enough for dinner and relaxation around 7pm.

If this sounds like you, this may be your perfect Jeju itinerary. 3 days may not be enough for some, but never fear— not everything will appeal to you, and this is easy enough to remove stuff from or add to. You can read more about each site above.

At the bottom of the page is a map of the island, with all of these points of interest marked off. Proceed at your leisure.

Jeju Itinerary Day 1

9am // Manjanggul : If you're traveling by bus, skip to the next stop, as you won't have time for this part. Start out the day at the lava caves, a kilometer of dark, firey history, and a look into how the island was formed. You can only explore the first 1000 meters of the more than 13,000 formed.

B ut the multi-lingual signage will explain how rivers of lava burst from the earth and tunnel upwards to form the basis of modern-day Jeju Island. It's chilly down there, so bring a jacket. This can be done either first or last, depending on your starting point, but remember that they close at 6pm.

10am // Udo : The first ferry to this island is not particularly early, but they can get packed on weekends. If you're visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, be prepared to wait a bit for the next ferry, and don't forget to buy round trip tickets.

It's only a 15-minute ride, so once you're on the island, head straight from the ferry terminal to Udo Seobin Baeksa , a gorgeous beach just a 10-minute walk from the port.

Once you're there, grab some peanut ice cream and walk along the beach. Other things to do on Udo are: rent bikes to ride around the island, watch locals dive in the ocean, go horseback riding, grab a coffee on the pier, and hike Udobong. I highly recommend having black pork burgers for lunch.

4pm // Seopjikoji or Seongsan Ilchulbong at sunset : Once you've returned from your half day on Udo, head just a few kilometers down the road to the beautiful look out point of Seopjikoji.

If you don't go now, I'm afraid you'll be too tired to go at the end of the day, so just muster up the will power to see one more beautiful site, if only from just a wee bit closer up. Alternatively, even closer by is Seongsan Ilchulbong.

Walking around Seongsan Ilchulbong, I swear you'll think you're walking into a scene straight from the highlands of Northern Ireland. Seongsan Ilchulbong is one of Jeju's UNESCO World Heritage sites, and you'll immediately understand why.

Two hours is just enough to walk around and take pictures, observe the famous women divers of Jeju, maybe take a boat ride, and hike to the top of the small mountain. Going later in the day also allows you to look around without the mid-day sun glaring in your eyes, and with many fewer people.

Jeju Itinerary Day 2

9am // Jeongbang Waterfall : Literally a one minute walk to the falls (& the ocean), and another few minutes for the close-up view, this is a perfect first stop for day 2. If your legs are sore from the day before there's no need to go down for a closer look, and there's a coffee shop right in the parking lot, should you need it.

10am // Oedolgae Rock : Just like with the waterfall, this can be a more or less involved part of your trip. If it's raining or you're tired, then just walk over to where the view point is and admire the gorgeous natural scenery. Trekking is available here, however, and is quite possible. It can get rather crowded here on nice weekend afternoons, so head over before lunch.

11am // Jusangjeolli Lava Cliffs : If you're traveling by bus, skip to having lunch, as you won't have time for this part. Unlike the lava caves you (may have) visited yesterday, these cliffs are a spectacular representation of what happens after the lava shoots out of the earth.

Looking just like the legos you played with as a kid, these lava tubes are a wonderful photo-op for any kind of traveler.

11:30am // Lunch Time : Most people's favorite time of day. Head into downtown Seogwipo and look around for a barbeque restaurant that served black pork, and ask for samgyeopsal .

This is pork belly, and they'll bring it out in long strips that look like thick-cut bacon, and you can thank me later. Don't worry, all the side dishes they bring out are included in the price of the meat. Note that the more side dishes, the more respect they're showing you.

1pm // Chocolate Museum : If you're traveling by bus , you should choose 2 of the 3 activities left today. After a nice hearty meal, it's time for some dessert! Once you get over the immense grounds of this castle-like factory, head inside and learn all about how chocolate is made , and some history about chocolate (plus free samples).

Kids and adults are all huge fans of the delightful aroma and variety of samples on offer, as well as the reasonably-priced gifts in the shop, though it's definitely more of an introductory-level chocolate experience.

3pm // Green Tea Fields : Once you manage to drag yourself away from the chocolate factory, make the short drive over to the green tea fields. O'Sulloc's tea plantation is famous throughout Korea for its quality tea (despite the name, the plantation produces a number of different teas from this one variety).

But if you're still full from the pigging out and the chocolate, then work off the calories by strolling around the endless fields of green. Peak season in from April to June.

6pm // Love Land : If by some miracle you're still able to take in more sites, I highly recommend Love Land. It is Korea's only Adult Theme Park, though I think of it as more of an erotic photo zone. However, it's also open until midnight.

So if you're traveling with kids, I'd recommend grabbing dinner first and then leaving them in the hotel for a movie while you get your adulting on in the erotic theme park you never knew you would see.

Jeju Itinerary Day 3

9am // Hike Hallasan : I hope you're not still sore from walking around the day before yesterday, because today is hiking day! Sort of. Mount Halla actually has 5 trails, and each is vastly different from the others. One of them only takes half an hour each way, though you don't see much.

The route that starts at Eorimok Trail and returns down Yeongsil Trail is rightfully the most popular, however. This trip take about 5 hours total, so be sure to bring water bottles and snacks. If you're using public transport, bus 740 heads to Eorimok and stops by Yeongsil, as well.

2pm // Late Lunch : After all that exertion, it's only right to grab some nice warm soup to re-hydrate. Stop in at any of the many local restaurants at the bottom of the trail head, or head towards the hot springs and eat closer to there (though there aren't any restaurants right around the springs).

3pm // Sanbangsan Carbonate Springs : This was honestly one of the weirdest and one of my favorite parts of Jeju. There are saunas and jjimjilbangs everywhere in Korea, but outdoor hot springs or pools are much harder to find.

Especially good for relaxing your muscles after a hike and challenging your definition of too many naked people, the Sanbangsan Carbonate Springs are heavenly. You can pay the extra ₩3000 for access to the outdoor pools and hang out with your significant other.

Alternately, you can just stay in the cocoon of warmth inside, scrubbing off all the dead skin once you've had enough. General relaxation is a great theme for your last night on Jeju. Now that you have an idea of what the island has to offer, you're just about ready for your trip to Jeju Island.

💡 Travel Tips For Jeju Island

• Get a sim card with calling capabilities . I literally lived in Korea for three years using only a pre-paid sim card from Olleh. That cost me ₩20000 (~$17USD) a month for 2GB of data, and another few thousand a month for calling, and it saved me many times over the years to have someone be able to call a hotel or taxi for me using my own phone.
• Speaking of calling, the Korea Travel Hotline , known to expats as the "English Help Line," should be your go-to with any issue. Simply dial 1330 and press 1 for English, and you'll be connected to someone at any hour of the day, any day of the week. They can help with ticket prices, bus schedules, attraction locations, and even translating for taxi drivers. They also speak Japanese and Chinese.
• Rent a car (remember your international driver's license!). If my helpful info on renting a car in Jeju wasn't enough convincing, keep in mind that most attractions are far from cities and far apart. Taxis can also be hard or impossible to come by after 10pm (coincidentally, also when most of the buses stop running).
• Travel the island in sections . Take a careful look at attractions' opening hours & days, because even though the island appears small at first, it can be a very long drive to backtrack to somewhere you've already been, just to see that one museum.
• It does get very cold in the winter , so pack a heavy winter coat from November-March, and a light jacket in October and April. While you could have some less cold days in the winter, it can get downright freezing in January and February.
• Just as in the rest of Korea, Google Maps isn't useful or detailed on Jeju, so do remember to download the English-language version of Naver Maps , the Korean map app.
• Try Indian food — no, seriously. Jeju has a small but sizable Indian population, and along with that, some bomb-a*s Indian food.
• Beaches close for winter , at least for swimming. Just like in the rest of Korea, from September to May you're not allowed to swim in the water around Jeju, though you can certainly still walk along the beach and take pictures. This is for safety reasons, as that water is frigid .
• Jeju has a decent salsa dance scene, but don't come here for the nightlife . Since it's mostly a family holiday and honeymoon destination, there aren't many clubs and there are few bars in Jeju City and Seogwipo. You'll have more luck finding a noraebang (Korean Karaoke bar) to sing it up in after dark (and karaoke is definitely wirth adding to you Jeju Island itinerary !) .
• Speaking of early nights, try to start your day early . Lots of attractions open around 8am or 9am, and close around 5pm or 6pm; the last ferry from Udo Islandcomes back before 7pm, so after sunset there's not much to do but sleep and set your alarm for the sunrise.

🔍 Practical Travel Info

Language:  Korean people speak Korean, and most of those who work in tourism will speak a little English. Often someone will also speak some Japanese and Mandarin, while outside of tourist areas you'll have the best luck finding English-speaking young people.

There's also a strong regional accent on Jeju, so even if you speak Korean you may have trouble understanding older people.

Population: ~600,000 people.

Currency: the Korean won (KRW), written as either ₩ or 원 (in Korean). 1000 won is equal to about $0.85USD or ₱42.

Korea Visa:  While there are still 112 countries whose citizens don’t need to apply for visas before visiting Korea for 30 to 90 days, as of September 2021, ALL visitors from those approved countries still need to have an approved K-ETA before arriving in Korea. K-ETA stands for Korea-Electronic Travel Authorization.

You can check if yours is one of those visa-exempt, countries and how long your visa lasts for,  here . Common countries: USA (up to 90 days), Canada (up to 6 months), South Africa (up to 30 days), Malaysia (up to 90 days), Singapore (up to 90 days). But remember, even if you don’t need to apply for a visa, from now on you do still need to  apply for a K-ETA , which is good for two years form the date of approval.

Voltage: 220v/60Hz, with two round holes for the plug (type F).

Best Time to Visit Jeju

There's really no bad time to visit Jeju, since the weather on the island is so much milder compared to the mainland. But summer is definitely peak season, with mid-July to the end of August seeing the most visitors (when kids are off school). The best month to visit Jeju Island, and Korea in general, is in May.

Spring and Fall are my favorite times because the prices are a bit cheaper, the weather is still mild, and there are colors popping everywhere. Since most people come to Jeju for just 3 or 4 days at a time, flights are much cheaper to arrive Sunday through Wednesday & depart Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday .

Safety Level: 10/10

Because this is Jeju Island , there's really nowhere for criminals to hide. That said, just like the rest of Korea, Jeju is just generally a very safe place to explore. The entire country outlaws guns, except for the military, and the crime rate is extremely low. There aren't any dangerous parts of Jeju, either, unless you count those really tall cliffs people like to hike up to.

Sample Jeju Budget: 3 Days

This Jeju travel budget assumes you're spending 3 nights on the island, and are traveling alone using the guide above. These prices will lower a bit per person as you share the cost of a rental car. If you travel by bus & taxi combined, you'd travel slower, but spend more like $10-20 a day per person. Note that the current exchange rate is roughly 1200KRW per 1USD.

• Lodging : $70USD
• Transport : $60USD (flights are so varied in cost that those are not included in this budget, and neither is the cost of a rental car )
• Activities : $50USD
• Food : $70USD

Total : $250USD

Basic Korean Lesson

So you're all ready for your trip, but you don't know any Korean! So let's consider the language barrier. I don't discuss it much on this site, but for a native English speaker, Korean is one of the harder languages to learn. Lucky for you, I've already broken down this barrier several times over.

So to help you prepare for your trip, I've compiled a shortlist to help you order food and just be generally polite. Many Koreans speak enough English to understand your order in a restaurant, but it's always polite to throw in a little Korean.

If you get beyond ordering food in a restaurant, the language barrier only gets more obvious. I'd also highly recommend downloading a picture-capable translation app before you go, like Google Translate.

Hello //  An-nyeong-ha-se-yo . (안녕하세요.)

I don’t speak any Korean. // Han-guk-aw jal-moat-hae-yo. (한국어 잘못해요.)

Do you speak English? //  Yeong-aw jal-hae-yo?  (영어 잘해요?)

Thank you // Gam-saahm-ni-da . (감사합니다.)

How much is it? // Eol-ma-yeh-yo? (얼마예요?)

One of these, please. // Ee-gaw ha-na ju-say-yo. (이거 하나 주세요.)

It's to-go/takeout. // Po-jahng ee-eh-yo or Tay-kow-shi-yay-oh. (포장 이예요.)

Lesson complete! Now let's pack.

📋 Jeju Island Travel FAQ

When deciding how many days to spend in Jeju Island, you could spend as little as 2 days in Jeju and see most of the top sights, but most visitors find 3-4 days to be ideal.

The best months to visit Jeju Island are April, May, and September, due to the open hours of attractions and lack of crowds, but still beautiful weather and reasonable prices on hotels.

Yes! Jeju Island is absolutely worth a visit, and quite beautiful at any time of year, but particularly in the spring and fall.

When figuring out how to get to Jeju Island from Seoul, there are three options, one of which is markedly more appealing than the other two: by plane. You can also take a train and then a ferry or a bus and then a ferry, but since Seoul to Jeju and vice versa is actually the most-traveled route in the world, there's no shortage of cheap flights to Jeju from Seoul.

🎢 Jeju Attractions Map

More South Korea Travel & Life

Reader Interactions

Roxane Cordisco

February 17, 2024 at 9:35 am

Thanks for this nice article about Jeju. I am planning a 7-10 day trip to the island and I'd like to discover it by myself by scooter. Do you have any information about scooter rental agencies in Jeju? Thank you! Roxane (Belgium)

February 19, 2024 at 1:48 pm

Sorry, Roxane; I'm not very familiar with renting scooters on the island and haven't yet done so myself, but enjoy your trip & I hope you can find the info you need before heaidng out!

Danielle Ziss

February 06, 2024 at 2:11 pm

Wow - what a thorough post! Really appreciate you. Heading to Jeju in early March for 3 days. So excited!

February 06, 2024 at 2:18 pm

Thank you for the kind words!! Enjoy your trip, Danielle!

January 01, 2024 at 8:14 am

Bedankt Max voor je duidelijke en interessante reisgids voor Jeju. Wij zijn momenteel onze reis aan 't plannen voor de komende lente. Onze dochter van 19 is van sep 2023 tot mei 2024 in Seoul om Koreaans te studeren (Education First). Wij gaan met onze zoon van 22 naar Korea van 22 maart tot 9 april. Eerst gaan we naar Seoul, maar we willen zeker ook naar Jeju en Busan. Kan je ons ook helpen met tips voor Seoul en Busan en eventueel andere plaatsen die zeker de moeite zijn in onze trip? Alvast bedankt!

January 04, 2024 at 1:31 pm

Graag gedaan! Het spijt me, ik spreek geen Nederlands, dus ik gebruik Google Translate. Er zijn gidsen voor Busan hier en voor Seoul hier . Maar waarschijnlijk wil je de Korea-reisroute lezen, die lijkt op een minigids voor Zuid-Korea.

Als u de site wilt ondersteunen, kunt u ook pdf's van alle gidsen kopen om mee te nemen op uw reis (u kunt ze afdrukken of op uw telefoon bewaren).

September 10, 2023 at 5:54 am

Thank you for this post! Really helped with my planning by the different regions. I was just wondering, if it would be safe drive during Winter (late dec)?

September 10, 2023 at 8:08 pm

My pleasure, Isabelle! And yes, it would be perfectly safe as it very rarely gets even close to snowing on Jeju (maybe once a decade it flurries).

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3 Day Jeju Itinerary For First Time Visitors

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 05/03/2024

Jeju, South Korea’s largest and most beautiful volcanic island is nestled on the South Coast. This South Korea island boasts stunning beaches, lush countryside, an abundance of museums, coastal walking trails, and delectable cuisine.

If you’re looking to plan a trip to South Korea, you should certainly add Jeju Island to your list, together with your Seoul itinerary . There are so many things to do in Jeju Island. This Jeju Itinerary 3 days covers an ideal amount of time to spend on this beautiful Korean island.

Things to Book Before You Leave Home Few things are more frustrating on vacation than missing out on that amazing hotel or tour because it is sold out. Here are our top things to book before your vacation. 🏯 Book these popular Jeju Tours before you leave home to avoid disappointment.  1.  Jeju Island West Coast Tours 2.  Jeju Island East Coast Tours 🛏️ Where to Stay on Jeju: 1. Bayhill Pool and Villa – spacious and stylish for the perfect secluded getaway 2. Hidden Cliff Hotel and Nature – natural setting and infinity pool

Jeju Itinerary: Getting To The Island

Jeju International Airport is located in the island’s largest city, Jeju City, and there are cheap flights to the island from the major metropolitan areas in South Korea.

⇒ Flights Seoul to Jeju

If you’re travelling from Seoul or Busan , it’s possible to take a ferry to Jeju island. Although, flights are a better option because a two-way ferry ticket can cost you around $100 USD and it will take you between 3-12 hours to get there. Flying to Jeju Island is a much cheaper and faster option.

How to Get Around Jeju Island

When it comes to how to travel around Jeju Island, renting a car and driving yourself is the best option. Having your own vehicle allows you to travel and stopover at your heart’s content.

If you decide to rent a car, I highly recommend booking through RentalCars.com , which has the best prices. You can also take well-connected public transportation, such as the Jeju City bus .

Korea has strict rules about Internet maps, and you may have trouble getting onto Google Maps. Rest assured, rented cars come with a GPS, where you can key in the coordinates and find your way around the island.

3 Day Jeju Island Itinerary: Day 1: East Jeju

There are some spectacular places on Jeju Island with awesome landscapes, volcanoes, lava tubes and cascading waterfalls. The volcanic island is now a UNESCO world heritage site and a must-see on your Korea itinerary .

I highly recommend getting the most out of your Jeju trip by renting a car. Otherwise, book a private transfer  between Jeju airport and your accommodation to enjoy a thoroughly relaxing vacation without the fuss of finding your place.

Seongsan Ilchulbong

One of the island’s most loved local and tourist attractions is watching the sunrise on a smaller volcano at Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as ‘ sunrise peak ’. This Jeju tourist attraction welcomes dozens of early-morning hikers who race up the stairway to catch the daybreak at the crater.

If you plan on seeing the sunrise from Seongsan Ilchulbong, be sure to check what time the sun will rise. Ensure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the entrance and walk to the top.

Alternatively, book a private transfer to Seongsan IIchulbong  and enjoy a hassle-free journey.

There is a small entrance fee of $1.79 USD per person to enter the park, and you’ll walk for about 20-minutes to the peak.

After sunrise, climb down the mountain and get breakfast at one of the stalls near the entrance. On your way down, make a stop at the viewing platform and catch a glimpse of the traditional women drivers, the Jeju haenyeo .

If you’re looking for a delightful Jeju island tour to see the island’s highlights, I suggest you book this small-group tour to Sunrise Peak and other famous places.

➡️ Book Your Jeju Island Tour

⇒ One of the loveliest places to go in Asia is Bali. Check out my posts on the best 10 Days Itinerary Bali , Where to Stay in Bali , where to stay in Ubud and the best boutique hotels in Ubud , Bali Retreats for Singles , Bali Boutique Hotels , where to stay in Canggu and the best boutique hotels Seminyak has on offer.

Seopjikoji Coast Walk

If you’re looking for the perfect place to take vacation pictures, it would be Seopikoji. It’s famous for the yellow canola flowers sweeping over hills and boasts beautiful coastal views. Canola blooms from March to April, but Seopjikoji JeJu Island a lovely scenic walk at any time of the year.

This pretty area has been featured in many Korean tv dramas – and is therefore, quite popular. There are a lighthouse, a gingerbread house and some great views of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak from the end of the lighthouse.

Manjanggul Cave

Manjanggul Cave is one of the largest lava tubes in the world, and within the cave, you’ll come across stalagmites, lava shelves, tubes, stalactites, and many forms of flowstones. These caves are one of the top Jeju Island things to do.

The star attraction of Manjanggul Caves Jeju Island is the world’s tallest lava column standing 7.8 meters high inside the cave. When you’re visiting the cave, I recommend taking a jacket and closed footwear as it can get a bit chilly and there are wet and uneven surfaces.

➡️ Book a Manjanggul Cave transfer service

Hamdeok Beach

Hamdeok Beach is world-famous for its gem-clear water and white sands, making it a popular destination during the warm sunny days. The combination of a picturesque arching bridge over the white sand and black basalt stones makes for a stunning backdrop to this Jeju beach.

Jeju Island Itinerary: Day 2: East to West of Jeju

Don’t miss discovering the beautiful Dragon Head Coast, and Mt. Songak by exploring Sabang and the western parts of the island .

Chocolate Museum

Located in the south of Jeju is the second-largest Chocolate Museum in the world. This Jeju museum is beautifully decorated with volcanic rock that makes it look like an ancient fortress.

There are various exhibitions displaying several chocolate treats at the Chocolate Museum Jeju Island – it’s something you won’t want to miss.

Jusangjeolli Cliffs

The Jusangjeolli Cliffs are a geologic wonder, comprised of hundreds of hexagonal rock columns formed from molten lava when Mount Hallasan erupted.

Teddy Bear Museum

Spend some time on a teddy safari at the Teddy Bear Museum. It’s dedicated entirely to teddy bears, with hundreds of teddies from around the world displayed throughout the museum.

The Teddy Bear Museum Jeju also houses the most expensive teddy bear in the world, worth $2.1 million. It’s a luxurious Louis Vuitton teddy with matching luggage – beary luxurious!

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is easily one of the most beautiful places on the island. It’s a 22-meter high waterfall that cascades into the pond below. Cheonjiyeon waterfall is surrounded by lush plant life, including the rare Solimnan reeds.

It is very easy to access Cheonjiyeon waterfall – it is almost in Seogwipo. The easiest option is to walk. Once heading in the right direction you will see the grandfather rocks – follow these to the waterfall.

When you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Seonimgyo bridge that stands out of the forest.

Jeongbang Falls

Jeongbang Falls drops 23 meters into the ocean, it’s the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the sea. This Jeju waterfall provides the perfect opportunity to take photos on your Jeju trip.

Jungmun Saekdal Beach

One of the top beaches on the island is Jungmun Saekdal beach . Cliffs surround it and provides plenty of beach activities such as windsurfing, waterskiing, and parasailing. I suggest taking some time to enjoy this beach in Jeju before your final stop for the day.

Seogwipo Submarine

If you’re looking for a unique island experience, take a ride on the Seogwipo Submarine . It descends 12 meters below the sea. En route, you will pass a shipwreck and see schools of colourful fish.

➡️ Book Your Tour of the West Coast of Jeju Island

Jeju Island Itinerary: Day 3: South Jeju

Depending on your interests or your group’s interests, you might want to add a full-day en route back to Jeju City. If you can, squeeze in both the theme parks and opt for the shorter Mt. Hallasan hike.

Mount Hallasan

Mount Hallasan is the highest peak in South Korea. It’s situated in the Halla-san National Park, and if you plan to hike it, you should be well prepared. I do suggest bringing some food and water with you, though there are stores in the park.

The best time to hike Mount Hallasan Jeju is in the early morning. There are several mountain trails to choose from. If you’re not looking to spend the entire day at Mount Hallasan, consider taking the easy 1.3km Eoseungsaengak trail. You will be spoiled with stunning sweeping views of lush landscapes of this Mount Hallasan trail.

To get the most out of your experience, I recommend booking a small group nature hike  to see Jusangjeolli Cliff, Cheonjiyeon Falls, and Mt. Hallasan together. That way, you won’t miss out on any Jeju attractions.

➡️ Book Your Transfer to the Mount Hallasan Hiking Trail

The most economic way to travel South Korea by train is the Korea Rail Pass . This pass is only available to foreign travellers. The KR pass covers 600 stations and 80 different high speed routes with unlimited rides. It is available in 3 or 5 consecutive days or flexible 2 and 4 days.

Mysterious Road

The Mysterious Road in Jeju is a downslope road that actually looks like an uphill. It’s a magnetic hill, and if you put an object on the street, the optical illusion makes it look like the object is rolling uphill.

The baffling ability of objects climbing up the hill on the Mysterious Road Jeju instead of down it is a must-see.

Love Land is a sex-themed outdoor sculpture park and is one of the quirkiest things to do on Jeju island. Love Land Jeju showcases sensual and erotic sculptures in various sex positions dotted throughout the park.

The reason for having a sex park is that Jeju Island is a popular honeymoon destination for Koreans. Due to the generally conservative bent of Korean society, it is likely that many newly marrieds are quite inexperienced sexually. Therefore, these sex parks were created on the island to educate and entertain.

This is one of the more unique places to visit in Jeju and can be fun to explore with a group of friends or your partner.

Note: Visitors must be over the age of 18 years to enter Love Land.

Knowing even a small amount of the local language can add a whole new level of enjoyment to any trip. Why not learn some basic Korean before you leave home?

Where To Stay In Jeju

If you have a late arrival or early departure, I recommend staying in Jeju City, located in the south of the island.

Chason Hotel The Smile

Chason Hotel The Smile is in the heart of Seogwipo – perfect for travelers looking to explore nearby waterfalls, visit the iconic sights and discover the local food. The hotel offers the usual perks of excellent WI-FI, a continental breakfast and the best coffee.

I would recommend Chason Hotel The Smile for couples traveling to Jeju Island, however, they do also offer family rooms. All the rooms at this Jeju Island hotel are very clean, neat and provide all the amenities you could wish for.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Chason Hotel The Smile

Hidden Cliff Hotel and Nature

The Hidden Cliff Hotel and Nature sits on the top of a hill and is surrounded by thick woods teeming with life. The hotel is surrounded by hidden hiking trails for the adventurous soul, and offers a large infinity pool to cool down in at the end of a long day.

The vibrant rooms at The Hidden Cliff Hotel and Nature have wooden finishings and a private balcony to relax on. As an added bonus, Jungmun Beach is just a five-minute drive away from this hotel on Jeju Island,

⇒ Check Prices and Availability for the Hidden Cliff Hotel

Bayhill Pool and Villa

Bayhill Pool and Villa offers luxurious rooms with private terraces and ocean views. Located in a slightly secluded area, it’s the Jeju hotel to stay if you are looking for a quiet getaway.

The spacious rooms at Bayhill Pool and Villa have a stylish modern interior for you to enjoy and unwind after a day exploring,

⇒ BooCheck Prices and Availability for the Bayhill Pool and Villa

⇒ Beautiful Japan is one of my favorite countries to visit. Check out my posts on One Day in Tokyo , 2 Day Itinerary Kyoto , 10 Day Japan Itinerary , What is Japan Famous For ? 31 Japanese Claims to Fame, 9 Beautiful Japan Famous Landmarks , the best things to do in Kanazawa and what to expect on the Nakasendo Trail.

Where to Eat In Jeju Island

South Korean cuisine is as colorful and vibrant as the culture. Whether you are visiting Jeju Island for a short vacation or a longer holiday, here is my list of top places to try.

Sunny Garden

Offering traditional Korean barbeque, the Sunny Garden is a top spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. Prepare to cook your meat on the open stove at your dining table.

If you love Korean beef, quick service and are looking for an authentic experience, Sunny Garden Jeju Island is the place for you.

Ankeori Pakeori

Looking for good Korean food at affordable prices? Ankeori Pakeori should definitely be on your list of food spots to try. They are known to serve their kimchi very well, and their customer service is out of this world.

You can expect a table full of interesting dishes to try if visiting Ankeori Pakeori Jeju for lunch or dinner.

Mi nt serves super tasty contemporary cuisine in the arty district of Seogwipo. Boasting an outstanding view, it will be tricky to choose which is better – the food or the vista. I would recommend going to Mint on Jeju Island on a clear evening to watch the sunset – it is breathtaking.

Soul Kitchen

Soul Kitchen offers the ultimate comfort food menu if you want a break from traditional Korean cuisine. While the restaurant offers a true steakhouse ambiance, it also has a wonderful vegan and vegetarian menu

Childonga is the ultimate dinner venue if you’re looking to try the famous black pork in Jeju. While the interior of the restaurant is similar to most other venues, the food is unparalleled.

Although the staff at Childonga don’t speak much (if any) English, the food is definitely worth the effort of struggling through the language barrier.

My favourite place for coffee and photos in Jeju was Cafe Mayb . This super cute cafe does a nice breakfast and also serves wine and beers come the evening. There is also a nice florist next door to Cafe Mayb.

Paris Baguette is a safe stop for coffee and baked treats. There are many Paris Baguette outlets across South Korea.

And the Grey Owl Cafe has good coffee and ham and egg muffins – it isn’t easy to get a western-style breakfast on Jeju Island.

And for a cafe with a view, unique modern design and good coffee visit Cafe Over the Window.

Don’t miss Jeju’s famous tangerine juice! It is on sale all over the island and absolutely delicious. I lost track of how many tangerine juices I had.

Jeju Island’s tangerine juice tends to be served slightly frozen so they are wonderfully refreshing. And sometimes this Jeju island juice comes in plastic bottles shaped like the grandfather rocks – my favorite.

Best Time To Visit Jeju Island

The best time to visit Jeju is during the more moderate weather months. The warm and pleasant days often occur from March to May and September to November.

Springtime (March to May) is considered one of the best times to visit Jeju island, as temperatures are balmy. The highlight of this season is the cherry blossoms bloom, and the island turns a spectacular pink from the flowers.

Jeju in Autumn (September to November) is another fantastic time to visit. Conditions are sunny with clear skies, and the fall foliage looks incredibly picturesque.

⇒ Interested in Nepal? Check out my posts on the Nepal tea house , a full Everest Base Camp packing list , an Everest Base Camp trek itinerary and a day by day Everest base camp trek blog And for post-trek the fantastic boutique hotel Dwarika Hotel Kathmandu , the Dhulikhel Resort and the best places to visit in Kathman du .

Jeju Island Itinerary – For an Incredible Getaway

Jeju Island is by far one of the most beautiful places to visit and should undoubtedly be on your itinerary when travelling to South Korea . With its majestic mountains, delicious foods, and beautiful beaches, this stunning island spoils you with plenty to see

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I covered all of the costs involved in writing this Jeju travel blog post. However, this post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Jeju Island, Korea

Jeju Island is South Korea’s largest island which has long been the country’s favorite domestic holiday destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, lush countryside, and amazing viewpoints all over the island. Not to mention being a favorite spot for travelers as well. If you’ve never been to Jeju Island before, you’ve come to the right place.

Check out the ultimate 3-day itinerary for Jeju island so that you can go exploring all of Jeju’s hottest spots.

Day 1: East Jeju

1. seopjikoji.

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   Lv5Photo(@lv5photo)님의 공유 게시물 님, 2020 6월 26 5:01오후 PDT

Seopjikoji is located at the end of the eastern shore of Jeju Island and boasts fantastic scenery, especially in April when yellow canola flowers are in full bloom. “Seopji” is the old name for the area, and “Koji” is Jeju dialect meaning a sudden bump on land.

On top of the hill stands Hyeopja Beacon Fire Station, reaching 4 meters in height with a width and length of 9 meters. The selling points of Seopjikoji have got to be the fields without a tree in sight, allowing a magnificent view of the horizon.

2. Seongsan Ilchulbong (Seongsan Sunrise Peak)

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   신준식, Photographer Shin Jun Sik(@sinjunpic)님의 공유 게시물

Planning a new year’s trip to Jeju and visiting here is a great choice, as thousands will flock to Seongsan Ilchulbong , a.k.a Seongsan Sunrise Peak to watch the critically acclaimed view of the sun rising above the horizon, hence the name. The peak is 182 meters high with a huge crater in the middle. The tip of the peak is surrounded by 99 sharp rocks, making the peak resemble the shape of a crown. You can explore Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak in many different ways, by car, bike, boat, and horse riding. See below to find various ways to tour around Seongsan Ilchulbong.

[Nearby Activities]

• Scuba Diving near Seongsan Ilchulbong in Jeju
• Kayak Fishing in Northeastern Jeju Island
• Horse Riding on Jeju Island’s Open Hillside
• Jeju Rail Bike
• Jeju Udo Island Submarine

3. Jeju Folk Village

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   제주관광공사 비짓제주(@visitjeju.kr)님의 공유 게시물

Learn about Jeju Islands’ unique culture and customs in this wonderful folk village! Located on the east coast of Jeju Island, Jeju Folk Village is a small town that holds a vast amount of culture.

The Jeju Folk Village shows the unique culture of Jeju Island: the black lava rock walls, the straight but curvy alleys to block the wind, and the stone grandfather statues (Harubang), which have become prime features of the landscape. The local black-haired pigs and tongsi (pigsty/restroom) are especially well-known characteristics of Jeju folk culture. You can see and experience it all here!

• Get Jeju Folk Village Discount Tickets!

4. Hamdeok Beach

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   @1000___4님의 공유 게시물 님, 2020 6월 14 6:18오전 PDT

Hamdeok Beach is famous for its clean and shallow water, attracting many family visitors during summer vacations. The beach offers great scenery with its emerald-blue water, an arched bridge over black basalt, and a red lighthouse. If you visit Hamdeok in the evening, you may think it’s not much of a beach, but that’s because the tides have come in and covered most of the beach. If you visit Hamdeok Beach in the morning, however, you are in for a treat.

In the morning the tide goes out and you’re left with an amazingly huge sand bar with plenty of space for people to spread out, tide pools for little ones to play in safely, and rocks to hunt around for crabs and other shellfish. which also serves as a stunning view and photo opportunity!

5. Manjanggul

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   희주(@k_hee_j_mr)님의 공유 게시물

Manjanggul is one of the finest lava tunnels in the world and is a designated natural monument. it is the 12th-longest lava tube in the world and the second-longest on Jeju island. out of all the stalactites, stalagmites, columns, etc., a lava column of 7.6m is the largest known column in the world.

One of the highlights of Manjanggul is the Stone Turtle, a rock that was covered in lava after it fell, and solidified into the shape that can be seen today.

• Kayaking/Snorkeling/SUP in Hado Sea, Jeju

Day 2: West Jeju

1. hyeopjae beach.

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   운동하는 직장인 l ENFJ 지니 Ⓜ️(@_geniegram)님의 공유 게시물

Hyeopjae Beach is located on the west side of Hanrim-eup and is part of Hanrim Park. The beautiful white color of the sand comes from large amounts of crushed seashells that have been mixed in with the sand.

The long seashore stretches for 9 km and has azure seawater and evergreen forests scattered around the vicinity, making the scenery very beautiful. A perfect spot for a stroll along the beach and a dip in the water!

• Jeju Snap Photoshoot (Portrait/Couple/Friends/Family)
• Jeju Pre-wedding Outdoor Photoshoot

2. Cheonjeyeon Waterfall

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   Euysuk Kwon / 권의석 / 權義錫(@es_kwon)님의 공유 게시물

Cheonjeyeon , meaning “The Pond of the Emperor of Heaven” is a three-tier waterfall. Coldwater flows out of the ceiling of a cave to make the waterfall. Between the precipice and the lower layer, water springs out. In the first cascade, the cliff is 22 m high, and the waterfalls into Cheonjeyeon Pond which is 21 m deep. From there, the water goes to the second waterfall and falls 30 m,  continuing to the third and final waterfall. Eventually, the water reaches the ocean.

According to Korean legend, seven nymphs would descend from the heavens at night and bathe in the waterfall’s pond. The falls are a popular tourist attraction in Jeju as the three-tier waterfall is a must-see sight to take snapshots of.

3. Sanbangsan Mountain

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   Mirabel Chan(@mirabelly)님의 공유 게시물 님, 2020 3월 18 6:25오전 PDT

Sanbangsan Mountain is the result of violent volcanic activity some 700,000 to 800,000 years ago and is, in fact, a huge body of lava. It is located next to Sanbanggulsa temple and is only a short hike of up to 30 minutes. It’s one of the places in Jeju that offers a picturesque view of the temple along with the mountain as a backdrop.

Also, due to its close location to the sea and its high elevation, the peak is often ringed with clouds, offering another photo opportunity. The upper slopes of the mountain have their own distinct climatic conditions and are protected for their value for botanical research. 

It is gorgeous in spring, offering the best photo spot surrounded by bright yellow canola flowers!

• Book Sanbangsan Mountain Carbonate Hot Springs Discount Ticket
• Jeju Jet Boat Discount Ticket – near Jungmun Tourist Complex

4. Songaksan Mountain

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   라 헬(@ra.he1)님의 공유 게시물 님, 2020 5월 15 7:00오전 PDT

Songaksan is a simple volcano on Jeju Island which has double craters and a parasitic volcano. The main volcano itself sits 104 m above sea level. Inside the main crater, volcanic ash still remains, but it’s closed to the public until July 31st, 2020, in order to preserve the environment.

Mt. Songak is one part of Olle Road Route 10. When walking along the trail, you can’t help but stop and awe at the view it presents you; the Blue waters of Jeju are out across the horizon, and behind you, you can see Sanbangsan as well as Hallasan. To witness the beauty of Songaksan and its scenery, check out these packages available for you right here!

[Neary Attractions]

• Jeju Glass Castle (Arriving Soon)
• Jeju Yeomiji Botanical Garden

Day 3: South Jeju

1. hallasan national park.

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   별진(@byeol__jin)님의 공유 게시물

Hallasan is a shield volcano on Jeju Island in South Korea. It is the highest mountain in South Korea, standing at 1950 m above sea level, the area around the mountain is a designated national park, the Hallasan National Park.

Hallasan Mountain is relatively easy to hike with hiking courses less than 10 km in length, it is possible to go to the peak and back in one day. However, the constantly changing weather brings a lot of wind, so make sure that you are well-prepared before you start climbing.

• Jeju Viva Jet Boat/Shangri La Yacht Discount Ticket
• LAFLY Zipline Ticket in Jeju
• Go Karting/Sledding Slope/Zipline Experience at Jeju Leports Land

2. Jeongbang Waterfall

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   Y(@2_sooyeon)님의 공유 게시물 님, 2020 6월 23 1:07오전 PDT

Jeongbang Waterfall is the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the ocean. At the top of the cliff, there is an old evergreen tree that leans over the cliff as if it will fall at any moment, but amazingly it hasn’t moved from that position for a long time. Truly a sight to see as one of the three must-see waterfalls in Jeju Island!

3. Cheonjiyeon Waterfall

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   제주관광공사(@visitjeju.kr)님의 공유 게시물

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is one of the main tourist attractions in Jeju Island. It is 22 m high and 12 m wide, and the waterfalls into an artificial pond below which is beautiful to look at both during the day and at night. At night it gives off a different vibe with lights that illuminate the area and make the waterfall seem more beautiful.

These places definitely seem worth the visit right? Then it’s time to build your itinerary right now! Unsure how to get around and visit the places we mentioned? No worries, have a look at all these different transportation options for your easy trip to go all over Jeju Island!

You can either book hassle-free packages and visit some famous places:

• Jeju City Tour Bus: Hop-On & Hop-Off 1 Day Pass
• Jeju UNESCO 1 Day Small Group Tour (+Lunch)
• Jeju 1 Day Bus Tour Package (East/West/South)
• Jeju 1 Day Bus Tour (+ Accommodation option) (East/West)
• Jeju Island Tour with Private Driver & Van

You also have the choice to get on a taxi tour:

• Jeju Taxi Tour

If you have a driver’s license that is eligible to drive in Korea, rent a car in Jeju Island:

• Car Rental in Jeju Island (from Jeju Intl Airport)

Book all-inclusive tour packages to Jeju Island, if you want to be absolutely stress-free:

• Visit Jeju Island in 1 Day from Seoul (Round-trip Flights & Group Tour Included)
• Visit Jeju Island in 1 Day from Busan (Round-trip Flights & Group Tour Included
• Jeju 3D2N/4D3N Hotel + Taxi/Van Tour Package
• Jeju Island Flight & Hotel (Airtel) Package from Seoul/Busan
• Jeju Private Tour Package from Seoul/Busan (Round-trip Flights & Private Tour Included)

There are just too many attractions and places to visit in Jeju, so if you’d like to check out some of the other places that were not mentioned here, feel free to take a look at Trazy.com , Korea’s #1 Travel Shop !

[Photo Credits]

Flickr – 만장굴

2 thoughts on “ A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Jeju Island, Korea ”

Can the above Jeju itinerary can be all done in a time frame of 3 days? As it seems like quite a number of attractions.

Hello, we’ve organized nearby attractions for each day, but for a more leisurely trip, we suggest selecting two places to visit per day.

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The Ultimate 3 Day Jeju Itinerary (2024)

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Having spent an amazing month travelling through South Korea we wanted to share our recommended Jeju itinerary. Created by a massive volcanic eruption 2 million years ago, the island is lush with remnants of volcanic activity and is the perfect mix of natural beauty and unique things to do.  For those of you planning your own Jeju itinerary, we wanted to share our Jeju travel guide and Jeju itinerary to help with your trip planning!

Table of Contents

The Ultimate Jeju Itinerary

Jeju was one of our favorite places in South Korea. From the island vibe to exploring the waterfalls, Jeju is a must-see destination in South Korea. Having spent several days on Jeju Island we’ve put together all our tips and advice to make the most of your time in this amazing place.

Jeju Itinerary Essentials

Depending on how long you have, we recommend allowing 3 or 4 nights in Jeju. We traveled all around South Korea and this Jeju itinerary, together with our Seoul itinerary , is a great starting point for planning a South Korea trip.

Getting Around Jeju

Renting a car in Jeju is the best way to explore the island plus driving is relatively easy.  Having your own car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and see places that are simply not possible on group tours or public transport. We find that Rentalcars.com has the best prices for Jeju Island. We rented a car during our time on Jeju and found it the best way to explore the island

Make sure to book your rental car well in advance for the best price and to ensure availability. Jeju is an island with a lot of visitors: Seoul Gimpo to Jeju is the busiest air route in the world and 26 million passengers use the tiny Jeju International Airport every year! As such, demand for rental cars on the island is high, especially during busy periods and holidays. We recommend using RentalCars.com to reserve your car as they have the best selection and prices that we’ve found–  click here to book now!

Book your car now with RentalCars

Jeju itinerary tip: Jeju can be explored by public transport but it is often time consuming. If you prefer to avoid renting a car then consider taking a tour of the island, these Eastern Jeju  and Western Jeju tours are a great way explore most of the island.

Where to Stay in Jeju

We recommend staying in Jeju City if you have a late arrival or early departure. The South of the island is the ideal location to explore the Jeju sights.

• Howard Johnston Hotel Jeju:  We spent a night at the Howard Johnson and found it perfect for a short stay before or after a flight at Jeju International. The hotel is centrally located, close to the airport and there are lots of restaurants and facilities within a short walking distance. Parking is also available for free as part of the room rate – check prices now!
• Marriott Jeju Shinhwa World Hotels & Resorts:  this resort was one of our favourite hotels in South Korea and was a good base for exploring Jeju if you rent a car. The resort itself is amazing, with stunning rooms, a beautiful pool and an incredible breakfast. There’s even a theme park attached to the hotel! – check prices now!
• Kensington Jeju Hotel: located close to Jungmun Beach on the south of the island it’s easy to see why the Kensington Jeju Hotel is one of Jeju’s highest rated hotels. The breakfast and dinner buffets are insane and the views from the rooftop infinity pools are some of the best in Jeju –  check prices now!

Book your Jeju hotel now

Best Time to Visit Jeju

When visiting Jeju it is best to plan your visit to coincide with the more moderate weather months!

The warm and sunny days that often occur from March to May and October to November make these months a great time to visit South. During the summer, temperatures are consistently high and South Korea enters typhoon season while in winter its icy cold.

Sim Card and Internet

As with most countries, having mobile data during a trip is invaluable for navigation and research. There are lots of options on arrival at Seoul and Jeju airports – we reserved 4g Wifi hotspot in advance on Klook.com – check prices now!

Book your 4G wifi hotspot now

Daily Jeju Itinerary

We’ve outlined our day to day Jeju itinerary as a starting point for planning your own Jeju experience.

Day 1: Seongsan Illchulbong, Seopikoji Coast Walk, Aqua Planet and Manjanggul Cave

Seongsan ilchulbong peak and jeju haenyeo.

Start the day with a short hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. Topped by 99 jagged rocks which resemble a crown, it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Jeju.

Seongsan Illchulbong is known as Sunrise Peak due to its incredible sunrise views so, if you are early risers, you can consider watching the sunset from its crown.

On the way down, make a stop at the viewing platform to try and catch a glimpse of the Jeju haenyeo, Jeju’s traditional women divers

Jeju Itinerary tip: the hike from the car park the summit takes about 30 minutes and is a mix of paved paths and wooden stairs. It’s a relatively easy hike for those of average fitness. On colder days, make sure to wrap up well as it can get chilly on the exposed trail.

Seopikoji Coast Walk

Famous for the yellow canola and its appearance in Korean television dramas, the Seopikoji Coast Walk offers beautiful coastal views

Jeju itinerary tip: The canola blooms during March and April but it is a stunning scenic walk at any time of the year

Aqua Planet

Aqua Planet is the largest aquarium in all of Asia and 50,000 animals and 500 plants live there. The stingrays, sharks, seals, penguins and otters were our highlights among the thousands of sea creatures –  check prices now!

Buy your Aqua Planet tickets now

Manjanggul Cave

The final stop is the Manjanggul Lava tubes another of the three sites which make up the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of the finest lava tunnels in the world, the lava tube at Manjanggul Cave stretches for 13.4 kilometres with one kilometre of the Manjanggul Cave is accessible to visitors.

The highlights are the ‘Stone Turtle’, which resembles the outline of Jeju Island, and an 8-metre tall lava column which is the largest in the world.

Jeju Itinerary tip: bring a rain jacket into the caves as it can get chilly and wet. The ground is uneven at times and can be slippery so make sure to wear proper footwear.

Day 2: Jusangjelloi Cliffs, Oedolgae Rock, Teddy Bear Museum and Waterfalls

Today’s itinerary is focused on the South of the island where some of Jeju’s most incredible sights are located within a short drive of each other. Our day 2 Jeju itinerary is jam packed so pick and choose as you please!

Jusangjelloi Cliffs

The spectacular Jusangjelloi Cliffs are comprised of hundreds of hexagonal basalt Oedolgae Rock stone. The cliffs were formed by a Mount Hallasan eruption and are one of the most beautiful sights in Jeju.

Jungmun Beach

If the weather is nice, the golden sands of Jungmun Beach are a lovely detour. With its crashing waves, Jungmun is a popular surf beach.

Teddy Bear Museum

The Teddy Museum is, unsurprisingly, a museum dedicated entirely to teddy bears! Hundreds of teddies from all over the world are displayed throughout the museum.

Our highlights were a teddy bear depiction of a scene from Gulliver’s Travels, the smallest teddy in the world, a teddy bear version of the Mona Lisa and the Vitruvian Teddy, a nod to Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man painting–  check prices here!

Click here to purchase tickets to the Teddy Bear Museum

Cheonjeyeon Falls

Known as the Pond of God, legend has it that if you stand under the three-tiered Cheonjeyeon Falls on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month then diseases will be cured. The Seonimgyo Bridge, with its beautiful carving of seven nymphs, crosses over the Cheonjeyeon Falls.

Oedolgae Rock

The towering Oedolgae Rock is a quirky rock formation visible from the Olle trail, a series of trails which stretch across Jeju.

Jeongbang Waterfall

Our favourite of the Jeju waterfalls, Jeongbang is the only waterfall in Asia to fall straight into the ocean. The 23-meter high waterfall is surrounded by giant boulders which are fun to clamber over!

Cheonjiyeon Falls

Where the sky connects with the land, Cheonjiyeon Falls is accessed at the end of a scenic walk through lush surrounds.

Jeju itinerary tip: Make sure to sample some of the squid biscuits which are sold at the entrance of the Cheonjiyeon Falls.

Seogwipo Submarine

For a unique experience, take a ride on the Seogwipo Submarine as it descends 40 feet below the sea. There’s a small shipwreck on the route and, depending on the water conditions, its often possible to see scores of colourful wish – check prices here!

Jeju itinerary tip: if you are planning a family trip, the Seogwipo submarine is one of the best things to do in Jeju with kids!

Click here to book Seogwipo submarine tickets

Day 3: Love Land, Suwolbong Peak, Cactus Village and Beaches

Day 3 is also action packed so be sure to squeeze in your favourites!

The sex-themed outdoor sculpture park is by far the quirkiest of the things to do in Jeju . Sensual and erotic sculptures in various sex positions are dotted throughout Love Land and it’s a fun place to visit!

Jeju itinerary tip:  visitors must be 18 or over to enter Love Land

Mysterious Road

Located close to Love Land, Dokkaebi Road in Jeju is known as the Mysterious Road due to the baffling ability of objects to climb the hill instead of moving down it!

Jeju itinerary tip:  the gravity defying happenings at Mysterious Road are actually an optical illusion created by the road and its surroundings!

Iho Tewoo Beach

Iho Tewoo Beach is a popular Jeju hangout and it is ramed by a red and white horse shaped lighthouse at either end.

Hypeopjae Beach

The stunning white sands and turquoise waters of Hypeopjae Beach make it one of the most beautiful in Jeju.

Jeju itinerary tip: if Hypeopjae is teeming with people, the Geumneung Eutteumwon Beach is a great alternative. Located next to Hypeopjae, it is home to some awesome stone statues and is equally as beautiful as its neighbor.

Wollyeongri Cactus Village

A boardwalk leads visitors through a huge field of cactii which is spectacular against the ocean backdrop. The cactii are a Jeju specialty and a variety of products including face masks, juice and chocolate are stocked in the village.

Suwolbong Peak

Located at the most western point in Jeju, Suwolbong Peak is now an inactive volcano. Suwolbong Peak is the perfect spot to wrap up the day and watch the sunset over the beautiful landscape.

Day 4: Optional Days

Depending on your interests, you might like to add a full day Hallasan hike or a fun theme park outing to the Jeju itinerary.

Jeju itinerary tip: if you want to squeeze both a theme park and a hike then opt for one of the shorter Hallasan trails.

Theme Park: Jeju Shinhwa World

Jeju Shinhwa World is an entertainment complex consisting of a theme park and a water park. Shinhwa Water Park is the latest addition and has a variety of waves, slides and pools including a 230-meter high slide – check prices now!

Jeju itinerary tip: when we visited it seemed that development had stalled at Shinhwa World. The theme park was very quiet and there are were no waits for rides.

Book your Shinhwa tickets now

Hiking: Mount Hallasan 

If you love hiking then make sure to set aside a day for Mount Hallasan and its summit views of the incredible crater lake. Hallasan is South Korea’s tallest mountain and its distinct peak can be seen from all over Jeju.

The Hallahan hiking trails range from a 30 minute jaunt to an epic 5 hour adventure. There are two summit trails known as the Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak trails:

• Gwaneumsa Trail: 8.7 km summit trail which takes approximately 5 hours one way.
• Seongpanak Trail: 9.6 km summit trail which takes approximately 4.5 hours one way.

Jeju itinerary tip: Although longer, the Seongpanak trail is slightly easier than Gwaneumsa. Some parts of the trail are on a gentle slope and allow some breathing space between the stair climbs. It also has a rest stop with refreshments just before the final push for the Hallasan summit. It’s for these reasons that many visitors hike up the Seongpanak trail and descend via the Gwaneumsa trail.

The Eorimok and Yeongsil are Hallasan’s other popular trails. Although these trails don’t have views of the Baengnokdam Crater Lake, they are both great options to experience Hallasan and its stunning landscape.

• Eorimok Trail: 6.8 km trial which takes approximately three hours one way.
• Yeongsil Trail: 5.8 km trail which takes approximately three hours one way.

Jeju itinerary tip:  the weather changes fast on Hallashan so make sure to bring warm clothes and rain jackets.

1 thought on “The Ultimate 3 Day Jeju Itinerary (2024)”

Yours was the only blog where i found my perfect two day plan for Jeju! Thks a ton for rest of the tips and hints 😉

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The Ultimate 3 Day Jeju Itinerary (2023) – Things To Do in Jeju Island

Jeju Itinerary 3 Day: Day 1

The first day of the three-day itinerary will be spent in Jeju and the sights along the North East coast.

Enjoy Jeju’s beautiful island! Take a day trip to eastern Jeju starting from your hotel in Jeju City or Seogwipo. You will see the most important sights as well as a delicious Jeju BBQ meal (vegetarian options also available). More information is available.

1. Jeju City

Jeju City is the capital and largest city of Jeju Island. The city has many things to offer. You can explore the city by taking the hop on hop off bus tour bus. Below are the top sites and attractions.

• Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum
• Black Pork Restaurant Street
• Sarabong Peak
• Dongmun Market
• Gwandeokjeong Pavilion
• Yongyeon Pond
• Dodubong Peak
• Iho Tewoo Beach
• Folk Market for Five Days
• Halla Arboretum

2. Hamdeok Beach

The stunning beach can be found 15 km east of Jeju. This beach is well-known for its crystal blue waters and popularity in the summer months. It is amazing to see the combination of black basalt stones, a beautiful arching bridge and white sand. This is a must-see on Jeju Island. Make sure to include it in your 3 day itinerary.

Entry Fee:  No Charge Opening Times  Always Address:  Sinbuk-ro, Jochon-eup, Cheju, Jeju-do

3. Manjanggul Cave

The Mangjaggul Cave, the largest known lava cavern in the world, is located a little further away from Hamdeok Beach. It measures approximately 5 meters wide and 13 000 metres long. It is possible to walk approximately 1 km into the cave, and exit at the same entrance. Since 2007, it has been a UNESCO world heritage site.

You can walk to the cave from the bus stop in 20 minutes. If you’re lucky, you might be able to get a taxi. This site can be skipped if you are short on time.

Entrance Fee  2000 krw Opening Times  09:00 – 06:30 Address:  182 Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Cheju, Jeju-do

4. Haenyeo Museum

The Haenyeo Museum pays tribute to female divers who go out every morning to collect shellfish, fish, and seaweed. Divers are known not to use other diving equipment than a pair of goggles and a diving suit. They also don’t own weights or a bag. This is a very hard job. These women started the job as teenagers and will continue until they can no longer handle the work.

The museum has a variety of exhibitions that showcase culture, daily life, and routines.

Entry Fee:  1100 Krw Opening Times  09:00 – 06:30 Address:  26, Haenyeobangmulgwan-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

5. Seongsan Ilchulbong

The volcanic eruptions of 100 000 years ago created this sunrise peak. It is a massive crater that rises to 182 metres above the sea level. It looks like a huge bowl from the top and it is well worth the short hike to take in the amazing view. Horse riding is a great activity. This area is home to a popular horse riding park. You can find more information about horse riding on Jeju Island by clicking here.

Entrance Fee  2000 krw Opening Times  07:00 – 07:45 PM Address:  284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

6. Seopjikoji

Seopjikoji is located just a few hundred meters from the sunrise peak. This hill, which is small and beautiful, was used in many dramas and movies, including Gingko Bed and The Uprising.

Entry Fee:  No Charge Opening Times  Always Address:  107, Seopjikoji-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

7. Hanwha Aqua Planet Jeju

Jeju’s aquarium is the largest in East Asia. The aquarium houses more than 5000 marine animals, both from Korea and around the world. Aqua Planet’s unique feature is the special program that allows visitors to see female divers in action.

Entrance Fee:  Special foreigner discounts available online Opening Times  10AM – 7PM Address:  95, Seopjikoji-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Jeju Itinerary 3 Day: Day 2

Your second day in Jeju is spent west, enjoying the stunning scenery, delicious food, and beautiful beaches. The Jeju 3d2n itinerary has many museums and beaches, especially the second day.

Enjoy Jeju’s beautiful island! Take a day trip to western Jeju starting from your hotel in Jeju City or Seogwipo. You will see the most important sights as well as a delicious Jeju BBQ meal (vegetarian options also available). More information is available.

1. Mysterious Road

The Mysterious Road on Jeju Island is a magnetic hill that is a downhill slope but looks like an uphill one. The optical illusion creates the illusion that objects are rolling uphill when they are placed on the road.

Entry Fee:  No Charge Opening Times  Always Address:  2894-63 1100(Cheonbaek)-ro, Nohyeong-dong, Cheju, Jeju-do

2. Hyeopjae Beach

The west side of the island has a stunning beach. This beach is perfect for relaxing and walking. This beautiful beach is a must-see on your Jeju Island 3 Days itinerary.

The Halli Park is close to the beach. It’s a subtropical forest. Ssangyonggul Cave and Hyeopjaegul Cave are smaller lava tube caverns.

Entry Fee:  No Charge Opening Times  Always Address:  Hallim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

3. Wollyeongri Cactus Village

Jeju is filled with wanders. This tiny village is one of them. On the black lava rocks that line the shore, thousands of cacti grow. These plants, which aren’t native to Korea, are thought to have migrated from Mexico via the Kuroshio stream.

There are a couple of coffee shops and accommodation options in the village.

Entry Fee:  No Charge Opening Times  Always Address:  440 Wolryeong-ri, Hallim-eub, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea

4. Seogwang Tea Garden & Museum

The largest tea plantation in Korea is the Seogwang Tea Garden, or O’Sulloc Green Tea Plantation. This farm is well-known all over the globe and produces high-quality tea.

The O’Sulloc Tea Museum is located on the ground in the garden. It is Korea’s first tea museum. This museum is dedicated to introducing the Korean tea culture, history, and culture.

The Innisfree Jeju house is a great place to explore cosmetics. This is where you can learn all about the famous Korean brand. Here you can find high-quality local ingredients in cosmetics and food.

This is one the most visited tourist attractions in Jeju!

Entry Fee:  No Charge Opening Times  9AM – 6PM Address:  446, Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

5. Chocolate Museum

This is the 2nd largest chocolate museum worldwide! It was constructed using volcanic lava rocks, which gives it the appearance of an old castle or fortress. Each floor focuses on a different aspect in the chocolate-making process. You can sample great chocolate at the different exhibitions and then purchase it in the gift shop.

Entry Fee:  2500 Krw Opening Times  9AM – 7PM Address:  132, Cheonjeyeon-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Jeju Itinerary 3 Day: Day 3

The last day of the Jeju 3 Days 2 Nights itinerary will take you to the south and Hallasan mountain.

1. Mt Halla

Your last day in Jeju? Get up early to make your way to Halla Mountain. Hallasan, an active volcano, is a UNESCO heritage. You can reach the top of the mountain via many different routes, with different difficulties and distances.

2. Cheonjeyeon Waterfall

There are three major waterfalls located in the south. Cheonjeyeon Falls is the largest and is named after the pond. According to legend, fairies once bathed in this waterfall.

3. Jusangjeolli Cliff

These unique rock formations can be found not only in Jeju, but also in Gyeongju on mainland Korea. These cliffs are made of basaltic lava rocks. They rise to 20 meters above sea level during high tide.

Entrance Fee  2000 krw Opening Times  9AM – 7PM Address:  36-30, Ieodo-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

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4. Yakcheonsa Temple

This stunning coastal temple was built during the Silla Dynasty. It is part of the main Buddhist order for Korea. The history of the temple is not well-known.

Entry Fee:  No Charge Opening Times  always Address:  293-28, Ieodo-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

5. Jeongbang falls

It is one of the 3 most popular waterfalls on Jeju Island and the only one in Asia that directly falls into the ocean. The waterfalls are topped by trees that are leaning towards and growing towards the ocean.

This stunning waterfall is a popular tourist destination during the summer.

Entrance Fee  2000 krw Opening Times  09:00 – 07:59 PM Address:  Chilsimni-ro 214beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

6. Teddy Bear Museum

There are many branches of the teddy bear museums in Korea. They have branches in Jeju, Gyeongju and Seoul. The most expensive teddy bear in the world is located at Jeju’s branch. It costs $2.1 million. This museum is great for children if you have 3 days to spare.

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Destinations

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Popular Attractions

• N Seoul Tower
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• Jeju Island
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Admiring the view at Bubjungak Observation Platform, and Jeju’s dol hareubang, or stone grandfathers

Jeju’s dramatic landscape reaches all the way to the rocky coastline, where heavenly beaches decorate the shoreline . Jeju’s iconic free-diving senior citizens, called haenyeo , plunder the island’s heavenly sea waters for fresh squid and abalone. Meanwhile, away from the coast, winding country lanes cut through endless fields of orange trees.

How to Get to Jeju Island

Many people visit Jeju either on a long weekend  from Seoul or from the city of Busan on the southern coast of South Korea.

Here’s how to get to Jeju Island from either Seoul or Busan.

How to Get to Jeju Island by Air

Jeju Island is a quick 1 hour 10 minute flight from Seoul, or a 50 minute flight from Busan.

→ You can find the best deals on flights to Jeju Island on Skyscanner here .

Be aware that all flights to Jeju Island from Seoul depart from the city’s smaller Gimpo airport , not from Incheon Airport. If you’re flying into Seoul from overseas and then on to Jeju you’ll most likely need to transfer from Incheon to Gimpo airport.

A frequent train service connects the two airports and  thankfully the transfer is pretty painless. The train journey between the two airports is around 45 minutes.

How to Get to Jeju Island by Ferry

A ferry also runs from Busan to Jeju Island, however there are only three services a week to and from the island and the journey takes twelve hours . More information on ferry services to Jeju Island from Busan can be found here .

Accommodation in Jeju Island

There is a wide variety of accommodation available in Jeju Island, from large seaside resorts and hotels to cosy B&Bs and hidden homestays.

There’s a greater selection in and around the large cities of Jeju and Seogwipo , but if you have access to transport there are a lot of great options dotted around the entire island, which is perfect if you prefer to be amongst Jeju’s orange groves or closer to the mountains.

Where to Stay in Jeju Island

You can search for a wide range of accommodation on Jeju Island by clicking here .

If you need a few suggestions here are a few places that we recommend:

Golden Park Hotel

If you’re looking to keep an eye on costs then the Golden Park Hotel is a very good affordable hotel. Located close to the centre of Jeju and convenient for the airport, this is the ideal place for the cost conscious traveller.

Golden Bridge Hotel

The Golden Bridge Hotel is located in Seogwipo, the main city on the south coast of Jeju Island. Along with super-friendly staff, the hotel’s comfortable rooms come with great views of Seogwipo harbour

Top of the Range

Grand Josun Jeju

If you’re looking to stay in Jeju in style there’s plenty of choice on the island. The Grand Josun Jeju is one of the most luxurious hotels on the island, with gorgeous rooms and a multitude of top-end facilities.

How to Get Around Jeju Island

By far the easiest and most convenient way to get around Jeju Island is by hiring a car .

You’ll be able to add a lot more to your Jeju Island itinerary if you have your own set of wheels.

Thankfully there are a number of hire car companies based in Jeju, especially near the airport and the port.

We use Discover Cars to find the best deals on hire cars for all of our road trips.

→ To compare prices and to book a hire car on Jeju Island click here .

If relying on public transport there are several bus routes that cover a large percentage of Jeju Island, including Jeju airport and all of the main tourist sites.

A complete bus route map for Jeju Island can be found here .

The Best Things to Do in Jeju Island

From hiking mountain trails to finding the best seafood, here’s everything you need for the perfect Jeju itinerary.

Hike up (or Around) Mount Hallasan

Any Jeju itinerary is more than likely going to be centered around many of the island’s natural wonders. The domineering peak of Mount Hallasan , right in the centre of Jeju, is visible from most parts of the island (weather permitting), and the huge national park that surrounds it is a wonderful place to explore.

A trek to the summit of Mount Hallasan (and back) will take up the most of a day, with those reaching the top rewarded with a bird’s eye view of Baengnokdam Lake , the crater lake that sits in the middle of the mountain.

Hike the Trails at Hallasan National Park

Several shorter trails can be found amongst the enchanting forests of Hallasan National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage site .  

Over 300 additional volcanic peaks surround Mount Hallasan, and there is much to explore for either the committed or the casual hiker. 

A shorter and easier alternative is a stroll through the gorgeous forest trails at Seogwipo Natural Recreation Forest , found just off Jeju’s most beautiful stretch of highway, known as the 1100 Road (which, confusingly, is officially called route 1139). 

Follow the forest path up to the Bubjungak Observation Platform for a spellbinding view over the forests and mountains and as far as the sea.

The view on the ascent to Sunshine Peak, and one of Jeju’s many orange trees

Marvel at the View from Sunsrise Peak

Jeju Island’s second most famous landmark is Seongsan Ilchulbong , the huge green crater moored off Jeju Island’s east coast. Also known as Sunrise Peak , Seongsan Ilchulbong is over 180 metres high and another volcanic creation. 

Another of  Jeju’s UNESCO World Heritage sites , the climb to the top is arduous but fairly brief, taking around 30 minutes to complete. Thankfully there are plenty of places to pause for breath along the way.

The sensational views over the crater at the centre of Sunrise Peak and of the surrounding seas, as well as far back across the island way below, makes the effort all worthwhile.

Relax on One of Jeju's Breathtaking Beaches

A cat lives the dream on Hyeopjae beach, Hyeopjae’s turquoise waters and locals fish at Hamedeok beach

Jeju’s dramatic coastline is also littered with a countless number of stunningly beautiful beaches. Two of the finest on Jeju Island are Hyeopjae beach and Hamdeok beach . 

At Hyeopjae beach, the beautiful soft golden sand mingles with craggy black rocks and the stunning aqua marine turquoise water of the sea. The green peak of Biyangdo Island sits in the waters just off in the distance. 

Hamdeok beach is just as heavenly. A small pier parts the beach, and at the far end an arching bridge leads out onto the familiar black rocks that line the pristine shoreline.

Look out for Haenyeo, Jeju's Free-Diving Grandmothers

Jeju’s most famous residents are the all-female free-diving grandmothers who scour the seas all around Jeju for fresh seafood for several hours a day. 

Called  haenyeo in Korean,  the all-female divers are mostly over the age of 60  and are an iconic part of Jeju’s history. 

Despite their advancing years, haenyeo free dive for up to six hours a day , hunting for a variety of seafood, including abalone, octopus and squid.

A group of haenyeo free divers in the sea near Namwon and a catch of squid drying in the sunshine

The small port below Sunshine Peak is one of the most popular places to watch them in action. A group of haenyeo  prepare for a dive here twice a day during summer, at 1.30pm and 3.00pm.

H aenyeo can also be seen all around Jeju’s coastline , and spotting them dive ought to be on any Jeju itinerary.

Follow any stretch of the coast road and keep your eyes peeled for heads bobbing or a pair of flippers descending into the sea. The south coast, especially around  Namwon , is a popular diving spot and a good place to go if you want to catch  haenyeo  in the action out in the wild.

Visit the Haenyeo Museum

The  haenyeo are such an iconic part of Jeju culture that there’s even a museum dedicated to them on the island.

The excellent  Jeju Haenyeo Museum  is about a ten minute drive north of Sunshine Peak and gives a fascinating overview of the history and the lives of these incredible women.

Jeju’s women have dived for seafood around the island for over a thousand years. Though their numbers may be in decline, there are still around 5000 haenyeo divers in Jeju , and over 95% of those are aged 50 or above. Many are well into their eighties.

Statues and a memorial to Jeju’s haenyeo free divers outside the Jeju Haenyeo Museum

Sample Jeju's Delicious Food

One of the best things to do in Jeju is to eat as much of the island’s mouthwatering food as possible. Besides the island’s ubiquitous oranges, Jeju is famous for black pork and copious amounts of fresh seafood . 

Jeju’s black pork is made from (and named after) the black pigs that are reared on the island. The pork is served smoked, which creates a unique flavour that differs from traditional types of pork meat.

Jeju’s other speciality is seafood . A huge variety of fresh seafood is caught in the waters around the island each day. The local mackerel is especially delicious, either grilled or served as sashimi. 

Another speciality is the long and silky hairtail fish . Hairtail doesn’t stay fresh for long so needs to be eaten soon after it’s taken from the sea, making it one of the freshest dishes you’ll find on the island. 

As is tradition, all meals are served with banchan , the almost endless array of Korean side dishes that nearly constitute a whole meal by themselves. 

Explore the Manjanggul Caves

Another example of Jeju’s volcanic beginnings can be found below ground at Manjanggul cave . Manjanggul cave was  created by the lava tubes that once flowed underground hundreds of thousands of years ago.

In their wake the flowing lava left behind a huge open cave, almost 9 kilometres in length and in some places over 30 metres high, though only a one kilometre stretch is open to the public.

Deep inside Jeju’s Manjanggul caves

The size and scale of Manjanggal cave is magnificent; a huge open chamber of stalactites, stalagmites and patterned rock formations (including one that resembles a scale model of Jeju Island) leads to a cascading solidified lava tower at the far end of the cave.

Walk the Trail around Mount Songaksan

On the far west corner of Jeju’s phenomenal south coast is Mount Songaksan , another jut of jagged land surrounded by an equally beautiful natural landscape. 

A walking trail follows the perimeter of Mount Songaksan, along the East China Sea before returning through a beautiful pine forest . 

A number of Korean dramas have shot scenes along the path around Mount Songaksan, making it a popular place to visit for young Koreans.

The views from Mount Songaksan

See the Stunning Yongmeori Coast

The Yongmeori Coast  is one of the most beautiful sections of Jeju Island’s entire coastline. At Yongmeori Coast a dramatic stretch of swirling yellow cliffs meander around the coastline, shaped over centuries by the sea’s waves.

Sweeping patterns and smooth edges have been sculpted into the sand-coloured cliffs, alongside huge chunks of fallen slabs of stone. It’s a magical corner of Jeju’s incredible coastline and an essential inclusion to any Jeju itinerary. 

Jeju’s incredible Yongmeori Coast

Visit Bomunsa Temple

Just opposite the entrance to Yongmeori coast is the grand Bomunsa Temple and Sanbanggulsa Grotto .

Sat at the foot of Sanbangsan Mountain, the vast Buddhist Bomunsa Temple consists of large ornate prayers halls guarded by a number of domineering Buddha statues, most notably the striking gold statue that faces the sunset to the west. 

A steep and exhausting trail behind Bomunsa Temple leads up to Sanbanggulsa Grotto , another Buddhist shrine concealed within a cave high up into the mountainside.

The Bomunsa temple next to Sanbangsan Mountain on Jeju Island

Admire the Spectacular Jusangjeolli Cliffs

Back towards the southern city of Seogwipo are the Jusangjeolli Cliffs , another of Jeju’s natural phenomena. 

Jusangjeolli Cliffs are a collection of tightly packed, black hexagonal columns, a result of volcanic lava solidifying to form staggered pillars that look like they protrude from the sea bed. 

Nearby is another Buddhist temple, the enormous and elaborate Yakcheonsa Temple . Featuring a colossal and highly ornate main hall and huge manicured grounds, Yakcheonsa Temple claims to be the largest in Asia.

See Jeju's Magnificent Waterfalls

Further along Jeju’s south coast are Cheonjiyeon and Jeongbang waterfalls . Cheonjiyeon waterfall is located next to Yeomiji Botanical Garden and stands at over 20 metres high. The waterfall is a popular tourist spot and particularly spectacular when light up at night. 

The colourful Seonimgyo Bridge that passes over the waterfall is almost as much of an attraction, decorated with the depiction of seven nymphs carved along its sides. 

Also over 20 metres tall, the spectacular Jeongbang waterfall is famous as the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the sea.

The Jusangjeollie cliffs and watching the sunset over Jeju

Be Inspired by Jeju's History

Across Jeju Island are a number of excellent outdoor museums and gardens. Two that are not to be missed are the Jeju Folk Village and the Spirited Garden . 

The  Jeju Folk Village  is a huge open air site where over 100 historic homes and buildings have been reconstructed and grouped together in themed villages. 

Jeju Folk Village is one of the most visited sites on the island and is an essential addition to any Jeju itinerary for those wishing to discover more about the unique history of Jeju Island.

Find Peace at Jeju's Spirited Garden

On the opposite side of the island, the Spirited Garden is a wonderful place to spend a peaceful couple of hours. The  Spirited Garden has been a labour of love for its creator, Seong Beomyeong, for over 50 years. 

The immaculate gardens house a beautiful collection of perfectly manicured bunjae trees (Korea’s version of bonsai), along with blossoming orange trees, waterfalls, and ponds filled with enormous multicoloured carp. 

On an island filled with natural beauty the Spirited Garden stands out as one of Jeju’s most spectacular spots. This is a great place to spend a relaxing hour or two and is easily one of the best things to do in Jeju Island.

The Spirited Garden, Jeju Island

Find a Museum for Almost Anything

Somewhat surprisingly for such a small island, Jeju Island is also home to a truly bewildering number of museums . 

For some, the term ‘museum’ might be a bit kind (a collection of things might be more accurate), and the reason for their existence may be financial rather than purely artistic . 

Yet Jeju Island features museums dedicated to a variety of baffling and assorted topics, including  seashells ,  K-pop , teddy bears, chocolate,  tea  and even  Zippo lighters . Other museums are dedicated to  Greek mythology ,  African art  and citrus fruits. 

Some of the exhibits on display at Jeju Island’s Love Land

Perhaps the most well known of Jeju’s less traditional attractions is Love Land , the theme park where the artworks are devoted to all things to do with sex, and where subtlety is abandoned and nothing is left to the imagination. 

The colourful exhibits range from the suggestive to the graphic to the comical. Entrance is only allowed to those aged 20 and over.

Extra Tips for Your Jeju Itinerary

It’s worth noting that there are small entrance fees for almost all of Jeju’s natural tourist sites, even though they would appear to be public places. 

For example, the Jusangjeollie Cliffs, the Yongmeori Coast and Jeongbang waterfall each have a 2000 won entrance fee. Whilst it won’t break the bank it may come as a surprise if you’re not expecting it. 

These sites also have operating hours and last admission can be weather dependent, so be sure to check in advance of the opening and last entry times if you’re running short on time. 

The Best Guidebooks for Jeju Island

There are few guides specifically for Jeju Island, which tends to be covered in detail in guidebooks that cover all of South Korea. If you’re planning on seeing more of South Korea buying a guide to the whole country is a good idea.

»   If you only need a guidebook to compliment your Jeju Island itinerary, the Complete Guide to Jeju Island by Beautiful World Escapes is perfect and can be  found on Amazon here .

Explore Even More of Korea:

• The best films from South Korea
• Taking a day trip to the DMZ
• What it’s like to spend 10 days in North Korea
• The best books on North Korea
• Things to know before visiting North Korea

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4-Day Jeju Itinerary: Scenic Roadtrip Guide

I love Jeju Island so much! Even in winter it is so beautiful and much warmer than Seoul. My favorite memories were of the Seafood Ramen place near Woljeongri beach, after our first hike in Jeju. I was very committed to plan the perfect Jeju itinerary for us, something full of food adventures and nature encounters.

How many days are enough for Jeju? You will need at least 4 days to enjoy nature at a relaxing pace, to check out the best food in Jeju and to experience different parts of the island.

This plan does not include Jeju city museums because we wanted to spend more time outdoors. It is centred around activities in south Jeju/Seogwipo, known for scenic natural landscapes. If you are a food and nature lover, you will love this 4-day Jeju itinerary.

Phone numbers of each destination included, scroll to the end for navigation tips.

This article uses affiliate links where I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Day 1: Arrive In Jeju 

Arrive in Jeju Airport, collect car

We rented a Hyundai Tucson from  LOTTE rent-a-car  at the airport (reserve online in order to secure the car). You can also browse on Rentalcars.com or Klook . It could seat 5 people comfortably and has a large trunk space for luggages. The service was really good and we did not wait long for our car. For tips on essentials to bring a road trip, refer to this guide.

Note: Most places in Jeju require that drivers have >1 year of driving experience. Our car rental company had a minimum age of 21. You can find more tips for Jeju car rental here .

Lunch @ 명진전복 Myeongjin Jeonbok Abalone Restaurant (Tel: 782-9944)

I will never forget this meal, it was so so good! We tucked into this restaurant at 3pm for a late lunch, and we were not disappointed. This place is famous for a good reason. We ordered grilled abalone and abalone stone pot rice, yum! 🙂

Gimnyeong Maze Park (Tel: 782-9266)

This is something that would be fun to do if there is spare time after lunch.

Check in at hotel Park Sunshine Jeju (Tel: 766-1000)

We decided to stay in Seogwipo (city in south Jeju) for the following reasons:

• Proximity to the Hallasan trail that we wanted to do
• Plenty of food options in the city, despite Seogwipo being less happening than Jeju city
• We wanted to do a loop of the entire island

The hotel was situated near convenience stores, with a lot of available parking, and a modern interior. We also considered airbnb near the east of Jeju, but we decided that we wanted to have our rooms made daily (a family of 5 will definitely make a mess), so we picked a hotel instead. Check out the latest prices for Park Sunshine Hotel Jeju on Agoda.

The service was great and the main lounge is really glamorous, I highly recommend this hotel. If you want to experience staying near the ocean, take a look at these hotels with amazing sea view .

Dinner @ 용이식당 Yong-I Restaurant (Tel: 732-7892)

They served only one type of food, which was a huge serving of pan-fried pork with various vegetables. The reviews were good, and it was crowded too!

Chill in Paris Baguette Café (Tel: 763-1582)

When it’s cold you just want to hide in a cafe and drink coffee. Yes, even though it is close to bedtime. This cafe was a stone’s throw away from our dinner place in the city center.

Paris Baguette cafes in Korea seem to have a different vibe from those in Singapore, it felt so inviting and they use really cute cups. We bought pastries and cake, relaxed here for a while before going back to the hotel.

Day 2: Jeju Ocean Views

Breakfast & coffee @ Café Coji (Tel: 784-1005)

We initially wanted to go to Udo Island, but due to bad weather they cancelled ferry services. It didn’t affect our plans too much as there are some nice cafes nearby around Seongsan Ilchubong. I love the cafe culture in Korea!

I wrote another blog post about the best cafes in Jeju you need to check out . These cafes are all over Jeju Island so you can plan your itinerary around them.

Seongsan Ilchubong/Sunrise Peak (Tel: 710-7923)

Our first hike in Jeju was Seongsan Ilchubong, located in east Jeju. This hike is family friendly and I saw many elderly and young children on this short 30 minute hike up. You will see a bird’s eye view of Jeju as the ascend begins so don’t forget to enjoy the scenery.

Seafood ramen & pancake lunch @ 해맞이쉼터 Haemaji Shimteo (Tel: 782-7875)

Since we only reached Jeju in the afternoon on Day 1, we did not see much of the beach in the northeast region so we decided to go back there. When we drove past, we saw that there were many cute cafes by the beach. They had put little chairs/beanbags outside their shop for people to take pictures with.

As distracted as we were, we went to 해맞이쉼터 Haemaji Shimteo for lunch. The menu is in Korean, but just know that you should order Haemul Ramyeon (seafood ramen) and Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake). It might seem like I am exaggerating but TRUST ME – it was the BEST seafood ramen and seafood pancake I have ever had, and my family agreed too. I highly recommend this place, even though this is a small shop. The portions were large enough for my family to share a few bowls of soup + pancake. #noregrets

Café hop/walk along the coast 

When you come to this part of Jeju, you will find many well decorated cafes that face the sea. We enjoyed walking along the road right next to the beach, and we stopped to take many pictures.

Sunset @ Seopjikoji (Tel: 782-0080)

This was an easy walk through Seopjikoji with scenic views of the ocean and lovely grass plains on the side. Fun fact – the house in the pictures was featured in a Korean drama, do you know which one?

Visit Seogwipo Maeil Market + Dinner (Tel: 762-1949)

The market was mostly closed by the time we got there, so we went for a fried chicken place nearby which was super good. The market had some food, some household items, etc.

Day 3: Mountain & Crater Trails

Hike Hallasan Mountain, Yeongsil Trail (Tel: 747-9950)

The trail that we chose was Yeongsil Trail , the easiest one that takes about 5 hours for a round trip. There are a few other trails with entrances on different sides of the mountain. It is not a technical hike as it was well marked with ropes and signs, and stairs built on the steeper parts. My 50-year-old parents did this hike, so I would say this is family friendly 🙂

Due to the slippery ice and snow, we needed to use crampons. They look like spikes you can attach to your shoe. They cost about $30 each, so if you can find some you should buy them outside of the Hallasan area. Our rental car included snow chains, which you might need in winter when you head up in the morning.

You can park at Halla Yeongsil Service Area, which is where you’ll begin your hike. Make sure you start your hikes early in order to make it down by sunset. In winter, the latest time to start the trail is 12pm, and you’ll need to descend from Witse Oreum by 3pm.

• Once you start the trail, there are no bathrooms other than at the rest stops
• Bring snacks, some money to buy cup noodles at the rest stop
• Bring a raincoat in case of rain (check the weather forecast too)
• Don’t carry too much if you can, pack light!
• Do refer to the official website and maps for latest information

Lunch @ Gyo Rae Handmade Noodles Soup (Tel: 782-9870)

At this point you might have a late lunch, so just find the nearest place to eat. We were wet and cold from the snow, so we picked a table near the heater. Thankfully this place had very yummy noodle soup, the kind that makes you think happy thoughts. We had chicken and seafood noodle soup, what a way to warm up and recover from the hike. After the yummy recharge, off to the next item on the agenda!

Sunset @ Sangumburi Crater (Tel: 783-9900)

I’d say this is a must-go, a tranquil and scenic landscape with views of a sizable crater”. There is some serious Korean drama vibe when you see the flame grass (the tall white feathery plants). We stopped to take family pictures against such a romantic backdrop. Aside from photo opportunities, you get an elevated view of the town below, and it is a great place to watch the sunset.

Dinner @ Black Pork BBQ (Tel: 762-8588)

What better way to celebrate the end of a long day than to feast on Korean barbecue. This is a famous Black Pork barbecue place in Jeju and thankfully it was located in Seogwipo near our hotel. The service was good and they gave us large plastic bags to store our jackets, keeping out the smell. The waiters cooked our meat for us and cut them into bite-sized portions for everyone. It was worth the money, and I understand why people say that you must try Black Pork BBQ when you visit Jeju.

As we walked around with our full bellies, we decided rest in a warm cafe and get some dessert. There are nice cafes in every corner of the city, so take a walk and see what you find.

Day 4: Journey To Jeju City

This is the day we head north towards Jeju city and the airport, passing by some attractions in the west.

You could spend the morning having a nice warm cup of ramen as you enjoy the breeze and the view. We had breakfast on the hotel rooftop as we had the area all to ourselves.

Jusangjeolli Cliff (Tel: 738-1521)

I’ll let the photos do the talking, it is such a photogenic place and the park itself is so calming.

This is another must-see, and it was only 10 minutes drive away from our hotel. Plan about 30 minutes to walk through the park and view the unique rock formations by the coast.

Yongmeori Coast (Tel: 794-2940)

This trail leads you along a rocky coastal path with great ocean views and unique rock formations. You will also meet some men fishing and women selling the fresh raw seafood. Yes, you can try the food right there! There are some tide pools with marine life too and we saw octopus, mussels and clams. This trail would take about 2 hours at a leisurely pace, including photo-taking.

Sunset @ 몽상 Monsant Cafe (Tel: 799-8900)

Did you know that G-Dragon opened this cafe? Although we would have loved to visit Monsant Cafe on the way back to Jeju city, we ran out of time. Also, do expect a crowd and head there at least 1 hour before sunset.

Check in at Leo Hotel (Tel: 754-7000)

This hotel was situated right in the heart of Jeju city, and near the airport. Proximity to food was again an important factor when planning our Jeju itinerary.

Book Leo Hotel on Agoda

Dinner @ Samseonghyeol Seafood Soup (Tel: 745-3000)

This place was packed, just look at the photo! Value for money, lots of fresh seafood in one family sized pot. They de-shell, cut, and cook it for you. Gotta love Jeju.

Shopping @ Jeju City

My mum bought cosmetic and facial care products, and she loved the variety of products. Everyone’s favorite is Innisfree, which comes from Jeju so this is one more thing to be excited about. Typically when you see one beauty shop, you will see a whole street lined with such shops.

Navigation Tips

Use naver map.

If you tried to plan your driving routes for your Jeju itinerary, you might notice that google maps is not useful at all. You do not need to know how to type Korean, simply type in phone numbers into Naver maps.

Get GPS from the car rental company

If your rented car comes with GPS, the rental company can teach you how to input phone numbers as destinations.

And that concludes our Jeju adventures. I really enjoyed the food, especially the seafood ramen that filled our bellies after hiking. Overall, it is such a romantic place though, no wonder Koreans call this island the Hawaii of Asia. I hope this Jeju itinerary has helped you plan your trip.

If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to leave a comment.

Looking for more scenic road trips? Read more: 3 Days In Hokkaido Lake Camping & Onsen Hopping DIY Finland Road-Trip: Lapland in Autumn For Best Northern Lights

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20 comments.

Meiliana Lukman

Thank you for a wonderful detail! I am going to visit Jeju in September with my family of 2 young boys, just to relax and chill, seems like this is a perfect itinerary to follow! Many thanks!! Your mum look so young, I thought you’re all sisters! 🙂

Hi Meiliana, I’m glad you liked it! I hope you enjoy Jeju as much as we did, I miss the food there and it’s perfect if you love nature. My mum will be so happy you said that haha 🙂

Good day how many luggages you put into Tucson? What is the size of the luggages?

Hi Steve, we had around 4 medium luggages.

Hi Janice Thanks for the great ideas shared for Jeju. Could I check which month did you travel to Jeju?

Hi! I went in December 🙂

I was wondering how you guys rented a car .. I have a California driver license, and I was wondering if it was valid in Jeju-island without IDL?

thank you~ P.S awesome posts by the way 😀

I believe you will need a IDL when you want to rent a car in Jeju. Thank you for the kind comment 🙂

May I know what camera did you use? The photos are so pretty!

Hi! I am using Sony a6000, a relatively old model!

Such a useful guide, with names of restaurants and such! Thank you!! 😀

Nice blog! I’m planning a Jeju trip right now and this post has been very useful!

Thanks for sharing the fun winter road trip in Jeju. Which car rental service did you book through for the Jeju trip? Thanks

Hi! We booked through Lotte Car Rental 🙂

Huining chew

Hi Janice, I am visiting jeju in mid Dec later this year and I am very interested to visit hallasan with my family. I have 3 kids age 15,13 and 9. Is it achievable given the snowy condition? We will be driving

Hi! I think you will need to consider the need for snow chains as you drive up to the mountain, and you could also choose to hike a small part of the trail instead of the full trail. It could be fun to just have a taste of snowy mountain hiking for a while, and if your kids are feeling cold/not up to it you can just come back down easily.

Huining Chew

Hi janice, did you manage to complete the whole trail and how long did your family take?

Hi! We didn’t go all the way to the end because it started getting very foggy and cloudy and we couldn’t see much ahead of us. So we figured that there won’t be much of a view anyway, so we turned back after the rest stop. We stopped for quite long at the rest stop, but in total it might have been about 5 hours.

Hi, thanks for sharing your Jeju trip experience. We a group of 6 family members going to there next May. Contemplating if to self drive or engage a driver. Is it manageable for left hand drive ? I’ve never tried before.

Hi Jocica, I hope the blog helped! 🙂 If you don’t mind the expense, a driver with a bigger car might be a good idea. The driving is quite manageable once you get out of the busy city areas.

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Jeju Itinerary | 2 Days in Jeju Island

If you haven’t heard about Jeju Island before, then I am here to tell you all about it. Jeju Island or Jeju-do (do means island in Korean) is the Hawaii of South Korea. South Koreans are very proud of this beautiful island that they can call their own. Here you can enjoy all the beautiful scenery from the cliffs, the volcanic black rocks, waterfalls, delicious Korean food and more. There are too many things to fit into your 2 days in Jeju Itinerary. I have only highlighted a small portion of things you can do. You definitely need more than 2 days to spend here. 

Is this your first time traveling to Korea? Be sure to check out my posts about South Korea below.

• Why you should visit South Korea!
• Busan, South Korea
• Top 10 Korean Drugstore Skin Products
• 10 Things to Eat in Korea
• Seoul Travel Tips
• Popular Cafes in Seoul
• Myeongdong Street Food
• Cimer Spa at Paradise City

Teach English in South Korea

• Things to do in Hongdae
• Seoul Gardens & Parks
• Myeongdong Shopping Street
• What to do in Incheon Airport for a Layover
• Things to do in Itaewon
• Gwangjang Market
• 2 Days in Busan Itinerary
• How to go to Bukchon Hanok Village
• Gamcheon Culture Village
• Things to do in Gyeongju
• Things to do in Paju
• Autumn in Korea
• Korean Street Food

Best time to Visit Jeju Island

The best time to visit Jeju is April through June. When you hit the end of June, you may run into some rainy days. They can be a hit or miss situation. During the summer months in Korea, it is a high rainy season so it can be hot, humid, muggy, and with a lot of rain. Rain in Jeju can be a problem because there can be issues with fog and precipitation affecting the beautiful views. During your visit, you want to make sure you have clear and beautiful skies during your Jeju Itinerary.  Korea is well known for Jeju Island, but be sure to see what else Korea is known for . 

Getting to Jeju Island

The best way to get to Jeju Island is by plane. Flying to Busan from Seoul is about 50 minutes. Although, there are options to take a ferry from Seoul or Busan to take to Jeju island as well. These ferry boats can take up a lot of time though from Busan it can be around 12 hours. 

Planning a trip to Korea?

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How to get around Jeju Island

There are 3 different ways to travel around Jeju Island. 

Rent a Car 

The easiest way to travel around Jeju Island is to travel by renting a vehicle.  When you get off at the airport in Jeju, you can easily access a shuttle which will take you to your rental car’s destination. Renting a car is a better option because you can choose what you want to do during your trip, put all your belongings in the car, and not have to worry about anyone’s agenda other than yours which allows you not to feel rushed. The only issues with renting a car are that there can be some narrow and small roads or areas which make it difficult to drive around. So I suggest you be fairly confident in your driving skills. Although, for the most part, driving in Jeju is pretty tame. 

Taxi Driver Tour

If you don’t feel comfortable driving, I highly suggest you rent a taxi driver for the day. This is a great option because most of the taxi drivers know all of the best times and best spots to visit during your trip. Unfortunately, you may run into a language barrier with some of the drivers, but that’s okay. As long as you do your best to communicate you will be able to get by. 

Book a Western Jeju Tour or an Eastern Jeju Tour .

The last option would be to take a bus . However, it can take quite some time to get around anywhere by bus in Jeju. The buses take a long time, can be crowded and you may miss a lot of the things you would be looking forward to doing. During 2 days, it’s definitely not ideal if you want to see as much as possible. If you have more time and are on a budget , maybe this is an option for you. 

Where to stay during your Jeju Itinerary

You can pretty much stay anywhere on the island if you plan to rent a car, however, there are a few areas that I suggest you stay in so that you can be centrally located to some of the areas. Most things to do in Jeju requires driving, but these areas are more city spaces if you need to be somewhere where you can walk to the nearest restaurant to eat. 

RELATED: Best place to stay in Jeju Island

Jeju-si is popular are to stay in because it is close to the airport. If you want easy access to the airport, I highly suggest you stay near or around this area. This area also has a lot of food places to eat and enjoy. This area is close to Loveland and Aewol Coastal Road. 

Seogwipo is another area I highly suggest you stay in. It is pretty much a city located on the island. There are a lot of places to eat, things to do, and it’s close to a lot of attractions like Hello Kitty Island, the Museum of Sex and Health, and Cheonjiyeon Waterfall. 

Jeju Itinerary Day 1

Brunch at coraggio 꼬라지오.

This was a great place to go and get some brunch. What I loved about this restaurant is its support for special needs people. They hire special needs by providing them with jobs to create drinks and help out with the customers. Don’t be surprised if you see many of them just inside hanging out in there with their friends. This place had excellent food, delicious drinks, and a beautiful presentation.

Hydrangea Photo Opportunity

A popular thing to do in Korea is to take scenic photos surrounded by flowers or photos of nature. When you live in a big city like Seoul , Busan, Incheon, Daegu, etc. sometimes nature is hard to come by. Koreans love to take nature walks in parks and along the beach, but living in the city, it can feel quite limited. Also, with Korea’s rise in air pollution, it can sometimes be hard to go outside and enjoy nature. This is something I take completely for granted when I was living in California. 

After doing our photoshoot, we became hungry for some sweets. We thought this was the perfect opportunity to go to Tina Cake to grab some delicious cakes and tea. This was a cute little spot located in Seogwipo and they had a ton of delicious types of cake. Supposedly, carrot cake is a big thing in Jeju because of their farming capabilities. So green tea and carrots are popular to grow in Jeju. 

Hello Kitty Island Museum and Cafe

Attention all Hello Kitty Fans! You will want to go here. Did you know that Hello Kitty is 5 apples tall and she has a twin named Mimmy that wears a yellow bow on the opposite side? Well, I knew all of this before the Museum, however, it was still neat to check out. The museum closes at 6 but they don’t allow any guests into the museum after 5 pm. So I suggest you arrive before then to gain access. 

Museum of Sex and Health

Korea kind of has an obsession with funny and phallic things. Another place I suggest visiting is Loveland. This is a park filled with sexual or phallic objects and statues. At the Museum of Sex and Health, you will wander around and kind of be taken back in time. It is filled with the history of sex over time. They have some facts and just some interesting sculptures that show some kama sutra positions.

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is a popular destination for your Jeju Itinerary

Cheonjiyeon waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls located on the island. It is a short walk and only costs about $1-2. This waterfall is easy to access and I would even suggest it for elderly or handicap. You can get some great photos near the waterfall. 

Jeju Itinerary Day 2

Brunch at Coco Mama

If you enjoy seafood, I highly suggest you get brunch at Coco Mama. There is a great view but additionally, they serve delicious lobster, shellfish and other foods as well. I do have to warn that it can be a bit on the expensive side, but what do you expect when purchasing Lobster? The lobster was cooked perfectly and topped with a cheesy sauce. 

Photo Opportunity of the Cliffs

Additionally, right outside of Coco Mama is an opportunity to either hike the cliffs or take some beautiful photos of the sea and cliffs. You can climb all the way to the top of the cliffs. There is a staircase that leads all the way to the top providing you with excellent views of the island.

Jeolmul Forest Park 제주절물자연휴양림 

Have lunch at 하이바다 and Walk along the Coast

This is a great place to have lunch or just to have drinks. You can enjoy a beautiful view along the famous dark volcanic rocks of Jeju. After your lunch or drinks, take a walk along the coast and get some beautiful photos of the ocean view.

Your Jeju Itinerary should include a drive along Aewol Coastal Road

If you have been to California, we have something called 17-mile drive along the coast of Monterey Bay.  In Jeju, there is a coastal drive that you can take. It’s a great way to find many stops along that way to take photos of the ocean. There are many lookout points making it the perfect way to explore the island. Usually, we will grab a few snacks and drinks along the way and enjoy the view. 

Other things to add to your Jeju Itinerary

• Loveland Park
• Green Tea Museum
• Jusangjeolli Cliffs
• Manjang Caves (Manjanggul)
• Teddy Bear Museum
• Hallim Park
• Spirited Garden
• Ilchul Land
• Camellia Hill
• Jeju Folk Village Museum
• Hot Air Balloon Ride

Trying to find additional things to do in Jeju? Be sure to read this comprehensive guide for all the things to see and do in Jeju .

Food to eat during your Jeju Itinerary

• Heuk-dwaeji

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DISCLAIMER : Oftentimes you will find that I’ve included links to certain hotels / tours /products/services. If you purchase anything through these links, I’ll receive a commission. It won’t cost you anything extra, but it will help keep this blog up and running.

Hey, I'm NieNie, also known as Stephanie – a California native of hapa heritage (an American with a mix of Korean and German) with an enduring love for travel. Transitioning from my expat life in South Korea to embracing the experience of living in Germany, while also frequenting visits to my family in the Philippines, I'm documenting my adventure as a plus-size woman immersing herself in diverse cultures. Join me on Adventures with NieNie for travel tips, cultural insights, and inspiring stories from South Korea, the Philippines, and Germany. Let's embark on this adventure together!

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4-Day Jeju Itinerary Under S$500 — Road Trip Adventure Around South Korea’s Island Paradise

What’s a road trip without some horses, submarines, and jaw-dropping sunrise hikes? This Jeju itinerary covers the island’s best.

Ah, South Korea: Undeniably many Singaporeans’ favourite holiday destination — and for damn good reason! There’re limitless Korean BBQ and kimchi to devour, K-pop and dramas to invest your soul in, and mountains of cheap cosmetics to shop for. Just these are enough to make anyone fly to Seoul or Busan .

Most travellers make a beeline for the cities. However, South Korea’s breathtaking islands shouldn’t be overlooked! Besides the dreamy Nami Island , we also recommend heading to the country’s biggest: Jeju Island .

Just an hour’s flight from Seoul or Busan, the volcanic island is filled with many wonderful beaches to relax at, challenging mountains to climb, and fun attractions to visit. With so many things to do, it’s little wonder why Jeju is a perfect spot for anyone who wants a relaxing weekend getaway. It’s also little wonder why Jeju is South Korea’s honeymoon island — well, unofficial. But who’s keeping tabs? 😛

Before you dive right in, you should know that Jeju Island is twice the size of Singapore. The easiest way to get around is to rent a car, but we’ve included some alternatives below if you don’t want to get behind the wheel.

Budget Breakdown for 4-Day Jeju Itinerary

Accommodation:  S$87.42 Transport:  S$63.23 (incl. 4-day car rental) Activities:  S$163.45 Food & Miscellaneous:  S$184.90

Total:  S$499/pax (cost was split amongst 4 pax) ( Click here for detailed breakdown )

Check Flights to Jeju

Flights aren’t included in this Jeju itinerary as prices vary depending on the season. That said, plenty of flights depart for Jeju daily from Seoul and Busan. Prices can even start from as low as S$23! Check current flight prices to Jeju here .

Jeju Itinerary Road Trip Route

Our Jeju itinerary mainly explores Jeju city, as well as the Eastern and Southern parts of the island. Highlights include hiking Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak at sunrise, going on an underwater submarine adventure, and exploring Jeju’s natural wonders. It’s rather busy, but better an action-packed road trip than a boring one!

Day 1: Jeju City — Eastern Jeju 

Indulge at the famous black pork (heuk-dwaeji 흑돼지) street.

You may have had KBBQ, but have you had KBBQ with Jeju’s black pork? At the Black Pork Street , rows of restaurants serve the delectable delicacy. Cooked over charcoal, the fine black pork is grilled with garlic to tender perfection. To eat, just wrap the meat in a perilla leaf with kimchi and beansprouts, then shovel it all in your mouth!

If you’ve still got stomach space at the end of the meal, order some rice to mix with the leftover veggies and meat on the grill. Now, you have your very own bokkeumbap ( kimchi fried rice).

Cost: ₩24,000/pax (~S$28.10) Opening hours: Varies; most restaurants open from 11AM – 12AM Address: Gwandeong-ro 15(sibo)-gil,  Jeju -si,  Jeju -do

Cross the Yongyeon Suspension Bridge (용연계곡)

Located near the airport, the Yongyeon Suspension Bridge is a very scenic area. On one side, there’s a picturesque gorge with lush greenery and deep blue waters. On the other, you get clear views of the ocean and planes landing in the distance. The bridge lights up at night, so you’d still get excellent scenery at any time of the day.

Address: 2581-4, Yongdam 1-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju Tel: 728-2755 Parking: Paid parking lot nearby for ₩2,000 (~S$2.30)

*Photo Pro-tip: Walk up the short hill by the side of the entrance to get wider photos of the suspension bridge.

Explore Manjanggul Cave (만장굴)

Massive enough to fit entire streetlamps inside, the Manjanggul Cave is one of the largest lava tubes in the world. Within the cave, you’ll come across well-preserved lava formations like stalactites, flowlines, and benches. There’s also the world’s largest lava column, standing at 7.6m.

As the cave is wet and has uneven surfaces, it’s advisable to wear a jacket and proper footwear.

Entrance Fee: ₩4,000 (~S$4.70) Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM (last entry at 5:10PM), closed on first Wednesday of the month Tel: 783-4818 Parking: Free on premises

Dine on Succulent Abalone at Myeongjin Jeonbok (명진전복)

Popular with locals and foreigners alike, Myeongjin Jeonbok Abalone Restaurant sells fresh, highly sought-after abalone. There’re only four items on their menu: Abalone porridge, abalone sizzling stone rice, grilled and sliced raw abalones. TL;DR: They’re all good .

Although the porridge was the apparent “must-try”, we preferred the charred flavours of the fragrant abalone stone rice. Served in a large pot, it’s big enough to share. The meal also comes with an appetising fried mackerel, completely free of charge!

Cost: ₩12,000 – ₩30,000 (~S$14 – ~S$35.10) Opening Hours: 9:30AM – 9:30PM, closed on Tuesdays Tel: 782-9944 Parking: Free on premises

Accommodation: Klook — we stayed in a hotel near Seongsan Ilchulbong for ~S$53.30/night for a standard twin room. The best part? It’s a walking distance to Sunrise Peak!

Day 2: Eastern Jeju — Southern Jeju (Seogwipo) 

Climb up seongsan ilchulbong (성산일출봉).

Seongsan Ilchulbong is an enormous tuff cone crater that doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Jeju’s most well-known attractions.

It’s also called “sunrise peak”, and sees dozens of early-morning hikers racing up a stairway to catch daybreak. This Jeju itinerary joins in on the action and was rewarded with a magnificent view of the sunrise. So magnificent that (no kidding) people started clapping when the sun rose. Yay, sun!

Photo credit: Thisiskoreatours.com

No worries if you’re not an early riser. At other times of the day, you can still head up the peak to enjoy a spectacular vantage view. Catch the Jeju haenyeo (women divers) perform at 1:30PM and 3:30PM at the bottom of the crater. These tough, elderly ladies will free-dive for fresh shellfish in blistering cold waters — pretty sick considering they’re old enough to be your grandma!

Entrance Fee: ₩5,000 (~S$2.30) Trail Closing Times: Every first Monday of the month Tel: 783-0959 Parking: Free on premises

Savour Fresh Seafood at the Baekgi Haenyeo House (백기해녀의 집)

Besides watching the haenyeo dive for shellfish, why not taste the fruits (or seafood) of their labour too? Like the ama of Japan, the Baekgi Haenyeo House is a haenyeo hut-cum-eatery that dishes out seafood harvested and cooked by the female divers.

We ordered the chopped noodles with sea urchin (₩10,000, ~S$11.70) and sea urchin seaweed soup (₩12,000, ~S$14). Served piping hot, we liked how springy the handmade noodles were. The generous amount of sea urchins in the light broth was also delicious and nourishing.

Unfortunately, the divers knew limited English so we couldn’t ask them about their diving stories. However, it’s something you can do if you’re travelling with a translator or someone who’s proficient in Korean. It’ll make the authentic dining experience more fascinating.

Cost: ₩10,000 – ₩40,000 (~S$11.70 – ~S$46.60) Opening Hours: 8AM – 6PM Tel: 782-0673 Parking: Free on premises

Roam around Aqua Planet Jeju (한화아쿠아플라넷 제주)

Otterly adorable!

There’s a whimsical beauty about aquariums that can make anyone go “ oooh ” or “ aaahhh “. Aqua Planet Jeju is no different. The sizeable aquarium is home to a variety of animals like otters, rays, seals, walruses, bottlenose dolphins, and sharks.

Aqua Planet also has numerous programmes throughout the day. A drawback is that they’re only in Korean, but are still interesting to watch. We highly recommend catching the haenyeo diving demonstration at the main tank. Before your very eyes, two women dive deep to 8m to harvest shellfish — all while holding their breaths for a minute!

Cost: From ~S$29 Opening Hours: 10AM – 6PM (last entry at 5PM) Tel: 780-0900 Parking: Free on premises

Ride like the Wind at Jeju Seri World

Photo credit: Klook

After an hour’s drive towards the South of Jeju, take a break to experience actual horsepower instead! At Jeju Seri World, you get to ride adorably furry horses through the lush landscape of the place.

While you’re on the horse, be sure to look out for the Seogwipo World Cup Stadium which served as one of the playing venues for the 2002 World Cup . There’s a lot of bouncing involved, so hang on tight!

Jeju Seri World is also home to a cart riding experience that allows you to drive down a thrilling race track — perfect for adrenaline junkies. You can also make your way through the scenic camellia and cedar trees of the maze park while you’re there!

Cost: ~S$6.60 (Short Course Horse Riding), ~S$13.40 (Cart Riding Experience) , ~S$4.40 (Maze Park Experience) Opening Hours: 9AM – 7PM Tel: +82 64-739-8254

Accommodation: Klook — we stayed in a hotel in Seogwipo for ~S$60.77/night for a deluxe double room.

Day 3: Southern Jeju 

Feast on local korean eats.

What’s a Jeju itinerary without some good grub? In Seogwipo, you can get an extensive variety of local foods at the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market (서귀포 매일올레시장). These include snacks like spicy tteokbokki (rice cakes) and cheesy squid pancakes. For more lavish meals, head to the restaurants on Arang Joeul Food Street .

Warning: Korean food is much spicier in Korea!

We had our Korean chicken cravings satisfied at Don Chicken (돈치킨). The eatery serves absurdly juicy grilled chicken, instead of typical fried ones. We also ate at Yongwoo-dong (용우동), a simple diner that serves comforting Korean dishes under ₩10,000 (~S$11.70).

Go on an Underwater Submarine Adventure

Like on land, did you know the ocean undergoes changing seasons as well? On a Seogwipo Submarine Adventure , you’ll learn intriguing facts about underwater life in a commercial submarine. The Seogwipo submarine will also dive to depths of up to 40–45m. There, you get to view colourful fishes, soft corals, and even an old shipwreck up-close.

Cost: ₩65,000 ( ~S$78 ) Tour Timings: Every 40 minutes from 10AM – 3:20PM Tel: 732-6060 Parking: ₩1,000 per adult (aged 25 and above)

Visit Jeju’s Natural Wonders

Jeju Island holds many natural gems ranging from waterfalls to rock formations. Our Jeju itinerary mainly explores the ones within Seogwipo city, which are close by each other.

One of the most popular icons is Jeongbang Falls (정방폭포). The 23m waterfall is the only one that falls directly into the ocean and is a pretty place to take photos. Nearby, there’s also a makeshift tent where you can purchase fresh shellfish harvested and prepared by the haenyeo . Entry to the waterfall costs ₩2,000 (~S$2.30).

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall (천지연폭포) is easily one of the most beautiful places on Jeju Island. The falls are surrounded by a well-kept park, perfect for a leisurely stroll even at night. Entry to the waterfall similarly costs ₩2,000 (~S$2.30).

Oedolgae Rock (외돌개) is another famous attraction. Legend has it that the solitary rock came to be after a grandmother waited a long time for her husband to return from fishing, that she turned into rock. Besides viewing the rock, you can also wander around the forested area and catch the sunset. Parking costs ₩2,000 (~S$2.30).

Day 4: Southern Jeju — Jeju City

Marvel at jusangjeollidae cliffs.

A geologic wonder, the Jusangjeollidae Cliffs (주상절리대) were born from molten lava cooling down to form intricate hexagonal rock columns. One of Jeju’s national icons, the cliff face makes a great photo-taking stop.

Entrance Fee: ₩2,000 (~S$2.30) Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM Tel: 738-1521 Parking: Paid parking for ₩1,000 – ₩3,000

*Pro-tip: To avoid the crowds on the viewing platform, follow the signs to the Promenade instead. The open-spaced park is far less busy and offers equally clear views of the cliffs.

Meet Fuzzy Friends at the Teddy Bear Museum (테디베어박물관)

For the young and young at heart, the Jeju Teddy Bear Museum displays a diverse collection of the beloved cuddly toy. From a towering 9m-tall teddy bear, to bear renditions of masterpieces like the Creation of Adam, the cutesy museum has plenty of things to see.

The museum also houses the world’s most expensive bear: A luxurious Louis Vuitton teddy bear (with matching luggage). In 2000, the bear fetched a mindblowing price of nearly €2 million in a charity auction. Beary luxurious indeed!

Entrance Fee: ₩10,000 ( ~S$12 ) Opening Hours: 9AM – 7PM (last entry at 6PM) Tel: 738-7600 Parking: Free on premises

Taste Tea and More at Osulloc Tea Museum (오설록 티하우스)

A popular tourist destination, the Osulloc Tea Museum is admittedly more of a tea house than a museum. There’s a small exhibit describing the history of Jeju’s tea plantations, but the main highlight is the cafe that sells desserts and a wide selection of green tea and special blends.

We ordered a set consisting of Green Tea O Fredo, a slice of Green Tea Swiss Roll Cake and Green Tea Ice Cream (₩17,300, ~S$20.15). Though pricey, we liked how the desserts had a rich green tea flavour, and were not too bitter or overbearingly sweet.

Before the food coma sets in, head outside to wander around the surrounding green tea fields. Reminiscent of Cameron Highlands , the fields are a lovely place to chill out, breathe in the crisp cool air, and snap loads of photos.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM Tel: 794-5312 Parking: Free on premises

Be Amazed by the Floral Paradise at Camellia Hill

Photo credit: @camelliahilljeju via Instagram

Just a 15 min drive away from the museum lies Camellia Hill , the biggest Camellia arboretum in East Asia. Located in Sanchang Village, the 20-hectare park is a floral oasis and is home to 6,000 camellia trees and over 500 different types of flowers and plants.

Once you’ve snapped those insta-worthy pics with the epic floral backdrop, you can also check out the gallery exhibiting camellia-themed crafts.

Entrance Fee: ~S$5.65 Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 6PM Tel: +82 64-792-0088 Address: 166 Byeongang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

If You Have More Days

Hike mt halla (한라산).

Standing at an impressive 1,950m, Mt Halla is South Korea’s largest mountain. It’s an immensely beautiful place that deserves to be on every Jeju itinerary if you have more time. There’re several trails around the mountain, but only two lead to the summit. If you plan on ascending, start early as there’s a cut-off time to ensure hikers have enough daylight to trek down.

For shorter walks, we recommend the Yeongsil Trail which is the best for viewing autumn foliage. The Eoseungsaengak Trail also has a high pay-off. After a 30-minute hike up, you get panoramic views of Mt Halla and its surrounding peaks.

Explore Jeju City

Jeju city itself has loads to keep you entertained! Besides driving, one of the more convenient ways to get around is the Jeju City Bus . The hop-on-hop-off bus tours the city in a scenic two-hour drive, stopping at attractions like Dongmun Traditional Market (동문재래시장) and Sanjideungdae Lighthouse (산지등대). We recommend getting the one-day pass (₩12,000) to maximise your journey.

Be warned: It can get super chilly at the top, especially in autumn and winter, so bundle up to stay warm!

Visit Jeju’s Unique Museums 

Photo credit: Digitiser2000.com

Jeju Island is as peculiar as it is beautiful, and this manifests in quirky museums scattered around the island. The most sexciting one is Jeju Loveland (제주러브랜드), a NSFW museum dedicated to sensuality and eroticism. Age isn’t just a number, though — you need to be aged 20 and above to enter.

Not all museums in Jeju are this embarrassing, fortunately. The more family-friendly ones include Hello Kitty Island (헬로키티아일랜드) and the World Automobile Museum (세계자동차제주박물관). There’s also a Glass Castle (제주 유리의성) where you can run through an all-glass labyrinth. Just be careful not to break anything.

Shop around Jeju’s Five-Day Market (제주시민속오일장)

Photo credit: Visitjeju.net

2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27 — if you happen to be in Jeju during these dates, add the Jeju Five-Day Market to your Jeju itinerary! It’s one of the oldest traditional markets in South Korea, selling a wide array of fresh produce, clothing, and street food.

Other regions in Jeju Island also have their own five-day traditional markets. Check the list of dates and locations here .

Bum around Jeju’s Beaches

Woljeongri Beach. Photo credit: Visitjeju.net

As a volcanic island, you can expect Jeju’s beaches to be some of the very best! Located at all corners of the island, they’re perfect for watersports, picnics, or some good ol’ chilling out. The most notable ones include Woljeongri Beach (월정리 해수욕장), Hyeopjae Beach (협재해수욕장), and Yongmeori Beach (용머리해안).

Getting around Jeju Island

Car Rental: We rented ours from Klook . A standard sedan car costs ~S$198 for four days but when you share it with three other friends, it comes down to only ~S$49.50/pax! Driving tips in Jeju below !

For non-drivers

(1) Jeju Island day tours: If you only have a short amount of time, hopping on a Jeju Island UNESCO Day Tour is a great way to cover some of Jeju’s best attractions.

Selecting the Jeju East Route Day Tour (Tue, Thu, Sat) will lead you to Jeju’s natural wonders like Manjanggul Cave and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. You also get to explore Woljengri Beach, one of Jeju’s most stunning beaches with its emerald waters and relaxing atmosphere.

The South Route Day Tour (Mon, Wed, Fri) provides a delightful mix of Jeju’s nature and cultural side. Participants can explore the famous Yakcheonsa Temple, marvel at the interesting Jusangjeolli Cliffs, and even hike the Eoseungsaengak Trail at Mt Halla!

(2) Private car charter: Hiring a Jeju private car charter is ideal for those who don’t like to be bogged down by the strict schedule that comes with day tours. You can also enjoy greater freedom and flexibility in your itinerary. The car charter can be booked for a total duration of 8 hours, between 8AM and 10PM — enough to visit four or five attractions.

(3) Jeju City Bus: To explore Jeju, the Jeju City Bus provides a hassle-free way of sightseeing. A one-day pass allows you to hop-on-hop-off whenever and wherever you like. It’s a pretty efficient way of touring the city — you just need to plan which attractions you’d like to see!

(4) Public transport: Jeju has an islandwide public bus service . These include intercity buses, airport shuttles, and tourist shuttle buses. A one-way fare typically costs ₩1,200. While cheap, the downsides are that the journeys and intervals are long.

Alternatively, you can hire a taxi to reach your destination faster. The basic fare starts from ₩2,200 – ₩3,800 (~S$2.60 – ~S$4.50).

4G SIM Card: Whether you’re a driver or not, it’s important to stay connected with trustable connection. We ordered this SIM card at ~S$24.90, and it was delivered to our office in Singapore before we left for South Korea. The card comes with 5GB of data (for 20 days), and provided good coverage throughout our road trip.

Activities in Jeju Island

We booked our activities via Klook and got to enjoy savings as compared to purchasing on the spot. Booking with Klook was also a smooth, fuss-free process without any language barriers. This minimised any chances of miscommunication with the vendors, so we could fully enjoy ourselves on our island adventure!

To help ease your Jeju itinerary planning, here’s a summary of what we booked:

– 4G SIM Card (SG Delivery) for South Korea (~S$26.50) – Jeju Seri World: Short Course Horse Riding (~S$6.60), Cart Riding Experience (~S$13.40), Mazepark Experience (~S$4.40) – Aqua Planet Jeju Admission Ticket (~S$29) – Camellia Hill Entrance Ticket (~S$5.65)

Jeju combines the best of South Korea’s goodies (e.g. KBBQ, shopping) with the amazing experiences you’d get from an island vacation. 👙🌴 Whether you’re driving or not, Jeju will definitely spoil you with its incredible nature spots and ultra-relaxed vibes. So what are you waiting for? Grab this Jeju itinerary and go!

Read also: 4D3N Busan Itinerary — Why You Need To Spend More Than A Day Trip In Korea’s Charming Coastal City

Driving Tips 

0) Avoid driving with a finger injury.

1) Get an International Driving Permit. You’ll need to provide this document and your passport for verification when collecting your rental car.

2) Read up on traffic rules. Koreans drive on the right, which means you can turn right even on a red light. Do keep a lookout for pedestrians if you’re doing so. Speed cameras are also all over Jeju, so lay off the accelerator pedal.

3) Take extra care when driving at night. There’re no streetlights along the way. Additionally, the warm and humid environment of Jeju may produce heavy fog at night.

4) Prepare the telephone numbers of your destinations.  Enter them into the car’s GPS for quick and easy navigation. Use this website to find telephone numbers of places not listed in this itinerary.

5) Download navigation apps like Kakao or Naver Maps. Google Maps doesn’t work in South Korea — the most it does is only for public transportation. We used Naver Maps to plan our itinerary and search for amenities like petrol stations. Alternatively, you can also use Kakao Maps .

Ready for your Jeju adventure? Check flight prices now with this nifty widget:

If you can’t see the widget above, click here instead to check flights from South Korea to Jeju !

What did you think of this Jeju itinerary? Share with us in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by  Klook .

For more travel inspiration, follow us on  Instagram ,  YouTube ,  Facebook  and  Telegram !

View this post on Instagram A post shared by thetravelintern.com 🇸🇬 (@thetravelintern)

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Hi Travel Intern,

Need some help to the following.

Qcode. I’ve came across, some websites, a number of people have issue filling up address or phone number. Do you guys encounter any problem registering? Let’s say, if we can’t register before our flight. What should we need to do?

Naver Map. Is it necessary to sign up? If so, can we use our own HP no. to register? Is Naver Map an English speaking GPS? We’ve to key in destination’s phone number. If no phone number available, can we just key in address in English? If missing a turn or whatever. Will Naver Map, reroute like Google map?

Kakao T. Is it necessary to sign up? Or we can just flag a taxi anywhere?

Self-drive. I drive alot here. Any advice for first timer on left hand drive? I’m abit confused on their traffic light system though. Especially the Left turn Sign at the traffic light. The green arrow, and without green arrow, whether when can we actually make a left turn. Did I confused you? Hahaha… Where I can learn more about that “highway code”?

Thank you for your kind attention.

Regards Lav

Best Regards Lav

1. Qcode — We didn’t do this as we travelled on VTL. You can register with the hotel address and number.

2. Naver Map works well if you’re walking or taking public transport. If you’re self-driving, it works only for Samsung phones. We tried registering on iPhone but had difficulty. You may also need a local number to do so. Do look for the Korean address of the places as the map system don’t recognise all English addresses. We can’t remember about rerouting, do share if you’ve figured this out in Korea!

3. Kakao — We never tried as it seemingly needed a local number to register. Yup, cabs are easy to flag, or ask a local to help you book.

4. Self-drive — We were confused too at the start but mostly just followed what the locals do. A safe tip is to google what the traffic rules in Korea are!

Hi Edelyn, Thanks for your reply.

Hi Edelyn, It’s me again. Would like to check with you, how is the parking like or rather how should I pay for the parking lot in Jeju. For example, the road side parking, and those parking with barrier gate system.

Thank you Lav

Hi Lav! The team didn’t really have a problem parking in Jeju as most of the places were tourist attractions with free parking. For those with barrier gate systems, you can just use a credit card to pay when you exit. For roadside parking, it should be fine to park as long as there aren’t any obvious parking signs, lol. What the team did when they weren’t sure was to ask the locals staying in the area/from cafes or shops, if they could park at the area 🙂 Hope this helps! 🙂 Edelyn

Hi Edelyn Thanks for the prompt reply.

Cheers! Lav

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How to spent 5 Days in Jeju: the perfect jeju Itinerary

Jeju Island in Korea is a popular getaway for thousands of people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the mainland.

It has a bit of everything: Delicious food, cascading waterfalls, an abundance of hiking options, caves, beaches, and so much more.

I spent 5 days in Jeju Island and had high expectations before arriving. While Jeju is often referred to as the “ Hawaii of Korea ,” it’s certainly nothing like Hawaii.

This post details everything you need to know to plan the perfect Jeju itinerary. It includes the best things to do, places to go, and where to stay during your Jeju trip.

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How to visit Jeju Island

There are 3 main areas of Jeju Island: Jeju City, Seogwipo, and Seongsan .

Deciding where to stay in Jeju is often the most challenging part of organizing a trip, as the island is massive!

Jeju City is on the north of the island and is where you’ll fly in. It’s a great base if your time is limited. But it does have a city vibe, and the areas down south are way better – in my opinion!

Seogwipo is arguably the best place to stay. It’s found on the south of the island and is close to the top attractions in Jeju.

Seongsan is where you’ll find the famous Seongsan Ilchulbong on the east coast of Jeju. It’s great if you’re looking for a quieter place to stay, yet you still want to be close enough to the attractions on your Jeju itinerary.

Getting around Jeju in 5 days

The island is much bigger than you realize. It takes over an hour’s drive (by car) to get from one side to the other. With public transport, it’s even longer!

During my 5 days in Jeju, I used a mix of public transport and tours.

Driving in Jeju

The best way to plan your Jeju itinerary is to rent a car, as this gives you the most flexibility. The only requirement is to have your passport and international driving license that has been issued prior to your visit to Korea .

Koreans drive on the right-hand side of the road, so it can be challenging if you’re not used to this. The street signs are also in Hangul (Korean writing), and Google Maps doesn’t work properly in Korea. These were the reasons I decided not to rent a car.

Jeju by bus

Instead, I chose to use public transport to get around. It was easy enough, and I didn’t have to wait too long for buses to arrive.

A direct bus (Jeju Airport Limousine) goes from the airport to Seogwipo in 2 hours. From Seogwipo, you can easily find buses that go to the east or west side of the island.

Jeju 5 day Itinerary: Trip Overview

Day 1: Fly to Jeju, see Jeongbang and Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, and explore the Seogwipo Olle Market

Day 2: Climb Seongsan Ilchulbong and explore Manjanggul Cave

Day 3: Jeju Folk Village, Pyeonsan Beach, and Jeju Black Pork BBQ

Day 4: Walk the Jeju Olle trails, Jusangjeolli Lava Cliffs

Day 5: Hike Mt Hallasan

How many days in Jeju

This Jeju itinerary allows for 5 days on the island which I believe is the perfect amount of time. Especially if you’re using public transport!

At a minimum, you’ll need 3 days in Jeju. This will allow you to see the main attractions. If that’s the case for you, leave off days 3 (Folk Village) and 5 (Mt Hallasan) of this Jeju itinerary.

Jeju Itinerary: Day 1

The first day of your Jeju Island itinerary will involve a lot of travel, as it’s the day you arrive on the island.

The easiest way to get from Seoul to Jeju is to take a flight from Gimpo Airport in Seoul to Jeju International Airport.

The flight time is just over an hour, and there are hundreds of flights weekly. I flew with Eastar Jet and would recommend them if you’re looking for a low-cost airline.

Book an early morning flight so that you have the rest of the day to explore.

If you have 5 days in Jeju, it’s best to divide your time between the south (Seogwipo) or the east coast of the island (Seongsan).

Visit Jeongbang & Cheonjiyeon Waterfall

For those who love chasing waterfalls, Jeju has many of these for you to explore.

The 3 most popular ones include Cheonjiyeon Waterfall , Cheongjeyeon Waterfall , and Jeongbang Waterfall .

Both Cheonjiyeon and Jeongbang are located within walking distance from Seogwipo and don’t require a strenuous hike to get there.

Jeongbang Waterfall is the only waterfall in Asia to fall directly into the ocean, so I was excited to check it out.

• Admission: 2 000 won ($2)
• Operating hours: 9 am – 7 pm

How to get to Jeongbang Waterfall

If you’re staying in the center of Seogwipo, it’s a 30-minute walk to Jeongbang Waterfall. It’s a pleasant route through the harbor where you pass many local restaurants and hidden cafes, so I’d recommend walking vs getting a taxi or bus.

READ MORE: 25+ AWESOME DAY TRIPS FROM SEOUL

Grab dinner at the Seogwipo Olle Market

Seogwipo Olle Market is the largest traditional market in Seogwipo, consisting of over 200 shops and street vendors.

It offers a variety of local specialties, including seafood, tangerines, dried fruit, fermented side dishes as well as cooked food.

• Opening hours: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Location: 22, Jungjeong-ro73beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Jeju itinerary: Day 2

If there’s one day out of this Jeju itinerary that you absolutely cannot miss, it’s day 2! If you have less time on the island, make sure you squeeze in a visit to Manjanggil Cave and Seongsan Ilchulbong .

Manjanggul Cave

Manjanggul Lava Tube is one of the longest cave tunnels in the world. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This lava tube is 13 km long, but only 1 km is accessible to the public. Manjanggul Cave houses a variety of well-preserved natural formations, and the tunnels are lit up with illuminating soft-colored lights.

It does get chilly inside, and it’s advised to wear closed shoes as the floor is slippery and uneven. Of course, you always have the exceptions with ladies walking through the caves in their sky-high heels and short skirts, all trying to get the perfect snap!

• Admission: 2 000 KRW ($2)

How to get to Manjanggul Cave

From Seogwipo, take bus 101 to Manjanggul Cave Entrance. The trip will take about 1h 30min, but if you board the bus at Seongsan Ilchulbong, it takes 40 minutes.

Once you exit the bus, you need to cross the street and walk about 2.5 km to the entrance of Manjanggul Cave. This was a long walk in the scorching heat, so I’d advise you to take a taxi from the bus stop instead of walking.

Some buses go to the main entrance of the Manjanggul Cave, but they don’t run as frequently, and it’s better to walk the 30 minutes than wait for the bus to arrive.

Top tip: After using public transport to get to Manjanggul Cave, I wish I had opted for a tour like this , which includes pick up from your hotel and a guide. We wasted so much time getting to and from Manjanggul Cave, and it’s worth paying a bit more for convenience.

Seongsan Ilchulbong & Jeju Women Divers

Climbing Seongsan Ilchulbong is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-do in your Jeju itinerary.

Otherwise known as “Sunrise Peak”, Seongsan Ilchulbong is an extinct volcano that was formed thousands of years ago after a series of volcanic eruptions.

The climb to the top takes about 30 minutes, with many picturesque spots along the way. At the peak, you’ll get a great view of the crater and Jeju Island. The trail is well-marked, and there are proper steps along the way.

Hiking Seongsan Ilchulbong is one of the best Jeju Island activities, so don’t miss it.

After you’ve completed the climb, you can watch the Jeju Women Divers, also referred to as Haenyeo (sea women).

These divers make their living by harvesting seafood from the ocean floor. Using no diving equipment, they can stay underwater for up to 3 minutes. They’re quite popular in Jeju, and Korea, so watch them do their thing!

• Admission: 5 000 won ($4)
• Operating hours: 7:30 am – 7:30 pm

READ MORE: 40+ THINGS TO PACK FOR KOREA

How to get to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak

Take bus 101 to Goseong-Ri. Once off the bus, you will notice the scores of people making their way to Seongsan Ilchulbong.

You will also pass many restaurants and cafes along the way, so grab a bite to eat if you’re hungry.

Jeju itinerary: Day 3

Seogwipo will be your base for the first few days of your itinerary for Jeju Island. If you’re using public transport, you can reach the below attractions bus.

Jeju Folk Village

Visit the Jeju Folk Village and travel back in time to explore Korea’s cultural heritage.

More than 100 houses make up the 4 villages inside the Jeju Folk Village. You can spend hours walking through the mazes and learning about the traditional games that were played. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about how the people of Jeju used to live their lives.

• Admission: 11 000 KRW ($10)
• Location: Pyoseon

Take a walk along Pyoseon Beach

Jeju Folk Village is situated alongside the coast.

After your visit, head towards the seaside, grab a cup of coffee or ice cream, and take a stroll along the beach before heading back to Seogwipo.

Eat Jeju Black Pork at Tam Gung Restaurant

Today’s the day you get to treat yourself to the famous Jeju Black Pork, a must-do on any Jeju Island itinerary!

The island is renowned for its Black Pork Korean BBQ and these restaurants can be found on every street corner in Jeju.

The meat is in a league of its own, tender and juicy. The name “Black Pork” is derived from the pig’s hair color and not the meat itself.

Because of its exclusivity to Jeju Island, the price for a Jeju Black Pork BBQ is higher than its mainland counterparts. But is it worth it!

Jeju itinerary: Day 4

Day 3 of your Jeju itinerary is all about nature and getting out and about discovering some truly magnificent Jeju Island attractions.

Explore the Jeju Olle Trails

The Jeju Olle Trails are a series of paths that circle around the outskirts of Jeju Island.

Created by a Korean journalist, the Jeju Olle Trails were inspired by her hike along the Camino De Santiago routes in Spain. There are 26 different routes with varying levels of difficulty.

These trails lead through beaches, villages, mandarin farms, and forests that cannot be accessed by buses or cars. As a result, you have a more authentic and less crowded experience of Jeju Island.

Whilst you can spend your entire vacation making your way around Jeju by means of the Olle Trails, most people choose to walk a specific route for the day. You can also walk only a certain distance before heading on to the next activity.

Jusangjeolli Lava Cliffs

The Jusangjeolli Lava Cliffs were formed back in the day when Mt Hallasan erupted. They’re now one of Jeju’s most unique tourist attractions.

It’s located on the coast, and there are several short paths that loop around the park.

Indulge in Jeju Tangerines

Another big attraction in Jeju is its citrus fruit. Lush orchids fill the countryside, and the moderate climate in Jeju is to thank for this.

Tangerines are by far the most prized fruit of Jeju, and they aren’t cheap!

Jeju itinerary: Day 5

Save all your energy for your last day in Jeju Island as you’ll need it!

Hike Mount Hallasan

If you have 5 days in Jeju, Mount Hallasan needs to be on your itinerary!

Sitting at 1 950m, it’s the highest mountain in Korea and attracts thousands of tourists to the island. Mount Hallasan is also an active volcano that forms the bulk of Jeju Island.

You’ll need a full day for your summit climb, and there are various other walking routes around the mountain if you choose not to go all the way to the top. The most popular trail to the peak is Seongpanak.

• Admission: Free

How to get to Mount Hallasan

From the Seogwi Bus terminal, take bus 182 to Seongpanak for about 30 minutes.

Other things to add to your Jeju Island Itinerary

If you’re struggling to decide what to do on Jeju Island, I don’t blame you! The island is home to some of the greatest attractions in Korea, and you need more than 5 days in Jeju to visit them all.

Take a day trip to Udo Island. The ferry leaves from Seongsan Harbor to Udo Island where you can spend the day exploring Udo on bikes or scooters before heading back to Jeju. You can buy tickets here

Visit one of the many museums on Jeju Island. These include the Hello Kitty Museum, Love Land, Mini Mini Land, Glass Museum, and the Teddy Bear Museum. Yes, Koreans love museums! If you’re traveling with kids these museums are a must-see. Check out the museums and buy your tickets here.

Spend your summer days enjoying the beaches of Jeju. The more popular ones include Hyeopjae, Jungmun, and Samyang. Unfortunately, the beaches are closed outside of summer, so if you visit Jeju in spring or fall, don’t focus on including them in your Jeju itinerary.

Jeju Nanta Show. This is one of the best things to do in Jeju City! The show combines acrobatics, martial arts, music, and culinary skills and is an incredible performance. I saw the performance in Seoul and it’s worth every cent! Tickets need to be purchased in advance, here.

Jeju Island tours

There is so much to see and do in Jeju. If you’re looking to get the most out of your time on the island, check out these awesome tours which include stops at the best attractions in Jeju.

• Jeju UNESCO Site Tour stops at all the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Jeju Island. It’s one of the best ways to see Jeju if you only have a few days to explore.
• Jeju Western Island Exploration takes you to the popular sites on the west of the island including Hyupjae Beach and Cheonjeyeon Waterfall.
• Jeju 3D/2N Tour includes accommodation in a 4* hotel as well as a private vehicle and driver to ensure you get to see the best of Jeju!

Best time to visit Jeju

Korea offers 4 distinct seasons but there are so many things to do in Jeju and so you won’t be short of options, no matter the season.

Winter (December-February): Winter in Korea is cold and you can expect a bit of snow in Jeju, although the weather is warmer than the mainland during this time. Because winter is the off-peak period, there are fewer crowds and accommodation is cheaper.

If you’re visiting Korea in Winter, check out these ski resorts near Seoul!

Spring (March-May): Spring is one of the better times to visit Jeju Island. With sunny skies and pleasant weather, you can enjoy all the outdoor activities on offer. The flowers will be showing off and it’s a great time to get out and explore. However, there are thousands of tourists who visit Jeju during this time.

Summer (June-August): Summer is extremely hot and humid. Hiking or other strenuous activities may be uncomfortable during this time, but you’ll be able to enjoy the beaches (crowded beaches at that!)

If you’re visiting Korea in Summer, check out Naksan Beach – the best beach in Korea!

Fall (Sept-November): Fall is also a great time to visit Jeju Island as it offers warm, sunny days. As with Spring, there is a lot more natural beauty due to the change of the seasons which brings along orange and red leaves and beautiful photo opportunities.

Jeju Island: The Hawaii of Korea

Firstly, Jeju is as different from Hawaii as apples from oranges!

Despite the rumors, Jeju Island is NOTHING like the surfing hotspot of Hawaii. If you’re searching for palm trees, white sandy beaches, and pristine waters, then perhaps island hopping in the Philippines is a better option for you!

However, Jeju is popular for many other reasons, and the unique attractions on the island make it a worthy reason to include it on your Korean bucket list.

My Thoughts on a 5 days in Jeju itinerary

Jeju will always hold a special place in my heart as it was my first stop before I started teaching English in Korea .

Not knowing anything about Korea, the culture, and the food, I had no idea what to expect, except a “Hawaii” like atmosphere!

I quickly learned that most Koreans cannot speak English, hiking is part of their lifestyle, and the whole “let’s drink cocktails on the beach whilst catching a tan” isn’t a thing here! Here are 24 other strange things about Korea !

I was also amazed by the number of people who flock to Jeju. It’s a tourist hotspot, and every attraction I visited was packed with people as the island is geared for tourism. There’s nothing untouched or mysterious about Jeju.

But that’s what I enjoyed about the island: I learned something new about the way Koreans travel and what they deem to be an amazing vacation. My students often go to Jeju and tell me how much they love it there.

Learning about different countries and cultures continues to amaze me and it’s experiences like these that make one appreciate the differences.

Torn Tackies contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Have you been to Jeju Island? Do you think it lives up to its name as being the “Hawaii of Korea”? Let me know in the comments section below!

Looking for more Korea travel information? Check out my other posts!

• 29 Things I Wish I Knew Before Backpacking Korea
• Boryeong Mud Festival: 10 Things You Need To Know
• Why Gangchon Rail Bike Is A Must Do
• Getting Lasek/Lasik In Korea
• The Ultimate 7 Days Seoul Itinerary

Hi, I'm Carryn. I’m an adventure travel blogger trying to figure out my way through life by traveling and exploring. Join me as I share my travel guides and tips for life abroad. Find out more about me here .

18 Things You Need To Know about Climbing Kilimanjaro

El nido camping: the truth about camping on seven commandos beach, 1 thought on “how to spent 5 days in jeju: the perfect jeju itinerary”.

Hi Carryn, looks like you had a great time in Jeju. I like the photos of your trip. Makes me want to go back to Jeju again. Also, seems like you have a lot of good posts on Korea, I will be sure to check those out.

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• Jeju Travel Blog / Korea Itinerary

Jeju Itinerary 3 Days | What To Do When 3 Days In Jeju Island

· Updated April 11, 2023 THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS

Jeju is the pride of South Korea. A beautiful volcanic island located of the South Coast. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations among Koreans, especially for honeymoons , as is has so much to offer, including stunning beaches, coastal walking trails, an abundance of museums and delicious food. Read on to find out more about this Jeju Itinerary 3 Days.

This itinerary assumes visitors arrive at Jeju International Airport or Jeju Port and are staying for 3 days and 2 nights (3d2n). If staying shorter or longer extra days can be added or removed. The 3 day Jeju itinerary is focused towards visitors renting a car . If traveling by bus, choices will have to be made for the different activities.

Things To Know When Planning A Jeju Itinerary 3 Days

1. one day tours, 1. jeju city, 2. hamdeok beach, 3. manjanggul cave, 4. haenyeo museum, 6. seongsan ilchulbong, 7. seopjikoji, 8. hanwha aqua planet jeju, 1. mysterious road, 2. hyeopjae beach, 3. wollyeongri cactus village, 4. seogwang tea garden & museum, 5. chocolate museum, 1. mt halla, 2. cheonjeyeon waterfall, 3. jusangjeolli cliff, 4. yakcheonsa temple, 5. jeongbang falls, 6. teddy bear musuem, frequently asked questions.

• Getting Around – The easiest way to get around Jeju is by car, these can be booked online and picked up at the airport. More info on driving in Jeju Island here. If renting a car is not an option then traveling by bus is also possible. Jeju’s bus system is quite good, but takes longer than by car.
• How much to bring to Jeju Island for 3 days  – In general Jeju Island is slightly warmer than mainland Korea, but it still has 4 different seasons.  Check what to pack for Jeju here.
• Bus Transportation Card  – When traveling by bus the T Money card can be used.  Get card here .
• Travel Adapters  – Jeju has the same power outlets as most countries in Europe. Travelers from South East Asia, Japan, US should bring the right adapter. Find out more about  travel adapters  here.
• Foreigner Discounts  – Jeju is not cheap, as most attractions require buying entrance tickets. Luckily for foreigners there are extra discounts when purchasing tickets online. Check out  Trazy  or  Klook  for the best discounts.
• Where To Stay – When in 3 days in Jeju Island, it is recommended to stay in Jeju city. Check my blog posts about the best accommodations in Jeju .
• What To Eat – There are many restaurants across the island, and reservations online is possible for the best restaurants. Check more info here .

Tours Around Jeju

When not travelling around Jeju by car, it is advised to book bus tours. These take you to the best tourist sites without wasting time waiting for the bus.

With so many incredible sights to see on this volcanic island, planning a one-day itinerary can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a variety of one-day tour packages available to help visitors make the most of their time on Jeju. Whether you’re interested in hiking through pristine forests, exploring historic landmarks, or simply taking in the stunning coastal scenery, these tours offer something for everyone. With expert guides and convenient transportation, a one-day tour package is an excellent way to experience the best of Jeju Island in a single day.

• Must See Nature Tour
• UNESCO Site Tour
• Best of Jeju Tour
• Eastern Tour of Jeju
• Western Tour of Jeju

Jeju Itinerary 3 Days: Day 1 

On the first day of the 3 days itinerary focus on visiting Jeju city and sights on the North East coast.

Make the most of your time in Jeju!  Join a one day eastern Jeju day tour leaving from your hotel in Jeju city or Seogwipo. The tour includes the top sights and a yummy Jeju BBQ meal (vegetarian option also available). Check more info here .

Jeju city is the capital of Jeju Island, and also the biggest city on the island. There are lots of things to do in the city itself. The best way to explore the city is by taking the hop-on hop-off tour bus. The best sites and attractions are listed below.

• Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum
• Black Pork Restaurant Street
• Sarabong Peak
• Dongmun Market
• Gwandeokjeong Pavilion
• Yongyeon Pond
• Dodubong Peak
• Iho Tewoo Beach
• Five Day Folk Market
• Halla Arboretum

This stunning beach is located 15 kilometers east from Jeju city. It is world famous for its clear sky blue water, making this a popular destination during the summer months. The combination of the black basalt stones, a picturesque arching bridge and the white sand is just amazing! A must go on Jeju Island, don’t leave this out of your Jeju Island itinerary 3 days.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Times:  Always Address: Sinbuk-ro, Jochon-eup, Cheju, Jeju-do

A bit further from Hamdeok Beach lies the Mangjaggul cave, the world largest known lava cave. It is around 5 meters wide, and 13 000 meters in length. Visitors can walk about 1 kilometer into the cave and come out at the same exit. It is regarded as UNESCO world heritage site since 2007.

The cave is a 20 minute walk away from the bus stop, if you are lucky, you can get a taxi. If limited on time when traveling by bus, consider skipping this site.

Entrance Fee: 2000 krw Opening Times:  09 AM – 6 PM Address:  182 Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Cheju, Jeju-do

The Haenyeo Museum is dedicated to the female divers that go out early every day to collect shellfish, fish and seaweed. The divers are known to no use any diving equipment except for a pair of goggles, a diving suit, weights, an orange boye and a basket. This is extremely hard work and these woman started this job when being a teenager and will continue until their bodies can’t handle the hard work anymore.

Different exhibitions in the museum showcase the culture, their daily life and routines.

Entrance Fee: 1100 krw Opening Times:  09 AM – 6 PM Address: 26, Haenyeobangmulgwan-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

This sunrise peak rose from under the sea during the volcanic eruptions 100 000 years ago. It is a huge crater which rises up to 182 meters above sea level. The top of the crater looks like a giant bowl and is definitely worth the small hike to enjoy the stunning view. A fun thing to do is riding a horse. There is a very popular horse riding park located in this area. Check more info about horse riding in Jeju Island here.

Entrance Fee: 2000 krw Opening Times: 07 AM – 7 PM Address: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Not far from the sunrise peak, lies Seopjikoji. This small hill is well known for its beautiful scenery and was featured in various movies and dramas including Gingko Bed, The Uprising, One Thousand and One Nights.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Times: Always Address: 107, Seopjikoji-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

The aquarium in Jeju is the biggest among the East Asian countries. It has more than 5000 ocean animals from Korea and abroad. What’s special about this Aqua Planet is the special program where the visitors see the female divers in action.

Entrance Fee: Special foreigner discounts available online Opening Times: 10 AM – 7 PM Address: 95, Seopjikoji-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Jeju Itinerary 3 Days: Day 2

On your second day in Jeju, go west and enjoy the beautiful beaches, scenery and delicious food. This Jeju 3d2n itinerary is filled with beaches and museums, especially on the 2nd day!

Make the most of your time in Jeju!  Join a one day western Jeju day tour leaving from your hotel in Jeju city or Seogwipo. The tour includes the top sights and a yummy Jeju BBQ meal (vegetarian option also available). Check more info here .

The Mysterious Road in Jeju island is a magnetic hill, which is a downhill slope, but it looks like an uphill road. When putting objects on the road, the optical illusion makes it look like the object are rolling uphill.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Times: Always Address: 2894-63 1100(Cheonbaek)-ro, Nohyeong-dong, Cheju, Jeju-do

A stunning beach on the west side of the island. The white sand, black lava formations and beautiful views make this a great strolling and relaxing beach. This stunning beach is a must visit and not to be forgotten in your Jeju Island 3 days itinerary.

Sites and activities closes to the beach are the Hallim Park , which is a subtropical arboretum. Hyeopjaegul and Ssangyonggul Cave are smaller lava tube caves.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Times: Always Address: Hallim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Jeju is full of wanders, and this tiny village is another one. Thousands of cacti are growing on the black lava rocks along the shore. These plants are not native from Korea and are expected to have drifted here from Mexico through the Kuroshio stream.

A couple of cozy coffee shops and accommodations are located in the village.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Times: Always Address: 440 Wolryeong-ri, Hallim-eub, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea

The Seogwang Tea Garden or O’Sulloc Green Tea Plantation is the largest tea plantation in Korea. It is known all over the world and the tea produced from this farm is of very high quality.

On the ground of the garden is the O’Sulloc Tea Museum, the first tea museum in Korea. The museum aims to introduce the Korean tea culture, history and culture.

If you love cosmetics than you’ll be excited about the Innisfree Jeju House. Here visitors can experience everything about this famous Korean brand. Cosmetics and food sold here were made with high quality local ingredients.

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jeju!

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Times: 9 AM – 6 PM Address: 446, Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

The 2nd largest chocolate museum in the world! It was built using the volcanic lava rocks which makes it look like an ancient fortress or castle. The museum itself has three floors, each focusing on a different aspect of the chocolate making process. At the various exhibition it is possible to sample some great chocolate and purchase it later in the gift shop.

Entrance Fee: 2500 krw Opening Times: 9 AM – 7 PM Address: 132, Cheonjeyeon-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Jeju Itinerary 3 Days: Day 3

On the last day of the Jeju 3 days 2 nights itinerary, visit the south of the island and Hallasan mountain.

On your last day in Jeju, get up early and make your way to the Halla Mountain, ready to hike. Hallasan is an active volcano, considered as UNESCO heritage. There are different trails to reach the top of the mountain, each different distances and difficulties.

In the south of the island are 3 major waterfalls, Cheonjeyeon falls is the largest of the three and is names after the pond of heaven. Legend says that fairies used to bathe in this waterfall.

These vertical cliffs are unique rock formations that can mainly be found in Jeju but also in Gyeongju on mainland Korea. The cliffs are basaltic lava rocks and during high tide rise 20 meters above the sea level.

Entrance Fee: 2000 krw Opening Times: 9 AM – 7 PM Address: 36-30, Ieodo-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

This impressive coastal temple was constructed during the Silla Dynasty and is part of the main Buddhist order in Korea. Unfortunately little is known about the history of this temple.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Times: always Address: 293-28, Ieodo-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

One of the top 3 waterfalls in Jeju island and the only in Asia which falls directly into the ocean. At the top of the waterfalls, trees are growing and leaning towards the ocean.

This is a stunning waterfall and a popular tourist destinations during summer.

Entrance Fee: 2000 krw Opening Times: 09 AM – 7 PM Address: Chilsimni-ro 214beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

The teddy bear museum is a museum that have different branches all over Korea, including Jeju, Gyeongju and Seoul . The branch in Jeju houses the most expensive teddy bear worth $2.1 million! If time allows it in your Jeju itinerary 3 days, this is cool museum, especially for kids.

Entrance Fee: Special foreigner discount available online Opening Times: 09 AM – 10 PM Address: 31, Jungmungwangwang-ro110beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Some of the must-see attractions in Jeju include the UNESCO-listed Jeju Island volcanic landscape and lava tubes, such as Manjanggul Cave and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. Other popular attractions include the Jeju Folk Village Museum, Hallim Park, and the Jeju Teddy Bear Museum.

Jeju is known for its beautiful natural scenery, so outdoor activities are a must-do during a trip here. Some popular outdoor activities include hiking the Olle Trail, which takes you through scenic coastal landscapes, visiting one of the many beaches on the island, such as Hyeopjae Beach or Jungmun Beach, and exploring the Seogwipo Submarine, which takes you underwater to view Jeju’s marine life.

Jeju has a rich culinary scene, and there are many unique local foods to try during your visit. Some must-try dishes include black pork, which is a breed of pork unique to Jeju that is known for its tender meat and rich flavor, seafood such as grilled abalone and sea urchin, and Jeju mandarin oranges, which are famous for their sweetness and juicy texture. Additionally, be sure to try Jeju’s specialty alcoholic beverage, called “soju,” which is made from Jeju’s local potatoes and is a popular drink among locals.

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Are you planning on staying 3 days 2 nights Jeju Island? Do you have any questions about this recommended itinerary Jeju 3 days? Have any suggestions on things to add to this 3 days in Jeju itinerary? Let me know in the comment section below.

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I’d love to try visiting the chocolate museum too! I tried different activities and jeju and I really enjoyed that island.

A lot of very useful information here about Jeju Island. There are a few places I missed last time and will bookmark your page for reference, thanks for sharing.

These are the places I went to the last time I was there:

Look forward to reading more of your posts 🙂

Hello i really need help on how to make an itinerary going to jeju for 4 days -3 nights trip.. And any tip for a first time traveler like me?

Plan your trip in advance: rent a car or figure out how to use public transport. Pick things to visit that lie close to each other as Jeju is a huge island. Book a hotel in Jeju City, which is close to the airport and is well connected to the rest of the island.

We will be spending 3 nights in Jeju but can’t decide where to stay. Think I would prefer to stay in the same location 3 nights but not sure if that is a good idea. Should I split up each night in a different location? If so, which ones.

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South Korea’s Jeju Island Itinerary – Things to do Inside Three Days

Mar 16, 2024 | Feature , South Korea | 1 comment

Go Explore the vast landscapes during your Jeju Island Itinerary.

Getting to Jeju Province from Mainland Korea

There are several ways to get to Jeju Province from mainland Korea, each offering a unique and memorable travel experience. You can choose between taking a flight or a ferry, depending on your preferences and budget.

A flight from the mainland is the most popular and convenient way to get to Jeju Province. The Island has its international airport, Jeju International Airport, located in the capital city of Jeju City. Several domestic airports, including Incheon and Gimpo airports, also serve it.

From Incheon Airport

If you’re coming from another country or a different region of South Korea, your journey to Jeju will most likely start at Incheon International Airport. From here, you can take a direct flight to Jeju Airport, which takes approximately an hour and a half.

From Gimpo Airport

Gimpo Airport may be the most convenient option if you’re already in Seoul or its surrounding areas. It is about 30 minutes from the city centre and offers flights to Jeju that take approximately an hour.

For a more unique and scenic journey, you can also take a ferry to Jeju Province from one of the designated ports in South Korea. This option is popular among tourists who want to experience the beauty of the ocean and surrounding islands.

From Mokpo Port

Mokpo Port is located in the southwestern region of South Korea and offers ferry services to Jeju. The journey takes approximately 8 hours, but the stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands make it worth the time.

From Busan Port

If you’re in the southeastern region of South Korea, you can take a ferry from Busan Port to Jeju. The journey takes around 13 hours, but overnight options are available for those who want to save time and money on accommodation. Plus, the ferry ride itself is an enjoyable experience.

Another option for travelling to Jeju from mainland Korea is by train. However, this route can be lengthy as it involves multiple transfers and takes around 17 hours. It may be a good option for those who want to experience a scenic train ride, but not the most efficient way to get to Jeju.

From Seoul Station

The journey starts at Seoul Station, where you can take a train to Yeongdeungpo Station. From there, you will transfer to another train that will take you to Mokpo Station. Finally, you will board a ferry from Mokpo Port to Jeju.

From Busan Station

Similar to the route from Seoul, taking a train from Busan Station involves multiple transfers. It would be best to transfer to Yeongdeungpo Station and then take a train to Mokpo Station. From there, you can board a ferry to Jeju.

Additional Tips for Traveling from Mainland South Korea to Jeju

• If you are prone to motion sickness, taking medication before boarding the ferry is recommended.
• Flying from Seoul or Busan to Jeju’s smaller airport can be a good alternative for those who prefer flying but want a more budget-friendly option.
• If you have extra time, consider stopping at other cities like Gwangju or Suncheon to break up the long journey and explore more of Korea.
• Remember to check for discounts or promotions when booking your transportation tickets! Particular special deals are for those travelling between mainland Korea and Jeju.
• Keep in mind that weather conditions can affect ferry schedules. Checking the weather forecast and ferry schedules before planning your trip is always a good idea.
• If you are travelling with a group, consider splitting up and taking different modes of transportation to compare experiences and potentially save money. Overall, no matter which route you choose, enjoy the journey as much as the destination!

Click here to discover the best transportation options to Jeju from Seoul, South Korea. 

Fly Korean Air to go from Seoul to Jeju Si.

The best time to visit Jeju Island

Jeju Island is a mesmerizing tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. If you’re planning to visit this beautiful Island, it’s essential to select the ideal time of the year to make the best of your trip.

Jeju Island has a humid subtropical climate, which makes it a great place to visit throughout the year. The spring months, from March to May, are an outstanding time to visit Jeju, as the weather is mild and pleasant. You’ll be able to relish the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom, and the Island is less crowded, making it perfect for a tranquil getaway.

If you prefer the heat and humidity, the summer months, from June to August, are the ideal time to visit. The Island is bustling with activity, and the beaches are packed with tourists enjoying the sun, sea, and sand.

The autumn and winter months are ideal for those who prefer cooler weather. From September to November, the Island is covered with vibrant autumn foliage, creating a breathtaking view. The winter months, from December to February, are also a great time to visit as the weather is mild and fewer tourists are around.

No matter when you visit Jeju Island, you’re sure to have a memorable experience surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Transportation on Jeju Island

Jeju Island, a beautiful volcanic island located off the coast of South Korea, offers a stunning array of natural landscapes and unique cultural experiences that are not to be missed. Understanding the transportation options available to make the most of your visit is essential.

Jeju Island’s transportation system is relatively straightforward, unlike the complex train maps in cities like Seoul and Busan. Renting a car is the best way to explore the Island at your own pace, allowing you to visit all the places you wish to go, from the stunning beaches to the breathtaking waterfalls and everything in between.

If you prefer not to self-drive, there are other options available. Tour buses and taxis are readily available and can take you to all the popular attractions across the Island. While these options may not be as cost-effective as renting a car, they are still a great way to see everything Jeju offers.

Day tours are also available on Klook for those looking for a hassle-free experience. These tours offer a comprehensive itinerary that includes all the top attractions on the Island, making it easy for visitors to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Finding Accommodation in Jeju – South Korea

Jeju Island is a haven for travellers seeking adventure, relaxation, and culture. Finding a place to stay that fits your needs is easy, as the Island offers a variety of accommodation options. Whether you are looking for a luxurious hotel in the city’s heart or a charming guesthouse or hostel that won’t break the bank, you’ll find what you’re looking for on Jeju Island.

One of the best accommodation options on the Island is the stunning Pool and Villa Sorang. This private villa boasts a beautiful swimming pool to cool off during summer. The villa is located away from the bustling city centre, offering travellers a peaceful and serene retreat. You’ll appreciate the quiet atmosphere and the opportunity to relax and recharge.

Don’t miss out on the chance to stay at the Pool and Villa Sorang during your trip to Jeju Island. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy all that this beautiful Island has to offer.

 Discover the best hotels in Jeju for your desired dates and budget by clicking here. 

Discover the best time to visit Jeju, just like I did with my family on a cold winter’s day.

A Three-Day Jeju Island Itinerary

Now that we have sorted out the essential information about visiting the picturesque Jeju-Si let’s start with the best places on your itinerary.

Day 1: A Jeju City Tour and Surrounds

Jeju City, the Island’s capital, boasts many attractions worth visiting.

However, the most efficient way to explore these attractions is by taking the Hop-on, Hop-off bus. This bus service is the best way to get around Jeju conveniently and quickly, saving you valuable time. Although there are other modes of transportation available in Jeju, the Hop-on, Hop-off bus is the most convenient way to see the fantastic tourist attractions that Jeju has to offer.

Some of the must-visit attractions include Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum, Sarabong Peak, Black Pork Restaurant Street, Yongyeon Pond, Dongmun Market, Gwandeokjeong Pavilion, Iho Tewoo Beach, Halla Arboretum, and the Five Day Folk Market.

Hamdeok Beach

If you’re planning to visit Jeju Island during the summer, make sure to visit its stunning white-sand beach, located about 15 kilometres away from the city. Hamdeok Beach is one of the most picturesque spots on the Island, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery sand.

The beach is also surrounded by lush greenery, which adds to its natural beauty. Stroll along the shoreline, soak up the sun, and dip in the refreshing waters.

Several restaurants and cafes are nearby, where you can grab some snacks or drinks while enjoying the beach’s tranquil atmosphere. Don’t miss out on making some unforgettable memories at this gorgeous beach.

Mangjaggul Cave

If you’re an adventurer looking for your next great escapade, stop at the world-renowned lava cave near Hamdeok Beach.

This cave is considered the most popular in the world, and for good reason. It is a geological marvel, stretching 13,000 meters long and 5 meters wide.

Tourists can explore this fascinating cave by walking up a kilometre into its depths through a comfortable path and then exiting the same way. The experience is truly awe-inspiring as you witness firsthand the breathtaking beauty of the cave’s interior.

It’s worth noting that the lava cave is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which attests to its global significance. So, if you’re in the area, don’t miss out on the chance to explore this natural wonder that’s sure to leave you spellbound.

If you plan a trip to Jeju-do, ECO Land should be on your list of must-visit attractions. This well-organized theme park offers a delightful steam train ride to explore various ECO-type attractions with different themes. As you ride along, you enjoy the stunning natural scenery and breathe in the fresh air, making it an ideal destination for families looking for a fun day out.

ECO Land offers a range of exciting activities for visitors of all ages. Families can easily spend a few hours exploring the park, having a picnic lunch, and letting the kids have fun in Kids Town. With its pristine nature, colourful gardens, and unique exhibits, ECO Land is a fascinating destination for nature lovers and anyone interested in environmental conservation.

In addition to ECO Land, you can discover other points of interest on the Island, such as Seopjikoji, Hanwha Aqua Planet, and Seongsan Ilchulbong. Depending on your preferences, you can adjust your itinerary to maximise your time on the Jeju Volcanic Island.

Find the best day tours in Jeju Island by clicking here for your adventure in South Korea.

Eco Land Lord of the Rings house replica house at ECO land.

The scenery at ECO Land is breathtaking.

Day 2: The Magnificent Scenery West of Jeju

On the second day of your Jeju Island tour, I highly recommend taking a stroll to the West of the Island. This part of Jeju exudes natural beauty that will leave you in awe.

You will be greeted by crystal-clear waters and pristine sandy beaches perfect for swimming and lounging. The picturesque scenery will leave you breathless, with lush greenery and stunning rock formations unique to Jeju Island.

To top it off, the local cuisine in this area is a must-try. You can sample mouth-watering food made with the freshest ingredients and bursting with flavour. This excursion to the West of Jeju Island is sure to be a highlight of your trip!

Mysterious Road

Mysterious Road is a fascinating attraction on Jeju Island that defies gravity and challenges the human senses. What appears to be an uphill slope is a magnetic downhill road. The optical illusion created by the surrounding landscape is so convincing that visitors are left in awe.

It’s hard to believe that objects placed on the road are rolling downhill when it seems they are moving uphill! This natural wonder has become a popular spot for tourists who love to experience this mysterious road’s unusual and mind-bending effects.

Hyeopjae Beach

Wollyeongri Cactus Village is a stunning rocky beach with natural black lava formations, black sand, and breathtaking views. The best thing to do here is relax and enjoy the scenery.

While you’re in the area, you can also visit Hallim Park, a subtropical nursery with various gardens. The water garden boasts a dazzling waterfall, and the traditional folk village has traditional houses and stone statues worth exploring.

The village is a sight to behold, with black lava rocks by the beach covered in thousands of small cacti. Notably, these cacti are not native to Korea and are believed to have travelled from Mexico through the Kuroshio stream.

Once you’ve caught your breath, you can enjoy a delicious beverage at one of the charming coffee shops in town. If you’d like to stay nearby, several accommodation choices exist within Wollyeongri Cactus Village.

Seogwang Tea Garden and Museum

If you’re visiting the west side of the Island, you must check out the Seogwang Tea Garden and Museum. The Seogwang Tea Garden is known for its size and for producing world-renowned high-quality tea. It is the largest tea plantation in the country, so tea lovers should stop here.

The O’Sulloc Tea Museum, the first of its kind in Korea, is located within the tea plantation. It is an excellent place to learn about tea culture in Korea, including its history and significance in the local culture.

The Innisfree Jeju House in Jeju is a must-visit attraction for female travellers. It is located close to the tea garden and offers a wide range of cosmetics and skincare products from this renowned brand.

The Chocolate Museum in Jeju Province

Nestled on Jeju Island, The Chocolate Museum is the second-largest museum of its kind in the world. As you approach the entrance, the museum’s construction, made entirely of volcanic lava stones, gives you a sense of entering an ancient castle.

Upon entering, you are greeted with the aroma of rich chocolate and the sight of three floors waiting to be explored. Each floor offers a unique experience where you can discover various aspects of chocolate making. From the history of chocolate to the process of making it, the museum provides a comprehensive guide to the chocolate industry.

You will also indulge in delicious chocolate samples that will leave your taste buds craving more. Before leaving, visit the gift shop to purchase your favourite chocolates to take home as a sweet souvenir.

Tropical Hallim Park

Tropical Hallim Park in Jeju-Si.

Day 3: Hallasan Mountain and South Jeju Island

On the third and last day of your Jeju Island itinerary, you can embark on an exciting adventure by waking up early and heading to Hallasan or Halla Mountain. This majestic mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an active volcano that offers several trails of varying difficulty levels to suit all visitors.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, you can choose the trail that best suits your physical ability and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The trails vary in length and difficulty, ranging from a gentle stroll to a challenging hike to the top of the mountain.

To ensure a comfortable trekking experience, it is recommended that you bring proper hiking shoes or, at the very least, comfortable rubber shoes. Jeju Island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers with its stunning natural scenery and diverse hiking trails.

Cheonjeyeon falls

If you’re looking for a breathtaking natural wonder, I highly recommend visiting the three majestic waterfalls located south of Jeju. Cheonjeyeon Falls stands out as the largest and most stunning.

Its name is derived from the belief that it was a favourite spot of the heavens. The crystal-clear waters cascade down the rocky terrain, creating a mesmerizing sight that will leave you in awe. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the beauty of this heavenly wonder!

Jeongbang Falls

If you’re visiting Jeju, you won’t want to miss a trip to Jeongbang Falls. According to Korean folklore, fairies used to bathe in these enchanting falls, making them a must-see. Jeongbang Falls is the only waterfall in Asia that flows directly into the open ocean, making it truly unique.

The top of the falls is covered in lush vegetation, which adds to its beauty and majesty. However, it’s worth noting that Jeongbang Falls is best visited during the summer when the weather is warm, and the falls are most spectacular.

Jusangjeolli Cliff ;

The Jusangjeolli Cliff is a natural wonder that will leave you in awe. These remarkable cliffs are exclusive to Jeju and the Korean mainland and are a fascinating geology display. Made up of basaltic lava, the cliffs rise vertically up to 20 meters above sea level during high tide, creating a spectacular sight that is hard to forget.

But the Jusangjeolli Cliff is more than just a natural wonder. This area is also steeped in history, particularly the Jeju Uprising, which took place in 1948. During this time, the Island was in a state of political unrest, and the uprising resulted in a brutal crackdown by the South Korean military. Today, visitors to the Jusangjeolli Cliff can learn about this important chapter in Korean history and pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the conflict.

Despite its tragic past, the Jusangjeolli Cliff remains a popular destination for tourists visiting Jeju Island. The towering cliffs and breathtaking views offer a genuinely unforgettable natural experience, and the added historical significance only adds to the area’s appeal. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a stunning natural wonder, the Jusangjeolli Cliff is an absolute must-visit destination.

Teddy Bear Museum

If you’re travelling with kids and looking for an exciting and unique experience, you won’t miss the Teddy Bear Museum in Korea. With three branches in Jeju Island, Seoul, and Gyeongju, you’re sure to find one that’s convenient for you.

The Jeju Island branch of the Teddy Bear Museum is especially noteworthy, as it features the most expensive teddy bear in the world, valued at an incredible $2.1 million. This museum is a must-visit destination for teddy bear enthusiasts, where they can explore the fascinating history of teddy bears and marvel at the impressive collection on display.

With its child-friendly exhibits, interactive displays, and engaging educational content, the Teddy Bear Museum is the perfect destination for families looking for a fun and educational day out. So why not plan a visit today and make some unforgettable memories with your loved ones?

Jeongbang Falls in Jeju.

Tourists flock to Jusangjeolli Cliff in Jeju.

A Recap of Your Jeju Itinerary

The statement suggests that the tourist attractions on Jeju Island are worth visiting for three days. However, if you find the Island captivating, extending your stay for at least one or two more nights is advisable to make the most of your Jeju itinerary.

Jeju Island is a volcanic island with much to offer regarding natural beauty, culture, and history. The Island’s attractions include beaches, waterfalls, caves, temples, museums, and more. Extending your stay will allow you more time to explore the Island’s hidden gems and immerse yourself in its unique culture.

Therefore, staying for more than three days is recommended to make the most of your Jeju Island experience on the Korean Peninsula during your memorable Asian Holiday.

Make the most of your time when visiting Jeju Island.

Great write-up of places to go in Jeju. I also found that the best thing to do in Jeju is EAT. The amount of fresh seafood is incredible.

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Jeju Autumn Itinerary: The Best 5-Day Jeju Road Trip Route

Home > South Korea

If you’re looking for the best Jeju autumn road trip itinerary, then you’ve come to the right place! After 2 years of planning our trip to South Korea , the restrictions were finally lifted and we could head back to explore even more of this beautiful country.

I spent 1,5 months exploring the entire country and of course, Jeju was also on this list! I knew immediately that 3 days here won’t do it for me – I wanted to see Udo and still manage to relax and not feel like I need to rush to see everything. It took me a lot of time to add and remove all the cafes and locations, and this itinerary is the result of all that hard work.

The best time to visit Jeju island in autumn is in October and the beginning of November. This way you will get too see the pink muhly, silver grass, and lots of beautiful autumn foliage! I really hope you will enjoy this Jeju autumn itinerary. Jeju is also worth visiting in winter if you don’t mind the cold and if you would like to see the camellia bloom.

Day 1 – North to East Jeju

Arrive to Jeju island in the morning of the Jeju autumn itinerary and pick up your rental. Getting your rental in Jeju isn’t that straightforward for foreigners – you’ll have to follow the signs that point to the shuttle bus that will take you to your rental agency.

But once you get to the bus platform it’s very hard to know exactly where to go since it’s all in Korean and there are many bus platforms. Especially if you missed the fact that the rental agencies will take you to the bus if you speak to them at the airport (we didn’t see them). Here you can ask if any locals can help you locate the car rental agency. Then they can help you point it on the map and you can take the shuttle from the correct platform!

You can easily book a car rental in Jeju here .

After you get your rental car, get the Jeju autumn road trip started and head straight to a brunch place. We searched a fair bit to find one that doesn’t only do desserts. If you’re very hungry, opt for Eastern Part and if you’re moderately hungry or just want a light meal or a drink after eating at Eastern Part, head to Cafe Delmoondo . 

Hamdeok Beach 함덕해수욕장

Spend a few moments by Hamdeok beach, a beautiful sand beach just in front of Cafe Delmoondo. 

Jeju Stone Park 김녕미로공원

A peaceful and interesting place with lots of Jeju statues, perfect for those of you who want to learn more about Jeju folklore.

If you are very interested in seeing this entire park, I recommend setting aside at least 4 hours since it is rather big. We decided not to visit all of the places inside the park and were there for about 1,5 hours instead.

Closed on Mondays, entrance fee is W5,000 for adults.

Kimnyeong Maze Park 김녕미로공원

A cool maze that is actually not very easy to get to the end of, with lots of kids’ entertainment at the start as well. If you happen to have a drone with you, maze looks pretty cool from above as well.

Jeju rail bike 제주 레일바이크

I won’t lie – the Jeju rail bike is old and rusty. But it does make for a fun and cheap activity if you want to do something a little different on this Jeju autumn road trip! We did our ride almost at sunset and had a lot of fun. You don’t even need to pedal, you literally just sit and enjoy the views. 

Make sure you book the ticket via Trazy since they’re cheaper online, at least 2 hours in advance (if you show up and book online you need to wait for the validity because that’s how they then upcharge you at entrance).

When you’re done with the activities on the first day, make sure you have an accommodation booking as close to the port as possible, on day two you are heading to the magical Udo Island!

Day 2 – East to South Jeju

Udo island 우도.

Udo island is a small island in Korea. It is located in the southern part of Jeju island and it is the smallest of all the inhabited islands. The population of Udo Island is less than 100 people and the area of Udo Island is only 3.2 km².

Udo Island has been called “the last place on earth” because it seems like no one lives anywhere else in all of Korea. It’s the perfect place to take it easy, see some sights, eat peanut ice cream and enjoy the pretty island views.

I created a guide for Udo Island so you can see what the best things to do there are there. In the guide you will get all the tips on how to get there, as well as how to best spend your time on Udo during your Jeju autumn road trip.

More about Udo island here:

1 Day in Udo Island: A Complete Travel Guide

Jeju woman diver show.

The Jeju woman diver show happens every day at 1.30 pm and 3pm. Walk towards Sunrise Peak (Seongsan Ilchulbong) and walk towards your left, down a flight of stairs to the beach. When we came to see the show in November 2022, this was just a 10-minute song and no diving.

So we preferred seeing them in a more authentic way on Udo island.

Seongsan Ilchulbong 성산 일출봉

After the women’s diver show, you could either head up to Seongsan Ilchulbong or opt for a more relaxing way to spend the afternoon.

Seongsan Ilchulbong, also called ‘Sunrise Peak’, is a natural wonder on Jeju Island. It is a crater that has been around for about 7,000 years and was formed when the volcano erupted and then cooled down. The crater has become a popular tourist attraction in Jeju Island because of its beauty, but it also has many other features that make it worth visiting.

The crater is home to many different plants and animals, including the Jeju Black Pine tree, which is only found in this region of Korea.

We decided to skip the hike to the top of the crater, and headed towards a cafe nearby.

Orda cafe 오르다카페

If you don’t want to hike up to Seongsan Ilchulbong but still want to enjoy the beautiful views of the peak, then walk towards Orda cafe. Here you’ll find an instagrammable staircase to heaven, drink a delicious hallabong ade and enjoy the beautiful views of the peak at sunset.

After sunset, start your drive towards Seogwipo, where you will be staying for the night. When arriving in Seogwipo, do the below two things before you go to bed and get ready for a new day on the Jeju autumn road trip.

Saeseom Island Saeyeongyo Bridge 새연교

Before you check in, stop by the Saeseom Island Saeyeongyo Bridge. The reason you should see it in the evening is because the sail-like shape is lit up at night and makes for a great night-time view. The bridge is a pedestrian overpass, so you could also walk on it, but the view is much better from the location you see on the map.

Seogwipo Olle Market 서귀포 매일올레시장

After checking in and resting up a little bit, head towards the night market for some street food. I can highly recommend you find the stand with the seasoned rice in layered eggs with black pork and signature homemade roux sauce. It was super delicious!

Day 3 – South to South West Jeju

After a nice rest and a yummy breakfast, get ready for an eventful day spent in the Jeju autumn vibes.

Jeongbang Waterfall 정방폭포

The Jeongbang waterfall is 25m high and located near Seogwipo. Is the most famous waterfall on Jeju island and considered as one of the top 10 scenic wonders of the island. The entrance fee for adults is W2,000 and the walk down to the waterfall is short and easy.

Hueree Nature Life Park 휴애리 자연생활공원

A beautiful nature park and one of my favorites on this autumn Jeju road trip. The entrance fee was a little higher than a regular park (priced at W13,000 for adults), but it was worth it! We saw three different pink muhly locations and lots of beautiful photos spots.

In autumn you could also do tangerine picking here, but I wouldn’t actually recommend it. It was a bit pricey and the location for the picking wasn’t as pretty compared to going to the farm we went to.

Lemon Museum 레몬뮤지엄

After the park, head to Lemon Museum for a refreshing lemonade and lemon cake. I can highly recommend this cafe, especially when the sun is shining.

Bong Bong Tangerine Farm 봉봉감귤체험농장

There are many places in Jeju where you can go tangerine picking, but Bong Bong farm has a beautiful location, only W2,000 kilo price and you can also eat an unlimited amount of tangerines while picking! So I would highly recommend you choose this place for the picking during your Jeju autumn itinerary. It’s open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, I recommend you arrive at the latest at 4 pm though.

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall 천지연폭포

At 22m high and 12m wide, this waterfall is one of the main tourist sights on Jeju Island. The main reason it’s so popular is due to its large volcanic rocks. It’s easily accessible and makes for a good short stop for all waterfall lovers.

Oedolgae 외돌개

Oedolgae, or “lone rock pillar”, is a 20m high and 10m wide rock formation which was formed when a volcano erupted about 150,000 years ago. It’s easily accessible from a parking lot and free to enter. I recommend you visit during sunset (like this Jeju itinerary suggests), purely for the beautiful colours at this seaside location.

After you catch the sunset at this last location, I suggest you head to Don-Eogil for some black Jeju pork and then rest up before the next day. You could opt for sleeping in Seogwipo again or somewhere in between the Innisfree Jeju house and Seogwipo.

Day 4 – South West to North Jeju

Innisfree jeju house 이니스프리 제주하우스.

I am a big fan of Innisfree (a Korean skincare brand), so I really wanted to come here during this Jeju autumn road trip to have a look at the products and have something to eat. We didn’t stay very long, but we did manage to taste the lava green tea dessert and some hallabong latte. Both were okay, but nothing extraordinary. After the snack, we headed to their tea fields to take some pictures.

Once you’re done here, also feel free to visit the Osulloc Tea Museum, where you can buy some tea to take home with you.

Jusangjeollidae 주상절리대

This cliff was created when the lava from Hallasan erupted into the sea and created these spectacular volcanic rock formations. The admission fee is W2,000 for adults and you can count on spending around 30 minutes here.

Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls 천제연폭포

Of all the waterfalls we visited on Jeju island, this one was based in one of the larger areas with a little more walking (nothing tough, just a little more time-consuming). Here you will be able to see three waterfalls, the Seonim bridge and a buddhist temple.

Lunch at One and Only 원앤온리

Head over to One and Only cafe and restaurant and enjoy lunch with a beautiful view by the beach.

Manor Blanc 마노르블랑

After lunch, head to the Jeju cafe called Manor Blanc for a coffee. Make sure everyone in your company wants to have one because there’s a rule to buy a drink for entering the property and its gardens. So think of it like a slightly pricier admission fee.

The gardens are quite small, but very beautiful and have a few nice corners for pictures. I recommend you spend about an hour here. The pink muhly fields are pretty here and you can find a spot with no people – perfect for those Jeju autumn photos!

Stay Quidi 스테이 쿠이디

We decided to head to Stay Quidi , a Stayfolio property, right at check-in time. This Jeju stone house is located in the cozy town called Gwideokpogu and we felt right at home from the moment we walked through the gates.

The minimalist design with splashes of colour catered to our Scandinavian hearts and we were super excited to spend the night here. The living space features a spacious kitchen and dining area, as well as a bathroom and a relaxing space before it. The sleeping space features the comfiest bed in a beautiful bedroom, a bathroom and a hallway you’ll actually want to spend time in.

We headed to the nearby supermarket to get some BBQ and somaek supplies. We had the best evening here just drinking, eating and chatting until 2 am. I can highly recommend this house for your Jeju road trip.

Day 5 – North Jeju

The final day of the Jeju autumn itinerary! Make sure your flight back to Seoul is booked for 8 pm or later if you want to do all of the below things today.

If you chose to stay at Stay Quidi or nearby (a popular place is also this one that you might have seen on the K-drama called Doom at your Service), make sure you leave enough space for a hearty breakfast, because you’ll get a great tip for a cafe now.

Breakfast at Cafe Malona 카페 말로나

We still can’t believe the feast we got in this cafe. If you’ve traveled around Korea a while, then you’ll know they like to put sugar in everything, even bread, pizza, and hot dogs. So we struggled every day to find something savory, without sugar in it.

And Malona really delivered! If there is one thing you absolutely cannot skip, it’s the shakshouka – it was so tasty!

Saebyeol Oreum 새별오름

If you’re also coming to Jeju in the beginning of November, then Saebyeol Oreum (volcanic hill) will be covered in silver grass. While it’s much nicer to take pictures at the base of this peak, for those of you used to hike, it will be no problem going up to see the views as well.

There is no admission and the path is well maintained. If you plan to hike up, make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

Arte Museum 아르떼뮤지엄 제주

Korea’s largest immersive media art museum and the perfect place to warm up after the hike. In the Arte Museum you will be able to wander around several rooms displaying media art, surrounding yourself in beautiful sounds and scenery.

One of the coolest things here was also the possibility of coloring an animal, scanning it and sending it to the jungle. You will then see your very own creature wander the screens in the museum as well.

You will need at least an hour to see everything here. The museum is open every day and the admission fee for adults is W17,000.

Coffee at Lazy Pump 레이지펌프

If you’re into aesthetic cafes with beautiful photo spots, then Lazy Pump is a must! Order an ade and a cake, sit down and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean.

Another cozy cafe to check out here (if you have the time) is Cafe Bomnal. It’s located just by the sea as well and you can take a little stroll while there.

White and Red Horse Lighthouse 이호테우해변 빨간말등대

After a coffee and a pick-me-up at Lazy Pump, start your drive toward the airport. The first stop as you make your way back on this Jeju autumn itinerary are the White and Red horse lighthouses. There’s parking right in front of both so you can easily see both from one spot. If you timed your day well, you’ll be here just before sunset.

Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road 도두 무지개 해안도로

The last stop before heading back to the airport is this rainbow coastal road! And don’t be too stressed if it’ll be crowded or not – it’s actually a very long strip so you’ll definitely be able to find a spot with no people. The coastal walk here has the ocean on one side and plenty of restaurants and cafes on the other. Depending on when your flight is, you could either have some dinner here or at the airport (we opted for the latter since we had to return the car rental as well).

The end of the Jeju autumn itinerary

This was all for this Jeju autumn road trip itinerary! I hope you enjoyed seeing all the autumn foliage in Jeju island. Below you can also see the map with all of the above locations. You can open the map on your laptop, or phone. If you have any questions for this Jeju road trip, just ask me below and I will do my best to help.

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The perfect 5 day Jeju itinerary | Jeju with kids

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Looking for the perfect Jeju itinerary? Travelling to Jeju with kids? I have it all covered in this post!

Jeju Island, often referred to as the Hawaii of South Korea, is the country’s most popular honeymoon destination. Known for its kitschy museums, erotica and spectacular volcanic scenery, it perhaps isn’t the first place that comes to mind when travelling as a family. However, we thought Jeju with kids was brilliant! Here is our 5 day Jeju itinerary along with plenty of travel tips for those planning a trip to Jeju Island!

Why did we visit Jeju with kids?

You may not have heard of Jeju (I certainly hadn’t before moving to China ), but it’s pretty well known in Asia. In fact, in 2017 there were a whopping 64,991 flights between South Korea’s capital, Seoul, and the island, and a total of 178 flights every day. Just south of the mainland of South Korea, Jeju was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in a 2011 global poll. Jeju was the most visited Asian cruise port in 2016. So there you have it- whilst most Europeans have never heard of this beautiful volcanic island , the Asians most certainly have!

It didn’t take long after we moved to Hangzhou , China, to hear about Jeju Island. Many fellow expats quickly filled us in on their travel adventures, recommending that we visit this wonderful island on our travels. With a direct flight from we were lived and the prospect of spectacular scenery, plenty of things to do and a bit of well need R&R, it was a no-brainer. Jeju with kids would be our first travel adventure from China . This video by Expedia, pretty much sums up all of the reasons why we chose to visit Jeju…

Getting around Jeju with kids

Now that we travel as a family, we love hiring a car. Living in China we miss the freedom of being able to hop in the car and go anywhere we please, any time we like! So we were thrilled to see that Jeju Island was the perfect destination to explore by road.

Hiring a car in Jeju requires a little more paperwork than most places we’ve travelled. You must have a driving license and an international driving permit. You can get this easily in the Post Office if you’re from the UK, although you do need to be able to go in in person or have somebody who can go on your behalf.

Car hire is pretty reasonably priced and it is easy to drive in Jeju- the traffic is calm and the roads are quiet. I usually book all of my car hire through Europe Car , but on this occasion we selected a car hire company on arrival (which was much cheaper). However, in peak periods the cars may all be fully booked so it is worth booking ahead if you can.

You can also get around the island by bus or taxi. As we were travelling with a toddler and a baby, however, we wanted to have the flexibility to determine our own schedules. If you want to read some of our tips for hiring a car, you can take a look at this post- Tips for hiring a car abroad.And don’t forget to bring your travel car seat !

Where to stay in Jeju with kids

Jeju Island is really small. You can drive from north to south in about an hour and from east to west in about 3 hours. We found that there were lots of accommodation options on the west side of the island, but we actually wanted to see things all over the island, so we wanted to place ourselves a bit more centrally.

On our first and last nights we stayed close to the airport. We had a late and an early flight and didn’t want the hassle of driving in the dark in an unknown place. We stayed in the Shilla Stay Jeju , which was conveniently only 10 minutes from the airport. It was nice and clean and spacious with great breakfast- exactly what you want after a long flight and a great way to start and end our Jeju itinerary!

For the rest of our trip we stayed in an Airbnb. I love Airbnb’s when we travel as a family. It’s so much easier to have separate bedrooms and the self-catering options that come with staying in an Airbnb. In fact, I love Airbnb so much that I’ve written a whole post about it. You can find this here- Why I love Airbnb .

I selected an Airbnb in the south of the island, this provided us with the perfect base for our Jeju itinerary, enabling us to travel to all of the areas that we wanted to visit without enduring too many hours in the car (essential with young children!). The furthest we travelled was a 45 minute drive.

However, if doing your own washing up and sweeping the floor after dinner (I have two kids-there is ALWAYS mess on the floor!) isn’t your thing, then there are also plenty of hotels on the island. You can use the search bar to see what’s available on your travel dates.

Our Jeju itinerary

We had five full days to explore Jeju Island with the kids, which was a great amount of time. Unfortunately though, we were hit by a typhoon on our arrival and there were torrential rains and hazardous driving conditions for the first couple of days. This meant that we didn’t manage to get everything done that we had hoped, so we could have done with a couple of extra days. Also, if you want to explore all of Jeju’s quirky museums then you might want to allow some extra time. For most people though, I think that 5 days is enough for the perfect Jeju itinerary.

Here are the things that we included in our 5 day Jeju itinerary, followed by some of the things that we wished we had had time for (maybe next time!).

1- Explore the many waterfalls

One of the reasons that Jeju with kids is such a great choice for family travel is because of all the natural attractions that there are to explore. We selected 2-3 things that we wanted to see each day and planned the order based on driving distance between each of the areas. This was really easy to do by car, but public transport would slow you down a bit. If you don’t have a car then you might want to consider booking a pre-organised or custom made tour, such as this one .

Luckily, the waterfalls are relatively close together. Whilst we chose to spread them out over two days (we didn’t want waterfall overload!), you could do them all in a day. The main waterfalls to visit are:

• Jeongbang Falls
• Cheonjeyeon Falls
• Cheonjiyeon Falls
• Sojeongbang Falls

All of the waterfalls are in close proximity to the Seogwipo area, which is conveniently where many tourists also choose to stay; making them very accessible.

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is in a very central location, with lots of amenities (shops, restaurants etc) around it. This waterfall is nice, but I personally found it a little underwhelming. For me, it was a bit too touristy. The paths were well made and lined with shops and it was a very busy place. We spent around an hour here, but that was mainly because Isla was feeding the fish (there are some impressive Koi Carp here). If we visited sans children I think our visit would have been shorter.

Jeongbang Falls are close by, although we didn’t actually make it here (I blame the typhoon-waterfalls in torrential rain probably aren’t the best of ideas…). Jeongbang falls look impressive and include a bit of a climb to see them up close. I’ve read that you should allow about half an hour to visit.

Similarly, Sojeongbang Falls are supposed to be quite pretty and worth a quick visit. Only a few minutes drive from Jeongbang Falls, they are a popular tourist attraction. However, be warned that these Falls do get very busy in the peak summer season!

Cheonjeyeon Falls were my favourite. A short drive out of Seogwipo, this series of three large waterfalls felt much more natural and less touristy to me. Yes, there were some gift shops and fruit sellers in the car park, but the walk to the falls felt much more scenic and serene than Cheonjiyeon (yes, the names are so similar-it’s rather confusing).

You will need to allow longer to visit Cheonjeyeon Falls than the other two, because there are three waterfalls here. There is a short walk to reach each waterfall. There is also a temple, a large, picturesque bridge, and some fountains that you can go and see. We spent a couple of hours here in total. Isla loved looking for spiders whilst walking down to the falls and throwing coins into the fountain whilst making lots of wishes. Saya also loved taking in all of the sights and sounds from her Tula carrier .

2- Hike up Sunrise Peak

Sunrise Peak, or Seongsan Ilchulbong as it is officially named, is a must-see on any Jeju itinerary, kids or no kids!

This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Jeju Island’s most famous geographical features, and there is no question as to why. Set on the south east side of the island, this volcanic crater offers spectacular views of Jeju. Tourists can take the short hike up and enjoy the views from the top.

Whilst the climb might look challenging when you’re at the bottom, it really isn’t! It takes around half an hour to climb to the top and is doable for anyone with moderate fitness levels. I did it whilst carrying the children in tandem AND Isla was throwing herself around having a toddler tantrum (yep- the terrible twos were here in full force!). So if I can do it, anyone can!

3- Climb Mount Hallasan

Mount Hallasan is the highest point on Jeju Island, peaking at 6398ft. Whilst it’s no Mount Kilimanjaro (did I tell you I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro !?), if you’re into hiking then it should definitely be included on your Jeju itinerary.

Unfortunately, we didn’t feel that we were able to do the full Mount Hallasan hike in Jeju with kids. It is a full day of hiking (like 8-10 hours) and we didn’t think that Isla would be happy to be carried for that length of time.

So instead, we opted to take a shorter route, that still allowed us to get up high and hike in the clouds (this was a pretty cool experience for Isla- how many two year olds can say that they have walked through clouds?). There are five trails that you can choose from, only two of which summit Mount Hallasan.

We were really short on time so we opted for the shortest hike which took the Eoseungsaengak Trail. This trail took around 30 minutes to climb to the top, where you can see beautiful views of the island and the peak of Hallasan on a clear day (all we saw were clouds).

Whilst I was a bit disappointed not have been able to do the full hike, I know not doing the full day hiking was the right decision for the kids. At least this gives me an excuse to go back to Jeju another time!

If you’re interested in hiking Mount Hallasan you can do it independently or as part of an organised tour .

4- Explore the Manjanggul Lava Tubes

Whether you are travelling Jeju with kids or not, you will be amazed by the Manjanggul Cave ! I know what you’re thinking- ‘ok, I’ve seen caves before, what makes this one so special?. These were my exact thoughts. But I was pleasantly surprised and I would absolutely recommend a visit to the Manjanggul Lava Tubes as an additional to any Jeju itinerary!

You see, the Manjanggul Lava Cave is no ordinary cave! It is in fact one long tube that was created by lava. This is very different from other caves that I have visited on my travels. The shape, the rock formations and the sheer size were totally different from a normal cave.

We spent a couple of hours at the Manjanggul Cave, exploring the tunnel and splashing in the puddles. Tip- don’t forget to pack your umbrella, because it’s very wet inside! This was the first time I had ever needed to use an umbrella INSIDE…!

5- Relax at the beach

Jeju is known as the Hawaii of South Korea. Well, this did lead me to expect many beautiful beaches, which was not exactly what we found. Apparently there are many beautiful beaches , which I suspect are largely on the west side of the island, where we didn’t go. We did, however, have a couple of trips down to Pyoseon Beach, which was only a couple of minutes drive from our Airbnb .

Whilst there was no lounging in the sun drinking cocktails (did I mention that we were in a TYPHOON!?), it was nice to have some rest time, aka play time (rest time with two young children, what’s that!?), on the beach . The girls enjoyed playing and it was the first time I had let baby Saya loose in the sand, which is great for baby sensory and all that, but man did it take me a long time to get her cleaned up afterwards!

6- Get lost at in a maze

There honestly is no shortage of things to do in Jeju, even if it is raining! Whilst I had planned to go hiking or sit on a beach, these weren’t exactly the best activities during a typhoon. So we spent an afternoon at the Maze Park instead.

Ok, so the mazes are still outside. But as long as it’s not torrential, rain doesn’t take away from the fun too much. Maze Land is the main theme park to visit if you’re into mazes. Maze Land has the largest stone maze in the world and it has several mazes and maze-related activities.

We actually went to Maze Park, simply because we stumbled upon it on route one day. Maze Park has only one maze and a small play park. Oh, and it has lots of cats, and I mean lots. So many that it’s actually kind of creepy….

7- Hike the Olle trails

Did I mention that Jeju is a GREAT place to go if you enjoy hiking? The island’s well-known Olle Trails are a must for anyone who enjoys spending time in the scenic, fresh air.

There are a total of 26 routes, consisting of 21 main routes and five sub-routes. Each route differs in length and difficulty. This is great for people travelling Jeju with kids, elderly people or those with physical impairments, because it means that you do not have to commit to long hikes if you don’t want to. The duration of routes ranges from as little as an hour to as much as eight hours. The trails pass through various landscapes along the way, including small villages, beaches, farms and forests. 

Isla loved going out walking on the island. She would search for crabs or bird watch and we would sing her favourite nursery rhymes as we walked.

If you are interested in hiking but are not sure where to start, there are some brilliant tours available that take you off-the beaten path. Tours range from epic 7 day hiking adventures to day tours .

8- Visit some of Jeju’s quirky museums

My husband and I typically avoid museums on our travels. We are not fans of reading scripts though glass and the kids definitely get bored unless there is some kind of game type activity. However, even we were intrigued by the array of unusual and quirky museums that Jeju Island has to offer!

Despite its small size, Jeju Island has almost 100 museums! Wow! Here is a list of some of the most popular museums:

• Chocolate Museum
• Hello Kitty Island
• Jeju Glass Castle
• Jeju Love Land
• Psyche World
• Teddy bear museum
• Trick Art Museum
• World Automobile Museum
• Dak Paper Doll Museum
• Alive Museum
• The Museum of Sex and Health
• Hallim Park
• Spirited Garden
• Jeju Folklore and Natural Museum
• Haenyeo Museum
• Jeju National Museum
• Jeju Folk Village
• Teseum Jeju
• Angel and Woodcutter Museum

9- Drive down the ‘mysterious road’

The mysterious road in Jeju is pretty cool, and we ended up here entirely by accident! It’s basically a road that appears to defy gravity. There is a start and a finish line and cars line up to take turn rolling UP the road!

I won’t pretend to know how it works, but it was very interesting to see all of these cars rolling up the hill with their hazard lights on. I took a short video of our experience so you can see what is was like.

If you have the opportunity, I would recommend that you include a drive down the mysterious road on your Jeju itinerary!

10- Search for crabs in the lava fields

Jeju with kids can be such great fun. Not because of the theme parks or the children meals in restaurants. Not because there are playgrounds everywhere or because the hotel rooms come with cots or baby baths. Jeju is great for kids because of the nature!

There is so much fun (and learning) to be had in Jeju. Isla loved looking for crabs on the Olle trails, feeding the fish at the waterfalls and running in and out of the waves on the beach (despite the rain!). Travel really can be the best education and it’s so great that she doesn’t ask for Peppa Pig or Paw Patrol, she is just totally and utterly engrossed and intrigued by the nature all around her.

As you can see, we had an action-packed Jeju itinerary! We spent five busy days on Jeju with kids and I feel like we could have easily stayed another 5 days, because there is so much to do! Whether you’re heading to Jeju on your honeymoon, on a group tour, a solo traveller or exploring Jeju with kids, there really is something for everyone – and don’t forget to bring home some of the best souvenirs from South Korea !

If you have any questions about travelling in Jeju or about family travel in general, feel free to leave a comment or follow our travels on social media!

What’s on your Jeju itinerary? Leave your comments below!

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