Looking to visit the most popular vacation destination for South Koreans? Jeju Island, located off the southern most tip of the country, is the largest island in South Korea. This volcanic island is known for its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and UNESCO heritage sites. You may also hear it referred to as the “Island of the Gods”, due to local legends that the first inhabitants of the island were three demigods! It’s the home to Korea’s tallest mountain, Hallasan Mountain, which is a shield volcano at the center of the island. Jeju Island is a special self-governing province – meaning the local government has more autonomy over decisions related to their economy and governance than a normal province would.
This is the third installment of my Traveling Vicariously series, taking a look at how my mom and her friends spent two late-spring days on Jeju Island in South Korea. I’ve also included additional sightseeing, restaurant, and hotel ideas that I’m considering for my own trip in the future! Be sure to also check out my Seoul and Day Trips from Seoul posts if you’re planning a longer trip through South Korea.
Getting Around
Its relatively easy to get to Jeju Island from South Korea and other nearby Asian countries. In Korea, most people fly to the island from one of three airports: Seoul, Busan, or Cheongju. Direct flights from other major Asian cities include: Shanghai and Beijing in China, Osaka in Japan, Taipei City in Taiwan, Bangkok in Thailand, and Singapore. Many of these cities have daily flights to the island.
The easiest way to get around the island is by renting a car, but make sure you get an international driving permit before your trip! The rules vary by country, but US Citizens can apply for one through AAA.
Jeju Attractions
Osulloc Tea Museum
Opened in 2001, the Osulloc Tea Museum aims to spread Korean tea culture to the masses. It’s located at the entrance of the Seowang Tea Garden, a massive organic tea farm on the western side of the island. The museum is one of the most popular attractions on Jeju Island, with over 2 million tea enthusiasts visiting annually. The grounds include a roastery, tea education space where you can take classes, farm/garden, tea terrace, gift shop, and café. Book your own experience directly through the museum or as part of a larger day tour on Klook!
The main focus is the gift shop, where you can buy all different kinds of tea and tea-related products (including skincare). I have a green tea mask that I can’t wait to try! Next stop over at the café where they have a variety of delicious tea drinks and tea flavored desserts. Pictured below is the hallabong orange drink, matcha swirl soft serve, and hallabong roll cake with ice cream. Before you leave make sure to take a stroll through the plantation grounds, which is a popular spot for photos.
Jungmun Saekdal Beach
Generally considered to be one of the top 10 beaches in all of South Korea, Jungmun Saekdal Beach is a great spot for sunbathing, reading, and just taking a break from exploring the island. This multi-colored sand beach is located in the Jungmun Tourist District on the southern coast of the island. It’s on the small side and surrounded by cliffs, making it more secluded and a bit of a trek to get to (LOTS of steps).
If you’re not the type that likes to sit still, the beach also has some water-related activities like para-sailing, paddle boarding, and water skiing! In the evenings many local food vendors set up near the beach, as it’s a popular location to take a walk and enjoy the sunset. There are no fees to use the beach, making it a great budget-friendly way to spend a few hours or the whole day!
Haenyeo Museum
If you’re a fan of unique history/cultural learning experiences, the Haenyeo Museum is the perfect way to spend a morning. Haenyeo are female divers from Jeju Island that make their living freediving (diving without breathing tanks/apparatuses) for shellfish, urchins, seaweed, and other seafood. This group of women are known for their unique breathing/diving techniques, which allow them to hold their breath for up to 2 minutes while diving up to 20 meters deep! At their peak in the 1960s, there were about 23,000 active Haenyeo divers in Jeju. Their numbers are waning, with only around 2,600 active Haenyeo as of 2024 (just 271 of which are under 60 years old!).
The museum’s goal is to introduce visitors to the Jeju Haenyeo, in an effort to preserve their activities and culture. There are three main exhibition areas where you’ll learn about their lifestyles, fishing gear, and the local fishing culture. It only takes about an hour or so to tour the entire museum.
Additional Ideas
In case you don’t want a ton of down time and need some more itinerary ideas, these are popular as well!
- Geomunoreum and Manjanggul Lava Tubes – part of Jeju Island’s UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Geomunoreum is considered the best example of these cave systems in the world.
- Bijarim Forest – a protected natural monument with over 2,000 bija trees ranging from 500 to 800 years old.
- Jeju Stone Park – a park and museum highlighting the historical use and significance of stone on Jeju Island.
- Udo Island – the second largest island in the area, known for its beaches and scenic cliffsides.
Looking for more to do on Jeju Island in South Korea? Check out these great options!
Food & Drinks
Jeju Island is most known for its seafood, black pig, and hallabong (a cross between an orange and a tangerine). Due to the island’s popularity with tourists you will also find many nontraditional food options as well, including pizza, burgers, and Indian cuisine.
Where to Eat
Dalchijeu – 35 Haenyeobangmulgwan-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.
A café with ocean views, housed in a traditional Jeju style cottage serving coffee, smoothies, sweet cheesy breads, pizza, salad, and beer. It’s a great option for either breakfast or lunch.
The Cliff Cafe & Pub – 154-17 Jungmungwangwang-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.
This three-story beachfront cafe and pub is definitely not traditional, meaning it’s a bit more expensive because it’s tourist-focused. But it’s still a great spot for cocktails and to unwind if you’re staying in a resort nearby. They even have a house/techno DJ at night!
BHC chicken – 29-9 Jungmungwangwang-ro 72beon-gil, Saekdal-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.
This popular fast-casual Korean fried chicken chain has locations all over South Korea, as well as in Canada, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, and even the US! Go with the Retro for a classic fried chicken, or if you like a little spice then try the Matcho King.
Want to Try List
Cafe Del Moondo – 519-10 Johamhaean-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.
A popular cafe overlooking Hamdeok Beach with lots of outdoor seating that serves pastries and drinks.
Crown Pig – 84 Sanggamokjang-gil, Aewol-eup, Cheju, Jeju-do.
This Korean BBQ spot featuring Jeju black pork is run by former fine dining chef and MasterChef Korea Season 4 judge Song Hoon.
The Booze Jeju – 5-4 Nohyeong 11-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.
A modern speakeasy accessed via the back wall of a red phonebooth!
Dongmun Market – 20 Gwandeok-ro 14-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.
The largest and oldest permanent market on the island, known for it’s fresh seafood, fruit, souvenirs, and street food.
Arboretum Night Market – 69 Eunsu-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.
Also known as the Sumokwon Night Market, this nightly market features a variety of Asian and fusion street food stalls/trucks. It’s located in a pine forest near the Halla Arboretum.
Where to Stay
The most popular areas to stay on Jeju Island in South Korea are: Jeju City, Seogwipo, Jungmun Tourist Complex, or Seongsan. Where you choose really depends on your personal preference and what you’re interested in doing during your trip! Popular attractions near each area include:
- Jeju City – Halla Arboretum, Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum, Dongmun Market, and the Jeju National Museum.
- Seogwipo – Hallasan National Park, Jeongbang Waterfall, Munseom Island, and the Seogwipo Forest of Healing.
- Jungmun Tourist Complex – Jungmun Saekdal Beach, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, Jusangjeollidae, and the Osulloc Tea Museum.
- Seongsan – Seongsan Ilchulbong, Gwangchigi Beach, Udo Island, and the Haenyeo Museum.
Hotel Highlight: Lotte Hotel Jeju
Located within the Jungmun Tourist Complex, the Lotte Hotel Jeju is very popular with tourists from the United States. This resort has 4 restaurants and lounges, as well as an all-season outdoor pool, indoor pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and a spa. The rooms are a bit basic/dated, but the rest of the resort makes up for it. Don’t be deterred by the 5-Star hotel label, thanks to the conversion rate between USD and Won it wasn’t nearly as expensive as I would’ve expected it to be!
35 Jungmungwangwang-ro 72beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.
Additional Hotels to Consider
Hotel Leo – Jeju City – 14 Sammu-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.
Located in the heart of Jeju City, this hotel is a convenient 10 minute drive from the airport and within walking distance of many restaurants and bars.
Casaloma Hotel – Seogwipo – 347 Taepyeong-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.
This hotel is especially popular with couples and families alike, thanks to its rooftop pool and terrace with amazing views.
Breeze Bay Hotel – Seongsan – 42 Seongsandeungyong-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seongsan, Jeju-do.
An affordable option with clean, spacious rooms. Great for those looking to hike nearby Seongsan Ilchulbong – a volcanic cone known for its view at sunrise.
What’s your favorite thing to see, do, or eat on Jeju Island in South Korea?
Let me know in the comments!
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