Top 14 Jeju Island Attractions You must Visit

Jeju Island is the largest island in South Korea, located in the Jeju Province. The island lies in the Korea Strait, below the Korean Peninsula, south of the South Jeolla Province. Jeju has a moderate climate; even in winter, the temperature rarely falls below 0 °C (32 °F). Jeju is a popular holiday destination and a sizable portion of the economy relies on tourism and economic activity from its civil/naval base.

Jeju Island History

Every Korean student learns about the history of Jeju during their time at school because Jeju Island is a place where history is still alive. Let’s take a look at Jeju’s history from the Three Kingdom Period through the Goryeo and Choseon Dynasties and Japanese colonial period, and up to the tumultuous years of modern history.

Tamna is Jeju’s old name, meaning “island country.” The process of settlement of Tamna on Jeju Island is illustrated by Tamna’s settlement myth, which is known as Samseong shinhwa. To see archaeological evidence of the early settlement of Jeju, visit Samyang-dong Prehistoric Site, which has been designated Historic Site No.416. The site contains the earliest known and largest residential remains in Jeju, dating back to the third century B.C. during the proto-Three Kingdoms Period. This site shows society during the period of Tamna formation (200 B.C. ~ 200 A.D.) Tamna is known to have been an active trading partner with Baekje, Goguryeo and Silla during the Three Kingdoms Period. Tamna also had diplomatic relations with the Dang Dynasty in China and Japan after Baekje was destroyed by an allied force of Silla and Dang. Tamna was historically known as the independent Kingdom of the Sea. It became subjected to the Goryeo Dynasty, and its name was changed to Jeju. meaning “a big province across the sea.”

In 1948, Jeju suffered through the April 3rd Incident, which is regarded as the one of the worst tragedies in modern Korean history. Tens of thousands of lives were sacrificed and about 130 villages were destroyed. The April 3rd Incident was like a gale that swept across Jeju over a period of about seven years. Because of this, it is not unusual to find historical sites related to the April 3rd Incident everywhere on the island. Jeju has since become an island of tourism and world peace, but if you want to experience true peace, you should first know about the tragic time that Jeju endured. If you pass by without understanding that history, your tour will only be half complete. Jeju’s April 3rd Peace Park was established to look back on the April 3rd Incident and is utilized as an educational place for peace and human rights. The main facilities include sites at which to remember the victims, such as Memorial Tower, Memorial Altar, Memorial Plaza, April 3rd Historical Center, April 3rd Cultural Center and Sculptures of Symbols.

Click here to check on their website

Best Things to do in Jeju Island

  • Hallasan National Park
  • Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
  • Bijarim Forest
  • Seopjikoji
  • Udo Island
  • Seongeup Folk Village
  • Jeju Jeolmul Recreational Forest
  • Manjanggul Cave
  • Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
  • Hamdeok Beach
  • Jeju Love Land
  • Seogwang Tea Garden
  • Hallim Park
  • Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market

Hallasan National Park - Jeju-do National Geopark (한라산 (제주도 국가지질공원))

Image by Richardfabi~commonswikimedia

Hallasan Mountain stands proudly at the center of Jeju Island and is perhaps the island’s most memorable landmarks. Also called Yeongjusan Mountain, meaning “mountain high enough to pull the galaxy,” Hallasan Mountain is widely known by scientists for its geological value. Designated as a national park in 1970, there are 368 parasitic volcanoes called Oreums (peaks) around the main mountain.

Hallasan Mountain is famous for its vertical ecosystem of plants that results from the varying temperatures along the mountainside. Over 1,800 kinds of plants and 4,000 species of animals (3,300 species of insects) have been identified; to explore the mountain’s treasures, simply follow one of the well-developed mountain hiking trails.

Hallasan Mountain is relatively easy to hike. With hiking courses less than 10 kilometers 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 visitors must be well prepared before hiking.

Useful Informations

  • Phone: +82-64-710-3945
  • Address: 2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
    제주특별자치도 제주시 1100로 2070-61
  • Homepage: geopark.jeju.go.kr
  • Hiking Course
    [Yeongsil Trail] 5.8km
    Yeongsil Rest Stop – Byeongpungbawi Rock – Uitse Oreum – Nambyeok Point

    [Gwaneumsa Temple Trail] 8.7 km
    Gwaneumsa Camping Site – Tamna Valley – Gaemideung – Samgakbong Peak Shelter – Summit (Dongneung)

    [Seongpanak Trail] 9.6 km
    Seongpanak Trail Information Center – Sokbat Shelter – Saraak Oreum Entrance – Azalea field – Summit (Dongneung)

    [Donnaeko Trail] 7 km
    Donnaeko Trail Information Center – Pyeonggue Shelter – Nambyeok Point

  • Facility Utilization Fees
    [Campsite Fees]
    Small (for 3 people or fewer): 3,000 won
    Medium (for 4-9 people): 4,500 won
    Large (for 10 people or more): 6,000 won

    [Shower Facility]
    Adults 600 won / Teenagers 400 won/ Children 300 won

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal, take Bus No. 740 (Jeju, Yeongsil, Jungmun), and get off at Eorimok Trail Entrance Bus Stop.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak

Image by © whyyan / Flickr

The other beautiful attractions you want to visit in Jeju is Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. This peak is located on the eastern of Jeju Island, south korea.

The north of Seongsan Ilchulbong peak is a grassy hill that connect directly to the Seongsan Village, such an ideal spot for walking and horse riding.

You can also enjoy the beautiful sunrise and landscape from here.

Useful Informations

  • Phone: +82-64-783-0959
  • Address: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
    제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 일출로 284-12
  • Homepage: www.visitjeju.net
  • Opening Hours: 07:30-19:30
    Closed on First Monday of every month
  • Admission Fees
    Individuals – Adults 5,000 won / Teenagers & Children 2,500 won

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal, take a Direct Bus bound for Seongsan and get off at Seongsalliipgu Bus Stop. Walk for approx. 1km

Bijarim Forest (비자림)

Image by Expedia

Designated Natural Monument No. 374, Bijarim Forest is a group of about 2,800 nutmeg yew trees between 500 and 800 years old. The trees measure 7-14 meters in height and 50-110 centimeters in diameter, with canopy spread of 10-15 meters. In the past, the trees were harvested for pine nuts, as well as used for the construction of quality furniture and baduk game boards.

In addition to the large colony of nutmeg yew, the forest is also home to many rare orchid species. The trees emit a lot of phytoncide, which is said to strengthen the immune system and boost the natural healing ability of the human body. Nearby attractions include volcanic cones like Abuoreum and Yongnunioruem, perfect for a more energetic walk and a view of Bijarim Forest from above.

Useful Informations

  • Phone: +82-64-710-7912
  • Address: Bijasup-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
    제주특별자치도 제주시 구좌읍 비자숲길 일대
  • Homepage: www.visitjeju.net
  • Opening Hours: 09:00-18:00
    * Last admission 1 hour before closing
  • Admission Fees
    Individuals – Adults 3,000 won / Teenagers & Children 1,500 won

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus Donghae line.
– Get off at Pyeongdae-ri or Sehwa-ri Bus stops.
– Transfer to the shuttle bus and get off at Bijarim forest.

Seopjikoji (섭지코지)

Image by Engin Cukuroglu • CC BY-SA 4.0

Seopjikoji gets its name from its shape, jutting out to sea, with ‘koji’ being the Jeju dialect for a cape. Located just south of Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, the cape is a popular tourist attraction. The tuff cone along with a beautiful vista of the ocean and fields of canola flowers can easily be seen from the peak of Seopjikoji. On top of the hill stands a beacon fire station, reaching 4 meters in height with a diameter of 9 meters, built using volcanic rocks. Behind the beacon fire station is Bulgeunoreum Volcanic Cone, vibrant with red soil. The white lighthouse atop the cone stands out in contrast. Seopjikoji has been used as a filming site for many Korean movies and dramas.

Useful Informations

  • Phone: +82-64-740-6000
  • Address: 107, Seopjikoji-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
    제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 섭지코지로 107
  • Homepage: www.visitjeju.net

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Seogwipo Intercity Bus terminal, take bus no. 910 and get off at Seopjikoji Bus stop. take a taxy for 5 min to Seopjikoji entrance.

udo Island

Image by Trazy

Situated 3.8 kilometers off the south-east coast of Jeju Island, Udo Island was named because it resembles a lying cow. The length of the island is 3.8 kilometers and the circumference is 17 kilometers. Since Joseon period (1679) people have lived in Udo Island, with most living as a farmer or in the fishing industry. The island boasts fertile soil, abundant schools of fish, and scenic sights; local heritages (female divers, stone walls, and stone tombs) as well as natural attractions abound on the island, making it a miniature of Jeju Island. The island is also full of amenities and tourism outlets: fishing, bike trails, sand massages, submarine tours and cruises. 

Useful Informations

  • Phone: +82-64-782-5671
  • Address: 153, Udo-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
    제주특별자치도 제주시 우도면 우도로 153 (우도면사무소)
  • Admission Fees
    Fees below include ferry, admission, and service fee.

    [Round-trip]
    Adults 8,500 won / Middle, High school students 8,100 won / Elementary students 3,200 won / Preschoolers (ages 3-7) 2,400 won / Senior citizens 7,000 won

    [One way (to Udo)]
    Adults 5,000 won / Middle, High school students 4,600 won / Elementary students 2,000 won / Preschoolers (ages 3-7) 1,200 won / Senior citizens 3,500 won

    [One way (from Udo)]
    Adults 3,500 won / Middle, High school students 3,500 won / Elementary students 1,200 won / Preschoolers (ages 3-7) 1,200 won / Senior citizens 3,500 won

    * Separate charges applied to vehicles and bicycles. Inquire via phone call for rates.

How to get here:
By [Bus + Ferry]
From Jeju intercity bus terminal, take a bus no. 701 to Seongsanhang port bus stop. walk for 12 min to Seongsanhang port passenger ferry terminal. and go to Udo island by ferry.

Seongeup Folk Village

Image by Lost in sphere

Folk Village is always a good choice when it comes to travelling South korea. Seongeup Folk village is located at the foot of Hallasan mountain on Jeju Island, South Korea.

It is a small town that have an authentic landscape of culture property handed down from generation to generation, includes residential houses, confucian shrines and schools, stone statues, large millstones and stone monuments. This village is also show you the unique culture of local Jeju island, include the local tongsi or as known as traditional jeju restroom.

Useful Informations

  • Phone: +82-64-710-6797
  • Address: 19, Seongeupjeonguihyeon-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
    제주특별자치도 서귀포시 표선면 성읍정의현로 19
  • Homepage: www.visitjeju.net

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Jeju Intercity Bus terminal, take an intercity bus to Beonnyeong-ro. get off at Seongeup 1(il)-ri office bus stop. go around the corner and walk for 200m.

Jeju Jeolmul Recreational Forest

Image by Jeju Tourism

Jeju Jeolmul Recreational Forest is located northeast of Hallasan Mountain on Jeju Island. Jeolmul Oreum, the park’s main mountain, is famous for its beautiful Japanese cedar forest. Jeolmul Oreum is about 697 meters high and was created by volcanic activity. The peak boasts amazing views. On clear days, it is even possible to see all the way to Seongsan Ilchubong Peak in the eastern coast of the island.

Useful Informations

  • Phone: +82-64-728-1510
  • Address: 584, Myeongnim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
    제주특별자치도 제주시 명림로 584 (봉개동)
  • Homepage: jeolmul.jejusi.go.kr
  • Operating Hours
    Ticketing 07:00-18:00
    Accommodations 15:00-12:00 (next day)
  • Admission Fees
    Adults: 1,000 won / Group: 800 won
  • Facility Utilization Fees
    Accommodations (Peak season or weekends / Low season & weekdays)

    Forest House
    Room for 4 people (27㎡): 67,000 won / 37,000 won
    Room for 6 people (34㎡): 85,000 won / 46,000 won
    Room for 8 people (50㎡): 120,000 won / 69,000 won
    Room for 11 people (66㎡): 135,000 won / 81,000 won
    Room for 12 people (82.5㎡): 184,000 won / 104,000 won

    Forest Training Center
    Room for 20 people (87㎡): 180,000 won / 120,000 won

    Hyuyanggwan
    Room for 6 people (33㎡): 77,000 won / 42,000 won
    Room for 8 people (50㎡): 107,000 won / 63,000 won

    * Peak season: July-August
    * Weekends: Friday-Saturday & the day before each holiday
    * Admission & parking fees are exempted for lodging guests

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Jeju International Airport, take bus no. 300 to dongmun rotary. transfer to bus 1 and get off at Jeolmul recreational forest.

Manjanggul Cave

Image by Cavinteo

I guess many of you come to Jeju for trying this famous cave. Manjanggul Cave is one of the greatest lava tunnel, not just in South Korea, but in the world. There’s some rare animals living in the tunnel with stone pillars and stalactites all around this tunnels and makes this cave is kinda interesting for researchers as well.

Useful Informations

  • Phone: +82 64-710-7903
  • Address: 182 Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
  • Homepage: www.letskorail.com
  • Opening Hours: 09.00 – 18.00
    Last admission 1 hour before closing.
  • Admission Fee: 4,000 won

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Jeju International Airport, take bus no. 101 to Haenyeo Museum Bus Stop then take bus no. 711-1 to Manjanggul Cave Bus stop.

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall

Image by LUISIENA REX from Pixabay

The water of Cheonjiyeonpokpo Falls, meaning “sky connected with land,” appears to fall from the heavens, giving the falls its name. Apart from the wild dampalsu trees, designated as Natural Monument No. 163, the wooded area also contains a great variety of rare plants such as brambles, songyeopnan as well as gusiljappam trees, sanyuja trees (Chinese lemon trees), and camellias which all make up a forest specified as Natural Monument No. 379. Take a walk along the subtropical path towards the Cheonjiyeonpokpo Falls for a kilometer and you will be able to hear the magnificent sound of the water falling.

 

Useful Informations

  • Phone: +82-64-710-3945
  • Address: Cheonji-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
    제주특별자치도 서귀포시 천지동
  • Homepage: geopark.jeju.go.kr 
  • Operating Hours
    09:00-22:00 (Last ticketing 21:20)
  • Admission Fees
    Individual: Adults 2,000 won/ Teenagers & Children 1,000 won

How to get here:
By [Bus + Taxy]
From Jeju Intercity bus terminal, take bus no. 516 to seogwipo. get off at last stop and take a taxy for 3 min.

Hamdeok Beach

Located 14 kilometers east of Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal and with easy access, Hamdeok Beach is famous for its clean and shallow water, attracting many visitors during summer. The beach offers great scenery with its emerald-blue water, an arched bridge over black basalt, and a red lighthouse. Shielded from wind by the the curving of the shore, both sides of the beach are quite calm despite the change of wind directions, making it an ideal place for kayaking. A fishing area as well as a watermelon patch are located two kilometers east of the beach.

Useful Informations

  • Phone: +82-64-728-3989
  • Address: Johamhaean-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
    제주특별자치도 제주시 조천읍 조함해안로 (조천읍)
  • Homepage: www.visitjeju.net

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Jeju International Airport, take bus no. 101 to Haenyeo Museum Bus Stop then take bus no. 711-1 to Manjanggul Cave Bus stop.

Jeju Love Land

Jeju Love Land is a theme sculpture park based on sensuality and eroticism. Twenty artists, mainly graduates of top art school Hongik University, helped open it in November 2004. It was the first such museum in Korea at that time. The spacious park (39,667m²) is home to over 140 sculptures (40 within the gallery and 100 outside). The park as a whole looks like a piece of land art.

Jeju Love Land is open every day and it usually takes 30-40 minutes to look around the park. Jeju Love Land houses a glass-dome restaurant, an outdoor café, an art shop, and various works which visitors can touch. Jeju Love Land is an attractive place where art and eroticism meet in cool, fun, humorous styles.

Useful Informations

  • Phone: +82-64-712-6988
  • Address: 2894-72, Cheonbaengi-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
    제주특별자치도 제주시 1100로 2894-72 (연동)
  • Homepage: www.jejuloveland.com 
  • Operating Hours
    09:00-24:00 (Last ticketing: 23:00)
  • Admission Fees
    Adults 12,000 won / Group 11,000 won

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Jeju international Airport, take bus bound for chuksanjinheungwon and get off at dokkabi road bus stop.

Seogwang Tea Garden

Tea garden that is really beautiful in South Korea other than Boseong Green tea fields, is Seogwang tea garden. In which is located in Seogwipo, Jeju island, famous for well manage and the largest tea plantation and greatest in quality in South korea. The tea leaves is in high quality here because it receive exactly the right amount of sun to make it the best quality tea leaves among the other region.

Useful Informations

  • Phone: +82-64-796-0001
  • Address: 300, Hallim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
    제주특별자치도 제주시 한림읍 한림로 300 (한림읍)
  • Homepage: www.osulloc.com 

How to get here:
By [Bus]
Take bus no. 755 from jeju International Airport and get off at O’sulloc Bus Stop.

Hallim Park

Image by Visit Jeju

Hallim Park is one of the most popular tourist spots on Jeju Island, located approximately 33 kilometers west of Jeju-si and Hallasan Mountain along the beach in Hallim-eup. It faces the pleasant scenery of Biyangdo Island, Hyeopjae Beach and Geumneung Beach. The park was established in early 1971 in Hyoepjae-ri, Hallim-eup on barren land with the importation of tons of earth and the planting of assorted subtropical plants.

Hallim Park, reaching almost 100 thousand square meters, has a variety of gardens that can be enjoyed in any season. Visitors can enjoy Palm Tree Road, Jeju Stone and Bonsai Garden, Water Garden, Subtropical Botanic Garden and much more. The most famous tourist sites in Hallim Park are Hyeopjaegul and Ssangyonggul Caves, known to be the only two-dimensional caves in the world. In addition, a folk village, children’s amusement park and outdoor resort facilities make it enjoyable for both children and adults.

Useful Informations

  • Phone: +82-64-794-6600
  • Address: 446, Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
  • Homepage: www.hallimpark.co.kr 
  • Operating Hours
    March-August 08:30-17:30
    September-October 08:30-17:00
    November-February 09:00-16:30
  • Admission Fees
    Individuals: Adults 12,000 won / Teenagers 8,000 won / Children 7,000 won / Senior citizens 10,000 won

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Jeju Intercity Bus terminal, take a west bound express bus and get off at Halim park bus stop.

Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market

Image by Just Gola

Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market is the largest market in Seogwipo. It is a traditional market that was formed in the early 1960s and is a mainstay in the Seogwipo economy. Starting from 2001, the market expanded its shopping center and now stretches over 620m. The interior of the market is designed in such a way that visitors can easily navigate shops and vendors. For customers’ ease, the market offers free delivery service as well as cultulral experience at outdoor stage installed in the venue.

Useful Informations

  • Phone: +82-64-762-1949
  • Address: 18, Jungang-ro 62beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
    제주특별자치도 서귀포시 중앙로62번길 18 (서귀동)
  • Homepage: www.visitjeju.net 
  • Operating Hours
    Summer 07:00-21:00 / Winter 07:00-20:00

How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Jeju International Airport, take the limosine bus to Seogwipo Intercity Bus Terminal.
Walk for approx. 5 min.

Every share and every ounce of your support brings my passion for Korea to life – Thank you for visit.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest
Share on whatsapp