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Jeju Island is often called the Hawaii of Korea. After spending a few days experiencing its emerald waters, imposing volcanoes, and lush tea fields, I have to say the nickname fits! Jeju Island, with its quirky, laid-back island vibe, is the perfect escape, completely distinct from the bustling streets of Seoul. Check out our Travel Guide to Seoul, South Korea, for the ultimate first stop.
I highly recommend adding Korea’s favorite island to your itinerary, so here’s everything you need to know, plus an exact 3-day itinerary and things to do!
Getting there and around the island:
How to get there:
Most travelers fly into Jeju International Airport (CJU) as it's just a quick one-hour flight from Seoul, and there are multiple flights throughout the day. You can also take a ferry from port cities like Busan for a slower, scenic route, but flying is definitely the most time-efficient.
Getting around Jeju:
- Rental car: I highly recommend renting a car, as the island is bigger than you think (more on this later!) and it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Pro tip: You need an international driving permit to rent a car here, so plan accordingly! - Bus (Public or Private Tour buses): The bus system in Jeju is actually pretty well connected, but it does take longer to get between the major sites. If a car rental isn't an option, my second-best suggestion would be private bus tours for a hassle-free trip to see all the popular spots and convenient pickup/dropoff.
- Taxi: Taxis are available and can be an option to get around Jeju city, but these can run quite expensive.
Where to Stay and Jeju Island Overview:
As I mentioned earlier, Jeju is bigger than it looks, and when planning my trip, it was helpful to think of the island in sections:
- North side (Jeju city): This is where the airport is. It's bustling, convenient, and has access to public transport.
- South side (Seogwipo): This area feels more like a resort town. It is home to stunning waterfalls, warmer weather, and a more relaxed pace.
- East side: Famous for epic sunrises, lava tubes, and the iconic Seongsan Ilchulbong volcano peak.
- West side: Home to some of the most beautiful beaches, Korean cafes, and great sunsets.
We stayed at the Shilla Stay Plus Iho Tewoo because it had direct beachfront access and stunning sea views, and it works well if you have a car, as it is farther from restaurants and shops.
3-day Jeju Island Itinerary
Here is how I would suggest exploring the island, maximizing time, and hitting all the best spots.
Pro tip: Everyone’s travel style is different, and this itinerary is packed (I must see everything!). Adjust accordingly, prioritize your top spots, or stick to exploring one side of the island over multiple days for a more relaxed pace. However you choose, you are guaranteed to have a great time in Jeju!
Day 1: The Scenic Southwest
Start off exploring the southwestern coast, which is packed with dramatic geology and lush greenery. Things to do:
- Hyeopjae Beach: A great spot to dip your toes in and enjoy the famous emerald waters and black volcanic rocks.
- O’sulloc Green Tea Fields and Museum: The endless rows of tea bushes smell amazing and are a great photo op! Stop by the cafe for some beautiful desserts and matcha drinks.
- Sanbangsan Mountain and Bomunsa Temple: Sangbansan is a massive lava dome, and the temple located on its slopes is a striking view against the landscape. The temple boasts a massive statue of the Bodhisattva, and the views looking out toward the ocean from the temple grounds are incredibly peaceful.
- Songaksan Mountain: Take a walk along the coastal trail here for incredible views of the cliffs and ocean, and even nearby islands on a clear day.
- Jusangjeolli Cliffs: See the waves crash against the cliffs that are made of hexagonal stone pillars formed by cooling lava, and look so perfect like they were hand carved.
Day 2: The East Coast
The east side of the island holds some of Jeju's most iconic sights and experiences. Things to do:
- Hamdeok Seoubong Beach: A morning stroll along its calm, turquoise waters is a perfect start to the day.
- Seongeup Folk Village: On first glance, this traditional village with thatched-roof houses and stone walls might look like a museum, but people actually live there to this day!
- Haenyo Museum: The Haenyeo are the incredible female divers of Jeju who freedive (no oxygen tanks!) for seafood and have been doing so for generations - some are in their 80s! Learning about their culture, resilience, and respect for nature is a must do at Jeju.
- Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise peak) and Haenyeo Show: If you’re up for a challenge, hike up the peak for some incredible views, and then go down to the cove to watch the Haenyeo divers in action. Pro tip: Check the show times in advance so you don't miss them!
Day 3: Culture and Cafe hopping in the North side
Jeju city and the trendy northwest coast are the perfect laid-back day to wrap up your Jeju adventures. Things to do:
- Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum: Get a deeper view into the island’s unique history, volcanic origins, and marine life. It really ties together everything you’ve seen in the previous two days.
- Aewol Cafe Street: Jeju has a massive cafe culture, and Aewol Street is lined with the trendiest cafes to wander through and grab coffee with an ocean view. Some cafes I recommend:
- Cafe Knotted: Famous for their cream-filled donuts and cute bear mascot.
- Tribe: Try their jiggly, fluffy soufflé pancakes that are Insta-famous!
- Lazy Pump: For something different, check out this cafe that's an old converted pump station.
- Dongmun Traditional Market: Perfect for food souvenirs like Hallabong (jeju tangerine) chocolates, omegi-tteok (rice cakes), or citrus tea. The street food here is amazing too! Pro Tip: For other shopping, skip the generic tourist traps and instead check out handmade goods from local artists in boutique stores like Moiso or The Islander.
- Handam Coastal Walk: Walk along the winding coastal path right next to the water for one last view of the blue sea and black rocks that are iconic of Jeju Island. The perfect relaxing end to this island getaway!
If you have more time on Jeju:
This is a lot packed into three days, but if you still have more time, consider:
- Udo Island: A small island just off the east coast of Jeju. You can take a ferry there and rent bikes/scooters to circle the island, which is also famous for its peanut ice cream.
- Hike Mt. Hallasan: If you are a hiker, conquering the highest peak in South Korea is a bucket list item. It’s a dormant volcano and a biosphere reserve, and you can choose from several trails ranging from “walk in the park” to “my legs are jelly”!
- Jeongbang and Cheonjiyeon waterfalls: Jeju is famous for its waterfalls, and these won't disappoint. Jeongbang is also the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the ocean.
- Manjanggul Cave: Walk into one of the longest lava tubes in the world and marvel as the temperature drops significantly once you’re inside.
Final Thoughts on this Addition to My Korea Trip
Jeju Island turned out to be the perfect blend of natural wonder and laid-back island life. I left feeling completely recharged and inspired by the incredible resilience of the Haenyeo divers (and slightly addicted to Hallabong tangerines). This South Korean island gem is waiting for you!
Ready to explore South Korea? Join our next Under30Experiences trip and experience the culture, food, and adventure firsthand. Spots fill up fast — reserve your place now!
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