Jeju Island is a popular tourist destination for thousands of people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul and other cities on the Korean mainland. It has a bit of everything: delicious food, beautiful cascading waterfalls, an abundance of hiking trails, caves, beaches and so much more.
I spent 5 days exploring the island, which helped me put together this itinerary highlighting some of the best things to do there.
Table of Contents
Getting Around
Jeju is quite big, so it’s best to rent a car if you can. You can also hire taxis from companies such as Smart Tourist Call Taxi and Global Tax (more info in the Jeju City Tour Bus link).
You can also use the Jeju City Tour Bus to get around. An all-day ticket costs 12000 won and a one-way trip is 3000 won. This bus takes you to places like Dongmun Traditional Market, Yongyeon Suspension Bridge and Black Pork Restaurant Street.
The public bus system is also good, but it does sometimes take ages to get to certain places. However, you might get to see parts of Jeju you may never have come across in a taxi, car or tourist bus. The readily available Wi-Fi on the buses will also help you get through long journeys if you’re a solo traveller. Nevertheless, you’ll have to plan your trip well if you’re going to use public buses.
Day 1
Jeongbang Waterfall
Start your day off by exploring some of Jeju’s gorgeous waterfalls. Jeongbang Waterfall, which is the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the sea, is considered one of the 10 most beautiful wonders of Jeju. Legend says that a holy dragon lived it and that its spirit is in the water which can cure diseases among other things.
The crashing water and scenic views definitely have a calming effect on you. You can also see Jeju Haenyeo (female divers) here selling fresh seafood.
| Address: 37 Chilsimni-ro214beon-gil, Donghong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea | |
| Hours: 9 am – 6 pm | |
| Admission: 2000 won (keep your ticket until you actually enter the waterfall area) |
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
Cheonjiyeon, which means “God’s Pond “in Korean, is one of the top three waterfalls to visit on Jeju Island along with Jeongbang Waterfall and Cheongjeyeon Waterfall. It’s quite simple but it’s still beautiful, especially at night.
Jeongbang to Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls are quite close to each other, so it’s quite easy to get to one from the other– in fact, it takes around a 25- minute walk to do this.
| Address: Namseongjung-ro, Cheonji-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 9 am – 10 pm | |
| Admission: 2000 won |
Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff
Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff is a dramatic rock formation, similar to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, which was created when the lava from Hallasan erupted into the Jungmun Sea.
You don’t need to spend a lot of time here but it’s worth it for the photo opportunity. I personally enjoyed marvelling at the unusual layout of the cliff.
| Address: 36-30, Ieodo-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 9.00 am – 6.00 pm | |
| Admission: Free |
Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls
The Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls are a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by a forest that is home to rare plant species. During your visit, you’ll also cross the Seonigmyo Bridge, from which you’ll be able to see all three falls on clear days.
The bridge is also called Chilseonyeogyo or the Seven Nymphs Bridge as Korean legend states that seven nymphs serving the Emperor of Heaven would descend from the heavens every night and bathe in the waterfall’s pond. You’ll see images of these nymphs carved on both sides of the bridge.
| Address: 132, Cheonjeyeon-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 8 am to 6 pm | |
| Admission: 2500 won |
Alive Museum Jeju
If you have time at the end of the day, then you can also visit the Alive Museum which is about a 17-minute walk away from Cheonjeyeon Waterfall.
The museum is basically an art illusion theme park that consists of 5 themes – Optical illusion art, Media art, Object art, Sculpture art and Provence art. You have a lot of fun here as the museum is quite interactive. Make sure to take as many silly photos as possible.
| Address: Jungmun Gwangwangro 42, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 9 am – 9.30 pm | |
| Admission: 12000 won |
Day 2
Note – the activities for this day are close to Day 1 activities, so if you didn’t manage to go a certain location then you can try and visit it on this day if you’d like.
Hallasan
Hallasan or Mount Halla is the highest peak in Korea, so you’ll need plenty of time to tackle it depending on which path you take. There are four popular hiking trails: Yeongsil Trail, Eorimok Trail, Seongpanak Trail and Gwaneumsa Trail. However, only the last two take you to the peak.
If you’re interested in getting to the top of Mount Halla then you should get there early in the morning so you have enough time to reach to peak and take in the views.
There are also cut off times in place to allow visitors to reach and descend the summit safely.
On your way to the peak, you must pass either the Jindallaebat Shelter on the Seongpanak trail or the Yongjingak Shelter on the Gwaneumsa trail by the following times:
| Spring (Mar-Apr) & Autumn (Sept – Oct): 12.30 pm | |
| Summer (May-Aug): 1 pm | |
| Winter (Nov-Feb): 12 pm |
On your way down, you must exit the summit by the following times:
| Spring & Autumn: 2 pm | |
| Summer: 2.30 pm | |
| Winter: 1.30pm |
If you get hungry then there are food shops in Hallasan National Park but it’s probably best to bring some food and a lot of water with you. You should also wear and bring extra layers because the temperature will change during your trek.
| Address: 2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: Spring & Autumn: 5.30 am, Summer: 5 am, Winter: 6 am | |
| Admission: Free to hike but you have to pay to set up a camping site there. |
Seogwipo Hyangto 5-Day Traditional Market
If you finish hiking Hallasan early in the day then you can head over to the Seogwipo Hyangto 5-Day Traditional Market, one of the five-day markets in Jeju Island. Make sure your schedule your visit on the right day as this market is only open on the 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th and 29th of each month.
There’s a lot to see and taste here. For instance, you can watch frequent musical performances, admire traditional farming equipment, and visit a traditional Korean blacksmith. There’s also a flea market called Teumeong Janto within the market, where you can try dishes such as black pork and horse.
You may want to visit another nearby market called Maeil Olle Market, as it may be little less crowded than the Seogwipo one.
| Address: 142 Topyeongseo-ro11beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 9 am – 6 pm | |
| Admission: Free |
Yakchunsa Temple
If you have time later in the day then you can visit Yakchunsa Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Jeju. It has three floors and from the top you can see wonderful views of the sea.
The temple also has a large Buddhist prayer hall plus houses Korea’s largest Vairocana Buddha and 18,000 small Buddhas. It also contains the spirit tablets of past royalty such as King Munjong and his wife Queen Hyeondeok.
| Address: 293-28 Ieodo-ro,Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 7 am – 6 pm | |
| Admission: Free |
Day 3
O’Sulloc Tea Museum
Although the O’Sulloc Tea Museum has ‘museum’ in its name, it’s so much more than that. There is a museum area to visit but you can also take a tea class here, visit tea gardens and more. There’s also a café where you can purchase green tea in different forms. For instance, you get the famous green tea ice cream here and make your own soap to buy.
Innisfree is also located next to the museum, so if you like makeup and Korean beauty products then you can stop there to buy things.
| Address: 15 Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 9 am to 6 pm | |
| Admission: Free (but you have to pay for certain things and activities). |
Spirited Garden
This Spirited Garden, which consists of 7 small gardens, is a place where you can truly feel at one with nature. It’s hard to believe that it used to be a piece of deserted wasteland until 1968.
You’ll find lots of gorgeous waterfalls and bonsai trees that bear fruit in the garden, as well as fish to feed, an observatory garden and stunning architecture such as splendid gates. The Spirited Garden is not only beautiful but relaxing, so it’s definitely a must-visit attraction if you want to unwind.
| Address: 675, Nokchabunjae-ro, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 8.30 am to 6.30 pm | |
| Admission: 12,000 won |
Hallim Park
Like the Spirited Garden, Hallim Park was once a wasteland. However, it’s bigger than the former tourist attraction as it consists of nine differently themed gardens. You can also visit a ton of restaurants in the park, as well as Hyeopjae and Ssangyong Caves, which are the only two-dimensional caves in the world as they contain a cave within another cave.
| Address: 2487 Hyeopjae-ri, Hallim-eub, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: (Mar-Aug) 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, (Sep-Oct) 8.30 am – 5 pm (Nov- Feb) 9 am-4.30 pm | |
| Admission: 12,000 won |
Hyeopjae Beach
You can spend the rest of the day taking in scenic views of crystal-clear waters at Hyeopjae Beach. It’s very close to Hallim park so you can get there easily. You can simply spend your time here just relaxing or you can visit the pine forest, restaurants, or temples like Hwangnyongsa Temple, and Yeonggaksa Temple nearby.
| Address: 2497-1 Hyeopjae-ri, Hallim-eub, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: All-day | |
| Admission: Free |
Day 4
Bijarim forest
Start your fourth day off in Jeju with a peaceful walk out in the fresh air at Bijarim Forest, which is home to 2,800 wonderfully-smelling nutmeg yew trees between 500 and 800 years old. You can also view the forest from above by visiting volcanic cones like Abuoreum and Yongnunioruem.
If you get a little hungry then you can visit the small cafe and convenience store (I think it’s a CU store) near the entrance.
| Address: 55 Bijasup-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 9 am -5 pm | |
| Admission: 3000 won |
Manjanngul Cave
Manjanggul Cave is about a 13-minute drive away from Bijarim forest. If you’re not inclined to pay to walk around a forest, then you can skip Bijarim forest altogether and start your day here. This cave is the 12th-longest lava tube in the world and the second-longest on Jeju island. However, only 1km of the tunnel is open to tourists.
It’s a bit difficult to take pictures of the cave’s interior on certain phones, so if you want a good photo memory of this place then it’s best to bring a camera with you.
| Address: 182 Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: (Summer) 9 am to 6 pm, (Winter) 9 am to 5.30 pm | |
| Admission: 2000 won |
Gimnyoung Maze Park
Gimyeong Maze Park is a 10-minute walk away from Manjanggul Cave. The park contains plants from all over Asia, three skywalks and an observatory, which are popular photo spots for tourists, as they offer great views of the whole maze.
It can take between 5 minutes (if you use a map) and 20 minutes (without a map) to reach the end. However, some people have spent far more than 20 minutes trying to get to the end of the maze.
Making your way through it is quite fun as you feel like you’re in a movie. Plus, you get to ring a cool bell when you’ve reached the end of the maze.
| Address: 122, Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 9 am to 6 pm | |
| Admission: 2200 won |
Jeju Stone Park
Jeju Stone Park is as a historical and cultural space where visitors can learn about Jeju’s origins through the myth of Seolmundae Halmang, also know as Grandmother Seolmundae, who created Jeju Island.
There are three different routes to follow in the park all of which feature interesting stone sculptures. It takes about 3 hours in total to complete all these routes.
You can also learn about how Jeju is geologically formed as Jeju Stone Museum is located in the park. There’s also an art exhibition you can wander through.
| Address: 2023, Namjo-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 9 am to 6 pm | |
| Admission: 5000 won |
Sangumburi Crater
If you have time, then you can head over to Sangumburi Crater to end your day as it’s only a short car and bus ride away from Jeju Stone Park. You could walk there but it would take you about 50 minutes to do so.
This Crater is one of Jeju’s top natural places to visit as it’s filled with wonderful vegetation. It’s a very scenic place, especially during the autumn when you’ll be able to see pampas grass, so you’ll have plenty of great photo opportunities here.
It’s even been featured in several movies and K-dramas like ‘’Love Wind, Love Song (1999)” “Goddess of Marriage (2013) because of the awesome views it offers.
| Address: 768, Bijarim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 9am to 5.40/6.40 pm | |
| Admission: Free |
Day 5
Seongsan Ilchulbong
Seongsan Ilchulbong is famous for its wonderful views, especially during the sunrise, hence why it’s also known as Sunrise Peak. It’s a particularly popular tourist destination at the end of December during the Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Festival to welcome the new year.
You can hike the peak to see the sunrise at any time of the year, though, so you could do this on your trip to Jeju Island. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the top. I’m personally not an early riser, so I visited Seongsan Ilchulbong in the afternoon and it was still wonderful.
After you reach the top, you can head done to the seashore to watch some Jeju Haenyeo (female divers) perform their work song and dive in the sea to catch seafood at 1.30 and 3 pm (check beforehand when they’ll perform).
| Address: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 7.30 am -7.30 pm (I’ve heard of some people visiting before 7.30 am though) | |
| Admission: 5000 won |
Seopjikoji
Located just south of Seongsan Ilchulbong, Seopjikoji is a popular tourist site. It’s no wonder why it’s been featured in several K-dramas and movies because it offers gorgeous views of the ocean, canola flowers and Seongsan Ilchulbong.
The lighthouse and cake house in the area make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities for Instagram-worthy photos.
Bear in mind that it’s quite difficult to get here from Seongsan Ilchulbong without a car, even though the two locations are close to each other, so you’ll probably have to take a taxi there.
If you’re don’t want to take a taxi all the way back to your accommodation once you’ve finished at Seopjikoji, then you can take one to the nearest bus stop that’ll get you back.
| Address: 107, Seopjikoji-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: All day | |
| Admission: Free |
Aquaplanet
There are several branches of Aquaplanet in Korea like the one in Yeosu, but Jeju’s is the largest – in fact, it’s the biggest aquarium in Korea. You’ll get to see a lot of different sea animals here such as dolphins, sharks, sea lions, penguins and more.
There are various shows you can attend throughout the day, too. For instance, you can book a dolphin show, and attend a free performance featuring fish and divers.
| Address: 95, Seopjikoji-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 10 am to 6pm | |
| Admission: 33000 won for admission to the aquarium only |
Haenyeo Museum
This museum opened in 2003 to educate visitors about the culture and history of Jeju’s haenyeo. Throughout the museum, you’ll find photos of these female divers, which aim to depict their lives, as well as a short film about them. There’s also an observatory, you can visit which has a garden and several sculptures. It also offers wonderful views of Hado-ri, a fishing town famous for its haenyeo.
| Address: 26, Haenyeobangmulgwan-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | |
| Hours: 9 am to 6 pm | |
| Admission: 1100 won |
Note – If you don’t really like museums or aquariums then you can go to Udo Island after visiting Seongsan Ilchubong and Seopjikoji. However, if you’re staying in Jeju for more than 5 days then it’s also worth visiting Udo Island for the whole day.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this itinerary will help you on your trip to Jeju. You don’t have to do everything on it – in fact, for each day you can easily skip a destination and move to the next one as I’ve tried to group locations that are relatively close to each other together.
If you happen to visit this gorgeous island when it rains then here are some activities you can do on your trip. Have fun in Jeju!
