Jeju-do
Live Out Your K-Dreams 🇰🇷
The largest tourist destination in Korea, the island is designated as a special tourist zone with stunning sceneries greeting them all around. The top areas that tourists aim to visit are the Hallasan Mountain and the Geomunoreum Volcanic Cone. Apart from the sights, Jeju island is different from the mainland Korea by its lifestyle, dialect, unique climate and plants. If you rent a car you can travel 182-km circuit along the coastline to see all what the island has to offer, or, if you are more adventurous and prefer to travel on foot, you can follow the famous “Jeju Olle-gil” trail to discover the island in a more active way.
Dosun Dawon Tea Plantation
First tea plantation in Korea to build and operate a modern tea-manufacturing factory, the plantation is a popular destination for eco-tourists wanting to know more about the tea production. Spreading across 1264,400m2, the plantation is often visited by the photographers wanting to catch a perfect glimpse of the tea fields against the backdrop of Hallasan Mountain.
Gosalli Forest Trail
If you want to take a path less traveled by, then check out this natural forest trail running along a stream in Harye 2-ri, Namwon-eup on the southern part of Jeju Island. Not as known by the tourists, it is a great place to indulge in the nature and forget the time.
Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone
Originally a separate island, the Seongsan Ilchulbong has now been connected to the main land due to a build-up of sand. Even more, due to a magma flow under the sea some 5,000 years, the Tuff Cone rose 180 meters above sea level. At the top of the cove, a crater of 600m in diameter and 90meters deep has been formed by the hot lava mixing with cold ocean water.
Udo Island - Udo Maritime Park
A 3.8km island has been inhibited since the Joseon period, when many farmers and fishers moved onto this small island. Now, it boasts a number of tourist attractions, such as fishing, sand massages, bike rides, cruises and submarine tours. If you hike up the Udobong peak (132m), you can admire a stunning panoramic view of the whole island.
K-movie location: “Little Mermaid”
Pyoseon Beach
Nationally known for its stunning white sand that’s about 260,000m2 long, the beach boasts stunning views all around. When the tide is up, one can enjoy white sands covered by turquoise waters, making it seem like a pond. It is a great place for the whole family.
K-drama location: Heartstrings
Bangdupo Lighthouse
An iconic 7-meter tall lighthouse guides the sea ships with a beam of light every 4 seconds. The views up the observation deck will make one feel like in a K-drama indeed. You can not only admire the views of the stunning sea, but also of the Seongsan Sunrise Peak to the north, and, if lucky, you can even spot the Hallasan Mountain to the west.
K-drama location: Orange marmalade
Bomnal Café
This small beachside café became famous after appearing in some of the most famous K-dramas. The famous ‘Warm and Cozy drama used the outside area for the drama, however, the meals inside are delicious too. A few said that the views are even more stunning in real life, than in the K-drama alone!
K-drama location: Warm and Cozy
Jeju Folk Village
One of the top attractions on Jeju island, the village holds over 100 houses and facilities that were once dear residences. A place like this will not only make you feel as if you are in one of the K-dramas, but also as if you are back in 1890s Korea.
K-drama location: Jewel in the palace
Yongduam Rock
A 10-meter-tall rock is surrounding by a number of mysterious legends of its origins. One of them states, that the dragon stealing precious jade from Hallasan Mountain was shot down and his body instantly sank deep into the ocean, while his head froze on the shore as if looking at the sky. While you are there, make sure to look out for the famous haenyeo (female divers) working on the shore.
Yeomiji Botanical Garden
One of the best gardens in Asia, the Yeomiji garden offers a unique atmosphere with an indoor garden housing more than 2,000 tropical plants through various display themes, such as Water Lily Garden, Jungle Garden, Subtropical fruits garden and many more. As you step outside, you can admire the stunning Korean, Japanese, French and Italian gardens, as well as the Hallasan mountain peak in the background.
Jungmun Saekdal Beach
Known for its arch-shaped shore featuring four distinctive sand colors (white, black, gray and red), it spreads over 560m and is often featured in K-dramas, inviting people from all over Korea to visit it. The cliffs lining out the shore also hide a naturally formed 15m long cave, creating a perfect eco-friendly space for all kinds of rare species to breed and grow.
O'sulloc Tea Museum
·Located next to the O’sulloc Seagwang Tea Plantation, the museum was built in order to promote the Korean teas and traditional tea culture of Korea. It is a place where tradition and present merge into one, where one can admire the tea gallery, rest area and even a café shop with a variety of tea-based dessert.
Nexon Computer Museum
Haven for technology geeks, the museum offers a great opportunity to learn about the history of computers and games, while exploring the present and the future of the industry. While you’re there, check out the keyboard-shaped waffles that are sold at the café!
Saryeoni Forest Trail
Well admired by tourists and locals alike, the trail cuts through the dense Japanese cedar forest, where visitors can admire various plant species such as Japanese oak, birch cypress and snowbell trees, all lining up the picturesque 550meter-long trail.
Jeju Aerospace Museum
The largest aerospace museum in Asia, the Jeju aerospace museum combines education and entertainment to provide an enjoyable experience to its visitors of all ages. While you are there, we would recommend checking out the view from the museum’s second floor which will definitely take your breath away.
Seogwipo Recreational Forest
As the forest is 700m above sea level, it is approx..10C lower in average temperature compared to that of Seogwipo’s downtown, thus, making it a great natural getaway. Apart from its fresh air, the park also offers a pebble walking experience for those who fancy a barefoot massage.
Sehwa Beach
·Well-known for its white sands with black basalt and turquoise waters, the beach is a perfect stopping spot for the sun and water lovers. It is also close to other major attractions such as Sehwa folk Fifth-day market and Bellongjang market, both worth exploring.
Someori Oreum (Udobong Peak)
Known as Cow island thanks to its shape, the island is reachable by a 15min ride by ferry. According to the scientists, continuous volcanic activity and a number of land formations caused the island to rise off the coast of Jeju. Due to coastal erosion, the beach area is constantly decreasing, which, in return, creates various sea caves and stunning cliffs on its shores.
Geommeolle Beach
A stunning black sand beach stretches just over 100 meters, making it one of the smallest most visited beaches on the island. Visitors come here to greet the sun at the early hours, swim in the cool waters at the cave or just take in the stunning views of the surroundings and enjoy the sun.
Hagosudong Beach
One of the most exotic beaches of Jeju island, the Hagosudong beach offers stunning views of the cliffs, shallow turquoise sea and white sand. If you happen to visit it during the summer, check out the numerous fishing boats that light up the ocean at nighttime.
Alive Museum
A cultural playground with five themes of media, optical illusion, object, provence and sculpture art, there, the imagination becomes reality. It is a great place to see art in a different form and also take tons of fun and unique photos!
Hanwha Aqua Planet Jeju
Here you can enjoy the largest aquarium facility in East Asia, housing some 45,000 marine cultures. However, the highlight of the Aqua Planet Jeju is its main tank made of 6,000 tons of water and housing over 27,000 fish! While you are there, make sure to check out the Jeju haenyeo (female) diving performance only available here!
Hello Kitty Island
An exhibition hall themed around Hello Kitty, is a place where everyone will feel like a child again. There, you can enjoy various exhibits, Kitty History Hall, Music Education Hall, World Gallery Hall and so much more! After all, don’t forget to take a break at a Hello Kitty Café, where hot coffee is served along delicious deserts!
Udo Sanho Beach
A red algal nodule beach is known for its variety of ocean colours. The ocean turns from bright emerald to deep sapphire consistent with its depth, making it a view to admire.
Jeju Stone Park
The Jeju Stone Park focuses on the foundation and identity of Jeju island, based on the famous myth of Seolmundae Halmang (Grandmother Seolmundae), who seemingly created the whole Jeju island and the stones of Obaek Janggun (Five Hundred Generals). It is a great place for those who want to learn a little more about the history of Jeju and explore the art work of the local sculptors.
Namwon Keuneong Promenade
Take a relaxed 2km walk along the seashore cliff, where you will be able to observe the stunning views of untouched nature and natural caves. It is a great place to spend an afternoon as it will seemingly take all your stress away for a moment.
Woljeongri Beach
If you are looking for a place to enjoy the beach with a bunch of nearby café shops, then look no further. The Woljeongri Beach not only offers tranquil white sand and blue ocean views, but also there is a stretch of cozy and tranquil cafes aligning the street.
Jeju Waterworld
If you are looking for some thrilling water experiences, then Jeju Waterpark will be a place for you. There, you can not only find tons of water activities, but also enjoy a sauna or jjimjilbang.
Jeju Museum of Art
Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery of Jeju, the museum reflects the culture, art, color and sounds of the local people. There, you can not only adore stunning art works by Korean authors, but also immerse yourself in cultural and art programs.
Eongttopokpo Falls
·Hidden within a forest, the falls appear only after a heavy rainfall of minimum 100millimiters. The falls is 50m high and is surrounded by gorgeous stones and rocks. It is a great place to take a stroll, as the evergreen scenery makes it beautiful year-round.
K-Movie Location: 1 Night, 2 Days
Seogwipo Citrus Museum
Dedicated to the local tangerines (Jeju’s specialty product), the museum displays a variety of items dedicated to the history and culture of Jeju’s tangerines. There, you can learn about the lives of Jeju residents, as well as admire the themed artwork exhibition and 3D videos.
Jeju Glass Museum
Opened in 2008, the museum has a state-of-art facility including a studio with a kiln, a glass exhibition hall, glass processing room and glass-blowing. It is a great place to learn more about glass and you can even try your own luck at glass vase-making, candle-making or a pledge-writing on a sheet glass!
Yeongsil Trail
Most famous Hallasan Mountain trail for an autumn foliage, the trail is about 3.7km long and takes around 1h40min. Along the way, you’ll see a group of volcanic rocks (aka Yeongsilgiam), the crater wall of Hallasan Mountain, the famous Sajebi Hill and the stunning views all around.
Songaksan Mountain
Also known as a 99 Bong (99 Peaks), the mountain, obviously, has 99 small peaks. Though not as huge as Hallasan itself, the Songaksan mountain offers a scenic view for all to admire. There is also a crater of 500m in diameter and some 80m depth, with some blackish volcanic ash still remaining inside too.
Roe Deer Observation Center
Opened in 2007, it offers a place to observe the roe deer and other creatures in their natural habitat. Visitors can either watch the deer from the forest trails or feed them at the experience enclosure. You should also check out the exhibition hall, which will give you some more information about Halllasan Mountain and the animals and plants that live around it.
Da Vinci Museum
The only museum in the whole of Korea having a Da Vinci License, it offers its guests a chance to experience a wide variety of activities and hands-on programmes. The museum also has information about the life and times of Leonardo Da Vinci, a superb scientists, inventor and anatomist.
Camellia Hill
A 172,000m2 camellia arboretum is a home to 6,000 camellia trees of 500 different species. Even more, the arboretum has a number of wildflowers, palm trees and even a sprawling grass plaza! There is also a gallery exhibiting camellia-themed crafts and a number of lodging facilities too.
Ssangyonggul Cave
A 400m long cave is thought to be created by lava eruption from Hallasan Mountain some 25million years ago. It is unique as it has both- a lava tube and a limestone cave. As to make it even more stunning, the lime covers the cave walls in series of natural swirls and streaks making it look like an abstract painting itself. Keep in mind that inside the cave the temperatures can be as low as 18C, thus, while it is a great escape from the summer heat, a jumper will be definitely needed.
Yakchunsa Temple
The largest temple in the East, the Yakcheonsa Temple is reminiscent of the Buddhist temples of Joseon dynasty, measuring an impressive 30m high and spanning across 3,305m2. In the temple, you will find a 5m tall statue of Vairocana, the Gulbeopdang (the Dharma Hall, built inside a natural cave), Sarira Pagoda and more.
Gwaneumsa Temple
Located at the foot of Hallasan mountain, the temple is widely believed to have been built during the Tamra Dynasty (BC 476~AD 1005). The temple consists of the main shrine, Myeongbujeong Hall, a bell tower, Sanshingak Pavilion, a Buddhist school and a Bulimun Gate. The temple is surrounded by a number of tourist attractions and we would strongly recommend walking down the “Gwaneumsa Trail” to see the beauty of Jeju-do.
Hallasan Mountain Trekking
The tallest mountain in South Korea, Hallasan mountain stands as tall as 1,950m above sea level. Formed by volcanic activity, the mountain is a dormant volcano made of mostly basalt. The mountain is characterized by its majestic cliffs, unique rock formations, steep slopes and miraculous fields of azaleas. To hike Hallasan there are six different trails, some reaching to the top and some ending at the midway up, while either of the trails will be more than 10km, however, keep in mind that the slopes will get rather steep up at the top.
K-drama location: My Lovely Sam-Soon, Crash Landing on You
Yongyeon Pond
Famous for its nightscape, the pond was naturally formed by fresh water depositing at the end of the mountain valley. The pond is also decorated by a stunning Yongyeon Cloud Bridge, giving it a spectacular look. Legend has it, that the pond was created by the water raining down off of a dragon that ascended to heaven. The name (translating into Dragon Pond), also comes from the belief that the dragon would come to play at this pond and enjoy the stunning scenery himself. So next time you are there, watch out for the dragon.
Seokbujak Museum
The natural stone art museum represents Jeju stones, which is one of the three symbols of Jeju: wind, women and stones. Even more, it is said that the elegant wild plants which you will spot alongside the sturdy basalt, symbolize the life of the local residents themselves.
Hueree Natural Park
One of the top attractions in Jeju island, the park offers a variety of seasonal programs, such as Plum Harvest, Orange Mandarin Harvest and Apricot Flower Festival. For those wanting a little more excitement, why not try feeding baby pigs, rabbits, black goats or squirrels?
K-drama Location: "The Return of Superman”; “Mom’s Diary”; “Talk Show YeoYouManMan”
Jeju Love Land
A theme sculpture park based on eroticism and sensuality, the spacious park is home to more than 140 sculptures making the whole park look as a piece of art itself. It is a place which requires one to have an open mind, and a sense of humor to fully enjoy the experience.
Kim Young Gap Gallery Dumoak
A former elementary school turned into a gallery, it now houses the displays of Kim Young-gap. Suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease, he spent his entire life capturing the beauty of Jeju Island, day after day in various seasons and weathers. It is believed that the photographer Kim had a life of poverty, and spent his minimal saving on film and art.
Bukchon Dol Hareubang Park
Since the Dol Hareubang (“Old Grandfather”) stone statues are a symbol of Jeju Island, you will soon realize that you can find them almost everywhere on the island. While there are no historic documents proving their importance, the park has collected a wide variety of statues, further illuminating their scholarly and aesthetic importance.
Biyangdo Island
The last former volcanic island in Jeju, it remains in its original form as a parasitic volcano. The island has a variety of natural formations, such as Biyangbong Peak, featuring six mysterious peaks, two craters and a rock formed like a mom carrying her baby on the back.
K-drama location: Spring Day
When in Jeju island don’t skip a visit to the famous Jeju Minsok O-Il Jang (제주시 민속 오일장) | Jeju City Folk Five-Day Market! Every 5 days, the Jeju farmer’s market opens in multiple cities all around the island. You can buy fresh, local food at great prices, there you can try a variety of Jeju dishes that will make you bite your tongue!
We’d also recommend you try out Heuk Dwaeji (제주흑돼지) Jeju Black Pork. Probably Jeju’s most famous food, black pig is always a treat, well known for its distinctly more cultivated taste than their pink counterparts with around the same price.