Top Things to Do in Jeju Island

Finding the best way to fulfill your island holiday in Jeju? From underground caving to volcano hiking, sample the cuisine caught by free-diving haenyeo or explore the tangled rainforest that hasn't been touched. With our selected list of popular things to do in Jeju Island, let this Hawaii of Korea highlight your trip to South Korea from nature to culture.

Dungeon Adventure at Manjanggul Cave

For some super cool experiences, exploring the Manjanggul Lava Tube should be on your to-do list in Jeju Island. It is a popular natural attraction formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, which is also listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Korea.

Enter the lava cave with the chilly breeze, then begin your dungeon exploration by careful descent into the echoing underground. Catching various rock formations, from normal stalactites and stalagmites to impressive lava benches and rafts, and the highest lava column even reaches an incredible 7.6m. There is always something to surprise you through the world's longest lava tubes, which are about 7.4 km long.

Relax on One of Jeju's Beaches

With a diverse coastline home to superb sandy beaches and volcanic landscapes, paired with lush palm trees and the comfortable sub-tropical climate, Jeju's beaches offer some of the best holiday relaxation.

Hyeopjae Beach, for example, is a pristine beach fringed by the black volcanic rock, best for a romantic sunset catching with the low tide, when the distant Biyangdo Island hangs on the shoreline.

While Hamdeok Beach, which convinces you that Hawaii of Korea. It is a tranquil bay shielded by Seoubong Mountain, making the crystal and calm water there more favored by family visitors - whether to catch those caving sea life on the soft white sands or a climb to the peak of Seoubong for lazy fishing with locals.

Hamdeok Beach

Capture Those Stunning Waterfalls

The grassy hills and mountain landscapes here also make some waterfalls spectacular natural sights in Jeju Island, hiding in the forest or connecting to the ocean, which are special gifts as your reward for the island exploration.

You can take a trail through the evergreen valley featuring lush subtropical plants, catch the 3-tiered Cheonjeyeon Waterfall cascade down the columnar cliffs with its unique healing power. Or, wander along the winding coastline with truck-sized black lava rocks, and follow the thundering sound to find the hanging Jeonbang Fall among the black cliffs and verdant pine trees, directly running into the ocean.

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Taste Jeju's Flavor From Local Markets

Since they have so much to browse, eat, and buy, visiting local markets is also one of the top things to do in Jeju, no matter when you visit this island.

Always bustling with locals and a wide variety of vendors, Dongmun Traditional Market (About 30 minutes by bus from Jeju city) is the most famous and largest. It is a must-visit for seafood lovers to sample the fresh catch, from abalone, red tilefish, to perch. Or, a nighttime forage market for some creative cuisine like samhap (skate, pork, and kimchi sashimi).

Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market (about a 20-minute bus ride from Seogwipo), on the south side, is modest but still tasty enough to fill your stomach with local hallabong oranges, tangerine sweets, and black pork snacks.

Hike Mt. Hallasan

At almost 6,400 ft, the dormant volcano of Mt. Hallasan is the highest peak in South Korea, making the Hallasan hike a popular must-do during Jeju sightseeing - one of the best ways to capture the whole rocky island and its Baengnokdam crater!

For the summit conquest (usually takes about 8 hours to complete the whole round), you can pick the popular Gwaneumsa Trail for a scenic hike, choose the shorter and steadier Seongpanak Trail to finish your easy climb, or make a perfect combination like locals: start from the simple Seongpanak Trail and return with the picturesque Gwaneumsa Trail.

Though the Eorimok and Yeongsil trails won't lead you to the summit, they are also good tries if you are looking for a more relaxing experience - with lovely oak trees and waterfalls along the way, and only taking about 5 hours to finish.

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Circle the Island by the Jeju Olle Trail

Another hiking option but paired with the salty sea breezes, the Jeju Olle Trail is a lovely walking trail network that circles the whole island, winding along the ocean and stretching into villages and farms, best for a stroll or a camp to sample the idyllic slow life.

With around 30 routes to choose from, you can simply select one or two trails to enjoy the stunning orange sunset over Seongsan Ilchulbong, or visit the romantic filming location of the popular K-drama Crash Landing on You. Another great way to experience the trails is to take your camping gear and supplies and spend the night under the stars and the sound of the waves, or, if possible, prepare for a month-long journey to explore the entire island by your through-hike!

Capture the Sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong

One of the top things to do in Jeju Island is to capture the sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong, the easternmost part of the island, where you can enjoy the earliest dawn after a 45-minute hike.

Blessed by its special location, Sunrise Peak becomes a must-see attraction, especially on New Year's Eve: thousands of people gather at the peak to catch the first sunlight of the coming new year as a blessing and prayer for good luck, which also leads to one of a popular festivals in South Korea, Seongsan Sunrise Festival, a definitely amazing way to welcome the new year.

Note: The walkway to the peak opens at 5 am. Also, if you have difficulty waking up in the early morning, turning to the cozy sunset is a stunning experience as well.

Hiking Trail to the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak

Meet the Mermaid of Jeju, Haenyeo

Jeju's haenyeo is also the part that makes this island special. Known as sea women, they are free-divers without oxygen tanks, harvesting seafood with only some basic gear, the true mermaid of Jeju Island.

Apart from enjoying the fresh seafood cuisine caught by haenyeo, you can also join an exciting haenyeo tour to experience their daily marine life. Wrap yourself with a wetsuit, fins, and a diving mask, learn some unique diving techniques, and explore those hidden spots only found by these skillful divers. If there is more time left, explore the Haenyeo village and museum with a glimpse of their traditions and culture.

Take a Glimpse of Jeju's Stone Culture

Also known as Dol hareubang, these stone grandfather sculptures you can find in Jeju Stone Park are made from local volcanic rock, giving a familiar glimpse to the Moai statues on Easter Island, Chile.

Although their origin is still a mystery, these life-size stone statues, which are usually erected at the entrances of villages, are regarded as the island's guardians.

It is a good idea to stroll along the walking trails into the green forest, capture their unique expressions in round hats, and rub their faces as a prayer for good luck. For some further exploration, you can also join the Mythical Stone Displays for a close-up look at Jeju's distinctive stone history and culture.

Dol Hareubang, Stone Grandfather Sculptures

Meet Snoopy & Hello Kitty

If you're a fan of cartoons or are traveling with family and kids, visiting the two charming themed attractions is definitely the best thing to do during your sightseeing in Jeju: Snoopy Garden and Hello Kitty Island.

You can escape into the magic world of Snoopy with Charlie Brown and Linus by heading to the fairyland on the east side of Jeju. Enjoy the visual feast prepared from Peanuts and immerse yourself in the garden, replicating the iconic red doghouse of Snoopy, Woodstock's Nest, and more friends to encounter.

Continuing westward is Hello Kitty Island, where the host is waiting to introduce her Sanrio family with delicate afternoon tea and shows. Get ready to make your Jeju journey more fancy pink!

Snoopy Garden

Enjoy the Visual Feast at the Arte Museum Jeju

Looking for more visual impact? The Arte Museum Jeju provides another indoor fun for your truly immersive experience, from beguiling digital light shows to inspiring sound exhibitions, and even fragrances to capture your senses.

Imagine a stand in front of the moon, which is clear enough to see its craters, sit among the waving rapeseed flowers with the dappled shadow, or witness the gushing waves crash against the glass walls in various splashes.

Note: Usually, two hours is enough to take a tour around the museum. A morning sightseeing before lunch or an afternoon around 6 pm is the ideal time to drop by this light art gallery, with fewer crowds to enjoy or capture each exhibition.

Stroll Through the Seogwipo Healing Forest

As a hidden gem still preserving Jeju's special ecosystem, the Seogwipo Forest of Healing offers a laid-back environment for your wandering healing trip.

You can experience the healing power of the forest as you slow stroll along the winding paths, breathe the fresh air scented with the cypress and cedar. Follow the warbling echoes around the canopy, and finally lie down on the wooden lounge, catch the cascade of sunlight in a rainbow color, or enjoy your nap with the rustling leaves.

And, take advantage of its therapy programs for your further relaxation, from the soothing aromatic herb foot bath to a simple tea ceremony with meditation.

Sample the Best Things in Jeju With Odynovo

From the peak conquer with sunrise to repeat the classic K-drama filming site, sample the local cuisine with haenyeo, and take a glimpse of the Jeju culture from museums and markets. Whatever you're looking for, experience the best things in Jeju with Odynovo. Contact us about your preferences, and we will ensure your unparalleled experience.