Best Things to do on Jeju Island, South Korea
Of all the unique and enchanting islands we have traveled to, Jeju Island stands out as one of the most memorable. If you’re planning a trip to Korea and you want to get outside of Seoul, we would suggest a trip to Jeju Island. While you are able to view the ocean in a well known tourist town like Busan, you simply can’t experience the same peaceful, quiet, breathtaking atmosphere found in Jeju-do. Plus, the last time we were in Busan, we found the locals, especially in the tourist areas, were much more wary of foreign travelers and tended to be a bit less patient and more irritable, especially with groups (even despite speaking Korean. Let’s just say we especially don’t recommend the Fuzzy Navel in Haeundae Busan). If you want to hit several locations throughout your trip and want to take the logistical headache and much of the planning out of it, you can consider a tour like this one from Here Korea Travel that is 7 days and includes stops in Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, and Jeju. There are also Jeju specific tours
Moreover, because Jeju is less developed and requires a quick (roughly 40 minute) plane ride from Seoul or one of Korea’s many regional airports, it seems there is perhaps less traffic going there of the foreigner variety compared to Busan, which is only a few hours away from Seoul via train. If you’re going to Busan, we would suggest looking into getting your foreign driver’s permit and renting a car, as there is no subway system on the island. There are a number of buses and taxis available, but renting a car will allow you to access hidden spots more easily. This company provides airport transfers for an affordable price. If you want to see a lot in a day without the logistical headache, this tour hosted by Jeju K Tour can either be a half or full day, and will take you to multiple places, including the Manjanggul Cave, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, and Hallasan Mountain.
If you’re interested in creating your own custom itinerary, here are a few activities you can do while you are on Jeju.
Visit a Tangerine Farm and pick your own fruit!
Plus, if you live in Korea you can even ship back a 5 or 10 kg box of tangerines to your home, and this is generally free after you pay for the fruit. This way you don’t have to hassle with carrying your delicious picks with you on your trip and you can enjoy fresh citrus (and a little taste of the island) when you arrive home (this is only available if you live or are staying in Korea longer term, shipping internationally isn’t possible).
2. Go to the beach
We reccomend Heyopjae beach. It’s important to note that it seems like many people in Korea don’t actually go swimming in the ocean when they go to the beach (I’ve heard from my Korean friends it’s because they think the ocean water is too dirty). There are always exceptions, but don’t be suprised if you want to swim that it’s just you and Haenyeo, or the women divers of Jeju. Certain Haenyeo diving sites have been designated as UNESCO world heritage sites.
3. Go Hiking
There are a number of beautiful hikes you can enjoy on the island, from beginner to advanced levels. We recommend Hallasan Summit (11 miles roughly) if you’re up for a challenge, or Cheongjiyeong Waterfall for an easy hike (around 1 mile). If you’re looking for something a bit shorter but still a challenge, you can check out Nokkome where you might glance some of the wild and free roaming horses of Jeju.
4. Enjoy some fresh fish or black pig Korean barbeque
Indulging in Jeju's renowned black pork Korean BBQ is an unforgettable culinary experience. The island's distinctive black pigs are raised in pristine natural surroundings, which imparts a unique flavor to the meat. While in Jeju, make sure to visit "Samdajeong" and "Yeonri Jip," two highly recommended restaurants that offer exceptional black pork BBQ. "Samdajeong" is a popular choice, known for its traditional Jeju-style atmosphere and the chance to grill your own black pork at the table. If you're looking for a more rustic, authentic experience, "Yeonri Jip" is nestled amidst lush greenery and serves mouthwatering black pork dishes. Both places offer a delectable journey into the world of Jeju's famous black pork, making your trip to the island even more memorable. Enjoy the rich flavors and local ambiance that Jeju's black pork BBQ has to offer!
This island is one of our all-time highlights of Korea, and something defiantly worth the extra flight to experience if you have the time.
Visit the Osulloc Green Tea Museum
Sweet iced tea with free traditional sweets included.
Even if you're not a devoted tea enthusiast, we highly recommend making a pit stop at one of the various branches of Osulloc Tea Company's shops. With a diverse range of teas suitable for every occasion, you're sure to discover a distinctive piece of Korea to take home with you. These teas offer a unique way to relive your journey while lounging on your living room couch.
While there are numerous Osulloc shops in Seoul, the ultimate gem is the Osulloc Tea Museum in Jeju. Here, you can delve into the rich history and contemporary production of tea leaves cultivated by Korean farmers. These leaves contribute to the creation of exquisite tea flavors, such as the Osulloc Wedding Green Tea with its floral and sweet, almost peachy notes, or our personal favorite, the Red Papaya Black Tea, featuring subtle hints of rosehip.
Immersing yourself in this experience is something you won't soon forget.
Address: 15 Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Hours*: OPEN EVERY DAY
9AM – 6PM
Tours: This affordable tour lasts roughly half a day and includes hotel pick up and drop off, a stop at Cheonjeyeon Falls, and ends at the Osulluc Green Team Museum.
*We always recommend checking the company’s website for business hours before you go, in the event of holiday or other events that might affect hours of operation.
