BEACHES & COAST
Gwakji Gwamul Beach
Beach
A quieter black lava-rock beach on the northwest coast favored by locals and surfers. The contrast of dark basalt rock, turquoise water, and green hills makes it photogenic. The beach has basic facilities and is far less crowded than the east coast beaches. Freshwater springs emerge on the beach at low tide.
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3Hyeopjae Beach
Beach
One of Jeju's most beautiful beaches with shallow turquoise water and white sand on the west coast near Hallim. The clear water is ideal for swimming and is unusually warm in summer. The adjacent Biyangdo islet can be reached by ferry. Nearby lava stone formations and pine forests complete the scenic backdrop.
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10Jungmun Beach
Beach
The premier resort beach on Jeju's south coast, fronting the Jungmun Tourism Complex. The wide sandy beach is flanked by dramatic columnar basalt cliffs. Waves are strong enough to support bodyboarding and surfing. Nearby Teddy Bear Museum, Lotte Hotel, and Shilla Hotel make this the island's main luxury resort district.
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NATURE
8Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls
Nature
Three-tiered waterfall system in Seogwipo flowing through a lush forested ravine. The first fall drops from a volcanic cave ceiling into a turquoise pool considered sacred. The famous arched Seonimgyo Bridge, carved with Chilseon fairies, spans the gorge. A 1 km walking trail connects all three tiers.
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5Hallasan National Park
Nature
Hallasan, South Korea's highest peak at 1,950 m, dominates the center of Jeju Island. A dormant shield volcano and UNESCO World Heritage Site, its summit crater contains Baengnoktam lake. Multiple hiking trails range from 5 to 9.6 km; the Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak routes reach the crater rim.
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Hallim Park
Nature
Botanical garden and cave complex on Jeju's west coast featuring subtropical plants, palm trees, bonsai gardens, and two lava caves — Hyeopjaegul and Ssangyonggul. Peacocks roam the grounds and a Jeju folk village recreates traditional stone-walled thatched houses. Well maintained and family-friendly.
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7Jeongbang Waterfall
Nature
One of only three waterfalls in Asia that fall directly into the sea, dropping 23 m onto coastal rocks near Seogwipo. Legend holds that Xu Fu, a Chinese envoy sent to find the elixir of immortality, inscribed characters on the rock face. A short staircase leads down from the parking area to the oceanside viewpoint.
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6Manjanggul Lava Tube
Nature
One of the world's longest and most well-preserved lava tubes at 13.4 km total length, with 1 km open to visitors. Formed from a Hallasan eruption 2–3 million years ago, the cave maintains a constant 11°C temperature and features remarkable lava stalactites, columns, and a 7.6 m lava pillar. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Seongsan Ilchulbong
Nature
Sunrise Peak is a UNESCO World Heritage tuff cone that erupted from the sea 100,000 years ago. The 182 m crater rim offers panoramic views of the east coast and the offshore islet of Udo. The main trail takes about 20 minutes to ascend. Most famous for sunrise, when tour groups arrive before dawn.
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9Udo Island
Nature
Small volcanic island 3.5 km off Seongsan, accessible by ferry in 15 minutes. Famous for its white coral-sand beach (Hongjindo), black sand beach, and peanut-flavored local snacks. Bicycles and electric scooters are the main transport on the island. Views of Seongsan Ilchulbong from Udo's lighthouse hill are outstanding.
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CULTURE & HISTORY
1Jeju Folk Village Museum
Historic site
Open-air museum in Seong읍 preserving 100 traditional Jeju folk houses (minok), relocated and reconstructed on a 10 ha site. The thatched stone-walled houses are of three regional types: mountain, midland, and coastal. Demonstrations of traditional crafts, weaving, and Haenyeo (female diver) culture are held regularly.
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2Jeju Stone Park (Jeju Dollhareubang Park)
Historic site
Dedicated museum and outdoor park celebrating Jeju's iconic volcanic stone grandfather statues (Dollhareubang). The bulbous-eyed basalt figures traditionally stood guard at city gates and are now a symbol of Jeju Island. The park houses over 48 original and replica statues and documents Jeju's unique stone culture and mythology.
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4Samseonghyeol Shrine
Historic site
The most important historic site in Jeju, this wooded sanctuary contains three holes in the ground from which, according to Jeju mythology, the three founding ancestors of the Tamna Kingdom emerged. The shrines and ceremonial halls date from the early Joseon period. Rituals are still performed three times yearly.
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ACTIVITIES & LOCAL
Haenyeo Cultural Experience
Activity
Jeju's legendary Haenyeo (sea women divers) are a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. These free-divers, mostly aged 60–80, harvest abalone, conch, and sea cucumber without equipment to depths of 10 m. Several Seogwipo villages offer cultural experiences including demonstrations, lectures, and opportunities to sample fresh-caught seafood.
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Jeju Loveland
Activity
Open-air sculpture park near Jeju City featuring 140 sculptures exploring themes of human sexuality and fertility. Adults only (18+). A popular stop on Korean honeymoon itineraries, the park blends humour with artistry and occupies 2.7 ha of landscaped grounds. Evenings are illuminated with neon lighting.
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Olle Trail Route 1
Activity
The first and most iconic of 26 Jeju Olle walking trails, running 15 km from Seongsanpo to Gwangchigi beach along dramatic coastal cliffs, past horse farms, and through small fishing villages. The trail passes a Haenyeo museum and offers views of Seongsan Ilchulbong. Blue arrow markers guide the entire route.
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Jeju Black Pork Street
Local producer
A concentrated strip of restaurants in Jeju City's Doma-dong district serving Jeju's signature dish: grilled black pork (heukdwaeji). The indigenous black pigs, bred on Jeju for centuries, are said to have superior flavor due to their diet and free-range lifestyle. Most restaurants offer the full experience with samgyeopsal, kimchi, and soju.
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Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market
Local producer
Seogwipo's lively daily market in the city center, covering multiple covered halls with fresh fish, mandarin oranges, black pork, pickled vegetables, and Jeju-specific products like tangerine wine and lava rock crafts. The raw fish section (hoe) is a local institution. Far less touristy than Dongmun Market in Jeju City.
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GETTING THERE
Jeju Ferry Terminal
Transport
Main ferry port connecting Jeju to mainland Korea. Regular services to Mokpo, Wando, and Busan. Car ferries allow visitors to bring their own vehicles. Crossings take 2.5–13 hours depending on destination and vessel type.
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Jeju International Airport
Transport
Main gateway to Jeju Island with domestic and international flights. Jeju Air, Air Seoul, and all Korean carriers serve the busiest domestic route in the world — Seoul Gimpo to Jeju. International flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Taipei.
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