Blessed with many natural gifts, Jeju Island of Korea is one of the dream destinations of many visitors. Vast pine forests, majestic mountains, cliffs and waterfalls and romantic beaches along with delectable foods as well as specialties – all make a worth visit beautiful island. So, what to do in Jeju island (what to do on Jeju island, Jeju island what to do)? Let’s check out our top things to do in Jeju island (top Jeju island things to do) and Jeju island what to see with 15+ best things to do in Jeju island, unique and must do in Jeju as follows!
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What does Jeju have that make thousands of visitors fall in love and often want to return to Jeju many more times? For me, I like the peace of Jeju, fresh air like the space of this beautiful island, like the delicious food, etc. Jeju can please anyone who comes to this island, such as: the elderly, children, family… or whether you go alone, with your lover or with a group of friends, Jeju still has many suitable options to experience. And here are the top 10 interesting experiences and best things to do in Jeju island, based on what I have experienced.
Explore the majestic Hallasan mountain (# best things to do in jeju island)
Hallasan Mountain is a mountain with an altitude of up to 1950 m – the highest in Korea. It used to be a volcano with boiling lava flows. However, until now, Hallasan lies peacefully and inactive. This mountain is inscribed by UNESCO with the title of geological treasure and cultural landmark of the world. There is an ancient story associated with the formation of the mountain. In that story, people believe that the Hallasan is the mother mountain of 368 other child mountains across the country.
The Hallasan mountainous area is currently home to an extremely diverse ecosystem. They found more than 1800 species of plants found here, many of which are precious plants that need to be preserved.
To be able to discover all the beauty of this mountain, the best way for you is to climb the mountain. This place is open to visitors every day of the year so that all visitors can conquer Hallasan. However, it is best to opt for a day hike if you want to climb to its highest peak – Dongneung Peak.
According to experienced climbers, regardless of the weather conditions, completing the climb takes hours. Therefore, you should start your journey early in the morning. You can choose the Seongpanak route from the east or the Gwaneumsa route from the west.
Another note when you decide to climb Hallasan is to carefully prepare the gears, tools, necessaries. Solid shoes are a must-have. You need to prepare warm clothes because the air on the top of the mountain is very cold. In addition, water and some snacks will be needed for an energetic hike.
The journey will be extremely arduous to climb to the top of Dongneung. However, the results that visitors receive are extremely wonderful. Standing at that place, you can zoom in on the whole majestic natural scenery. Just hold back a little, you will be surrounded by white clouds, bringing the cold air of the sky. Drop yourself into that peaceful space, take deep breaths to feel like you are inspired by life. Certainly, the feeling of being a winner will be second to none.
Climb to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong peak to watch the sunrise (# must do in jeju)
One of the great places to watch the sunrise in Jeju is the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong mountain. It is located just on the east side of the island and is popular with tourists for a morning walk. The area is also close to Seongsan Port and Udo Island. Therefore, plan an itinerary to explore this mountainous area first and then go to the port and island.
Mount Ilchulbong is an inactive volcano. After years of erosion, this peak is no longer as towering as it once was. With its current shape, Seongsan Ilchulbong looks like a plateau when viewed from afar and looks like a giant crown when viewed from above.
Jeju is 1826 km2 in area and is made up of lava from an erupting volcano, so one of the experiences that you should not miss when coming to Jeju is to explore the top of Seongsan Mountain – where you can see the first ray of sunshine in a day in Jeju.
To get here, you will have to climb up the pre-made stairs, so it is also very clean and safe, along the way there are many spots for you to rest and admire the surrounding landscape, enjoy the cool air of this place.
After about 30 minutes, I also climbed to the top. There are many places for you to sit and watch the crater covered with green trees, surrounded by the sea with a strong wind. After relaxing, you can walk back down to visit the sea maiden’s house at the bottom of the mountain. If you go on time and the weather is nice, you can witness the haenyeo divers (sea women) going diving. Here they sell and prepare dishes from the seafood they have just caught.
It is not too difficult to climb Seongsan Ilchulbong when compared to the peak of Hallasan. It will only take you about 50 minutes to reach the top of this mountain. All appearing before your eyes is a magnificent scene. We recommend coming here early in the morning to catch the first sunrise. What you get after a long climb is really worth it.
Visit the beautiful island of Udo (# top things to do in jeju island)
About 13km to the east of Jeju is the beautiful little island of Udo – this is the home of divers, golden peanuts and the freshest seafood. To get to this place, you can rent a bicycle for 10,000 won / hour or an electric bike for 15,000 won / hour. With this option, you will have interesting experiences when you are leisurely on the sea route with beautiful scenery and fresh air.
The island of Udo is so small that it only takes about two hours to visit. White sand blue beaches like Hogosudong, Sanho and Someori Oreum mountain will leave you speechless. More than just a visual experience, save amazing photos here. Surely, your frame will be outstanding by the scenery of Udo.
Moreover, do not forget that Udo is also a place where delicious food is hidden. Peanuts grown on the island are abundant and lush. That is the source of ingredients for many delicious dishes here. You can try the original taste with the familiar boiled and roasted peanuts. In particular, you must try the famous peanut ice cream here. Ignore it, you will regret it.
With the advantage of being adjacent to the sea, seafood resources on the island are extremely abundant. Rarely do tourists come to visit without enjoying the savory seafood dishes here. You will have the opportunity to taste the freshest pieces of fish in the world! Seafood ramen is a very popular dish. So, don’t let an empty stomach when come back.
Immerse yourself in the waves on Hamdeok beach (# what to do in jeju island)
Talking about the beauty of Hamdeok beach, we can only say beautiful words unspeakable! Are you curious? Hamdeok Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Korea. Coming to Hamdeok, visitors will enjoy a peaceful and majestic landscape. We have clear blue sea – fine white sand – mysterious black rock area – calm waves lapping the shore. It can be said that the beauty of nature here gathers all the best things and is ready to please anyone.
To enjoy all the great things in Hamdeok, don’t forget to walk along the white shore and roam on the black rocks. Not far from the jetty, you can find another very large beach. Head there on the bike path to soak up the cool ocean breeze. At the end of the road, you will see a very beautiful cafe called Delmoondo. Let’s enjoy the most peaceful moments with a cup of hot coffee!
Come explore the Jungmun lava columns (# what to do on jeju island)
The stunning landscape of Jungmun lava columns will probably remind you of The Sea Cliff of Stone Plates of the city of yellow flowers and green grass – Phu Yen of Vietnam. However, compared to the massiveness, this place is truly unmatched.
The pentagonal and hexagonal stones stacked in layers create a unique appearance at Jusangjeolli Bay. To be able to form this overwhelming landscape, this land has had to go through thousands of years of geological transformation. The lava flows of the volcano Hallasan (now dormant) erupted and poured down here in red hot streams. After that, they are gradually cooled by the Jungmun sea current. And then this land changed over the years, gradually cracked and created the landscape today.
You can see these stone columns from the natural wooden landing area. However, if you like to explore, you will definitely choose to follow the small path leading to the deserted sea. At that place, you will be free to see the most amazing things that few people know about.
Enjoying Jeongbang Waterfall (# best things to do in jeju)
Address: 37 Chilsimni-ro 214beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Hours: 9 AM–5:40 PM
Of the three waterfalls on Jeju Island, Jeongbang is one of the most special waterfalls. It is the only waterfall on the island and the only one in Asia with a top that falls directly into the sea. The journey to discover this place will definitely make you unforgettable. Jeongbang is a waterfall that originates from Donghongchun stream. It always rushes into the sea from a height of 23m four seasons all year round. This flow of water is like a white silk strip with white bubbles. Under the full sunlight, the water reflected creating a bright halo of the whole area.
Before stepping to the foot of the waterfall, you should enjoy some snacks in the small roadside shops. Those are just temporary stalls set up by the sales aunts, but the food is extremely attractive. The road to the waterfall is quite difficult to go because it is slippery, so be careful when moving.
Start a new journey of discovery at Manjanggul Lava Tube (# unique things to do in jeju)
Address: 182 Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Hours: 9 AM–5 PM
Jeju has not only mountains and sea, but also amazing caves. Manjanggul Cave is one of the most loved. This is a must-visit place on your adventure!
Manjanggul is home to one of the top 10 largest lava tubes in the world. The interior of the cave stretches to more than 5km, visitors can only visit 1km of it. However, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!
All that appeared before the dark scene were the stone pillars shimmering under the colorful lights. You will be immersed in a mysterious scene like the middle of a galaxy far away. Hidden deep in there, try to look for the stone turtle. Anyone who sees it will admit that its shape is exactly like Jeju Island. In addition, along the winding road to enter the cave, we have information boards in English and Korean. You will have the opportunity to know more useful information about the formation process of stalagmites, lava, stalactites and lava tubes.
For a safe and enjoyable trip, prepare yourself with a warm jacket and sturdy shoes. It is extremely humid and the temperature is much lower than outside.
Jeju Haenyeo Museum
Address: Hado-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Hours: 9 AM–6 PM/Monday: Closed
If you come to Jeju, you should know more about the Haenyeo divers (sea women). Jeju gains what as it is today, largely thanks to these Haenyeo because they mobilized and donated money to build schools, roads, etc. for their children, so they are favored by the government such as: free medical examination, free on public transport, etc. Not only that, these Haenyeo seawomen are recognized by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Visiting this museum, you will learn more about how they scuba dive to find abalone, sea cucumber and other sea creatures to eat or sell to earn money to support their family when their equipment very rudimentary, such as a wetsuit, a mask, fins, a lead strap, a float, a seafood basket, and a metal rod for hooking seafood from rocks.
With the development of society, there are not many Haenyeon sea divers anymore because they can have other better jobs so most of the sea women in Jeju now are only old women, they must be around 60 -90 years old but still go diving for a few hours every day.
Playing the ultimate sports and rides at 9.81 Park Jeju
Address: 880-24 Cheondeok-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Hours: 9 AM–6:20 PM
This theme park is located based on the Earth’s gravity (9.81m/s2) with a large space covering the sea and Hallasan mountain. Here there are many games, rides, sports different experiences that are very interesting. You can buy tickets HERE in advance for cheap.
The most impressive for me is the go-kart ride, it automatically runs, your task is to step on the brake to slow down or stop, then turn the steering wheel. The maximum speed is only about 40km / h, is operated automatically, so it is very safe for you. After going through two laps, if you pass, you will be able to participate in a more challenging race with speeds up to 50km/h.
In addition, there are other games such as playing vehicles crashes, basketballs, jumping,… or the 360-degree ferris wheel that also attracts many young people to challenge it.
Experiencing Seowigpo Submarine
Your task is just to sit in the submarine and watch the world under the sea through the glass panes, the rest is for the experienced crew to take you down to a depth of about 40 meters.
And this also depends on the weather, on a beautiful day, a nice sea, the view is better, and on a bad day as the day we went, we can’t see further. But it’s also worth experiencing once to see what a submarine is like.
During the dive, you will meet a frogman holding a scuba tank and diving with you. He will wave to you from outside the submarine’s doorway, and will also sprinkle some food to attract fish for you to see.
This submarine has been in continuous operation for more than 33 years, and holds the world record for the oldest submarine in operation.
Enjoy the grandeur of Arte Museum
Address: South Korea, Jeju-do, Jeju-si, 특별자치도, Aewol-eup, Eorimbi-ro, 478 KR
Hours: 10 AM–8 PM
This art museum is the place that makes the most impression on me when going out in Jeju. I’m not part of the “museum” group, but I was so excited when I set foot in this place.
Impressed with the vastness of the museum, it’s enough to get tired of walking. Impressed with the vivid and colorful display of images of blooming petals, flying butterflies, murmuring waterfalls, lapping waves on the beach with beautiful aurora skies,… in the museum. There are about 10 themes for you to enjoy the artistic beauty.
Photoshoot at Snoopy Garden
Address: 930 Geumbaekjo-ro, Gujwa-eup, 특별자치도 Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Hours: 9 AM–7 PM
If you are a fan of the animated movie Snoopy Dog and friends like Charlie Brown, Woodstock, Lucy, etc. or just someone who likes cute images, then Snoopy Garden is one of those places you don’t want to see. should be missed when coming to Jeju.
Oh no, if you’re a fan of Jisoo in the BlackPink group too, you should also come here to have some “cheap moments” with the statues that this beauty took at Snoopy Garden.
There is a large garden with many miniatures and statues of Snoopy and friends in many different poses and expressions for you to freely pose.
Iho Taewoo Beach
Address: 1665-13 Iho 1(il)-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
This Iho Taewoo beach is one of the spots that often appear on Instagram when searching for Jeju, featuring the image of a red horse, a white horse standing in the distance in the sea. From a distance, it feels like they are roaming on the sea.
The beach here is peaceful and beautiful, suitable for you to come here to camp, or just wander to take pictures and take pictures. From here you can also easily watch the planes take off and land at Jeju airport. The airport is very busy, so it’s easy to capture this scene.
Virtually living on the rainbow road Dodu-dong Rainbow Coastal Road
Address: 1734−2 Dodu 1(il)-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Not far from Iho Taewoo beach – home to the famous white and red horse lighthouses – is a coastal road whose partitions are painted in various vibrant colors to create a bridge path rainbow.
On this road there are many bronze statues for you to sit next to and take pictures with. Or is it a bus stop, it looks so artistic.
Walking on the Handam Coastal Walk
Address: 1359 Gwakji-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
This coastal road is home to many lovely cafes with a direct view to the sea, so it attracts many young Koreans as well as tourists who come here to sip coffee, food,… and enjoy the beauty of the Jeju sea. If you go in the sunset, it’s even more beautiful.
At the beginning of the road, there is a beautiful Bomnal cafe, good coffee and a nice virtual living place.
But I prefer Lazy Pump cafe at the end of this coastal trail, both less crowded, and has a much more interesting, gentle, vintage vibe. Not many people take the trouble to walk out here.
Baking at TOTO Atelier Self cooking class
What, these kitchen things I can do, it’s too easy. This place has a cafe area and a baking area, suitable for families or young couples to come and have fun. You can choose to make orange cake or carrot cake, then go to the back of the garden to pluck carrots, cut flowers, cut leaves to decorate and wash them. Then go to make your own cakes, everything is ready & complete.
Just follow the on-screen instructions and you’re done. The rest is your ingenuity when beating eggs, kneading dough, etc. Very easy.
After baking the cake, you bring it to the coffee shop to enjoy or pack it into a box and take home.
I just introduced the top 15+ interesting experiences and best things to do in Jeju Island, of course, this is not all that Jeju has. You can watch more performances of the Nanta Show, explore the ancient villages that used to be the filming location of the movie Dae Jang Geum, and more. In short, Jeju is well worth coming back again and again to explore! The majestic and magnificent nature in this place never disappoints visitors. Make a detailed plan and prepare carefully to make your trip the most perfect!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Jeju you can refer to
- Private Jeju International Airport Transfers (CJU) for Jeju City
- Private Jeju International Airport Transfers (CJU) for Seogwipo City
- Jeju City Bus
- Eastern Jeju Discovery
- Western Island Exploration
- Eastern Jeju Private Day Tour
- Western Jeju Private Day Tour
- Southern Jeju Adventure Day Tour
- Jeju Private Car Charter
- Jeju Island UNESCO Day Tour
- Jeju Island UNESCO & Must-visit Day Tour (By Wondertrip)
- Customize Day Tour in Jeju Island (9 Hours)
- Aqua Planet Jeju Ticket [Foreigners Only]
- Jeju Private Car Charter by Wonder Trip
- Jeju 9.81 Park Ticket
- [Limited Offer] AREX Incheon Airport Express Train One Way Ticket in Seoul
- 4G Prepaid SIM Card (SK Airports Pick Up) for South Korea
- [SALE] South Korea 4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airports Pick Up) from KT Olleh
- 4G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for South Korea (Unlimited Data)
- 4G Portable WiFi for South Korea from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)
- [SALE] Instant Ticket: Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5Days
- [Limited Offer] Incheon International Airport (ICN) Luggage Services (Between Airport and Hotel) by Safex
Are you looking for more Jeju travel guide and top things to do in Jeju: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Jeju travel blog (Jeju blog) — The fullest guide for a budget trip to Jeju island, South Korea.