Top 10 Things to Do in Jeju Island

Fly just an hour and a half from the capital city of Seoul and you will arrive at South Korea’s resort island, Jeju Island or Jeju.

From UNESCO-certified natural wonders to hundreds of unique museums and attractions, this enchanted island has something for everyone.

To help you get the best out of Jeju, here’s a list of 10 best things to do on the island – try a bit of everything!

1. Get in touch with nature in Jeju Island

jeju-top-10-things-to-do (6)When it comes to nature, Jeju has it all. Named as 7 New Wonders of Nature in 2011, Jeju offers pristine beaches, waterfalls, oreums or volcanic cones, lava tube caves and many more awe-inspiring natural wonders that are absolutely bucket list-worthy.

There are so many places to visit in Jeju, so here we’ve narrowed down to five of our favorite spots on the island.jeju-top-10-things-to-do-(11)

  1. Hallasan Mountain: a dormant volcano at the center of the island with crater lake on the top, surrounded by a national park with 368 parasitic volcanoes.
  2. Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak): an 182m volcanic cone famous for spectacular sunrises.
  3. Iho Taewoo Beach: a beach near downtown Jeju City famous for iconic horse-shaped lighthouses.
  4. Manjang Caves (Manjanggul): the longest lava tube on Jeju with the largest recorded lava column in the world inside the cave.
  5. Jusangjeolli Cliffs: unique volcanic rock formations that look like rectangular pillars near Jungmun Beach

Since there are so many destinations on the island, you won’t be able to visit and see all of them in one day, especially if you are traveling by foot or public transportation.

If you want to maximize your travel, the best options are to rent a car or to book one of the organized tours such as 1 Day Small Group Van Tour and 1 Day Bus Tour or private and personalized tours with a customized itinerary such as Taxi TourPrivate Van Tour or Private Mini Bus Tour.

2. Visit museums with a difference

If this is your first-time in Jeju Island, you will definitely be blown away by hundreds of museums scattered all over the island. In fact, Jeju’s museums are one of the main reasons to visit the island as they certainly offer something more than the classic, boring ones you’ve visited before.

A. Jeju Loveland 

Have fun taking photos in a sexy pose with the sexy and erotic sculptures at Jeju Loveland. Showcasing 140 sculptures and artworks inspired by human sexuality, this unique theme park has been drawing tourists and travelers from all around the world.jeju-top-10-things-to-do (9)If you’re with the little ones, don’t worry. There’s a separate playground zone for minors. To purchase 17% off discount tickets for Jeju Loveland, click here.

B. Teddy Bear Museum

Displaying a massive collection of teddy bears, Teddy Bear Museum is one of the must-visit museums in Jeju. Not only children love this place, but adults as well! For more information, click here.jeju-top-10-things-to-do-(25).jpgjeju-top-10-things-to-do-(24).jpg

C. Hello Kitty Island 

From galleries, café to a gift shop, Hello Kitty Island offers everything Hello Kitty. Don’t forget to drop by the gift shop and get yourself one of the Hello Kitty-themed goods as a souvenir!jeju-top-10-things-to-do (10)Make sure to take advantage of 17.5% off discount tickets before you visit.

See more must-visit museums in Jeju: Glass CastleBonte MuseumJeju Aerospace MuseumPlay KPOP Museum

3. Catch some waves

Offering a variety of scenic watersports and water-based activities, Jeju Island is a haven for aquaholics.jeju-top-10-things-to-do-(20).jpgCheck out the list of exciting water-based activities offered by Trazy.com and book the activity according to your water personality!
jeju-top-10-things-to-do-(19)

  1. Stick-to-the-basics: Discover scuba diving program in Eastern Jeju
  2. Adrenaline junkies: Parasailing
  3. Laidback wanderer: Yongyeon Pond Kayaking
  4. Luxury sailors: Chagwido Glass Yacht
  5. Underwater explorer: Seogwipo Submarine
  6. A ‘reel’ fisherman: Deep sea boat fishing in Chagwido
  7. Non-swimmers: Aqua Planet Jeju

4. Take time to smell the flowers

Jeju offers beautiful gardens and parks to wander through and immerse in Jeju’s nature. Here are five best spots for an idyllic escape with your beloved ones!jeju-top-10-things-to-do-(21).jpg

  1. Hallim Park: a popular park featuring 9 different themed zones, including Palm Tree Road, Jeju Stone and Bonsai Garden, Subtropical Botanic Garden and more and two lava caves.
  2. Ecoland: a family-friendly theme park where you can explore Jeju’s forests on an 18th century Baldwin steam train.
  3. Ilchul Land: a theme park with botanical gardens, a waterfront park, a folk village, a cactus greenhouse and a small lava cave.
  4. Spirited Garden: a beautiful garden with the largest artificial waterfalls in Jeju. Many famous public figures including Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao from China, Nakasone from Japan and many more visited the garden.
  5. Camellia Hill: the biggest arboretum in Asia famous for its forest path and beautiful gardens of camellias.

Looking for extraordinary parks? Check out the two popular miniature theme parks below!jeju-top-10-things-to-do-(23)

  • Mini Land: a theme park with miniature replicas of world-famous architectures and landmark buildings located in the eastern part of Jeju. For more info, click here.
  • Soingook Miniature Theme Park: a miniature theme park that is similar to Mini Land, but located in the western part of Jeju. For more info, click here.

5. Hit the trails

A. Walk through Olle Trails

jeju-top-10-things-to-do-(16).jpgIn Jeju, there is a series of trails called Jeju Olle-gil, which leads through forests, volcanic cones and many other best-kept secrets of Jeju Island. There are 26 routes in total and you can explore three of them if you sign up for a one-day Olle trekking tour. For more info, click here.

B. Hike up Hallasan Mountain

jeju-top-10-things-to-do (1)Hiking up Hallasan Mountain or Mt. Halla, and to its peak at 1,950 meters (6,397 feet) above sea level is one of the experiences you must try in Jeju. The reward for hiking to the top are the sight of Baekrokdam, the lake-filled crater, and the magnificent view of volcanic cones in the surrounding Hallasan National Park.jeju-top-10-things-to-do (2)It is relatively easy to hike Hallasan Mountain. The hiking courses are less than 10 km in length. Starting at the Seongpanak Entrance, the 9.6-kilometer (6-mile) hike to the summit takes about five hours. But take note that the weather changes constantly and it can be very wind while you are hiking.

6. Savor the authentic flavors of Jeju

Are you a food enthusiast? Try Jeju’s three best local specialties below!

jeju-top-10-things-to-do-(12)

  1. Jeonbokjuk: an abalone porridge made out of innards of the abalone and rice.
  2. Heuk-dwaeji: a juicy and succulent grilled pork belly from Jeju’s native black pig, which is slightly more expensive than regular pork, but well worth it.
  3. Jagalchi: grilled or boiled thinly sliced raw silver scabbardfish

See 9 best local restaurants in Jeju Island.

If you are a Muslim traveler, make sure to check out the list of Muslim-friendly restaurants in Jeju here.

7. Drop by hipster cafes and fine diners

jeju-top-10-things-to-do (4)If you feel like you had enough local foods, enjoy a fine dining at Maison Glad Buffet. Then drop by one of these trendy beachfront cafes killer views of the island’s stunning ocean vistas. See Jeju’s 6 best beachfront cafes here.jeju-top-10-things-to-do-(15).jpgOr try and visit one of the most unique cafes in Jeju, Siwa Dream Foot Bath Cafe. While enjoying a cup of coffee you can treat yourself a nice foot bath to relax your tired feet and freshen up yourself. For more info, click here.

8. Head out for outdoor adventures

When you visit Jeju, never miss out on adventurous activities and experiences that the island has to offer. Make your trip legendary with some of the best adventures below!jeju-top-10-things-to-do-(13)

  1. Horseback ride: Try horseback riding in Jeju, particularly the shore-front horseback riding. You can take in the view of wonderful Seongsan Ilchulbong, or Sunrise Peak while riding a horse along the beach. Sign up here and saddle up!
  2. Rail bike: Take in Jeju’s stunning scenery with your beloved ones while pedaling along the railway tracks. You can purchase 34% off discount tickets here.
  3. Zipline:  Fly over a forest or ocean! Zipline Jeju offers an adrenaline-pumping zip lining experience with four different options for you to choose from. Purchase 25% off discount tickets here.
  4. Off Road Ride: Seeking for pure adrenaline-filled joy? Head out and explore Jeju’s natural wonders in off-road recreational vehicles at Sunsaemi Park. Grab your squad and enjoy the 12km off-road drive course! Booking is available here.
  5. Hot Air Balloon: Launch yourself a hot air balloon, hop on it and get a panoramic view of Jeju Island at sunset. Make sure to book in advance for this unique and amazing experience here.

9. Soak up the history and culture of Jeju

A. Experience Jeju’s local market scenes

Experience the authentic local culture of Jeju at five-day markets or permanent local markets. One of the most famous markets is Dongmun Market, located near Jeju International Airport.jeju-top-10-things-to-do-(18).jpgIt is the largest permanent market in Jeju where you can find all sorts of indigenous goods and products such as Jeju citrus fruits. Compared to other seafood restaurants and traditional marketplaces around, the price of the fish and seafood here is known to be relatively cheap.

See Top 10 traditional markets in Jeju.

B. Time travel back to the late 19th century

jeju-top-10-things-to-do (7)Housing a folk village with over 100 traditional houses and 8,000 folk items, Jeju Folk Village Museum is a must-visit place for those who want to learn about the island’s rich history and culture. Purchase discount tickets for Jeju Folk Village Museum here.

10. Explore Jeju’s other paradise islands

Though Jeju itself is an island, there are beautiful small islets.jeju-top-10-things-to-do-(14)

  1. Chagwido Island (west of Jeju): a tiny uninhabited island, just a short 10 minutes ride from Jagunae Harbor, famous as a fishing destination. A boat fishing experience in Chagwido at only $11 is available here.
  2. Udo Island (east of Jeju): a popular island situated 3.5 km off the coast of Jeju, famous for its pristine white beaches, particularly Seobin-baeksa Beach, and black lava cliffs.

Check out more awesome things to do in Jeju Island or other parts of South Korea at Trazy.comKorea’s #1 Travel Shop!

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