Jeju Island is Korea’s youngest volcanic island, and various volcanic landforms such as lava tube caves, small volcanic edifices, volcanic shields, and so on have been well preserved. It offers a variety of magnificent landscapes, ranging from alpine plants on Mount Hallasan to colourful soft temperate corals beneath the sea. The island is known for its distinct cuisine, particularly the local seafood caught by Jeju’s famous female deep-sea divers (haenyeo), all of whom are over the age of 60.
Jeju’s beaches are ideal for coastal relaxation, with idyllic waters cloaking vibrant coral seascapes. Only after you’ve checked off at least one of them will your attention shift to Jeju, South Korea’s southernmost province and an island isolated from the rest, with its own distinct culture and experiences. You’ll get a different perspective on South Korean culture and discover that Jeju is well worth the trip. So, here are the top 10 best things to do in Jeju Island 2024.
Is Jeju Island similar to Hawaii?
Jeju Island is known as “Korea’s Hawaii.” It is the Korean peninsula’s most extensive offshore island. The island is famous for volcanic landmarks, numerous waterfalls, white sand beaches, and other natural wonders. All these places make Jeju Island feel like a piece of heaven on Earth.
Is it necessary for Malaysians to apply for K-ETA?
Malaysian visitors to South Korea must show proof of vaccination, including a booster shot (print out your MySejahtera certificate) and negative Covid-19 PCR test results taken 48 hours or RTK test results taken 24 hours before departure. You must also apply for a K-ETA (electronic travel authorization) and a Q-code (to generate a QR code with the required vaccination and other information). Both of these applications are simple to complete online and resulted in a quick entry process at the airport immigration for us.
10 Best Things To Do in Jeju Island 2024
1. Visit The Dongmun Traditional Market
Dongmun Market, which opened in 1945, sells everything under the sun, with gleaming fresh fish displays next to stalls piled high with fruits, vegetables, meat, and more. Because vendors sell clothing, stationery, and souvenirs, it is popular with tourists and locals, and wandering around is a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening.
There is plenty of delicious local food available at the market. People flock here as dusk falls to enjoy its fantastic street food, particularly dumplings and seafood. Dongmun, as a traditional market, is a great place to visit if you want to experience local life in Jeju City.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: South Korea, Jeju-do, Jeju-si, 특별자치도, 동문시장
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2. Chilling At Hamdeok Beach
Hamdeok Beach, located just half an hour east of Jeju City, is famous for families, particularly during the warm summer. While much of the beach disappears at high tide, a massive sand bar emerges as the waters recede. Strolling here with the glistening turquoise waters around you is a pleasure.
The beach is surrounded by rocky islets and rolling hills, with the town of Jocheon behind it, and it is set amid some beautiful scenery. There are also some lovely coastal hikes nearby. In addition to changing rooms and deck chairs along its golden sands, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and hotels to choose from. From Hamdeok Beach, the Korea Strait offers visitors a variety of fantastic watersports such as kayaking, snorkelling, water skiing, paddling, and swimming in its waters.
Operating Hours: All days
Address: Sinbuk-ro, Jochon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
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3. Discover The Manjanggul Cave
Manjanggul Cave, formed hundreds of thousands of years ago, is one of the world’s largest and longest lava tube caves and a popular tourist attraction. The cave stretches nine kilometres and is up to 30 metres high and 23 metres wide. These dimensions make the one-kilometre walk through the massive cave open to the public so impressive. You’ll see a lot of beautiful stalagmites, stalactites, and rock formations along the way.
Aside from simply enjoying being in such a unique location, the main attraction is the massive 7.8-meter-high lava column that lies at one end of it – the world’s tallest such structure. Exploring Manjanggul Cave is a memorable experience, with bats flitting about and softly-lit lava creations everywhere you look.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 182 Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
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4. Calm Your Mind With Jeongbang Waterfall
Jeongbang, located on the outskirts of Seogwipo, is one of the most famous waterfalls on the island, and for a good reason. Jeongbang’s white waters plunge directly into the ocean from the top of a cliff. Surprisingly, it is Asia’s only waterfall that does so.
The majestic falls, which rise to a height of 23 metres, are breathtaking, with rugged rocks and tree-topped cliffs on either side. There are few waterfalls like it anywhere in the world. Visitors must clamber over boulders and loose stones to get close to Jeongbang. Wear comfortable shoes because these can become quite slippery with the waterfall’s spray.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:40 pm (Daily)
Address: 37 Chilsimni-ro 214beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
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5. Amaze Yourself At Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff
The Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff is a spectacular volcanic rock formation on Jeju Island, South Korea’s southern coast. It is similar to Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway. The Jusangjeolli Cliff was formed when lava from Hallasan Mountain erupted into the Jungmun Sea. The jagged cliff, now a Natural Monument, was formed when Hallasan Mountain erupted; the cooling lava created the beautiful formations we see today.
Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff, located on the island’s southern coast, is fantastic when a large wave crashes against the rocks. From the surf, you can see its unusual square and hexagon shapes re-emerge in front of you. You can take stunning photographs while amazed at nature. Additionally, you can unwind while taking in the sunset.
Operating Hours: All days
Address: Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
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6. Explore The Hallim Park
Hallim Park, with its ideal blend of culture and environment, provides something for everyone in the family, and there is even a children’s amusement park for the little ones to enjoy. Hallim Park, which covers a large area northwest of the island, offers several beautiful gardens for you to explore, each with a particular theme or design and displaying numerous fauna and flora.
A small zoo, a quaint little cafe, and a traditional folk hamlet where you can learn more about Jeju’s native culture and customs are tucked away among its bonsai, water, and palm tree gardens. On top of that, its two primary attractions are the captivating caverns of Ssangyonggul and Hyeopjaegul, into which you may venture.
Operating Hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (Daily)
Address: 300 Hallim-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
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7. Explore The Hallasan National Park
The Hallasan National Park centred on the country’s highest peak, will delight nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hallasan, which stands at 1,950 metres, is located in the heart of Jeju, and its lofty peak can be seen from almost anywhere on the island. Many different trails and paths wind up the mountainside walk along. Each one provides breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Locals believe that spirits and gods inhabit Hallasan, but it has its fauna and flora due to its long separation from the mainland. The park’s flower-filled meadows and lush forests provide plenty of beautiful scenery for you to enjoy; Baengnokdam crater lake is just one of its many highlights.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Daily)
Address: South Korea, Jeju-do, Jeju-si, 특별자치도, 1100로 2070-61
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8. Visit The Spirited Garden
The immaculately presented Spirited Garden is a joy to stroll around because of its delicate appearance and feel. Bonsai trees dating back centuries stand alongside rambling hills, picturesque stone bridges, and gently gurgling waterfalls. Bum-Young Sung founded the garden in 1968, intending to calm your soul.
Numerous essential heads of state have strolled through its peaceful landscapes since then. The Spirited Garden, which represents both the nature and beauty of Jeju, is a fascinating blend of art, nature, and philosophy that is well worth a visit if you have the opportunity.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 675 Nokchabunjae-ro, Hangyeong-myeon, 특별자치도, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
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9. Mesmerising Seongsan Ilchulbong
The volcanic crater of Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, is Jeju’s most famous and iconic attraction. You’ll see photos and tour operators advertising trips to see it everywhere on the island. A volcanic eruption five thousand years ago formed its distinctive bowl-like shape, which rises dramatically above the sea and the waves that pound its cliffs.
It takes about 30 minutes to walk 180 metres to the summit. Its ridge provides breathtaking ocean views of Udo Island and Jeju. As its name suggests, the best time to visit is at sunrise, when you can watch the sun slowly rise above the horizon, lighting up the waters in front of you. The most impressive sights on Jeju Island are Seongsan Ilchulbong and its unique landscape, which should not be missed.
Operating Hours: All days
Address: Seogwipo-si, South Korea
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10. Island Hopping To Udo Island
Thanks to its rugged natural beauty, Udo Island’s spectacular scenery has long drawn visitors to its shores. It has even appeared in a couple of Korean films over the years. Udo, which translates as ‘Cow Island’ due to its resemblance to a cow lying down, has a very rustic look and feel, with agriculture being the primary source of income for its inhabitants besides tourism.
Udo Island, surrounded by jagged cliffs and punctuated by desolate yet breathtaking beaches, is just a short ferry ride away from the village of Seongsan-ri in Jeju’s east. Visitors can visit its charming little lighthouse and its museum on local marine and insect life, as well as its natural sights. It only takes about an hour to drive around the entire island.
Operating Hours: All days
Address: Jeju-si
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Google Review: Here
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
