10 Things To Do on Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju is the largest island off the coast of South Korea, it was once labeled as the island of triple abundance for wind, stones and women. It's a volcanic island, dominated by the highest mountain in South Korea – Hallasan – and was created from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Here, you'll find a number of places of interest that are perfect for those looking for an escape into nature – to gaze upon the wonders that the Earth has created – and get away from concrete cityscapes.
Hamdeok Beach
Beautifully clear emerald waters are abundant on Jeju Island. In the northeastern part of Jeju, you'll find a beach with black volcanic rock skirting the edges of the water. They provide a sharp contrast in colour and texture to the blue waters that lie behind it. With small food shops close by, you'll be able to relax and take in the sun at this pleasant beach. Although during our visit, we found that there was a mesh material on the sand leading up to the water. Meaning no sand castles could be built unless you're up close to the water's edge.
Find it: Hamdeok-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju
Manjanggul Cave
Jeju is home to the longest lava tube in the world – 5 - 10 metres high, over 13km long, 5 metres wide and a UNESCO Heritage Site. Visitors are allowed to walk the length of 1km within the cave, which is a damp and dark experience. Uneven floors are made easier to walk on with wooden platforms that are scattered through the tunnel, whilst interior lighting provides just enough for you to be able to see where you are placing your feet. Formed over 2.5 million years ago, it was an incredible sight to behold (and to walk through!). You can trace your fingertips along the walls lava tracks, gaze upon the impressive rock formations – including a 7.6 metre high lava column and try to spot bats that have made their home there right at the end of your walk. Be sure to have a light jacket with you, as the tunnel gets cold fast.
Price: 2,000 KRW (£1.40)/Person
Find it: Gimnyeong-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju, Jeju Island
Dongmun Market
Dongmun market is a traditional market in Jeju that is filled with agricultural products and seafood – both fresh and dry – that fill the whole venue with a rather pungent smell. You'll find everything from mackerel and small octopus to fruits and delightful dried tangerine chocolates!
Find it: 20, Gwandeok-ro, 14-gil, Jeju
Gimnyeong Beach
Once again, you'll be charmed by the beauty of the ocean at yet another clear water beach on Jeju Island. White sands, crystal waters and a never-ending ocean provide the perfect backdrop to the seaside cafes and coffee shops that lie just across the way. We thoroughly recommend sipping on a bottle of OJ made from Jeju's finest oranges for a refreshing pick-me-up.
Find it: 33-3, Woljeong-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju
Seongeup Folk Village
As a preserved living place of the people of old Jeju, Seongeup is now designated as an important site of folklore and cultural heritage. People are still living in the village to this day, as can be seen by the little home comforts that you'll witness as you stroll through its quiet streets.
Find it: Seongeup Folk Village, 9-2, Seongeupjeonguihyeon-ro 22 beong-gil, Pysoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, jeju
Black Pork Street
In the midst of Jeju City, you'll find a particular delicacy that this street is named after. Black Pig is a breed of domestic pig found on the Korean Island. The entire street is lined with restaurants offering traditional Korean cuisine using this particular ingredient. We chose to dine in Dombaedon Heukdwaejigeori, a restaurant offering Korean BBQ with fresh ingredients and some chilled Tsingdao beers.
Seongsa Ilchulbong (Sunset) Peak
Having risen from the sea in a series of volcanic eruptions, Seongsa Ilchulbong (otherwise known as Sunset Peak) resembles an old fortress on a coastal cliff. It was said to have erupted 5,000 years ago, underwater, before becoming the 180 metre high formation that is seen today, with a crater of 600 metres in diameter. Now, it is also considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding landscape and geological value. In less than an hour, you can reach the peak and gaze over the crater towards the sea, whilst on the descent marvel at Hallasan in the distance. The ascent was a little tiresome, consisting mostly of stairs at a rather steep gradient. But, upon reaching the top, the view of the crater, the sea and city of city lying before our eyes was certainly a reward worthy of the sweat.
At the foot of this formation, wander down towards the emerald waters and you'll witness an interesting performance of Haenyeo – female divers who were once the breadwinners risking their lives to dive deep into the sea without breathing apparatus to collect conches, abalone and seaweed to make ends meet. There are many little cafes and restaurants at the entrance to this site, so be sure to pick up a bottle of water before starting your hike!
Price: 2,000 KRW (£1.40)/Person
Find it: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju
Cheonjiyeon Falls
Price: 2,000 Won
Legend has it that seven fairies serving the King of Heaven came down to this pond on stairs of a cloud and bathed in its clean waters, and the name of the waterfall itself reflects the legend behind its origin. Often referred to as "God's Pond", the waterfall is 22 metres high, 12 metres wide and 20 metres in depth – though we didn't test this ourselves! On making our way to the waterfall, we found ourselves on a very quiet path that led us high above the waterfall before we could ascend towards the actual entrance to the area (we think we might have gotten a little lost, but the view was worth it!).
On entering the area of the waterfall, you'll make your way across small streams and through tree-lined paths before reaching the waterfall itself. It's a truly beautiful area filled with luscious greenery that one can never get enough of when coming from a concrete city.
Price: 2,000 KRW (£1.40)/Person
Find it: Namseongjung-ro, Seochong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju
Hallasan National Park
At the heart of Jeju Island lies an extinct volcano known as Hallasan. At 1,950 meters, it is the highest mountain in South Korea and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site that is meant to offer tremendous views from its summit. There are a number of hiking routes to choose from, though only two of which go all the way to Hallasan's peak, where you'll find Baeknok Lake. Different trails are based on the steepness of the gradient – and change in length. So, depending on how much time you have – and how much energy you can muster up for the hike – choose your trail wisely!
Price: 1,600 KRW (£1.10)/Adult, 600 KRW (£0.41p)/ Youths, 300 KRW (£0.21p)/Children
Find it: 2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju
Jusangjeollidae Cliffs
Near Jungmun Beach, towards the South of Jeju Island, you'll find a set of black rock pillars. Composed of basaltic lava*, hexagonal and rectangular shapes were created by the sudden cooling of lava as it shrinks in mass. We've heard a lot of people say that watching the waves crashing against these rocks is a formidable yet terrific sight to behold. Maybe next time, we'll get to visit them too!
* Molten rock that is enriched in iron and magnesium and low in silica. When mafic lava cools on the earth's surface, it forms basalt. Yes, we had to look this up.
Price: 2,000 KRW (£1.40)/Person
Find it: 36-30, Ieodo-ro, Seogwipo, Jeju
How We Got Around
As we were rather limited on time, we hired a car and driver for one full day in order to hit some key sights with ease: Hamdeok Beach, Manjunggal Lava Tube, Gimnyeong Beach, Seongeup Folk Village and Sunset Peak. Having scoured through a number of different tours available, we found that they were often limited, for example: only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays would they be travelling East of the island, whilst remaining days meant going West. Typically, the day we wanted to join a tour, it just so happened to include sights we weren't so keen on visiting. So, we opted for a private driver instead.
For the car, driver, fuel and 8 hours of his time, we were able to make our own itinerary! Our driver didn't speak much English, but was extremely efficient in taking us exactly where we wanted to go, helping us buy tickets and recommending a delectable spot for lunch.
Price: 140,000 KRW (£97)/Up to four people.
Where: jejudaytour.com