Hello, travelers around the world! 🌍✈️
Are you looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and feel the beauty and tranquility of nature? If so, I invite you to visit Jeju Island, a hidden gem in the southern waters of South Korea! 🏞️✨ Jeju Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a volcanic island, and one of South Korea’s favorite vacation spots. Today, I’m going to be your personal guide to help you get the most out of your visit!
🏝️ What makes Jeju Island so special?
Jeju Island is more than just a vacation destination – it’s a work of art created by nature and home to a unique culture and history.
- The mystery of a volcanic island: Formed by the eruption of Mount Halla, Jeju Island boasts unique topography and mysterious natural features such as lava caves and oreum (small volcanic bodies). ⛰️
- Emerald waters: The crystal clear blue waters are healing in themselves and perfect for a variety of marine activities. 🌊
- Unique culture and history: The resilience of Haenyeo, the local women who have forged a life in the rough waves, and Dol Hareubang, the stones that dot the island, add to Jeju’s unique atmosphere. 🧜♀️🗿
- The beauty of the four seasons: Rape blossoms in spring, blue sea in summer, mugwort and autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes and camellias in winter adorn the island, making it a great place to visit any time of year 🌸🌼🍁❄️
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✈️ How to Get to Jeju Island (How to Get to Jeju Island)
Jeju Island is an island, but it is very accessible. The main way to get there is by airplane ✈️를:
- Gimpo International Airport (GMP): It takes about an hour to fly from Gimpo Airport in Seoul to Jeju International Airport (CJU). Domestic flights are very frequent, and many low-cost carriers (LCCs) offer relatively inexpensive flights.
- Incheon International Airport (ICN): For those traveling directly from overseas, there are a few direct flights from Incheon Airport to Jeju Island. However, most travelers will likely arrive in Incheon and transfer to Gimpo Airport to connect to a domestic flight.
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✨ Not to be missed: Must-See Attractions on Jeju Island
There are so many things to see and do on Jeju Island! We’ve broken them down into a few categories to help you choose your favorites.
🏞️ The Essence of Natural Scenery
- Hallasan National Park: The highest mountain in South Korea and the symbol of Jeju Island. There are a variety of hiking trails, and even if you don’t want to climb to the summit, Baekrokdam, you can still enjoy the beautiful nature at Eorimok, Yeongsil, and other trails. Each season offers a different charm, so even if you don’t plan on climbing, you should definitely visit!
- Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone: A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and a representative landmark of Jeju Island. It takes about 20-30 minutes to climb to the top and offers a panoramic view of Jeju’s eastern sea along with the crater. 🌅
- Jusangjeolli Cliffs: The huge hexagonal stone pillars spreading like folding screens along the coastline are a natural wonder. Enjoy the magnificent view while listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore 🗿
- Yongmeori Coast: Tens of millions of years of sandstone layers have been carved by the waves, creating a shape that resembles a dragon entering the sea, hence the name. The unique formations and mystical atmosphere are impressive. (Access may be restricted due to weather, so check before visiting!)
- Hyeopjae & Geumneung Beach: Emerald waters and soft white sands combine to create an exotic landscape. The crystal-clear water is perfect for snorkeling and taking life photos with Biyangdo Islet in the background. For more information, visit 🏖️
🗿 Culture & History
- Dol Hareubang: A stone statue in the shape of a grandfather made of stone that symbolizes Jeju Island. It is said to have served as the guardian of the village since ancient times. You can find it everywhere, starting from Jeju Airport, so take a photo with it!
- Haenyeo Museum: This museum is a glimpse into Jeju’s haenyeo culture, which is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. You’ll be moved by the life and strength of the haenyeo, who enter the sea without oxygen to collect seafood. 🧜♀️
- Osulloc Tea Museum: This beautiful space combines sprawling green tea fields with modern architecture. Taste green tea ice cream, roll cakes, and other green tea-related desserts, and take a leisurely stroll through the tea fields for a relaxing time 🍵.
🛵 Special Experiences & Theme Parks
- Udo Island: A small island located at the eastern end of Jeju Island, about a 15-minute boat ride away. It is often referred to as another Jeju within Jeju, and has a unique beauty. We recommend renting an electric car or scooter to explore the island, and try some peanut ice cream or Hallabong Ade! 🍦
- Camellia Forest / Camellia Hill: Not to be missed if you’re visiting Jeju during the winter months! The Camellia Forest is a beautiful place to stroll through with tons of camellias in full bloom. There are also other seasonal flower spots such as rape blossoms (spring), hydrangeas (early summer), etc. 🌺 Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, you might want to check them out.
- Various Theme Parks: There are many theme parks for all ages to enjoy, including Ecoland Theme Park (explore the forest by train), Teddy Bear Museum (exhibit a variety of teddy bears), Aquaplanet Jeju (large aquarium), etc. 🚂🧸🐟
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🍽️ Jeju Local Cuisine
Jeju Island isn’t just a feast for the eyes and ears – it’s a culinary paradise for the palate, too. Be sure to try dishes that utilize fresh seafood and Jeju’s specialties.
- Jeju Black Pork: Chewy and savory, Jeju black pork is the island’s signature dish. Dip it in meljut (anchovy jjigal) and it’s even more delicious! 🐷🥓
- Fresh Seafood: You can enjoy freshly caught seafood dishes such as Braised Hairtail, Braised Mackerel, and Abalone Stew, all fresh from the waters of Jeju Island. 🐟🐙
- Jeju Citrus: When you think of Jeju, you think of citrus! 🍊 You can find a wide variety of citrus fruits, including tart and sweet citrus, as well as Hallabong, Cheonhyehyang, and Red Hyang. Citrus ice cream and juices are also popular!
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🚗 Transportation within Jeju
Planning your transportation is important to make your trip to Jeju more convenient.
- Rental Car: This is the most recommended option. Jeju Island has many hidden spots that are difficult to reach by public transportation alone, so a rental car will give you the freedom to explore. An international driver’s license is required. 🚗.
- Bus: Jeju Island is well served by bus routes throughout the island, so you can explore the main attractions without a rental car. However, be sure to check the timetable in advance, as some routes have long intervals between departures. 🚌
- Taxi: Taxis are available if needed. You can use a sightseeing taxi or the Kakao Taxi app. 🚕
- Tourist Bus: There is also an East/West tourist bus, which is a convenient way to get to and from major tourist spots.
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🏨 Accommodation
There are many different types of accommodations on Jeju Island.
- Hotels/Resorts: There are many luxury hotels and resorts in Jeju City and Seogwipo City, many of which are located on the beachfront.
- Pensions/Guesthouses: Nature-friendly pensions and guesthouses where you can interact with other travelers are also popular.
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💡 Tips for Foreign Travelers (Tips for Foreign Travelers)
- Language: Major tourist attractions and hotels will have English signs or English-speaking staff. However, Korean is more commonly spoken in other areas, so a translation app (e.g. Papago, Google Translate) is recommended. 🗣️📱
- Currency: South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW), and credit cards are very widely accepted. There is no need to carry a lot of cash 💳
- Internet: We recommend renting a pocket wifi (Wi-Fi Egg) at Jeju Airport or at telecom booths around town, or purchasing a SIM card. 📶
- Etiquette: In Korea, many people remove their shoes when entering a restaurant. It is also common etiquette not to talk or talk loudly on public transportation. 🙏
- When to go: Spring (April-May) for rape blossoms and cherry blossoms, fall (September-October) for mums and fall foliage, summer (July-August) for beach fun, and winter (December-February) for Hallasan snowy scenery and camellia blossoms. Choose the time of year according to your favorite theme! 🌸🌊🍁❄️
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Jeju Island is not just a travel destination, but a special place that will satisfy your senses and give you unforgettable memories. If you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find true relaxation in the bosom of nature, get ready to travel to Jeju right now!
We wish you all a fun and happy trip to Jeju! 😊 See you soon! 👋