Top things to do in Jeju – the Hawaii of South Korea

Don’t we all have that one holiday destination which we will never get bored of travelling to? For me, it’s South Korea! Whether you are a first-time traveller to South Korea or an expert in finding the best local experiences, the land of kimchi promises new and exciting adventures all the time.

If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of cities like Seoul and Busan, Jeju Island could be the destination for your next getaway. Often referred to as the Hawaii of South Korea – Jeju is home to golden beaches, coastal trails, fascinating museums, lava tubes and many more attractions. 

Each district on Jeju Island has its own unique charm and must-visits, so let this multifarious island convince you to plan a quick visit or spend more time there for a much-needed retreat.

Look no further as we share with you some of the best things to do and eat, and the best places to visit in Jeju.

1. The showdown between Dongmun Traditional Night Market and the modern Sumokwon Night Market

First up, the Dongmun Traditional Market should not be missed! As the most representative marketplace in Jeju, you will find common sights of a traditional market in Korea. From fresh seafood stalls to a flea market and a night bazaar, it is popular among tourists and locals alike. Treat yourself to some street food as you shop for affordable souvenirs and other local specialties. 

Find out why this is the local market of choice when food stalls at Gate 8 open after the sun sets. From local delicacies like chopped-up steak and grilled lobster to Korean staples such as abalone kimbap (seaweed rice roll with fillings) and dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), be spoiled by a plethora of choices. Be prepared to queue and enjoy your food on-the-go as you soak yourself in the bustling night market scene. 

 

Dongmun Traditional Night Market

Address: 20, Gwandeok-ro 14-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Operating hours: November to April—6:00pm to 12:00am, May to October—7:00pm to 12:00am

If you are looking for trendy instead of traditional, the Sumokwon Night Market promises a surprise. Nestled in Sumokwon Theme Park that is open to the public, the night market is the first to be built inside a pine forest, bringing visitors closer to nature. You can find a wide selection of food trucks, cute photo spots, countless outdoor picnic benches and well-decorated booths selling local specialty and handmade products within the night market – leaving you spoilt for choice. 

This is where you can enjoy modern fusion Korean food like the Jeju special black pork burger, giant turkey legs, and fresh pineapple juice amongst the vast greenery! Expect yourself to spend at least two to three hours at this quieter and less mainstream spot.

 

Sumokwon Night Market  
Address: 69 Eunsu-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju
Opening hours: Winter season—5:00om to 10:00pm, Summer season—6:00pm to 11:00pm

2. Savour the authentic local Jeju delicacies

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Topping the island’s must-eat list is no doubt the Jeju black pork. Touted as the best pork in South Korea, this local breed is said to have a unique taste and is juicier than ordinary pork meat. It is so popular that a street is devoted to it in Jeju – the Black Pork Street.  

All the restaurants along the street specialise in black pork and you can’t go wrong by hopping into any of them. If you prefer planning your trip in advance, you may want to book your table ahead of time for some of the top picks – the Michelin-starred Dombedon, local-favourite Hwaro Hyang, and Donsadon, which all serve black pork over charcoal. Thinking about the juicy, melt-in-the-mouth textured meats just makes me want to plan for a trip back to Jeju again!

For those who are looking for a second round of feasting, the Dongmun Market – Jeju's largest and oldest permanent market with a night market serving all kinds of local delicacies – is just within walking distance away. Else, you may want to consider taking an enjoyable stroll along the adjacent Chilsungro Shopping Street – the Myeongdong of Jeju, for some unique shops and cafés. 

 

Address: Black Pork Street - 25 Gwandeong-ro 15(sibo)-gil, Geonip-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

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Coming close behind is the Hae-mul-tang (spicy seafood stew). Served in a hotpot with an abundance of fresh seafood including octopus, squid, clams and abalones, this mouthwatering seafood soup is a real local delicacy. The broth gets sweeter as the meal progresses, as the seafood boils in the broth and lends its flavour to everything else in the pot. This dish goes particularly well with Korean drinks like soju, ice-cold beers and Makgeolli. 

At Samseonghyeol Haemultang, a famous outlet loved by tourists, the stew is served in a large pot for sharing among four people, or you can opt for a small single pot and have it served with ramen. You wouldn’t want to leave this island without tasting the flavours of Jeju’s oceans!

 

Samseonghyeol Haemultang
Address: 312-27, Yeon-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Korea 
Opening Hours: 10:00am to 10:00pm daily, closed for break between 3:30pm and 4:30pm; closed on the first and third Tuesdays of the month

 

Noraba Seafood Ramen
Address: 100 Gueom-gil, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Opening hours: 10:00am to 6:00pm daily, closed for break between 2:00pm and 3:00pm

3. Explore Jeju’s vast array of Museums

Although Jeju is most well-known for its nature, you will be amazed at the island’s extensive range of museums and galleries. Covering everything from Jeju’s history and cultural heritage to international art and popular culture, you will surely find something that interests you.

If you are looking to learn more about the island, the Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum may help you gain a greater understanding of Jeju’s unique nature and culture through folklore remains and natural historical materials. This is an eco-museum providing one of the widest ranges of Jeju’s varied geological and biological characteristics as well as real-life recreations of the daily lives of locals.

 

Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum
Address: 40, Samseong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Opening hours: 9:00am to 6:00pm daily
Admission fees: KRW2,000 (S$2.02) for adults, KRW1,000 (S$1.01) for teenagers

Art lovers looking for an ultra-sensory experience should make a trip down to the latest and largest immersive art exhibition at ARTE Museum. Presenting over 10 vivid media art exhibitions centred around the theme of nature beyond time and space, prepare yourself for the impactful visuals, sensuous sounds and elegant fragrances in this all-immersive experience.

 

Arte Museum
Address: 478 Eorimbi-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju Island, South Korea
Opening hours: 10:00am – 8:00pm daily (last admission at 7:00pm)
Admission fees: KRW17,000 (S$17.14) for adults, KRW13,000 (S$13.10) for youths, KRW10,000 (S$10.08) for children (exhibition ticket)

How can we forget about Jeju’s quirky museums? From themed museums to those arising from popular culture, Jeju has them all. Enter the worlds of two famous cartoons as they are brought to life in some of Jeju’s latest additions.

Spend an afternoon of fun with Moomins at the Moomin Land or the PEANUTS gang at the Snoopy Garden! Presenting life-sized recreations, the parks create an experience that is great fun for fans of the comics, both the young and young-at-heart. 

 

Moomin Land
Address: 420 Byeongang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Opening Hours: 10:00am to 7:00pm daily (last admission at 6:00pm)
Admission fees: KRW15,000 (S$15.12) for adults, KRW14,000 (S$14.11) for youths, and KRW12,000 (S$12.10) for children

 

Snoopy Garden
Address: 930 Geumbaekjo-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si
Opening Hours: 9:00am to 7:00pm daily
Admission fees: KRW18,000 (S$18.14) for adults, KRW15,000 (S$15.12) for teenagers, and KRW12,000 (S$12.10) for children

4. Discover Jeju’s best natural gems along the south coast

Sea lovers rejoice! The southern coastline of Jeju has one of the best coastal sceneries with numerous amazing natural landscapes to be explored. The area is home to three famous waterfalls. From the Jeongbang Falls, which is the only waterfall in Korea that falls directly into the ocean, to the Cheonjiyeon Falls known to have spectacular night views and the three-tiered Cheonjeyeon Falls, take a trip around these waterfalls and be mesmerised by the unforgettable sights. Be sure to wear proper, comfortable shoes as some of the stairs can be slightly steep and slippery.

 

Jeongbang Falls
Address: 36, Chilsimni-ro 214beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Opening Hours: 9:00am to 6:00pm daily
Admission fees: KRW2,000 (S$2.02) for adults, KRW1,000 (S$1.01) for children

 

Cheonjiyeon Falls
Address: Cheonji-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Opening Hours: 9:00am to 10:00pm daily
Admission fees: KRW2,000 (S$2.02) for adults, KRW1,000 (S$1.01) for teenagers and children

 

Cheonjeyeon Falls
Address: 132, Cheonjeyeon-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Opening Hours: 9:00am to 7:00pm daily
Admission fees: KRW2,500 (S$2.52) for adults, KRW1,350 (S$1.36) for children

While you are in the area, the impressive Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff by the seaside is another must-visit. Made from molten lava when the Hallasan erupted 700 thousand years ago, this unique volcanic rock formation is designated as one of the cultural monuments of Jeju Island. Enjoy the seascape, breezy wind and calming waves as you take it slow by the seaside. 

 

Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff
Address: 36-30, Ieodo-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Opening Hours: 9:00am to 6:00pm daily
Admission fees: KRW2,000 (S$2.02) for adults, KRW1,000 (S$1.01) for teenagers and children

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Conclude your adventure in the south of Jeju by admiring the golden sunset hour at Yongmeori Coast. Offering one of the most scenic views along Jeju’s southern coastline, Yongmeori Coast is a mini version of the vast Grand Canyon in America. 

Visitors are allowed to stroll along the coast and catch awe-inspiring views of the horizon with seashore cliffs rising out of the emerald ocean during low tide. Be prepared to spend at least two hours in the area and wear comfortable shoes, as there is quite a bit of walking on rough terrains. The area may not be open during high tide and any other adverse weather conditions. You can check with their office at 064-760-6321 prior to your visit to avoid disappointment. The officers only speak in Korean so do reach out to your host or front desk for assistance.

 

Yongmeori Beach
Address: 218-10 Sanbang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Opening Hours: 9:00am to 6:00pm daily
Admission fees: KRW2,000 (S$2.02) for adults, KRW1,000 (S$1.01) for children

5. Explore Jeju’s triple UNESCO Natural Heritage Sites on the east coast

With three United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) sites, the east coast is best known for stunning sights. Crowned as the first World Heritage Site in South Korea, the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes comprises the Hallasan, Geomun Oreum Lava Tube System and the Seongsan Illchubong, with each promising a unique experience.

Hallasan is the tallest and biggest peak in South Korea and regarded as one of her most sacred mountains. Said to be home of spiritual immortals and has given rise to many local myths and legends, it is well loved and respected by locals. The Hallasan offers jaw-dropping views from the edge of a volcano and could very well be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventure seekers. 

There are four main trails on the mountain but only two bring you all the way up the crater tip! For the best views, conquer the Hallasan on the Gwaneumsa Trail (approximately 17.4km). This route will take abou eight to 10 hours on a return trip and is recommended for seasoned hikers. If you would like an easier journey, trek along the Seongpanak Trail (approximately 19.2km) instead. This is a gentler route and will take you about seven to nine hours to complete. 

The perfect combination seems to be taking the Seongpanak trail up and Gwaneumsa trail down. Taxis are seen queuing along the foot of the Gwaneumsa trail, so a ride out of the mountain could be all you need should your legs feel too tired after the hike! If this sounds too challenging for you, consider a two-hour return hike on the Eorimok or Yeongsil Trails to soak in the atmosphere of the lush forest.

 

Hallasan
Address: 2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Opening Hours: Open all year round

Next, the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System is a series of over 20 lava tubes located adjacent to one another. Amongst these, the Manjanggul Lava Tube which stretches over 7.4km, is one of the most well-conserved lava tubes in the area. With only 1km open to the public, visitors can expect an eye-opening experience from the variety of cave topographical features and the largest lava column in the world. 

A return trip will take you approximately two hours. Dress warmly or bring along a sweater as temperatures in the cave could fall below 15 degrees Celsius even in summer! Dress in comfortable shoes and be careful of the uneven terrains, natural potholes and puddles of water.

 

Manjangul Cave
Address: 182, Manjanggul-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Opening Hours: 9:00am to 6:00pm daily (last admission at 5:10pm)
Admission fees: KRW4,000 (S$4.03) for adults, KRW2,000 (S$2.02) for teenagers and children

Long considered one of the top scenic spots in South Korea, Seongsan Ilchulbong (also commonly known as Sunrise Peak) is the only hydromagmatic volcano with one of the most well-preserved tuffs (rock formation following an eruption) worldwide. This 182m-high tuff volcano takes the shape of a large pie and is the most popular location on the island to catch the sunrise. 

Those looking at the full Seongsan Ilchulbong experience, can expect to spend two hours here. You can chill at the peak with your travel buddies, soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the oceans and Jeju Island, and capture as many photos as you can for the memories. Put on your workout outfit and get ready for legs day as the flights of stairs could be quite steep, but I promise that the picturesque views from the peak are totally worth it!

 

Seongsan Illchulbong
Address: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Opening Hours: 9:00am to 6:00pm daily
Admission fees: KRW5,000 (S$5.04) for adults, KRW2,500 (S$2.52) for teenagers and children

 

I hope my guide inspires you to visit one of my favourite holiday destinations when you’re looking to travel overseas from Singapore. Be it a full holiday itinerary at Jeju Island or a two-day road trip as part of your South Korea adventure, you’ll be in for a treat discovering amazing local delicacies and sights.

Things to take note when travelling to Jeju, South Korea

 

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