10 Places Must-Visit in Jeju Island, South Korea

Amazon, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo, Puerto Princesa Underground River, Table Mountain? What kind of places are these? Well, they are new 7 wonders in the world. Did you notice Jeju Island is one of the wonders? Indeed, it makes one of the concrete reasons why you should visit Jeju Island in South Korea. However, time limitation always hitting us as we want to make out most of our short trip in South Korea. So, introducing " 10 Places Must-Visit in Jeju Island, South Korea " which including from world heritage sites to local delicacies. 

For your information, Jejudo or Jeju island is a volcanic island, about 130 km from the southern coast of Korea. It is the largest island and smallest province in South Korea. A central feature of Jejudo is Hallasan, the tallest mountain in South Korea. Jejudo has a mild oceanic climate throughout the year with the smallest annual temperature range in the South Korea. Annually, Jejudo attract about 9 million tourists and visitors. Jeju Island is Korea’s Most Treasured island and become one of the world ‘treasure island of environmental assets'.

In short, Jeju Island is a place where you can enjoy the beauty mother nature. So, let see 10 places Must-Visit in Jejudo (Jeju Island), South Korea!  

1. Hallasan National Park (UNESCO World Heritage)

Hallasan (Halla Mountain)  

Hallasan or Halla Mountain is the tallest mountain in South Korea, located at the center of Jeju Island. It also called Mountain Yeongjusan with the meaning of ‘mountain high enough to pull the galaxy’. Hallasan Mointain rises 1950 meter above the sea level but it is still relatively easy to hike mountain, simply follow one among 7 of the well-developed mountain hiking trails. All of the hiking trails are less than 10 kilometers and you could make it to the peak plus back in a day. However, preparation is needed as the weather is very dynamic and windy. Please make sure you bring a jacket, advised to use proper shoe, check the weather forecast before go for the hike and a camera is a must! You will be surprise by the views from the top of Hallasan.   

2. Jungmun Daepo Coast Jusangjeolli Cliff

Jungmun Daepo Coast Jusangjeolli Cliff

Southwest from Depo-dong, at the end of the pine tree forest there is a cliff called Jusangjeolli Cliff. The Jusangjeolli Cliff was formed 250,000 and 140,000 years ago, by the lava from Mountain Hallasan erupted into the sea when it is still an active volcano. Those rock pillars shaped like cubes or hexagons of different sizes were named by locals as 'Jisatgae Rocks' with 2 kilometers along the Daepo coast and 20 meter up to the sky. Jusangjeolli Cliff makes one of the popular spots in Jejudo and it is a place to enjoy the breathtaking ocean view as the waves of the high tides crashing into the side of the rock pillars. Please make sure you bring an extra pack of battery for your camera!

3. Manjanggul Cave (UNESCO World Heritage)

Manjanggul Cave

Manjanggul Cave (만장굴) or in short, Manjang Cave, a lava tunnel that has a variety of natural structures inside including 70cm lava stalagmites and the lava tube tunnels. Only 1 kilometer of the 13422 meter of Manjanggul Cave is open for visitors. The temperature inside the in Manjanggul cave is in the range of 11-21℃ and only small number animals (bats) living in the tunnel which create a comfortable atmosphere for visitor and valuable for researchers as well. If you had never experienced walking in a lava tunnel, this is your chance because it is one of the best lava tunnels in the world, which is also designated as a natural monument. Do take a sweater with you as well as wearing a suitable shoe for this Manjanggul Cave visit. 

4. Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (UNESCO World Heritage)

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (UNESCO World Heritage)

In South Korea, especially in Jeju Island, there are numerous of breathless mountains for spirited mountaineers to hunt for. Extinct volcano Ilchulbong, also known as (Sunrise Peak) is truly a scenic tourism attraction you shouldn’t miss. Around 100,000 years ago, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption which its summit shaped like a Punchbowl is approximately 182m from sea level. On the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, east of Jeju Island, you could see a huge crater at the top it. The crater, 600m in diameter and 90m high, surrounded by 99 sharp rocks, making it seem to be a giant crown. The southeast and north sides of Ilchulbong are cliffs, and the northwest part is a sensational lush hill that you could walk to Seongsan Village nearby. In fact, the sunrise vista on the peak is simply amazing and breathtaking. Fresh air and morning sunshine will brighten up your day. Many Koreans love to spend their weekends or holidays to enjoy the memorable moment of sunrise. 

5. Oedolgae Rock 

Oedolgae Rock 

Just near to the Sammaebong Seougwipo City, there is an incredible rock (10 meters circumference and 20 meters in height) which is also widely known as Changgun Rock. Oedolgae, a lone rock pillar is a gigantic rock pile rising from the azure sea along with the pleasant smell of flowers and coffee bean from the café nearby. Oedolgae was a shooting venue of Daejangguem (Jewel in the Palace) where Hansangoong encountered her death under a false accusation while being carried on Daejanggeum's back. Among 19 Olle in Jeju Island, Olle 7 has most fame and majestic scenery. From Oedolgae, the sunset of Bum Island is also a famous attraction for tourists, especially for honeymooners to visit and spend their romantic moment on Jeju Island.

6. Cheonjeyeon Falls

Cheonjeyeon Falls

Cheonjeyeon Falls (Pond of the Emperor of Heaven) are subdivided into 3 tier waterfall. The warm-tempered subtropical falls consist of several flora and fauna, such as the unique Solipnan reeds and Skeleton fork ferns which are botanists’ favorite plants. Another must-see attraction of the Cheonjeyeon Falls is the cave on the eastern side, from the ceiling of which the falls originate. The Cheonjeyeon Valley is a cave where cold water splashes out from the ceiling to create a magnificent waterfall. At there, you manage to come across the Seonimgyo Bridge or another name “Chilseonyeogyo” and the octagonal “Cheonjeru Tower”. Chilseonyeogyo is an arch bridge that has 7 nymphs carved on each side and it connects Cheonjeyeon with the Jungmum Tourist Complex that is usually crowded with tourists. On the surface of Cheonjeru Tower, you would get to know the Cheonjeyeon’s legend of the nymph and mountain god through some paintings. An important festival, known as Chilseonyeo Festival is held every year in May where you have the chance to bath in the falls and celebrate the coming of the nymphs.

7. O’sulloc Museum (Green Tea Museum)

O’sulloc Museum (Jeju Green Tea Museum)

The o’sulloc Museum or Green Tea Museum, located near Seogwangdawon Jejudo, visitors can learn about Korea’s traditional tea culture. The meaning of o’sulloc”, can be interpreted “o” as appreciate and enjoy, and it also stands for the origin of sulloc.  The two storeys famous Korea’s museum green tea cup shape building consists of an indoor garden in first floor and an observatory in second floor Those places are for visitors to enjoy the surrounding with great atmosphere while tasting unique o’sulloc teas. Do remember to experience the Korea’s traditional tea culture, ways to make a cup of good green tea and also tasting different kind of green tea made cakes, cookies and yogurt ice-cream. Please do not miss it! 

8. Teddy Bear Museum

Jeju Teddy Bear Museum

Teddy Bear Museum, one of the unique museums must go in Jejudo. The museum exhibiting various kinds of terry bears with different sections: the History Hall, Art Hall and Project Exhibition Hall. In this Teddy Bear gallery, you can witness the 100 year history of teddy bears including famous scenes, in different eras, teddy bears grouped in exhibition theme and antique teddy bears especially The Mona Lisa Teddy Bear. One of the Teddy Bear that you shouldn’t miss is the world smallest Teddy Bear with the size of 4.5 millimeters. During the visit if you feel tired and hungry, you can take relax in the museum garden or enjoy your meals in the museum restaurant. Before leaving the museum, remember to take a look at the museum shop, you might find your favorite teddy bear for yourself or your loved one. 

9. Seongeup Folk Village 

Seongeup (Sungeup) Folk Village 

Situated at the bottom of Mt. Halla on Jeju Island, Seongeup or Sungeup Folk Village is well-known for its original folk village and its traditional life culture. Cultural treasures in the folk village have been passed down from a generation to another generation, such as Confucian shrines, ancient government offices, stone statues, large millstones, fortress ruins, stone monuments and so on. In the folk village, you get the chance to try traditional folk plays, local folk craftsmanship, native dishes and learn some local dialects. Even the trees are an important part of the area’s heritage. Located at the centremost of the village, there are well-preserved hundred years old trees such as Zelkova and nettle trees that conserve the pure, unpolluted atmosphere of Seongeup Fork Village. The black lava rock walls which are used to block the wind and the stone grandfather statues (Harubang) reveal the exclusive culture of Jeju Island along with its dignified landscapes. The local noted black pigs, which eat mostly dung are extremely well-known for its tenderness and irresistible pork taste. Each tour will end with a presentation of their local’s specialty items, if you like the items, you can purchase else, you can go. Bus is the best way to reach Sungeup Folk Village please take East Tour Line (Byunyoungro) and get off at Sungeup 1ri. 

10. Jeju Island Delicacies

Travel is never perfect without trying any of the traditional local foods. Surrounded by the beautiful and picturesque scenery of Jeju Island, no one could ever forget to savor Mom Guk (Gulfweed soup) with Mogaban (Gulfweed). Another common fish in Jeju called Okdom (grilling Tilefish) is also one of the must-try Jeju Island cuisines for tourists!  

Jeonbokjuk (Rice porridge with abalone)

While enjoying the local foods of a place, we manage to learn their dining manner and cultures easily. After a long day of sightseeing, it is an ideal moment to try local foods of the island such as Obunjak-ttukbaegi (small abalone stew in an earthenware pot). It’s a pot stew filled with various colorful abalones and other seafood that you don’t even taste it anywhere before! Also, enjoy mouth-watering fresh Jeonbok-gui (Korean grilled abalone) caught directly from the Jeju Sea! No one shall ever miss fresh sea foods and local cuisine of Jeju during their Jeju trip! 

Haemul-ttukbaegi (dukbaegi)

Although there are several restaurants serve local delicacies, I would like to recommend GwangWon for their best service and of course food! 

GwangWon restaurant:
Address: 75-1 Nohyeong-dong, Jeju, Jeju-do 690-802, South Korea.
Phone : +82-64-744-1000
Booking and reservation is necessary as it is usually flooded with tourists all year round

Goendangne Hartail Restaurant
Address : 70, Songsan-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (145, Chilsimni-ro, Seogwipo-si)
Phone : +82-64-732-3757

The Map of the 10 places must-visit in Jejudo (Jeju Island), South Korea

What do you think about these attractions? Any comment is highly appreciated.

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