Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
Sitting 85 kilometers off the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is a volcanic oval dominated by Hallasan (1,947m), South Korea's highest mountain. UNESCO-protected lava tubes, emerald-water beaches, basalt sea cliffs, tangerine orchards, and the living maritime culture of the Haenyeo (free-diving women sea harvesters) give Jeju a subtropical island rhythm completely distinct from the mainland.
Because Jeju measures roughly 73 km east to west and 31 km north to south with no rail or subway network, travelers get the most out of the island by splitting stays between Jeju City/Aewol in the north, Seogwipo in the south, and Seongsan in the east.
Neighbourhoods & areas
Jeju City, Tapdong & Aewol Coast
Convenient north-shore arrival hub near Jeju International Airport, Dongmun Traditional Market, and the sunset coastal cafés of Aewol-eup.
Seogwipo & Jungmun Resort Coast
Subtropical southern coastline with waterfalls (Jeongbang, Cheonjiyeon), Jusangjeolli hexagonal lava cliffs, Olle trails, and tangerine orchards.
Seongsan & East Jeju (Udo / Woljeongri)
Dramatic volcanic east coast anchored by Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Seopjikoji headland, Haenyeo diving coves, and ferry access to Udo Island.
Top sights & experiences
Seongsan Ilchulbong (UNESCO Sunrise Peak)
5,000-year-old hydrovolcanic tuff cone rising 180 meters straight from the sea; climb the boardwalk steps for crater and ocean views.
Hallasan National Park & Manjanggul Lava Tube
South Korea's highest peak (1,947 m shield volcano) surrounded by parasitic volcanic cones (oreum) and UNESCO-listed lava landscapes.
Jeju Olle Coastal Walking Trails & Udo Island
27 marked coastal and village walking paths passing black-basalt stone walls, Dolhareubang grandfather statues, and emerald beaches.
What to eat
Jeju Black Pork BBQ (Heuk-dwaeji)
Thick cuts of native Jeju black pig grilled over charcoal and dipped in simmering Meljeot (fermented Jeju anchovy sauce) on the grill.
Jeju Abalone Porridge (Jeonbok-juk) & Hairtail Fish (Galchi)
Creamy rice porridge cooked with fresh Haenyeo-harvested abalone liver, and braised whole silver beltfish (galchi-jorim) in spicy radish broth.
Hallabong Tangerine Desserts & Udo Peanut Ice Cream
Sweet volcanic citrus tarts, freshly squeezed Hallabong juice, and roasted Udo Island peanut soft-serve.
Where to stay by budget
Budget
Jeju City (near Tap-dong/Dongmun Market), Seogwipo Olle Market, and Seongsan Ilchulbong offer guesthouses and coastal hostels for ₩35,000–₩75,000 ($25–$55)/night.
Mid-range
Luxury
Jungmun Tourist Complex resorts (The Shilla Jeju, Parnas Hotel Jeju, Lotte Hotel Jeju), JW Marriott Jeju on the Oedolgae cliffs, and Podo Hotel (designed by Itami Jun) range from ₩380,000 to ₩950,000+ ($280–$700+)/night.
Rough nightly ranges: guesthouses and hostels typically run ₩25,000–₩50,000 per person; 3-to-4-star hotels and traditional hanok stays commonly run ₩90,000–₩220,000 per room; 5-star luxury hotels run ₩300,000+. See our accommodation guide.
Getting there
There is no train to Jeju Island. Fly from Seoul Gimpo (GMP) to Jeju International Airport (CJU) in 1 hour 10 minutes on the world's busiest air route (flights depart every 10–15 minutes on Korean Air, Asiana, Jeju Air, Jin Air, T'way, and Eastar Jet for ₩35,000–₩95,000 one-way), or fly direct from Busan (PUS), Daegu, Cheongju, Gwangju, Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, Shanghai, and Singapore. Overnight car ferries also sail from Mokpo, Wando, and Yeosu.
Getting around
Renting a car at Jeju Airport (₩35,000–₩70,000/day with a physical 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna International Driving Permit) is the easiest way to reach trailheads, beaches, and cafes. Without a car, use the red 100-series Express Buses and blue 200-series trunk buses with your T-money card, or hire a licensed Jeju private taxi driver for ₩180,000–₩230,000 per 8-hour day.
Day trips & side trips
Udo Island Ferry Excursion
15-minute ferry from Seongsan Pohang Port to a car-light island of coral-sand beaches, basalt stone walls, and coastal bike paths.
Gapado & Marado Southern Islands
Short ferry ride from Moseulpo Port (Unjin Port) to walk through green barley fields in spring or visit Korea's southernmost point.
Best time to visit
Late March to April blankets the island in vivid yellow canola flowers and king cherry blossoms; May–June brings warm hiking weather and hydrangea blooms; July–August is beach and surf season at Hyeopjae and Jungmun; October–November turns the volcanic parasitic cones (oreum) into golden silver-grass (eulalia) fields and peaks with sweet tangerine harvests; winter crowns Hallasan's crater in deep snow.
Local tips
- An International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention IDP) plus your physical home license is required to rent a car on Jeju.
- Summit trails on Hallasan (Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa) require a free online trail reservation ticket in advance.
- Udo Island is famous for local peanuts (우도 땅콩) — travelers with peanut allergies should show our Korean Peanut Allergy Card at Jeju cafés and ice cream shops.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: