Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Jeju

Jeju is a beautiful island off the coast of South Korea that attracts millions of visitors every year. It is famous for its natural wonders, cultural heritage, and unique charm. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or romance, Jeju has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we will introduce you to the top 10 attractions that you must see when you visit Jeju in 2023. You will discover the best places to enjoy the scenery, the history, and the culture of this amazing island. You will also learn some tips and tricks to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.

 

Ready to explore Jeju? Check out the Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Jeju: A Travel Guide for 2023. Let's get started!

• Seongsan Ilchulbong: A Sunrise Peak with a Green Bowl 
• Udo: A Bovine Island with Various Activities 
• Sopjikoji: A Picturesque Peninsula with Rocky Shores 
• Jeju Olle: The Most Serene and Scenic Trail 
• Hallasan: South Korea's Tallest Peak
• Jusangjeollidae: A Basaltic Cliff with Geometric Shapes 
• Teddy Bear Museum: The Largest in the World
• Dragon Head Rock: A Coastal Rock Formation with a Mythical Shape 
• Sangumburi: Rare Low-Level Crater 
• Cheonjiyeon Waterfall: A Majestic Waterfall with a Colorful Bridge

 

Seongsan Ilchulbong: A Sunrise Peak with a Green Bowl 

Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was formed by a volcanic eruption about 5,000 years ago. It is a cone-shaped hill with a crater at the top that resembles a crown.

 

The best time to visit Seongsan Ilchulbong is at dawn, when you can witness the spectacular sunrise over the ocean. You can also enjoy hiking, horse riding, and watching the Haenyeo (female divers) perform their traditional diving skills.

 

 

►Location: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

►Admission: 5,000 won for adults, 3,000 won for students, 2,500 won for children

►Opening hours: 7:30 am to 6 pm (varies by season)

►How to get there: Take bus 701 or 710 from Jeju City or Seogwipo City and get off at Seongsan Ilchulbong bus stop. The entrance is about 10 minutes walk from the bus stop.

►What to do: Hike to the top of the crater (about 30 minutes), watch the sunrise, take photos of the panoramic view, see the Haenyeo show, visit the nearby Seongsan Folk Village.

 

Udo: A Bovine Island with Various Activities 

Udo is a small island near the eastern coast of Jeju that resembles a cow lying down. It is a popular destination for its white sand beaches, emerald sea, and rural scenery.

 

 

►Location: Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

►Admission: Free (ferry fee required)

►Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm (ferry schedule varies by season)

►How to get there: Take bus 701 or 710 from Jeju City or Seogwipo City and get off at Seongsan Port bus stop. Walk to the ferry terminal and buy a ticket to Udo Island. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes.

►What to do: Rent a bike or scooter (about 10,000 won per hour) or take a bus tour (about 5,000 won per person) and explore the island. Visit Seobin Baeksa Beach (the only coral sand beach in Korea), Udobong Lighthouse (the highest point on the island), Udo Sanho Beach (a beach with red algae), Hagosudong Beach (a beach with black sand), and Geommeolle Beach (a beach with white sand). Try peanut ice cream (a local specialty), seafood noodles (made with fresh seafood from the island), and grilled abalone (a delicacy on the island).

 

Sopjikoji: A Picturesque Peninsula with Rocky Shores 

Sopjikoji is a cape on the eastern tip of Jeju that offers stunning views of the sea and the cliffs. It is also a famous filming location for many Korean dramas and movies such as All In and Il Mare. You can walk along the coastal trail and enjoy the breeze and the waves. You can also visit the Sopjikoji Lighthouse, the Yellow Rape Flower Field, and the Glass House. If you are feeling adventurous, you can try paragliding or ziplining over the cape.

 

 

►Location: 1071-1 Sinyang-ri Pyoseon-myeon Seogwipo-si Jeju-do

►Admission: Free

►Opening hours: Open all year round

►How to get there: Take bus 701 or 710 from Jeju City or Seogwipo City and get off at Seongsan Ilchulbong bus stop. Transfer to bus 710-1 or 720-1 and get off at Sopjikoji bus stop. The entrance is about 10 minutes walk from the bus stop.

►What to do: Walk along the coastal trail (about 1.3 miles) and see the lighthouse, the flower field, and the glass house. Take photos of the scenic views and the filming locations. Try paragliding or ziplining (about 50,000 won per person) and enjoy the thrill of flying over the cape.

 

Jeju Olle: The Most Serene and Scenic Trail 

Jeju Olle is a network of walking trails that covers the entire coastline of Jeju. It was inspired by the Camino de Santiago in Spain and aims to connect people with nature and culture. There are 26 main routes and 5 sub-routes that vary in length and difficulty. Each route has its own theme and attractions such as waterfalls, forests, villages, temples, and museums. You can walk at your own pace and enjoy the scenery and the hospitality of the locals.

 

 

►Location: Various locations in Jeju

►Admission: Free (donation recommended)

►Opening hours: Open all year round

►How to get there: Take a bus or a taxi to the starting point of your chosen route. Follow the blue arrows or ribbons that mark the trail. You can also use the Jeju Olle app or website to check the map and information of each route.

►What to do: Walk along the trail and see the natural and cultural attractions along the way. Meet other walkers and locals and share stories and experiences. Collect stamps at designated stamp booths or cafes to complete your passport. Enjoy local food and drinks at restaurants or markets near the trail.

 

Hallasan: South Korea's Tallest Peak

Hallasan is a dormant volcano that rises 1,950 meters above sea level and dominates the center of Jeju. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that boasts diverse flora and fauna and geological features. There are five hiking trails that lead to the summit or the crater lake of Hallasan. The trails vary in distance and difficulty and require different hiking times and permissions. The views from the top are breathtaking and worth the effort.

 

 

►Location: San 1-1 Hallasan National Park Jocheon-eup Jeju-si Jeju-do

►Admission: Free

►Opening hours: 6 am to 6 pm (varies by season)

►How to get there: Take a bus or a taxi to the entrance of your chosen trail. You can check the bus routes and schedules here. You can also use the Hallasan app or website to check the trail information and weather conditions.

►What to do: Hike to the summit or the crater lake (about 4 to 10 hours round trip) depending on your trail choice. See different landscapes such as grassland, forest, rock formations, streams, waterfalls, etc. Enjoy the view of Hallasan Mountain and other peaks from the observation deck. Choose from one of the seven hiking trails: Seongpanak, Gwaneumsa, Eorimok, Yeongsil, Donnaeko, Eoseungsangak, and Seokguram. Note that only Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails can reach the summit. Check the opening hours and hiking times of each trail before you start. Obtain a free permit online or at the entrance of the trail. Bring enough water, food, and warm clothing for your hike.

 

Jusangjeollidae: A Basaltic Cliff with Geometric Shapes

Jusangjeollidae, also known as Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, is a natural monument of Jeju that showcases the amazing power of nature. It is a 2 km stretch of coastline where the lava from Hallasan Mountain cooled and contracted into hexagonal or rectangular columns. The cliff looks like a giant honeycomb or a stone fence. You can admire the contrast between the black rocks and the blue sea, especially at sunset. You can also watch the waves crash into the cliff and create spectacular splashes.

 

 

►Location: 216 Jungmungwangwang-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

►Admission: 2,000 won for adults, 1,000 won for students and children

►Opening hours: 8 am to sunset (varies by season)

►How to get there: Take bus 600 or 800 from Jeju City or Seogwipo City and get off at International Convention Center bus stop. Walk to the entrance of Jusangjeollidae (about 15 minutes).

►What to do: See the unique rock formations and take photos of the scenic views. Watch the sunset and the waves from the observation deck. Visit the nearby Jungmun Tourist Complex and the International Convention Center.

 

Teddy Bear Museum: The Largest in the World

Teddy Bear Museum is a fun and cute attraction that displays thousands of teddy bears from different countries and eras. It is the largest museum of its kind in the world and has two exhibition halls: History Hall and Art Hall. In History Hall, you can see teddy bears dressed as historical figures or scenes, such as King Tutankhamun, Mona Lisa, and the Titanic. In Art Hall, you can see teddy bears inspired by famous artists or celebrities, such as Vincent van Gogh, Michael Jackson, and Harry Potter. You can also buy souvenirs or take photos with giant teddy bears.

 

 

►Location: 31 Jungmungwangwang-ro110beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

►Admission: 10,000 won for adults, 7,000 won for students, 6,000 won for children

►Opening hours: 9 am to 8 pm (last admission at 7 pm)

►How to get there: Take bus 600 or 800 from Jeju City or Seogwipo City and get off at Jungmun Resort bus stop. Walk to the entrance of Teddy Bear Museum (about 10 minutes).

►What to do: Explore the two exhibition halls and see the various teddy bears on display. Learn about the history and culture of different countries and eras through teddy bears. Take photos with your favorite teddy bears or buy them as souvenirs.

 

Dragon Head Rock: A Coastal Rock Formation with a Mythical Shape

Dragon Head Rock is a natural rock formation that resembles a dragon’s head emerging from the sea. It is located near the Yongduam Haesu Spa Land and the Yongduam Coastal Road. It is a symbol of Jeju and a popular spot for taking photos. You can walk around the rock and enjoy the view of the coast and the city. You can also visit nearby attractions such as Yongyeon Pond, Dongmun Market, and Jeju Mokgwana.

 

 

►Location: Yongduam-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

►Admission: Free

►Opening hours: Open all year round

►How to get there: Take bus 100 or 200 from Jeju City or Seogwipo City and get off at Yongduam bus stop. Walk to the entrance of Dragon Head Rock (about 5 minutes).

►What to do: See the dragon head rock and take photos of it. Walk along the coastal road and enjoy the sea breeze and the waves. Visit nearby attractions such as Yongyeon Pond (a natural pond with clear water and fish), Dongmun Market (a traditional market with various local products and street food), and Jeju Mokgwana (a historical site that was the government office of Jeju during the Joseon Dynasty).

 

Sangumburi: Rare Low-Level Crater

Sangumburi is a volcanic crater that is about 650 meters wide and 100 meters deep. It is one of the three famous craters in Jeju, along with Baengnokdam and Seongsan Ilchulbong. Unlike other craters, Sangumburi is not very high and has a flat bottom. It is also home to various plants and animals that are unique to Jeju. You can walk along the trail that circles the crater and enjoy the scenery of grassland, forest, and flowers.

 

 

►Location: 768 Bijarim-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

►Admission: 6,000 won for adults, 4,000 won for students, 3,000 won for children

►Opening hours: 8:30 am to 6 pm (varies by season)

►How to get there: Take bus 701 or 710 from Jeju City or Seogwipo City and get off at Sangumburi bus stop. Walk to the entrance of Sangumburi (about 10 minutes).

►What to do: See the crater and learn about its formation and history. See different plants and animals such as silvergrass, reeds, pampas grass, wildflowers, deer, pheasants, etc. Enjoy the view of Hallasan Mountain and other peaks from the observation deck.

 

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall: A Natural Wonder with a Rainbow Bridge

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is a waterfall on the southern coast of Jeju that is also known as "the pond where heaven and earth meet". It is 22 meters high and 12 meters wide, and the water falls from a cliff into a deep pool. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and rocks, creating a serene and beautiful scenery. You can also see a rainbow bridge that spans across the stream, adding a touch of color and charm.

The waterfall is also home to various plants and animals, such as Elaeocarpus sylvestris (a rare plant species), Mutae eels (a natural monument), and Mandarin ducks. You can walk along the trail that leads to the waterfall and enjoy the fresh air and the sound of water. You can also visit nearby attractions such as Saeyeongyo Bridge, Sammaebong Peak, and Jeju Folk Village.

 

 

►Location: 37 Chilsimni-ro214beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

►Admission: 2,500 won for adults, 1,300 won for students, 1,000 won for children

►Opening hours: 8 am to 10 pm (varies by season)

►How to get there: Take bus 600 or 800 from Jeju City or Seogwipo City and get off at New Kyungnam Hotel bus stop. Walk to the entrance of Cheonjiyeon Waterfall (about 10 minutes).

►What to do: See the waterfall and take photos of it. Walk along the trail and see the plants and animals. Cross the rainbow bridge and enjoy the view. Visit nearby attractions such as Saeyeongyo Bridge (a bridge with an arch shape), Sammaebong Peak (a hill with a panoramic view of Seogwipo City), and Jeju Folk Village (a cultural park that showcases the traditional lifestyle of Jeju).

 

Conclusion: Visit Jeju Today

Jeju is a wonderful island that offers a variety of attractions for all kinds of travelers. You can experience the beauty of nature, the richness of culture, and the charm of Jeju. Whether you want to hike, bike, swim, or relax, Jeju has something for you. Don't miss the chance to visit the top 10 attractions that we have introduced in this article. You will surely have a memorable and enjoyable trip.