A 5-day guide helping you explore the beautiful outdoors, natural wonders, and delicious food on Jeju-do

Jeju, Jeju-do, South Korea

5 Days in Jeju Island, South Korea

100% recommend getting a car for Jeju. You'll need an international drivers license, but we rented through Lotte and it was super easy to pick-up and drop off. There's a bus that will take you from the airport to car rental, with everything very clearly marked in English as well as Korean. 

We chose to base ourselves in Seogwipo for our trip to Jeju-do, so we did end up doing a fair bit of driving. However it was worth it to us to have a home base, and Seogwipo is a lot quieter and closer to a lot of the attractions that interested us.

On our way to our hotel, we took a quick detour to find some BBQ! Unfortunately for us, I don't think most people in Korea eat at 3:00 in the afternoon, so it was kind of an awkward time to go...there was nobody else in the restaurant and the wait staff just stared at us the entire time. 

After dropping the bags, we headed out to explore the park across from our hotel. You can explore the green space above Cheonjiyeon falls, but we couldn't find a way to get down to them from this side. 

You can walk from here to the Seogwipo market and find tons of restaurants along the way. This barbecue restaurant was amazing! While it was pricier, it was so delicious! They had my favourite banchan--spicy green onion salad--and everything was prepared so beautifully. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area!

A few minutes drive down the road will take you to Yakcheonsa--a beautiful Buddhist temple. Apparently it has the largest wooden Buddha statue in Korea.

Since we got there after dinner, the market was slowing down for the night. We just wandered around and got our bearings before heading back to the hotel to rest. 

Start the day with a walk to Oedolgae! This is a very pretty coastal walk, with a clearly marked path and car park. It can get very busy, but if you go early in the morning, it's not that bad. 

For a cheap mid-morning brunch, we hit up the GS-25 near the Parnas Hotel. I don't know if this is something we were supposed to do, but you can park your car at the lot in front of the hotel and walk down to the beach. There's one flight of somewhat steep stone stairs, but it was super easy to find the path from the parking lot. And the best part? Somehow the parking is completely free! 

If you want to keep walking, you can hop on the boardwalk that runs along the base of the cliff. I believe this is part of the Olle trail, but I'm not certain. If you continue along it, you'll get quite the stair workout as it wends its way back up to the road. 

Jusangjeollidae. Very much a tourist attraction, I'm not sure that it's worth the entry fee. Given that Oedolgae was completely free and (at least when we were there) less busy, I would recommend that over Jusangjeollidae. However, it is only a few bucks to get in, if you want to pay the entry fee. 

Spontaneously, we signed up for an Airbnb Experience class where we learned how to make a cutting board from scratch. The class lasted a few hours and, while it involved a lot of sanding, it was an incredibly fun and rewarding activity. The process was surprisingly easy to follow. I walked away not only with a beautiful handmade cutting board but also with a sense of accomplishment and some great memories. If you're looking for a unique and hands-on activity in Jeju-do, I highly recommend this experience. It's perfect for all skill levels and a fantastic way to spend an afternoon!

Since this cutting board class took place in a little studio closer to Jeju City, we decided to check out their night market for dinner. 

Bad idea. This place was so chaotic that we got stuck in a line for a parking lot and didn't move for almost 45 minutes. Once we finally parked and were able to go into the market, it was so overwhelmingly crowded. 

We found the food stalls and tried a few different things, but the best offering was the hotteok. I'm a hotteok fiend, so while this was a little more expensive than the hotteok from Namdaemun market in Seoul, I just had to get it. The rest of the food was just alright. I feel like the market vendors put a lot of effort into presentation or showy cooking (look up the market on TikTok and you'll see chefs dancing and singing while cooking) but the flavours were average. 

Visiting the Majanggul Lava Tubes in Jeju-do was an incredible experience. This UNESCO World Heritage site, formed by volcanic activity over 200,000 years ago, offers a mesmerizing underground adventure. To my surprise, it wasn't busy, allowing for quiet exploration of the cave's fascinating formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and the world's largest known lava column. The well-lit paths and informative signage made it easy to appreciate the natural beauty and geological significance of the tubes. Walking through the cool, dimly lit passages felt like stepping into another world. Overall, the visit was both educational and awe-inspiring, making it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Jeju-do.

Brunch this day was at a charming little cafe called Sucasa. Mainly chosen because it was open when we were looking for food, but definitely would recommend to everyone.

Visiting Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, was a highlight of our trip to Jeju-do. Despite being quite busy with tourists, the experience was immensely enjoyable. The hike to the top was relatively easy, primarily consisting of well-maintained stairs that made the ascent accessible for all fitness levels.  Once at the summit, the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and ocean were breathtaking. Ilchulbong truly memorable.

Additionally, you should take the opportunity to watch the haenyeo, the legendary female divers of Jeju, perform a captivating show. Their demonstration was both informative and fascinating, offering a unique glimpse into a vital aspect of Jeju's cultural heritage. Overall, the combination of natural beauty and cultural enrichment made the visit to Seongsan 

Afterwards, we drove back down to Seogwipo and walked over to the market for dessert. We ended up buying a bag of tangerines from a cute halmeoni as a hiking snack for the next day before calling it a night. 

If you're a seafood lover visiting Jeju-do, I highly recommend dining at this restaurant. The owner personally pulled fresh clams from the tank and prepared them right at our table on a small grill, while the remaining clams were transformed into a delicious, hearty soup. The generous portions of clams were offered at a surprisingly low cost, making it a fantastic value. The meal was accompanied by a variety of delicious dipping sauces that perfectly complemented the clams. Despite the language barrier, the owner went above and beyond to assist us, ensuring we cooked and prepared the clams correctly. It was a memorable and delectable dining experience, also giving us a small break from the multiple korean barbecue dinners we enjoyed in Jeju-do.

Something that I was certain would be a complete tourist trap actually surprised me. The Osulloc Tea Museum and grounds, while definitely touristy, was amazing. It smelled fantastic (I'm a big tea person) and the atmosphere was so soothing, despite the crowds. I loved the tea selection at the gift shop and found the most delicious body spray at the Innisfree store attached next door. (If you ever come across the black tea body spray, stop and spritz it for me.) 

Cutting Board Class in Jeju

After the exhilarating but exhausting hike up Mt. Hallasan, we definitely needed some rest. We decided to head to our favourite beach to unwind and soak up the sun. On the way, we made a quick stop at a convenience store to grab a few ice cream bars and a few electrolyte drinks to replenish our energy. After a few hours of relaxation, we still had time to visit Cheonjiyeon Falls before it closed. The falls were stunning and surrounded by lush greenery, even towards the end of October. It was a wonderful way to cap off a day of adventure and relaxation.

We structured this day to include some of the attractions on the southern and eastern sides of the island, although we did end up back in Jeju-Si at the end of the day. We created an itinerary that ran clockwise from Seogwipo, just to minimize the amount of driving time as much as possible. Honestly though, the island is small enough that driving across the entire distance in one day really isn't too bad. 

Hiking Hallasan, the tallest mountain in South Korea, was an unforgettable adventure. The process started with making a reservation online (link below), which was straightforward and ensured a spot on the trail. We began our hike at 6am to make the most of the day and enjoy the early morning tranquility. If you choose an early time, at least in the fall, you will need a headlamp or flashlight. The weather in October was perfect- clear skies and cool temperatures, ideal for hiking. The trail itself was well-maintained but involved a significant number of stairs, providing a good workout. As we ascended, the changing landscapes—from lush forests to rocky terrains—kept us motivated. Reaching the summit was the ultimate reward; the panoramic views of Jeju Island were breathtaking and made every step worthwhile. Watching the sunrise from the top was a surreal experience, and the sense of accomplishment was immense. Overall, hiking Mt. Hallasan was challenging but incredibly fulfilling, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Jeju-do.

Hallasan Reservation

As someone raised in the US, my ultimate hiking lunch is always a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (or some variation), but when you're sitting at the top and watching everyone else eat ramyeon or kimbap...your little sandwich isn't so inspiring. If I did it again, I would definitely figure out a way to make some ramyeon at the top: maybe a thermos of hot water and an instant cup pack. We started hiking at 5:50 (our reservation time) and made it to the summit by 8:45, so overall, a great way to start the morning.

Sadly, our time in Jeju came to an end on the 5th day. We packed our bags and drove the car back to the airport. 

Funny story, but Koreans are wild about lining up to get on flights. We accidentally booked first class tickets because we waited too late to buy our flights, so we were in boarding class 1 or 2. While we were wandering the airport and trying on new perfumes at the Duty Free shop, the entire flight decided to get in a queue to board--almost an hour before our boarding time! We actually ended up being some of the last people to board because nobody would let us get in line in front of them. 

Regardless, Jeju-do is an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of natural wonders, delicious food, and outdoor adventures. The island's breathtaking landscapes, from the majestic Hallasan to the stunning coastal cliffs and serene beaches, offer endless opportunities for exploration and photography. Food lovers will be delighted by the local cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, succulent black pork, and vibrant traditional dishes. Don't miss the unique experience of dining at a clam restaurant where you can enjoy freshly grilled clams right at your table. For outdoor enthusiasts, Jeju-do provides a variety of activities, such as hiking the scenic trails of Hallasan, exploring the fascinating Manjanggul Lava Tubes, or enjoying the panoramic view from Seongsan Ilchulbong. Whether you're relaxing by Cheonjiyeon Falls or indulging in local street food, Jeju-do promises a rich and memorable experience for all visitors.

5 Days in Jeju Island, South Korea

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