| Best time | April–June, September–November |
| Days needed | 3–4 days minimum, 5–6 to explore fully |
| Getting there | Fly from Seoul Gimpo (55 min, ₩30,000–80,000) |
| Getting around | Rental car almost essential. Buses exist but are slow. |
| Note | International Driving Permit required for foreign visitors. |
Why Jeju
Jeju is Korea's Hawaii — a volcanic island 80km off the southern coast with basalt coastlines, a dormant shield volcano (Korea's highest peak), and a tradition of haenyeo (free-diving women) harvesting seafood from the sea. It is completely different from mainland Korea in pace and character.
What to do in Jeju
Hallasan National Park: The dormant volcano at the island's centre — 1,950m, Korea's highest peak. The summit (Baengnokndam crater lake) is accessible via Seongpanak Trail (4–5h up). Gates close at noon — start early. Cloud cover is common; check forecasts the night before.
Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak): A UNESCO World Heritage tuff cone rising from the sea on Jeju's east coast. 99 peaks surrounding the crater, best seen from the top (20-minute climb). The sunrise is famous — arrive before 6am in summer.
Manjanggul Lava Tube: A 7.4km lava tube system formed 300,000 years ago. 1km open to visitors, walking through a cathedral-like cave. Temperature inside: 11–12°C year-round — bring a jacket. Entry ₩4,000.
Hamdeok Beach: Jeju's most beautiful beach — white sand, turquoise water, basalt rock formations. Most swimmable June–September. Less crowded than beaches near Jeju City.
Haenyeo (free-diving women): Jeju's cultural icon — women who dive to 10m+ to harvest abalone, sea urchin, and conch. Many are in their 70s and 80s. Haenyeo restaurants along the coast serve the freshest seafood on the island.
Practical tips
Rent a car. Full stop. Jeju's sights are spread across the island and buses between them are slow and infrequent. A rental car costs ₩40,000–70,000 per day and transforms the trip. Jeju black pork (heuk dwaeji) samgyeopsal is the signature food — richer and more flavourful than mainland pork.
