South Korea’s volcanic island has dramatic coastlines, a dormant volcano, lava tube caves, and a pace of life completely different from Seoul. Jeju is South Korea’s most popular island, a volcanic landmass 80 kilometres off the southern coast with black lava rock coastlines, waterfalls, subtropical forests, and a culture and dialect distinct from the mainland.
A 50-minute flight from Seoul makes it an easy addition to any trip to Korea. Three to four days is the right amount of time to explore it properly.
Getting to Jeju
- By plane from Seoul (Gimpo): Around 50 minutes to Jeju International Airport. Flights every 20 to 30 minutes at peak times. Tickets from 30,000 to 60,000 won each way if booked in advance. This is the standard option.
- By ferry from Mokpo or Wando: Overnight ferries exist but take around 5 hours and suit only those without time constraints.
Book domestic flights through Korean Air, Jeju Air, or Air Busan. Prices spike during school holidays and the peak summer season.
Getting Around Jeju
Jeju is best explored by rental car. Public buses cover the main sights but infrequently, and the coastal road and inland areas are far easier with your own transport. Rental cars cost around 40,000 to 80,000 won per day. An international driving permit is required for foreign visitors.
What to Do on Jeju
Seongsan Ilchulbong – Sunrise Peak
A 182-metre volcanic tuff cone at the eastern tip of the island. The climb to the rim takes 20 minutes on a well-maintained path. The view into the wide volcanic crater and out over the surrounding ocean is one of the best on the island. Entry costs 2,000 won. Arrive before 7 am for the sunrise without crowds.
Manjanggul Lava Tube
One of the world’s longest lava tube cave systems and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around 1 kilometre of the 7.4-kilometre tube is open to visitors. The cave temperature stays around 11 to 12 degrees Celsius year-round, so bring a light jacket. Entry costs 4,000 won.
Hallasan National Park
A dormant shield volcano rising to 1,950 metres, the highest peak in South Korea. Several hiking trails range from gentle forest walks to full summit hikes. The Seongpanak trail to the summit takes around 4.5 hours up and 3.5 hours down. The summit crater contains a lake (Baengnokdam) with views across the entire island on clear days.
The shorter Yeongsil trail (2.5-hour return) reaches a spectacular ridge without going to the summit, a good option if time is limited. Check the national park website for trail closures before going.
Jeongbang Waterfall
One of the few waterfalls in Asia that falls directly into the sea. Entry costs 2,000 won. Most impressive after heavy rain.
Hyeopjae Beach
The best beach on Jeju’s west coast. Pale turquoise water against black volcanic rock, with views across to Biyangdo Island. The combination of watercolour and volcanic landscape is unlike that of any other beach in Korea. Swimmable in summer, beautiful year-round.
Haenyeo Culture
The haenyeo are Jeju’s traditional female free divers who harvest abalone, sea urchins, and shellfish without equipment, a tradition UNESCO has listed as intangible cultural heritage. Performances run at several coastal locations near Seongsan Ilchulbong. The Jeju Haenyeo Museum near Gujwa gives a full cultural context.
Where to Stay on Jeju
- Jeju City (north): Most accommodation options, best transport links. Good base for the north and west of the island.
- Seogwipo (south): More scenic, quieter, closer to Hallasan and south coast waterfalls. Better for a resort-style stay.
- Seongsan (east): Small town near Sunrise Peak. Good if you want to catch the sunrise and explore the East Coast.
When to Visit Jeju
Spring (April to May) brings yellow canola flower fields across the island’s plains. Summer (July to August) is beach season, but the most crowded and expensive time. Autumn (September to November) has clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Winter is mild compared to the mainland, rarely below 5 degrees Celsius, and the island is much quieter.
See the best time to visit Korea guide for full seasonal advice, including how Korean public holidays affect Jeju flight prices.
