As the largest island off the coast of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju Island—also known as the “Island of the Gods”—is a popular holiday destination for both locals and tourists. In addition, the island has also remained as a top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
But there is really no question as to why this is so. Jeju Island is bursting with endless scenic frames, their coastal line is dotted with picturesque waterfalls and there are various cultural attractions to immerse yourself in.
Just an hour’s plane ride away from Seoul, you really should cater a day or two in your itinerary to visit this drop-dead gorgeous Korean island. Here are 17 Things You Must See & Do In Jeju Island.
#1 CHEONJIYEON FALLS
With its name translating to “sky connected with land”, Cheonjiyeon is a stunning waterfall surrounded by wild Dampalsu trees, Sanjuya trees and camellias. Further, the Cheonjiyeon Falls is an astounding 22 metres high, 12 metres wide and 20 metres in depth and stands picture perfect at every angle.
However, the most impressive aspect of the Cheonjiyeon Falls is its clear and deep waters which are home to Mutae eels.
Cheonjiyeon Falls
Namseongjung-ro, Cheonji-dong,
Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 760 6304
Daily: Sunrise to 10pm
#2 HALLASAN NATIONAL PARK
Arguably one of Jeju Island’s more memorable landmarks, Hallasan National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site which is treasured for its geological value. For example, there are 368 parasitic volcanoes around the main mountain and there are more than 1,800 kinds of plants and 4,000 species of animals along its mountainside!
To fully embrace the beauty and wonders of Hallasan National Park, a hike up Hallasan Mountain is recommended. Even if you are a hiking amateur, there is no need to worry as the mountain is relatively easy to hike and each hiking course is less than 10km in distance.
Hallasan National Park
2070-61, 1100-ro,
Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 713 9950
#3 JEJU FOLK VILLAGE
To get a glimpse of what life was like in a Korean village during the 1890′s, visit Jeju Folk Village — a village holding a total of 117 houses and facilities including the Mountain Village, Hill-Country Village, Fishing Village and Shamanism Village. Visitors would have the chance to have a close look at folk items such as 1,627 woodenware, 1,046 bamboo ware and more.
And if you’re wondering why the Jeju Folk Village seems familiar, this is probably because you recognise it from the famous Korean drama—Daejanggeum—which filmed several scenes at the Jeju Folk Village.
Jeju Folk Village
631-34 Minsokhaean-ro, Pyoseon-myeon,
Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 787 4501 2
Oct to Feb: 8.30am to 5pm daily
Mar: 8.30am – 5.30pm daily
Apr to 15 Jul: 8.30am – 6pm daily
16 Jul to Aug: 8.30am – 6.30pm daily
Sep: 8.30am – 6pm daily
#4 JEJU WATERWORLD
Looking for something more exciting and adventurous for your trip? Head on down to Jeju Waterworld, Jeju’s largest water leisure park which is a favourite for trips with the family or for a vacation with friends.
Apart from the thrilling water rides which will leave your adrenaline pumping, there is also the option to relax and unwind at a jjimjil-bang or sauna as well as the opportunity to play some golf at a high-class indoor golf practice range. An all-day pass to Jeju Waterworld will cost W26,000 per pax and children below the age of 3 will have free admission to the water park.
Jeju Waterworld
31 World cup-ro,
Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 739 1930 3
Off-season: 10am – 7pm*
Peak Season: 10am – 9pm*
*Opening hours are subject to change.
#5 JEONGBANG FALLS
Considered one of the top three waterfalls on Jeju Island, Jeongbang Falls is the only waterfall in Asia to have waters flowing directly into the ocean. If you chance upon the inscription “Seobulgwacha” during your visit, this is actually referring to Seobul—a servant of the Emperor of the Chinese Qin Dynasty—who had passed by the waterfall.
On top of the cliff, there is an observatory from which you will be greeted by dazzling views of the sea.
Jeongbang Falls
Chilsimni-ro 214beon-gil,
Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 740 6000 1 / +82 64 742 8866 / +82 64 758 7181
Daily: 8am – 6pm
#6 JUNGMUN SAEKDAL BEACH
A holiday isn’t a holiday without some sun, sand and the beach. Characterised by its white arch-shaped shores filled with white, black, red and grey sand, Jungmun Saekdal Beach is a colourful beach destination popular amongst both locals and tourists.
Aside from chilling the day away, you can also participate in various marine and aquatic sports such as parasailing, water skiing, windsurfing and scuba diving. There really is no room for you to be bored at Jungmun Saekdal Beach!
Jungmun Saekdal Beach
Jungmungwangwang-ro, 72beon-gil,
Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 740 6000 1 / +82 64 742 8866 / +82 64 758 7181
#7 JUSANGJEOLLI CLIFFS
Just about 600 metres southwest from Daepo-dong lies the incredible Jusangjeolli Cliff which was formed from the lava that flowed into the sea of Jungmun when Hallasan Mountain erupted. A magnificent scene painted by stone pillars lined up along the coast, there is absolutely no question as to why the Jusangjeolli Cliff is designated as a cultural monument of Jeju Island.
For admission to the Jusangjeolli Cliffs, each adult will have to pay W2,000 and for teenagers and children, W1,000.
Jusangjeolli Cliff
216 Jungmungwangwang-ro,
Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 738 1393
#8 LOVE LAND
Yes, you are not mistaken. Love Land is an outdoor adult theme park dedicated to sex, eroticism and sensuality so don’t be surprised when you are greeted by countless sculptures of male genitalia and erotic scenes around the park. There are a whopping 140 sculptures in total, not inclusive of hands-on exhibits and interactive sculptures such as the “masturbation-cycle”.
Due to the nature of this park, do note that visitors must be 20 years of age or older in order to enter. Admission fees cost W9,000 per adult and for a group of 30 pax, W8,000 per adult.
Love Land
2894-72 Cheonbaengi-ro,
Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 712 6988
Daily: 9am – 12am
#9 MANJANGGUL CAVE
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Manjanggul Cave is one of the best lava tunnels in the world and it is famed for its interesting structures such as lava stalagmites that are 70 centimetres in length and for its lava tube tunnels.
Do note that only the first kilometre of the Manjanggul Cave is open for visitation. Regardless, there is so much for you to explore and see so keep your eyes peeled for rare wildlife and unique topographical features of the cave!
Manjanggul Cave
182 Manjanggul-gil,
Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 710 7903
Daily: 9am – 6pm
#10 O’SULLOC MUSEUM
The first tea museum opened by Amore Pacific in 2001, O’sulloc Tea Museum seeks to spread awareness about Korean teas and in general, Korean traditional tea culture. O’sulloc Museum has a tea gallery, eco-friendly resting area and cafe where you can have a taste of their delicious and pretty tea-based desserts.
If you’re interested in a slightly more intensive learning experience, you can consider reserving a space in O’sulloc Museum’s Tea Time & Tea Stone Tour which will educate you about different types of teas and certain tips for brewing teas.
O’sulloc Tea Museum
15 Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon,
Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 794 5312 3
Daily: 9am – 6pm
#11 OEDOLGAE ROCK
For breathtaking views of the sunset, do take a stroll along the Oedolgo walking treks towards the Oedolgae Rock. Oedolgae Rock isn’t far from the shores of Sammaebong and it is also surrounded by other gorgeous islands such as Bum Island, Sae Island and Seonnyu Rock.
Boasting 10 metres in circumference and 20 metres in height, did you know that the Oedolgae Rock—also known as the Janggunseok Rock—was featured in the iconic Korean drama, Daejanggeum? This will be one essential pit-stop for all K-drama fans.
Oedolgae rock
791 Seohong-dong,
Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 760 3031
#12 SEONIMGYO BRIDGE
An arch bridge situated over Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, Seonimgyo Bridge is identified by the 7 nymphs that are carved on both of its sides. Also known as the Seven Nymphs Bridge, the nymphs on the bridge represent the Korean legend of the descent of seven beautiful nymphs from heaven in the evening.
#13 SEONGSAN ILCHULBONG PEAK
If you are a geography lover, you must include Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak in your itinerary. Created from a volcanic eruption that occurred some 100,000 years ago, there is a majestic crater atop the peak which is around 600 metres in diameter and 90 metres high.
And if you are visiting during the spring, you will be in for a treat as the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak will be surrounded by bright yellow canola flowers; a truly magical sight that will take your breath away.
Seongsan Ilchubong Peak
284-12 Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup,
Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 710 7923
Daily: 7.30am – 7pm
#14 TEDDY BEAR MUSEUM
For those travelling to Jeju Island with children, a visit to the island’s Teddy Bear Museum would definitely be a good idea. Located in Jungmun Tourism Complex, the Teddy Bear Museum is what it is—the largest museum in the world solely dedicated to teddy bears. From collections of toy bears to lifelike replicas, you and your children will have a ball of a time.
Admission fees are going at W10,000 per adult, W9,000 per teenager and W8,000 per child.
Teddy Bear Museum
31 Jungmungwangwang-ro 110beon-gil,
Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 738 7600
Daily: 9am – 7pm*
*Do note that the opening hours during the Summer Peak Season will be from 9am to 10pm.
#15 YAKCHEONSA TEMPLE
Recognised for its design which is reminiscent of Buddhist temples during the early Joseon Dynasty, Yakcheonsa Temple is an impressive Buddhist temple that is 30 metres high and covers a total area of 3,305 meters squared.
Highlights to look forward to at Yakcheonsa Temple include the 5-metre tall statue of Vairocana on a 4-metre high pedestal, the 18-tonnes heavy Buddhist temple bell and the Gulbeopdang—the Dharma Hall built inside a natural cave. Admission to Yakcheonsa Temple is free.
Yakcheonsa Temple
293-28 Ieodo-ro,
Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 738 5000
#16 YEOMIJI BOTANIC GARDEN
Immerse yourself in sights of approximately 2,000 rare tropical and subtropical funds at the Yeomiji Botanical Garden, one of best botanical gardens within Asia. Take a walk through the Flower Garden, Water Lily Garden and of course, the Jeju Native Garden and spend some time appreciating the wonders of nature.
And if you head up to the observation platform, you’d enjoy unparalleled views of Hallasan Mountain and Marado Island. Admission fees are fixed at W9,000 per adult, W6,000 for teens, W5,000 for children and W7,000 for seniors.
Yeomiji Botanical Garden
93 Jungmungwangwang-ro,
Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 735 1100
Daily: 9am – 6pm
#17 YONGDUAM ROCK
Just to the north of Jeju City, the origin stories of Yongduam Rock—also known as Dragon Head Rock—range from mystical legends of dragons to stories of a white horse who yearned to be a dragon. Putting myths aside, Yongduam Rock was created from the erosion of coastal rocks by strong winds over the course of thousands of years.
The views at Yongduam Rock promise to be spectacular and it is also an excellent vantage point for you to watch Haeneo women divers working to catch seafood.
Yongduam Rock
Yongduam-gil,
Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Tel: +82 64 728 3601