Hi! My name is Tijana and welcome to my Jeju Island travel guide. I’m Serbian by origin but I’ve lived in Paris for the last three years. I moved to France for my studies, did a master’s degree in computer science at the University of Grenoble and afterwards moved to Paris for work.
Outside of work, travel is my biggest passion. I’ve always loved exploring new places but what pushed me to do it more was my move to France. My master’s program was international and I got to meet people from around the world, which made me more open and interested in other cultures.
Spending Three Days in Jeju Island
South Korea was my first trip to Asia and it brought so many new experiences to me – from culture, to food, to architecture. I spent two weeks in the country and during that time I visited Seoul, Busan, Gwangju, Jeonju and Jeju. For Jeju Island, I had the opportunity to stay for three days.
Most of the preparation for my trip came from a Korean friend who lives in Paris. He’s the one who recommended Jeju as a destination and helped us make the itinerary. Jeju Island is known for being a paradise for hiking and nature lovers. There’s a long hiking trail that goes around the whole island and lets you see some amazing waterfalls, beaches, mountains and more.
For someone visiting South Korea for the first time, I think the priority should be given to Seoul and Busan. But, if you’re planning to explore different parts of the country and have enough time, then I think Jeju is worth visiting. Seoul and Busan are modern cities, however Jeju didn’t feel like that at all. We encountered more locals than tourists while there, which was a great opportunity to immerse ourselves more in the culture.
My Favorite Place in Jeju Island
Jeju was a real nature retreat after being in Seoul, and I enjoyed all of it, but my favorite part was Seongsan Ilchulbong. This volcanic cone is a natural monument formed from an underwater eruption that occurred 5,000 years ago. It’s an easy hike to the top and takes about 45 minutes. I really loved the views from up there. If you visit early enough, you also get to witness a beautiful sunrise – it’s known as the best sunrise spot on the island.
7 Great Things To Do in Jeju Island
Since we only stayed in Jeju for three days, I have to preface this part of the article by saying that my list of the best things to do in Jeju is not complete. However, I still had the time to explore quite a lot of places and experience the island’s main attractions – and so here are my recommendations:
1. Enjoy the Handam Coastal Walk
The Handam Coastal Walk offers a tranquil experience along the island’s rugged northwest coast. A short 15-minute stroll unveils breathtaking vistas, perfect for witnessing the sunset. The path meanders along the shoreline, revealing stunning views of the sea meeting the cliffs, creating a picturesque scene. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks adds to the serene ambiance, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.
2. Visit the Jeongbang Waterfall
The Jeongbang Waterfall is a natural wonder worth exploring. Cascading down 23 meters, it stands as the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the sea. Nestled in the southern part of the island, the waterfall’s beauty is further enhanced by the surrounding lush greenery and rocky shoreline. With an entrance fee of only 2,000 Korean Won, about 2 Euros, it’s both an affordable and unforgettable experience for anyone who loves nature.
3. Experience the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
The name of this waterfall translates to “sky connected with land”. It’s 22 meters high and at the bottom sits an artificial pond. Once again, it’s located in the southern part of Jeju and the entrance fee is around 2,000 Korean Won. By visiting at night, you might be able to see the “Hidden Face” rocks – a phenomenon that becomes possible with night lights.
4. Walk Parts of the Jeju Olle Trail
This well-known hiking trail goes around the whole island and it includes 27 routes (21 main routes and six sub-routes). You can choose to do the whole trail over the course of several days or just do smaller sections on the areas of the island that interest you the most. My tip for hiking in Jeju is to avoid the summer months. This is due to the high levels of humidity that makes it feel like the temperature is 10 degrees hotter than what it actually is.
5. Discover the Best Beaches of Jeju
Most of the beaches in Jeju are concentrated in the northern part of the island and the most popular ones include Hamdeok, Hyeopjae and Gwakji. We stayed close to Gimnyeong Beach, so that is where we ended up going most. One thing to note (as a European) is that the beaches in Jeju are less organized and touristy than what I was used to. Sunbathing isn’t a popular activity here and you won’t see many people out when the sun is strong.
6. Hike to the Top of Seongsan Ilchulbong
This volcanic cone was formed from an underwater eruption around 5,000 years ago. Today, it’s a natural monument of the island. You can hike to the top of the peak for some beautiful views. The entrance fee costs about 5,000 Korean Won – so again, it’s an affordable activity to do.
7. Explore the Manjanggul Lava Tube
The Manjanggul Lava Tube was created when magma flowed underground after a volcano erupted. The cave is 7.5 kilometers long, though only one kilometer is open for tourists. You get to observe various lava formations which are impressive. The entrance fee here is 4,000 Korean Won.
Cultural Tendencies of South Korea
Given that I only spent three days in Jeju, I didn’t notice a difference between the people here and the rest of South Korea. My biggest impression of the people in South Korea was how friendly and helpful they were. Every time I seemed like a lost tourist, people would come and offer help – to carry my suitcase, give directions, explain something, etc.
One thing that was a cultural shock for me, as someone who lives in Europe, is how quiet the people are. They don’t talk loudly in public places and they respect your personal space, which was something I enjoyed a lot. The Korean people are polite and respectful, making travel here a breeze.
Picking Jeju Island Accommodation
Because we were traveling in a group of seven people, we chose to stay in Airbnbs that could accommodate us all. We stayed in two different Airbnbs on our visit to Jeju Island. One was in the southern part of the island (closer to the waterfalls) and one was in the northern part (closer to the beaches).
My biggest tip for picking accommodation in Jeju is to sit down and figure out which places you want to visit the most. Then you can figure out which part of the island is most convenient for your chosen itinerary. Of course Airbnbs are great for groups, but hotels would suffice for solos and couples.
Best Way to Reach Jeju Island
The best way to reach Jeju is by plane with Jeju Air or Korean Air. You can fly from Seoul, Busan or Gwangju. We flew from Seoul with Jeju Air and the flight took a little over an hour. One tip I have is to arrive at the airport well in advance, even though it’s a domestic flight. The reason is that the check-in rules in South Korea are more strict than in Europe. After dropping off your luggage, you’re asked to wait while your suitcase is scanned and then they might ask you to remove certain items if they don’t pass the scan.
Final Tips for Visiting Jeju Island
Is Car Rental a Good Option in Jeju Island?
One of my tips for Jeju is to rent a car if you want to have flexibility while exploring the island. You can rent one at the airport. There are also buses, but with a car we were able to visit places that wouldn’t have been possible in such a short period of time. We rented a big van that cost us 140 Euros per day, split between seven people. The cost of a regular car is lower.
What is the Best Time to Visit Jeju Island?
I visited Jeju in August when the temperatures were high and there was a lot of humidity. It can be a bit uncomfortable if you plan to walk a lot. If I was to redo it, I would choose to come in spring. The mosquitoes were also prevalent in summer. I have never been bitten by mosquitoes more in my life than in South Korea, so definitely pack some mosquito spray.
Another thing to keep in mind for a summer trip is that they always have the air conditioning set to very low temperatures inside restaurants, cafes and other establishments. I had to have a hoodie with me at all times just in case I got too cold. Therefore, always keep some light cover with you.
Is a K-ETA Necessary for a South Korea Trip?
Korea’s Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is necessary in order to enter the country. You need to fill out a form on the official website, pay a small fee and within an hour you should receive it. Not all countries need to apply for a K-ETA, so be sure to check if you need one on the official website.
How to Get a SIM Card with Data in South Korea?
You can buy pocket-wifi online before your trip and simply pick it up at the airport upon arrival. I went with Trazy (known as South Korea’s #1 travel shop) and paid 38 Euros for 16 days. Other options are a SIM card from a local provider when you arrive or choosing a different e-SIM company.
Why Use Naver, Not Google Maps, in South Korea?
Google Maps doesn’t work very well in South Korea, so I recommend downloading Naver Map before your trip. The only problem is that it sometimes can’t find places in English, so you should also use a translation app to be able to find the Korean names of the places you’re looking for.
Is Kakao T Worth Using in South Korea?
Kakao T is the Korean alternative to Uber and is a good option for getting around. I did use Uber a couple of times in South Korea but it’s always good to have an alternative. Note: you need to download Kakao T first and create an account before you can use it (just like any other ride-hailing service).