Known as the “Island of the Gods”, Jeju Island is a natural world heritage site lying in the Korea Strait. Due to its isolation, the locals in Jeju developed a culture and language that differs from mainland Korea. With a dormant volcano dominating its center, the island boasts picturesque landscapes, crystal blue beaches and scenic trails. It’s no wonder why Jeju Island remains a popular vacation spot for both locals and foreigners alike. Here’s my 3-day itinerary and food guide to Jeju Island:
Itinerary Overview
DAY 1 | Explore the west side of Jeju: sandy beaches, green tea fields and scenic trails
DAY 2 | Explore the south of Jeju: waterfalls, seaside cliffs and hiking Mt. Hallasan
DAY 3 | Explore the east side of Jeju: enchanting forests, quiet seaside trails, sunrise peaks and rocky beaches
Getting Around
The best method of transportation to explore Jeju is through rental cars which you can typically pick up at the airport. The island also has a public transportation system comprised of bus routes. However, your travel time will take longer through this method.
Day 1: Explore The West
Hyeopjae Beach
Considered as one of the most well-known beaches in Jeju, Hyeopjae Beach is revered for its white sands, crystal blue seawater and evergreen forests scattered throughout its surrounding area.
Songaksan Mountain
Part of the Olle Trail (route 10), the Songaksan Mountain trail is a scenic walk that circles a simple volcano. This short 90-minute hike boasts seaside views along with volcanic formations exposed on the cliffsides.
Sanbangsan Mountain
Located next to Sanbanggulsa Temple, Sanbangsan Mountain is especially beautiful during springtime. Here you’ll be surrounded by fields of canola flowers with the temple and mountain as your backdrop.
Spirited Garden
Featuring 7 charming and uniquely themed gardens to explore, Jeju’s Spirited Garden is a large outdoor bonsai garden designed to showcase the beauty of the island. The garden also includes a 3-story observatory cafe that serves homemade roasted coffee, iced drinks and lunch buffets.
O’sulloc Green Tea Museum
Located on the west side of Jeju Island, O’sulloc Green Tea Museum teaches visitors about Korea’s traditional tea culture. Guests can enjoy a unique selection of teas and snacks (make sure to try their Jeju tangerine tea!), as well as tour the indoor gardens, exhibition halls, observatory decks and green tea fields. There’s also an Innisfree Jeju House within the vicinity if you’re looking to buy some skincare products or are just looking to eat at their in-house cafe.
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Day 2: Explore The South
Cheonjeyeon Falls
Not to be confused with Cheonjiyeon Falls, this 3-tier waterfall is one of the well-known tourist spots in Jeju. Within its vicinity, you can walk along various trails, the Seonimgyo Bridge and the Cheonjeru Pavilion.
Hallasan National Park
Designated as a national park, Mount Hallasan is the highest point in South Korea. Get up early to hike one of the four trails leading up to the volcano. The spectacular landscapes filled with mountain views and evergreens make hiking Mt. Hallasan one of the must-do activities in Jeju.
Jusangjeolli Cliffs
Another well-known tourist spot in Jeju, the hexagon pillars defining the Jusangjeolli Cliffs were formed when lava from Mount Hallasan erupted into the sea.
Day 3: Explore The East
Bijarim Forest
Just a short distance away from Jeju City, Bijarim Forest is known as the largest forest of nutmeg trees in the world. Here you can enjoy a stroll beneath thousands of 500 to 800-year-old evergreen canopies.
Seongsan Ilchulbong
Also called the Sunrise Peak, Seongsan Ilchulbong is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of Jeju’s most notable geographical highlights. Steps will lead you up to the top of the crater, making your 45-minute hike easier. There are also plenty of rest stops along the way that overlooks the sea.
Gwangchigi Beach
This scenic and rocky beach is only a short distance away from Seongsan Ilchulbong. Here you can ride horses along the black sand and unique green rocky landscape with Seongsan Ilchulbong as your backdrop.
Seopjikoji
Also near Seongsan Ilchulbong, Seopjikoji is a beautiful coastline filled with canola flowers during the spring. The infamous white lighthouse, vast landscape and rocky cliffsides that overlook the ocean make this location a popular tourist attraction.
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What To Eat
Tangerines
Jeju is well-known for its sweet tangerines, so much that you can find a huge selection and variety of products throughout the island highlighting it. If you’re interested, you can go tangerine picking as well!
Jeju Black Pork
The infamous black pork is a specialty food unique to Jeju as it’s made from black pigs exclusively bred from the island. Make sure to try some at one of the restaurants in Black Pork Street!
Abalone
Fresh abalone is another delicacy that Jeju is famous for. One of the most popular ways of eating abalone is in porridge or stews. I personally prefer grilling it.
Gogi Gukso “Jeju Noodles”
Also known as “Jeju Noodles” or “Pork Noodle Soup”, Gogi Guksu is another must-try specialty dish found on the island. There are many restaurants in Jeju offering this dish, however, I recommend going to a local favourite called Sisters Noodles (Jamae Guksu). I especially liked Bibim-Guksu.
