Things to Do in Jeju Island, South Korea: What to See, Where to Go and How to Plan (2026)

Jeju is South Korea’s volcanic island, a 90-minute flight south of Seoul and a world apart in pace. Created by eruptions from Mount Hallasan, it is ringed by black-rock coastline, lava tubes and crater peaks that together form a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Add tangerine orchards, waterfalls tumbling into the sea and the island’s famous women divers, and it is easy to see why Koreans call it the “Island of the Gods”. Here is what to see and how to plan it.

East Jeju

1. Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)

This 182-meter tuff cone rises straight out of the sea on the island’s eastern tip and was inscribed by UNESCO in 2007. A well-kept staircase reaches the crater rim in about 30 to 40 minutes. Come at dawn for sunrise over the crater, then walk down to Gwangchigi Beach, where low tide reveals moss-covered volcanic rocks with the peak behind them. The site is closed on the first Monday of each month and when the weather is bad.

2. Watch the haenyeo divers

Jeju’s haenyeo are women who free-dive for shellfish and seaweed, a tradition recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. At the foot of Seongsan they give a short demonstration most afternoons (canceled in rough seas), and some sell their catch fresh by the shore.

3. Udo Island

A 15-minute ferry from Seongsan Port takes you to Udo, a small island of stone walls, peanut fields and white-sand beaches. Rent an electric bike or scooter to loop the coast, and try the island’s peanut ice cream.

4. Seopjikoji

A grassy headland with a small lighthouse and the best views back to Seongsan. In April the fields here turn bright yellow with canola flowers.

5. Lava tubes

Manjanggul is one of the longest lava tubes in the world; about a kilometer is open to visitors, and the cave stays at 10 to 15°C year-round, so bring a jacket. It has been closed for long periods for safety work, so check its status before you go. Nearby Bijarim forest and the Sangumburi crater are easy additions.

South Jeju and Seogwipo

6. Waterfalls

Jeongbang Falls drops straight into the sea, one of very few in Asia to do so. Cheonjiyeon Falls is beautiful lit up at night, and Cheonjeyeon has three tiers set in subtropical forest.

7. Jusangjeolli Cliffs

Hexagonal basalt columns, formed when lava met the sea, line the coast west of Seogwipo. Waves crash dramatically here on windy days.

8. Olle trails

The Jeju Olle network of coastal walking routes circles the whole island. Route 7 near Seogwipo, along cliffs and past Oedolgae rock, is one of the most scenic sections for a half-day walk.

Central and west Jeju

9. Hike Hallasan

At 1,947 meters, Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea. Two trails reach the crater lake of Baengnokdam at the summit: the gentler Seongpanak (about 9.6 km each way) and the steeper, more scenic Gwaneumsa. Both require an advance reservation through the Hallasan National Park website, usually opening a month ahead, and the full summit hike takes a long day. Shorter routes such as Yeongsil offer superb views of the upper slopes without a reservation.

10. O’sulloc tea fields

Rows of green tea stretch across the plateau in the southwest. Visit the tea museum and try green-tea desserts with a view of the plantations.

11. Hyeopjae Beach

Jeju’s most beautiful beach has jade-colored water, white sand and views to tiny Biyangdo island.

Eating on Jeju

Jeju’s specialties are black pork grilled at the table, abalone porridge, cutlassfish and seafood hot pots, plus tangerines in every form from juice to chocolate. The Dongmun market in Jeju City and the Olle market in Seogwipo are lively places to graze.

How to plan your time on Jeju

• How long: three days covers the east coast, the south and one hike; four or five lets you slow down.
• Where to stay: Jeju City near the airport for convenience, or Seogwipo and the Jungmun resort area on the south coast for luxury hotels and calmer evenings.
• Getting around: buses reach the main sights but are slow; a private car with a driver-guide is by far the easiest way to see the island, especially for sunrise at Seongsan.
• When to go: April for canola and cherry blossoms, May and October for clear walking weather, autumn for silver grass on the volcanic cones. Summer is hot and humid, and typhoons can affect flights and ferries in late summer.
• Entry: check whether you need a K-ETA before flying to South Korea; requirements depend on your passport and change from time to time.

Jeju on a private South Korea tour

Jeju works perfectly at the end of a journey through Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan. Explore our South Korea tours and places to visit in South Korea, and let our specialists build Jeju into your route with a private driver-guide.

Things to do in Jeju: FAQ

How many days do you need in Jeju?

Three days covers the highlights; four or five lets you add a Hallasan hike, Udo and slower days on the south coast.

Do you need a reservation to hike Hallasan?

Yes, for the two summit trails, Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa, through the Hallasan National Park website. Other trails such as Yeongsil do not need one.

What is Jeju Island famous for?

Volcanic landscapes, Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchulbong, haenyeo women divers, tangerines and black pork.

Is Jeju worth visiting?

Yes, especially as a contrast to Seoul: coastline, crater peaks and a slower island pace in under two hours by air.

What is the best way to get around Jeju?

A car with a driver-guide. Public buses cover the island but journeys between sights are long.

Planning a Korea trip?

South Korea tour packages: routes and seasons