The best things to do in Jeju showcase the diversity of this popular island, which sits on the southern coast of South Korea. Situated along the Korean Straits, it boasts of a healthy tourist influx from all over the world, especially Japan and other Pan-Asian countries. The island also has an international airport that connects it to mainland South Korea as well as other nearby countries, making it well connected to the rest of the world.
Jeju enjoys a mild sub-tropical climate, which makes it enjoyable to roam around almost all year round. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities during their stay – from scaling the highest peak in South Korea to watching the splendid sunset and sunrise scenes along the coast, Jeju has it all.
What are the best things to do in Jeju?
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Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
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Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Jeju. The name translates to ‘the connection between land and sky’. There’s a scenic trail that leads you to the falls – visit at night to see a formation of rocks illuminated with artificial lights.
The 22-metre-tall waterfall breaks up into a number of smaller streams emerging from the main area. The water falls into an artificial basin formed by 2 small dams, which keep the water from overflowing.
Location: Cheonji-dong, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea
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Yeomiji Botanical Garden
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Yeomiji Botanical Garden, located within Jungmun Resort, occupies an indoor complex with multiple galleries showcasing different types of plants. From cacti and tropical fruits to water lilies and flowers, Yeomiji has about 2,000 species of rare plants and 1,700 species of flowers and trees. The garden covers a total space of 1,100 square metres and is considered to be one of the most beautiful and well-maintained indoor gardens in Asia.
Location: 93 Jungmungwangwang-ro, Saekdal-dong, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +82 (0)64-738-3828
Mapphoto by A____ R__ (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
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Jeju Folk Village Museum
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The Jeju Folk Village Museum represents the island’s rich cultural heritage and folklore. It’s built over an area of 150,000 square metres and has around 117 traditional houses. Among the many artefacts on display here include thousands of folk items made from wood, iron, and bamboo.
You can get an audio guide and gather knowledge about Korean history, culture, and beliefs. Exploring each and every part of the Jeju Folk Village Museum takes about 4 hours.
Location: 631-34 Minsokhaean-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 6 pm
Phone: +82 (0)64-787-4501
Mapphoto by anokarina (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
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Osulloc Tea Museum
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Osulloc Tea Museum attracts those who want to learn about Korean tea tradition. It overlooks O'sulloc's Seogwang Tea Planation, which dates back to 1979. There’s a gallery showcasing tea wares and artefacts used during the Joseon Dynasty, and a workshop that runs lectures on the various methods of tea plantation, packing, and green tea supply-chains.
You can also shop for souvenirs at the gift shop and enjoy views of Jeju countryside from the museum’s observatory. If you’re feeling hungry, Osulloc Tea Museum serves a variety of food and beverages, including green tea ice cream, cakes, and tea lattes.
Location: 15 Sinhwayeoksa-ro Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo city, Jeju-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +82 (0)64-794-5312
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Folklore and Natural History Museum
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The Folklore and Natural History Museum has 4 exhibition halls: folklore, history, natural and special resources. Visiting the museum is a great way to learn about the history of Jeju as it displays replicas of animals and plants that are found on the island. There is an additional hall used as an audio-visual room.
Location: 40, Samseong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Open: June–August: daily from 8.30 am to 7 pm. September–May: daily from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm
Mapphoto by karendotcom127 (CC BY 2.0) modified
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Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest
Relax and rejuvenate in this tranquil woodland
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The Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest was conceived as a place of peace and calm where residents could unwind. The Japanese cedar forest stretches away on all sides, dotted with walking trails and photogenic viewing areas, with shade and sea breezes to keep things cool all year round. As you wander around, you'll spot small ponds, a mineral spring and a sparkling waterfall.
Visit the wood-crafting studio to see gorgeous examples of traditional Jeju woodcraft, spot elusive roe deer at the Roe Deer Center, or admire colourful flowers at Saeuran Orchid Park. The park's main mountain, Jeolmul Oreum, reaches 697 metres in height. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Jeju's east coast from the top.
Location: 584 Myeongnim-ro, Bonggae-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 7 am to 6 pm
Phone: +82 (0)64-728-1510
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Jeju World Natural Heritage Center
Slick modern museum for geology enthusiasts
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The Jeju World Natural Heritage Center is a great place to learn about the island’s UNESCO-listed volcanic landscape. Exhibits in the museum demonstrate how volcanic activity formed the island's unique terrain, how lava tubes work, and the long process of forming limestone caves. There's also an art gallery showcasing Jeju's geological history.
The Jeju World Natural Heritage Center has an enormous replica cave with an impressive array of stalagmites and stalactites. Regular tours take you along outdoor trails, with stops explaining different aspects of the island's natural heritage. There’s also a small garden with traditional Jeju sculptures made of volcanic rock.
Location: 569-36 Seongyo-ro, Jochon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Phone: +82 (0)1800-2002
Mapphoto by Republic of Korea (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
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Jeju Stone Park
Ecological park showcasing Jeju's cultural history
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The Jeju Stone Park is an ecological hub that uses local volcanic stones to evoke the island's history and mythology. Sculptures scattered around the park depict various roles like guarding tombs, protecting the house, and repelling evil and misfortune. There's also a beautiful stone pagoda, a pond and a section of forest filled with sculptures, which add to the mystical atmosphere.
The Jeju Stone Park has a museum that displays sculptures and carvings, as well as various examples of folk crafts from all over the island. A must-see is its exhibition about Jeju's different myths and folk tales. You can also visit a traditional Jeju Island house, which has stone pillars and a thatched roof.
Location: 2023 Namjo-ro, Jochon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +82 (0)64-710-7764
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Sunrise Peak
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Seongsan Ilchulbong, also called Sunrise Peak, is a popular spot for trekking and watching the sunrise. The sunrise however, is not visible every day because it’s mostly foggy at the peak. The climb, however, is an interesting one. It has a trekking route of almost 600 steps. Be sure to take loads of water, warm clothing and snacks in order to make the most of your climb.
Location: Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
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Jeju Mini Land
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Jeju Mini Land Park displays miniature replicas of iconic structures from around the world. You can find are over 115 architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites from 50 different countries – some of the most famous include the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Taj Mahal, and the Eiffel Tower. This family-friendly attraction also offers 30-minute workshops such as tee-shirt making, pouch crafting, and handkerchief making.
Location: 606, Bijarim-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Open: Winter: daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Summer: daily from 8.30 am to 7 pm. Spring: daily from 8.30 am to 6 pm
Phone: +82 (0)64-782-7720
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Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival
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The Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival is by far the most prolific event on the island. Situated on Route 95, it marks the end of the harvest. The festival marks the burning of leftover grass by the local farmers in order to ward of harmful insects and is usually celebrated on Daeboreum- a local festival in South Korea.
The exact date of the celebrations varies according to the local calendar, but it typically falls during early February or March. The festival showcases folk games, markets, dances, and concerts – don’t miss the torch-lighting ceremonies and fireworks displays that take place during the celebrations.
Location: San 59-8, Bongseong-ri, Ayeol-eup Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Mapphoto by hojusaram (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
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Arte Museum
Unique art inspired by nature
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Arte Museum is an exhibition centre that offers an art experience for all 5 senses. It occupies a refurbished factory, with 10 different galleries filled with immersive exhibits. Standouts include an 8-metre-high waterfall surrounded by mirrors that seems to expand indefinitely, a display of stars formed from intricate papercraft, and a towering wave that seems to crash towards you.
Kids will love the Night Safari, where they can choose their favourite animals to show up on the screen. At the end of your visit, stop by the Arte Tea Bar to try a tea-based and non-alcoholic cocktail accompanied by soothing music.
Location: 478 Eorimbi-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Phone: +82 (0)1899-5008
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Love Land
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Love Land is an eccentric and erotic attraction near the Jeju Museum of Art. Founded in 2004, the outdoor theme park has around 140 explicit sculptures created by the students of architecture at Seoul University. If you are travelling with children, there’s a kid-friendly amusement park to distract them while you’re visiting Love Land.
If you’re unclear about the concept of the sculptures at Loveland, here’s a tip: don’t visit the place with your parents! Love Land makes for a great outing with your close friends and offers some rather interesting photos. The sculptures are sometimes shocking, but you will have a great time if you’re not too prudish.
Location: 2894-72, Cheonbaengi-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9 am to midnight
Phone: +82 (0)64-712-6988
Mapphoto by Damara Avila (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
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Maze Land
Get lost in this fun stone and plant maze
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Maze Land is built using Jeju's native wood and volcanic rock, creating an entertaining diversion that feels like part of the natural landscape. The 'Maze of Whinstone' is made of black basalt, decorated with interesting stone sculptures. It’s one of the longest stone mazes in the world, with a total length of over 5 km.
There are several other plants dotted around the mazes, including fragrant camellias in the 'Maze of Women' and arborvitae trees in the 'Maze of Wind'. A museum covers the history of mazes in Korea and around the world since the 14th century, and features numerous puzzles and games for you to solve.
Location: 2134-47 Bijarim-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +82 (0)64-784-3838
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Take a submarine tour
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Jeju is a volcanic island that lies in the southwest corner of the Korean peninsula. Taking a submarine tour is one of the best ways to see the island’s diverse underwater life. The tour usually operates at a depth of about 30 metres, and the submarine travels about 2.8 km in length. The ocean is home to colourful corals, many types of fish and enchanting underwater sculptures.
photo by Walter Lim (CC BY 2.0) modified