Volcanic island of waterfalls, beaches and trails
Jeju is a volcanic island south of the Korean mainland and a favourite holiday spot for Koreans. It has a snow capped peak in winter, black rock coastlines, waterfalls, beaches and tangerine farms. Driving is the best way to see it. It suits couples, families and outdoor fans.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
The highest peak in South Korea, a volcano with a crater lake at the top. Trails run through forest to the summit, and in winter snow covers the upper slopes.
Entry is free; reservations are required for the summit trails.
A crater formed by an undersea eruption, rising from the sea at the east end. A short climb leads to a grassy bowl and big sea views, and it is a UNESCO site.
Small entrance fee.
One of the longest lava tubes in the world, with a tall lava column inside. Only a section is open to visitors.
Entry fee.
A coastal wall of hexagonal basalt columns formed by cooling lava, in the Jungmun area. The waves crash against the columns.
Small entry fee.
A set of three waterfalls linked by a forest path and a bridge. The first fall is easy to reach.
Small entry fee.
A west coast beach of pale sand and shallow turquoise water, with a view of Biyangdo island. It is calm and good for families.
Free.
A small island off the east coast with beaches, farmland and bike or scooter trails. It is easy to explore in a day.
Ferry return fare, plus vehicle rentals.
The main market of Jeju City, selling tangerines, fish and street snacks. In the evening a night market runs.
Free to enter; snacks cost a few dollars.
A grassy headland on the east coast with a small lighthouse and views of Seongsan peak. It is well known from Korean dramas.
Free.
A large garden of camellia trees that bloom in winter, with paths and photo spots. It is one of the best known flower gardens on the island.
Admission fee.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.
Choose how many days you have.
Day one is east, day two the south coast, and day three the west beaches and gardens.
Small islands known for quiet walks and barley fields.
25 mi · Ferry from Moseulpo, about 20 to 30 minutes
Remote fishing islands with island trails.
28 mi · Ferry from Jeju port, about 1 hour
A lava dome with a temple cave and coastal views.
28 mi · Bus or car, about 1 hour
Best: April to June and September to November. The weather is pleasant for hiking and driving, with canola flowers in spring and autumn grasses.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
Quiet season. Lower prices, fewer crowds.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
Late March to April
Fields of yellow flowers across the island.
March
Fields are burned in a symbolic ritual in the Saebyeol Oreum area.
October
Cultural events and parades.
December 31 to January 1
Crowds gather at Seongsan Ilchulbong.
South Korea is at the lowest US advice level (Level 1); the risks are changeable mountain weather, rough seas and driving on narrow roads.
Sights are spread across the island, so you need a car or tours.
Buses exist but are slow and infrequent outside Jeju City, and visitors use a transit card.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: first-timers, budget
Near the airport, with markets and restaurants.
Best for: nature lovers, couples
Closer to the south coast sights and waterfalls.
Best for: families, luxury
Large resorts and beaches on the south coast.
Best for: cafes, couples
Scenic west coast with cafes.
Best for: sunrise lovers
Next to the famous crater.
| Main airport | Jeju International Airport (CJU), 3 mi from the center |
| To the center | Bus or taxi to Jeju City takes about 15 to 20 minutes. |
| Around town | Rent a car if you can drive, or hire taxis and join tours. Buses and Kakao T taxis cover the main routes. |
| Ride apps | Kakao T |
Grilled Jeju black pig, a famed local meat.
A sweet citrus fruit, popular as juice and sweets.
Seafood from the divers.
Noodles with pork broth.
| Plugs | Type C and F, 220 V |
| Tap water | Safe to drink |
| Tipping | Tipping is not customary. |
| Payments | Cards are accepted widely, but keep some cash for rural stalls. |
| Etiquette | Respect farmland and the sea divers; never take items from the divers' areas or nature reserves. |
Jeju was once an independent kingdom called Tamna before joining Korea around the 1100s. Its isolation shaped a unique dialect, culture and the famous female sea divers (haenyeo). The island has a volcanic formation and its lava tubes and the Hallasan peak are a UNESCO World Natural Heritage area. Today it is a tourism island, with a visa free policy for many nationalities.
Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.