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Jeju Island natural landscape at sunrise, South Korea

Things to do in  Jeju Island

South Korea on the sea

Jeju Island is a feast of natural features. Waves crash on black-sand beaches, waterfalls plunge into emerald pools, green tea plantations unfurl in perfect symmetry, and Hallasan Mountain, Korea’s highest peak, towers over the island. But that’s not all when it comes to things to do on Jeju Island—it’s also home to UNESCO–listed underground lava tubes, the Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone that rises dramatically from the ocean, and the unapologetically erotic Love Land, where you'll find more than a hundred explicit sculptures.

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When to visit

Jeju Island enjoys a cool climate year-round, so there are advantages to visiting in all seasons. Spring (March–May) sees the island’s cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom, while fall (September–November) transforms foliage into a vibrant orange, red, and yellow carpet. During winter, there’s the least chance of rainfall, which makes hiking and exploring more enjoyable. However, in the summer, the ocean will be warm enough to swim in.

Getting around

You can get to Jeju Island by plane or ferry. Flights depart regularly from the international airports in Busan and Seoul and take around an hour. (It’s worth upgrading to a window seat as the island looks spectacular from above.) You can also take the ferry from the Port of Incheon Coastal Passenger Terminal, which is around 30 minutes from central Seoul.

Traveler tips

Jeju Island doesn’t just boast three physical UNESCO World Heritage sites—it can also claim a UNESCO Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The haenyeo (female free-divers) plunge to depths of up to 30 feet (10 meters) in just one breath to harvest abalone and other shellfish. You can watch the divers at Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) during two “shows” in the afternoon. If you head to Seobudu Myeongpum (Raw Fish Street), you can sample their freshly caught catch at one of the many restaurants.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the must-visit attractions in Jeju Island?
A:

The must-visit attractions on Jeju Island are the Manjanggul Lava Tube, part of the UNESCO–listed Geomunoreum Lava Tube System; the Jeongbang Waterfall, which you can admire on a clifftop walk; O’Sulloc Tea Museum, home to green tea fields and a tea shop; and Seongeup Folk Village, which looks as it did hundreds of years ago.

Q:What are the best outdoor activities to do in Jeju Island?
A:

One of the best outdoor activities to do on Jeju Island is cycling along the Jeju Fantasy Bicycle Path, which passes beaches, mountains, and rock formations. Other things worth doing include hiking in the UNESCO–listed Hallasan National Park, swimming at Hyeopjae Beach, and scuba diving in the Korea Strait.

Q:What are the top beaches to visit in Jeju Island?
A:

The top beaches to visit on Jeju Island include Hyeopjae Beach, whose shallow waters make it one of the few Jeju beaches that’s good for swimming and snorkeling. Also add to your list the volcanic Samyang Black Sand Beach and the pristine Hado Beach, a top birdwatching spot.

Q:What are the best cultural activities available in Jeju Island?
A:

To learn about the island’s cultural heritage, visit the Jeju Folklore & Natural History Museum and Jeju Stone Park, an outdoor museum and ecological park that exhibits the stonework of Jeju. Also, be sure to wander the stalls of Jeju Dongmun Traditional Market, piled high with fresh seafood and fruit.

Q:How many days should I spend in Jeju Island?
A:

You should spend at least three days in Jeju Island, but only if you’re short on time. Five days are ideal, as that gives you enough time to hike Hallasan Mountain, spend a day at the beach, and visit further-flung natural and cultural attractions the other three days.

Q:What are some traditional dishes I must try while on Jeju Island?
A:

Jeju Island is famous for its black pork, which is traditionally served grilled and skewered. Other must-try traditional dishes include galchi jorim (braised beltfish in a spicy sauce), abalone (a type of shellfish harvested by the famous female free-divers), and omegi-tteok (a savory rice cake).

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