Jeju-do Travel Guide

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Located on the eastern end of Jejudo Island, there is a huge crater at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. The crater is about 600m in diameter and 90m high. With the 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it looks like a gigantic crown. While the southeast and north sides are cliffs, the northwest side is a verdant grassy hill that is connected to the Seongsan Village. The ridge provides an ideal spot for walks and for horse riding as well. The sunrise from the crater is magnificent. Also the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak surrounded by bright yellow colored rapeseed flowers in the spring is truly a sight to behold.  

Jeju-do is the place where spring starts first along with rape flowers all over. Seopjikoji in spring, especially April, is the perfect spring getaway to enjoy the spreading rape flowers with breathtaking coastal rock shapes. The best spot to enjoy the scenery is Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, shaped like a huge elephant, and coastal view from the edge of the Seopjikoji while walking through the field of rape flowers. The rape flower here features its bright and vivid color that goes well with Jeju’s bright sunlight and blue ocean. Seopjikoji is located at the end of the eastern shore of Jeju-do Island. "Seopji" is the old name for the area, and "Koji" is Jeju dialect meaning a sudden bump on land. On Koji hill which is wide and flat, there stands a stone Bongsudae called “Hyeopjayeondae” with a 4m x_height and 9m length and x_width that has retained its original form. Seopjikoji was the filming site of 'Gingko Bed', 'The Uprising', 'One Thousand and One Night' and other Korean TV dramas. Nearby attractions include Jeju Folk Village and Udo Island as well.  

The O’sulloc Museum, located on Jeju-do Island near Seogwangdawon, teaches visitors about Korea’s traditional tea culture. The “o” in “o’sulloc”, means to appreciate and enjoy, and it also stands for the origin of sulloc, only sulloc, and of sulloc tea.The museum, which first opened in September 2001,is widely known in Korea. The entire building takes the shape of a green tea cup. It seeks to harmonize the cultures of the West and East, and past traditions with the modern world.At the O’sulloc Museum, not only can visitors enjoy unique o’sulloc teas, but they can relax next to the lotus pond in the indoor garden. The second floor of the building has an observatory, so visitors can enjoy the views of the nearby green tea fields and the surrounding landscape. 

‘Dombe Meat,’ whose name stems from Jeju dialect and means ‘steamed and sliced pork served on chopping board,’ is a widely popular traditional Jeju Island dish.Dombedon restaurant, introduced in a MBC program, only uses meat from black pigs raised on Jeju Island. The meat is not only tasty, but is also low in fat, high in nutrition, and is said to be beneficial for health and beauty purposes—making it especially popular among women.To preserve local flavor and taste, the restaurant prepares its meat using traditional cooking methods, as opposed to simply grilling the meat like many restaurants in the downtown area do. Thanks to these traditional cooking methods and the power of word-of-mouth, Dombedon has become a must-visit attraction of the region. In addition to the famous dombe meat, the restaurant offers an array of dishes including grilled black-skinned pork, dolsot bibimbap, and chef’s cold noodle.

Hallasan Mountain rises up proudly from the center of Jeju Island and is perhaps the island’s most memorable landmarks. Also called Mt. Yeongjusan, meaning "mountain high enough to pull the galaxy," Hallasan Mountain is widely known by scientists for its geological value. Designated as a national park in 1970, there are 368 parasitic volcanoes called Oreums (peaks) around the main mountain. Hallasan Mountain is famous for its vertical ecosystem of plants that results from the varying temperatures along the mountainside. Over 1,800 kinds of plants and 4,000 species of animals (3,300 species of insects) have been identified; to explore the mountain's treasures, simply follow one of the well-developed mountain hiking trails. Hallasan Mountain is relatively easy to hike. With hiking courses less than 10 km in length, it is possible to go to the peak and back in one day. However, the constantly changing weather brings a lot of wind, so make sure that you are well prepared before you start climbing.  

Manjanggul Cave is one of the finest lava tunnels in the world, and is a designated natural monument. A lava tunnel is formed when the lava that was deep in the ground spouts from the peak and flows to the surface. Manjanggul Cave has a variety of interesting structures inside including 70cm lava stalagmites and the lava tube tunnels. Only 1km of the 13,422m Manjanggul Cave is open to tourists. The inside of the tunnel sustains a temperature of 11~21℃, creating a comfortable atmosphere. There are rare animals such as bats living in the tunnel, which makes this tunnel valuable for researchers as well. The stone pillars and stalactites are widely spread and the tunnels shows off the cave’s topographical features. "Stone Turtle" is especially eye-catching because it is shaped like Jeju-do Island.  

Geomum Oreum, with an altitude of 456m, is located in Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si and refers to a parasitic volcano (also called Oreum in Jeju dialect).Geomun Oreum was created by volcanic activities between 100,000 and 300,000 years ago. Lava flow from the crater went along the coastal slope to the Northeast and formed a unique geographical feature called Seonheulgot. The lave flow also formed Bengdwigul Cave on the left side, and Manjanggul, Gimnyeonggul, Yongcheondonggul and Dangcheomuldonggul Caves on the right side. Each of these caves has its own unique features.Upon entering Geomun Oreum, visitors are met by a dense forest filled with Japanese cedar trees. Further along, visitors will see a deciduous broad-leaved forest, shrubbery, and an evergreen broad-leaved forest. Not only featuring various types of forests, Geomun Oreum is also a breeding place for local birds such as Brown-Eared Bulbul, Korean Bush Warbler, Varied Tit, Streptopelia Orientalis, White-Backed Woodpecker and migratory birds such as Fairy Pitta and Tricolor Flycatcher.After it was designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, many visitors has come to enjoy the area's trekking course and the ecological exploring area.Excluding Tuesdays, the trails are open from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM in 30 minute intervals. A reservation must be made in advance for this activity.※ Geomun Oreum Visitors Center: +82-64-784-0456 (Reservation must be made two days before visiting)

The Teddy Bear Museum lives up to its name, boasting quite an impressive variety that have been loved for more than a hundred years the world over. Inside the two galleries you can view the teddy bears from various countries. You can also enjoy yourself at the museum shop, café, restaurant or the outdoor park where you can view the spectacular Jungmun Sea. The gallery is grouped into three sections: the History Hall, the Art Hall and the Project Exhibition Hall. In the History Hall, you can witness the 100-year history of teddy bears including famous scenes, popular teddy bears of different eras, and antique teddy bears. The Mona Lisa teddy bear and the teddy bears of the “The Last Supper” (Leonardo Da Vinci) will especially catch your eyes. In the Art Hall are the latest artworks of world’s famous designers, and you will also find animation characters beloved by children. A section not to miss is where you can find the smallest Teddy Bear in the world at the size of 4.5mm. In the project exhibit hall you can meet teddy bears grouped to suit the theme of each exhibition. You can dine or drink coffee at the museum cafe or bar while appreciating the beautiful landscape of Jejudo Island. The museum bar is a luxurious space only for adults, which is open in the summer. But there are other places besides the fancy cafe or bar. At the museum garden, you can meet the marvelous teddy bear sculptures and models. The garden decorated with various themes such as the Korean Black bear family and the magical pond is also a great site to behold.

Cheonjiyeon, meaning "God’s pond," derives its name from the legend that the seven fairies serving the King of Heaven came down to the pond on stairs of cloud and bathed in its clean waters. Apart from the wild Dampalsu trees, designated as natural monument No. 163, the wooded area also contains a great variety of rare plants such as brambles, Songyeopnan as well as Gusiljappam trees, Sanyuja trees (Chinese lemon trees), and camellias which are all specified as natural monument No. 379. Take a walk along the subtropical path towards the Cheonjiyeon Falls for a kilometer and you will be able to hear the magnificent sound of waterfalls. The waterfall is 22m high, 12m wide and 20m in depth. The clear and deep water of Cheonjiyeon Falls is designated as natural monument No. 27 and is renowned as a habitat for Mutae eels (natural monument No. 258). Also, the annual Seven Fairies Festival is held every May.  

Haenyeo refers to female divers who dive into the ocean water to gather various shellfish, seaweed, etc, without using any underwater diving equipment. When diving underwater, a haenyeo carries only a pair of goggles, a round ball-like tube to keep her balance, and a basket to put her collections in. Such women involved in the fishing industry are known to be scattered all around Jeju-do, Korea, Japan, and Russia. Jeju-do has established the Jeju Haenyeo Museum to introduce to the world the unique activities and culture of Jejudo’s haenyeo female divers. Exhibition Hall 1 is entitled “Haenyeo Diver’s Life” and has a restoration of a traditional haenyeo’s home, and her meals. Also on display, to show a more realistic view into their daily lives, are the various utensils used by female divers. Exhibition Hall 2 displays a pair of haenyeo divers’ goggles and the fishing spheres they often use underwater. Her traditional working outfit is also on display along with various historical records and haenyeo-related materials. Exhibition Hall 3 has an underwater theme called “The Sea” and displays the fishing industry’s culture. Traditional fishnets and fishing equipment are on display including small ship models and salt farm models. The Jeju Haenyeo Museum exhibits various photos of haenyeo female divers and their activities, to provide an accurate picture of their lives. The Jeju Haenyeo Museum also has an observatory from where visitors can see an excellent view of the Hado-ri area, which has a garden with various sculptures and a resting area. The first floor lobby has a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase a variety of souvenirs related to haenyeo female divers.  

As a main symbol of Jeju Island, Dol Hareubang, literally meaning "Old Grandfather" stone statues, can be found everywhere on the island. But a lack of historical documents has hampered the true understanding of the statue among people. Bukchon Dol Hareubang Park puts together a wide variety of the statutes and, in doing so, illuminates their aesthetic and scholarly importance to visitors as well as future generations. In this sense, the park is not only a tourist attraction, but also a learning center for children and adults alike. The park consists of 48 Dol Hareubang, a promenade, reinterpreted Dol Hareubang focusing on the theme of peace, a traditional local garden, and a learning center. * What’s Dol Hareubang? Symbolizing Jeju Island, Dol Hareubang was also called Useokmok, Museokmok, or Byeoksumeori in the past. Dol Hareubang became the official name in 1971 after being designated as a local folk heritage. Although Dol Hareubang was originally seen only around the entrance of government seats such as (Jejumok, Jeonguihyeon, and Daejeongheyon), there are over 48 Dol Hareubang throughout the island (21 in Jeju City, 2 in National Folk Museum of Korea, 12 in Seongeup, and 13 in Daejeong). The shamanistic statues are believed to be offering protection and warding off demons. According to Tamnaji (Record of Tamna) published by Damsugye (a group of scholars on Jeju Island in the past), Dol Hareubang is believed to have been initiated by Kim Mong-gyu, then Magistrate of Jeju in 1754 (30th year of King Yeongjo’s reign). Carved from porous basalt, Dol Hareubang reveals simple expressions blending naturally with the island. It is the unique cultural heritage that can only been seen and appreciated on Jeju Island.  

Jeju Love Land is a theme sculpture park based on sensuality and eroticism. Twenty artists, mainly graduates of top art school Hongik University, helped open it in November 2004. It was the first such museum in Korea at that time. The spacious park (39,667m²) is home to over 140 sculptures (40 within the gallery and 100 outside). The park as a whole looks like a piece of land art. Jeju Love Land is open every day. It usually takes 30-40 minutes to look around the park. Jeju Love Land houses a glass-dome restaurant, an outdoor café, an art shop, and various works which visitors can touch. Jeju Love Land is an attractive place where art and eroticism meet in cool, fun, humorous styles. * Area: 39,667m²    

With a total of 117 houses and facilities, Jeju Folk Village Museum has restored the scenes of the village to that of the 1890’s. Among them are Mountain Village, Hill-Country Village, Fishing Village and Shamanism Village. On land of more than 40 acres it has been reconstructed following long-term research and analysis of experts. Some of the extensive range of folk items on display are 1,627 woodenware, 1,046 bamboo ware, 1,699 earthenware, 1,544 porcelain ware, 765 wax candles, 921 ironware and 579 other items. The Jeju Folk Village Museum is the island’s main tourist attraction where customs of the old days can be explored. Since March 2006, Daeganggeum Mini Theme Park located at the Jeju Folk Village, offers various things for visitors to see. Many of the scenes from episodes 27 to 32 of the historical drama, in which Jang-geum learns medicine as a maid were filmed at Jeju Folk Village. In order to fit the theme of Daeganggeum, the separate locations have joined together, and are now open to tourists. Visitors can appreciate the amazing scenic beauty of Jeju as well as experience the traditional culture of Jeju at this theme park.  

Located 14 km east of Jeju City, Hamdeok Beach is famous for its clean and shallow water, attracting many family visitors during summer vacations. The beach offers great scenery with its emerald-blue water, an arched bridge over black basalt and a red lighthouse. It boasts excellent amenities including dressing and shower rooms, guesthouses, hotels, and a camping site. In addition, motorboats, onboard fishing, waterskiing, and banana boats are available.Shielded from wind by Seoubong Peak, both sides of the beach are quite calm despite the change of wind directions, making it an ideal place for kayaking. Further out, wave kayaking is also popular during windy days. 

Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market is the largest market in Seogwipo. It is a traditional market that was formed in the early 1960s and is a mainstay in the Seogwipo economy. Starting from 2001, the market expanded its shopping center and now stretches over 620m. The interior of the market is designed in such a way that visitors can easily navigate shops and vendors. For customers' ease, the market offers free delivery service as well as cultulral experience at outdoor stage installed in the venue.

Located in the Seogwipo area of Jeju Island, Soesokkak Estuary (쇠소깍) was originally called ‘Soedun’, which means a lying down ox, and it was only later that it became more widely known as ‘Soesokkak’. This is the mouth of the Hyodoncheon stream. As the fresh water meets the ocean, it broadens into wide slow flowing river. ‘Soe; means an ox, ‘so’ means a ‘pool of water’ and ‘Kkak means ‘the end’. Soesokkak Estuary is lined with cliffs of curious lava formations, which are overhung with pine trees. Here the water takes on the deep blue of the ocean, and the scenery is very picturesque. Soesokkak is also well-known for its small, flat wooden boats called “Teu” that have been used for hundreds of years to ferry people across the estuary. The boat is pulled across the estuary by a long rope that is strung between the two banks. Taking a leisurely ride on a Teu across the clear water of the estuary is a great way to enjoy the area’s magnificent scenery.Soesokkak Estuary is located in Hahyo-dong on the Southern side of Hallasan Mountain. The area is also well-known for its tangerines, and visitors are drawn to the area by the fresh scent of the fruit. Popular destinations close to the Soesokkak Estuary include the famous Jusang Jeolli Cliffs and Jungmun Resort, as well as Cheonjeyeon Falls – all of which can be taken in on the same day.

If you follow the farm road about 600m to the southwest from Daepo-dong, at the end of the pine tree forest is a cliff. At the base of this cliff is the Jisatgae Coast along with the imposing stone pillars. The Jusangjeolli are stone pillars piled up along the coast and is a designated cultural monument of Jejudo Island. The Jusangjeolli was formed when the lava from Hallasan Mountain erupted into the sea of Jungmun. They are rock pillars shaped like cubes or hexagons of various sizes and almost seem as if stonemasons had carved them out. The administration of the district named them 'Jisatgae Rocks' from their old name 'Jisatgae'. Its 20m cliff makes it a popular spot for high tide and sea angling. The waves of the high tides crashing into the side of the cliff provide a breathtaking view of the ocean surrounding the pillars.

Jeongbang Falls is among the top three waterfalls of Jeju-do and is the only waterfall in Asia to fall directly into the ocean. Next to the waterfall is an inscription reading “Seobulgwacha,” referring to Seobul passing by this place. Seobul was a servant of the Emperor of the Chinese Qin Dynasty (BC 259~210) who was ordered by the Emperor to find a substance that would make him immortal. Seogwipo is also said to have gotten its name from this story, meaning "Seobul Headed Back West."On the cliff high above the sea stands an old evergreen tree, leaning out as if ready to fall into the ocean. Approximately 300 meters to the east is another waterfall, Sojeongbang Waterfall. It is a great place to relax during the summer. There is an observatory at the top of the cliff, from which you can command a fine view of the sea.