Here are the top 20 things to do in Jeju: From caves, waterfalls, beaches, museums, and theme parks to beaches, caves, and more.
1 | Jusangjeolli Cliffs
Jusangjelloi Cliffs’ spectacular rock formations consist of hundreds of hexagonal rocks rising from the ocean. These cliffs were created by an eruption of Mount Hallasan and can be viewed from a wooden walkway that runs around the cliff. It is an amazing sight to see the waves smash against the rocks at the cliffs. The Jusangjelloi Cliffs served as a small reminder of our home in Northern Ireland.
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Jeju was formed by a huge volcanic eruption two million years ago. The island is rich in remnants of volcanic activity. The island is home to over 350 inactive volcanic cones as well as 160 lava tubes. It is amazing to be able to visit Jeju and see the power of nature. Three amazing Jeju sights are part of the Jeju Volcanic Island & Lava Tubes UNESCO World Heritage Site: Seongsan Ilchulbong (also known as Sunset Peak), Mount Hallasan, and the Manjanggul Lava Tubes.
2 | Manjanggul Lava Tubes at Manjanggul Cave
Jeju has 160 lava tubes. The Manjanggul Cave is Asia’s longest lava tube. Manjanggul Cave’s lava tube is a tunnel-like channel formed by rivers lava. It stretches 13.4kms and is one of the most beautiful lava tunnels anywhere in the world. The cave’s 1 km length is accessible to the public. It’s amazing to wander among the lava toes and stalactites along the route. Highlights include the “Stone Turtle”, which looks like Jeju Island’s outline, and the 8-metre tall lava columns, which are the largest in the world.
3 | Sunrise Peak: Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
Seongsan Illchulbong Peak is a five-thousand-year-old cone-shaped volcanic crater rising from the sea. It is topped by 99 jagged stones that resemble a crown and it is one the most well-known landmarks in Jeju. The 20-minute climb up the North West side is easy and rewards with breathtaking views of Jeju.
4 | Mount Hallasan
Mount Hallasan is the final UNESCO site in Jeju. Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea, is located in central Jeju. The mountain’s summit, which is almost 2,000m high, dominates Jeju’s landscape. There are many hikes that can be done, each with its own difficulty level. Two hikes will take you to the top and give you a view of the famous crater lake. The summit can be reached via the 9.7km Seongpanak Trail or the 8.7km Gwaneumsa Trail. The Yeongsil Trail, 3.7km, is one of the easier trails.
Love Land (adults only)
Jeju’s most popular thing to do is Love Land, which features sex. Love Land is an outdoor sculpture park that features over 100 sensual and erotic statues in various positions. Some sculptures may make you want to cover your eyes. From the doors to the cars, everything is very naughty. The park takes around an hour to explore. We laughed and cringed as we walked through it.
6 | Seopjikoji Coast Walk
The yellow canola that is used in the Seopikoji Coast Walk and its appearances in Korean dramas are what make it so famous. Although the canola flowers in March and April, it’s a beautiful scenic walk any time of year.
7 | Jeongbang Falls
Jeju’s diverse landscape is home to many stunning waterfalls. The Jeongbang Waterfalls, Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls and Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls have become the most well-known on the island. The Jeongbang Waterfall is our favorite, as it is the only Asian waterfall to plunge directly into the ocean. Although the waterfall’s 23-meter height is protected by huge boulders, it is possible to walk through them to get close enough to feel its water spray.
8 | Haenyeo, Jeju’s women divers
The Jeju Haenyeo, the traditional Jeju Haenyeo women divers, dive in Jeju’s water without using oxygen masks. The majority of these women divers are over 80 years old and still free-dive under the sea to collect clams and seaweed. On our descent from Seongsan Illchulbong, we saw the Jeju Haenyeo. The path leads to a viewing platform where you can watch traditional women divers.
Iho Tewoo Beach
Iho Tewoo Beach is located close to Jeju’s downtown and the airport. The sandy beach is a mix of yellow, grey and shallow water that allows swimming. Iho Tewoo Beach is popular for local activities such as fishing from the seawall, kayaking, swimming at the outdoor pool, and renting boats. The beach is beautiful in the evenings, with its wonderful restaurant, stunning sunsets, and walks amongst the pine trees.
Sunset at Suwolbong Peak
Suwolbong peak, which is now an inactive volcano cone, is located at the westernmost point of Jeju. It’s part of the Jeju Olle hiking trails. It is a Jeju sunset jewel because of its stunning landscape and breathtaking sea views.
11 | Wonang Falls
The waters of Wongang Falls, located in the Donnaeko Valley’s lush surroundings, are clear and crystal clear. The icy cold water flows straight from Mount Hallahan. Wonang Falls is reserved for the brave.
12 | Oedolgae Rock
The Oedolgae Rock, which towers over Jeju, can be seen from the Olle Trail. This trail runs across Jeju. The stunning scenery of nature is displayed on the cliff walk, which includes the blue ocean, rock formations and the crashing waves, as well as the backdrop of beautiful Bum Island or Sae Island.
Cheonjeyeon Falls and Seonimgyo Bridge
The three-tiered Cheonjeyeon Falls, also known as the Pond of God is located in lush tropical forests. Legend says that diseases can be healed if you stand beneath the waterfall on the 15th of the 7th lunar months. Swimming is not allowed during the Chilseonyeo Festival, May.
Crossing the Cheonjeyeon Falls, the Seonimgyo Bridge crosses. The bridge offers stunning views of the waterfalls and a beautiful carving featuring seven nymphs. Legend says that seven nymphs ascended from the heavens at nights to bathe in Cheonjeyeon Falls’ waters.
14 | Hypeopjae Beach
It is one of the most stunning beaches in Jeju, with its turquoise waters and white sands. It is also one of the most visited beaches due to its clear, shallow waters. Hypeopjae Beach offers many food and parasol options. In addition, snorkelling, inflatables, and other water sports are very popular.
15 | Cheonjiyeon Falls
Cheonjiyeon Falls, where the sky meets the ground, is the third of Jeju’s three great waterfalls. You can reach the waterfall via a scenic walk. Cheonjiyeon lies in lush surroundings. The Cheonjiyeon Falls is known for its turquoise waters and resident ducks. The squid biscuits are available at the entrance to Cheonjiyeon.
16 | Teddy bear museum
Jeju’s Teddy Bear Museum, a museum that is exclusively dedicated to teddy bears. It houses hundreds of teddies from around the globe. Highlights included a teddy bear version the Mona Lisa (the smallest teddy ever made) and the Vitruvian Ted, which pays homage to Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man painting. There is also a garden with teddy bear-themed structures.
17 | Jungmun Beach
Jungmun, known for its surf waves, is Jeju’s best beach. Because of its golden sands, and proximity to tourist hotels, it’s very popular with families.
18 | Sojeongbang Falls
Sojeongbang Falls is located close to the Jeongbang Falls and has 10 streams. Even though the water is freezing, it’s possible to swim beneath the Sojeongbang Falls.
19 | Aqua Planet
Aqua Planet is a must-see for families travelling with children. Aqua Planet is Asia’s largest aquarium, home to over 50,000 animals and 500 plants. Aqua Planet has a wide range of marine life. We were particularly impressed by the Aqua Planet stingrays and sharks, penguins, seals, penguins, and other sea creatures.
20 | Jeju Shinhwa World
Jeju Shinhwa World offers both a water park and a theme park. It is the ideal place to let off steam in Jeju. There are 3 different themed rides at the theme park, while the water park features slides, waves, and pools for fun!