Jeju Travel Guide

Jeju Island lies off South Korea's southwestern coast, a volcanic isle born of eruptions some 1.2 million years ago and now a UNESCO Global Geopark. Hallasan dominates the interior, while Seongsan Ilchulbong's sunrise crater and the Manjanggul lava tube rank among its signature sights. Local food means Jeju citrus and grilled black pork; at Jeju Folk Village you'll meet dol hareubang, the island's basalt grandfather statues. With visa-free entry for many nationalities, a two-to-three-day driving loop works well. Spring and autumn offer the best weather.

Seongsan Ilchulbong is a tuff cone rising from the sea, shaped like a vast fortress. A UNESCO site famed for sunrise views and canola fields.

Hallasan National Park protects Hallasan, the dormant volcano that forms the heart of Jeju Island and, at 1,950 m, the highest peak in South Korea. Its summit crater, Baengnokdam, holds a seasonal lake reachable via five official trails. The popular Seongpanak route climbs about 9.6 km each way—roughly four to five hours—and ends at the summit marker with sweeping island views. Spring brings royal azaleas; winter turns the slopes to snow. You must reserve a hiking permit online in advance and carry crampons and windproof layers.

Udo is a small island off the east coast of Jeju, named for its shape like a resting cow. A 15-minute ferry from Seongsan Port delivers you to a day-trip paradise: the white coral sands of Seobinbaeksa Beach, the black volcanic beach, and Udobong Peak with sweeping island views. Rent a bike to circle the 17-km coast, stopping for the famous local peanut ice cream.

Jeju-si Seafront is the coastal zone of Jeju City, known for Dragon Head Rock, Dragon Abyss and Dongmun Market.

Hallasan, located in JEJU, 韩国, is among the city's most visited attractions.