Jeju Island, located off the southern coast of Korea, is a captivating destination known for its unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture and outdoor adventure.
Often referred to as ‘Korea’s Hawaii’, Jeju boasts stunning volcanic landscapes, including iconic Hallasan Mountain and the UNESCO-listed Geomun Oreum lava tube caves. The island’s unique geography makes it a hiker’s paradise, offering dozens of trekking trails that range from easy to challenging.
Beyond its dramatic coastal cliffs, lush forests and serene beaches, Jeju is also renowned for its distinctive cultural traditions. Highlights include the remarkable haenyeo (female sea divers) and the island’s flavourful local cuisine, as well as a great selection of art galleries and family-friendly museums and theme parks.
Read on to learn about EXO’s guide to Jeju with an introduction to the main sites, a selection of inspiring experiences that reveal the island’s rich tapestry of wonders and tips for planning a visit.
Key sites:
- Geomun Oreum: Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Geomun Oreum is a volcano with a vast network of lava tube caves and other unique geological features. Several hiking routes are available.
- Seongsan Ilchulbong: Commonly referred to as ‘Sunrise Peak’, this volcano on the island’s eastern edge is renowned for its flat crater and breathtaking sunrise views. The 30-minute hike to the summit offers stunning panoramic views.
- Haenyeo culture: Haenyeo are women divers who use traditional methods and equipment to collect seafood from the ocean floor. Exploring the Jeju Haenyeo Museum and witnessing a live diving demonstration offers insight into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
- Osulloc Tea Museum: Set amidst lush tea fields with views of Mount Hallasan, this museum explores the rich history of Korea’s tea cultivation and culture.
- Jeju Dongmun Market: Dongmun blends the essence of a street market, traditional market and seafood market. A vibrant tapestry of colours and aromas, it offers a perfect opportunity to discover and savour the finest of Jeju’s cuisine.
EXO’s recommends:
EXO Travel goes beyond sightseeing in Jeju, crafting immersive experiences that unlock the destination’s true wonders. From delving into rich cultures to embarking on soft adventures, we tailor each Jeju journey to match personal travel styles and passions. Here are a few inspiring ideas.
Jeju Volcano Adventure: Embark on an unforgettable Jeju adventure! Hike through Jeju’s volcanic landscapes, marvel at its natural wonders, delve into its complex history and experience the island’s vibrant culture through its delectable marketplace.
Jeju Family Day: Enjoy a day of family fun on Jeju Island. Visit Shinhwa World Theme Park, where rides, attractions and immersive experiences are a thrill for both adults and children. Then visit Jeju’s Teddy Bear Museum, marvelling at the incredible array of toys.
Halla Mountain Trekking: Discover the natural beauty of Jeju Island with a challenging yet rewarding guided hike up Hallasan Mountain, South Korea’s highest peak. After the morning adventure, soak in rejuvenating hot springs and cap off the day with a delicious local dinner.
Caves, Cliffs & Waterfalls: Explore remarkable caves, seaside cliffs and cascading waterfalls that showcase Jeju’s unique geological features. Take a walk through a folk village to learn about traditional thatched houses and visit a unique museum to learn about the history and culture of Korean tea.
Planning a visit:
When to go: Jeju Island offers something for every season. Spring (March to May) is ideal for mild weather and cherry blossoms, while summer (June to August) brings warm temperatures and vibrant greenery. Fall (September to November) boasts crisp air and colourful foliage, and winter (December to February) offers a peaceful escape with occasional snowfall. Temperatures are mild year-round, but the best time to visit is spring or fall, when the weather averages around 20°C.
Length of Stay: While Jeju’s highlights can be explored in a packed two-day trip, a stay of four to five days is recommended. This allows for a mix of visits to iconic sites and soft-adventures, with time for beach relaxation and sampling the island’s renowned cuisine.
Getting There: Jeju is well-connected via Jeju International Airport, which offers flights from major cities in South Korea- including Seoul, Gwangju and Busan- as well as international hubs like Tokyo, Shanghai and Taipei. Ferries also operate from Mokpo’s mainland port, a memorable 4.5-hour journey.
EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.
Established in 1993, we’ve harnessed in-depth local knowledge and a widely-recognized penchant for authentic, groundbreaking touring to become a leading DMC for the premium travel market. As a Certified B Corporation, EXO is also demonstrably committed to sustainability and using travel as a force for good.
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