Jeju, South Korea: travel guide
Volcanic island of lava caves, tangerine groves and coastal walks
Korea's largest island — a UNESCO triple-crown destination with volcanic craters, lava-tube caves, tangerine orchards, and black-sand beaches.
About Jeju
Jeju is an island rather than a city, lying off the southern coast of the Korean mainland and shaped entirely by volcanic activity. Its landscapes are unlike anywhere else in the country: craters, lava-tube caves, black rock shorelines and green fields edged with stone walls.
Things to do in Jeju include climbing Hallasan, the island's central volcano, watching sunrise from Seongsan Ilchulbong crater, walking the Olle coastal trails and tasting the local tangerines and black pork. Beaches and waterfalls fill the gaps between.
Jeju suits couples, families and hikers who want a slower pace than the mainland. Spring brings flowers and autumn clear skies, which make them the best times for travel.
- Country
- South Korea
- Currency
- KRW
- Time zone
- Asia/Seoul
- Nearest airport
- CJU
Last updated
Top places to visit in Jeju
Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
Nature · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A UNESCO World Heritage tuff cone (182 m) that erupted from the sea 100,000 years ago. Its 90,000 m² summit crater is lush green grass surrounded by precipitous basalt walls. The sunrise view across Seongsan Bay is world-renowned.
Hallasan National Park
Nature · 4.8 rating · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate
Hallasan (1,947 m) is South Korea's highest mountain and a dormant shield volcano. The UNESCO World Natural Heritage park has four main trails leading to crater lake Baengnokdam. Eorimok and Gwaneumsa trails are the most scenic.
Manjanggul Lava Tube Cave
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the world's longest lava-tube systems at 13.4 km; 1 km is open to visitors. The UNESCO-listed cave formed around 300,000 years ago and features the world's largest known lava column at 7.6 m. Maintains a cool 11–21°C year-round.
Jeongbang Waterfall
Waterfall · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
One of only three waterfalls in East Asia that falls directly into the ocean. Jeongbang tumbles 23 m over columnar basalt cliffs into the sea near Seogwipo. Especially powerful during the rainy season (June–July).
Things to do
- Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Hike Nature · 1.5 h · from KRW 6,200 per person
- Hallasan Summit Hike (Eorimok Trail) Nature · 8 h
- Jeju Haenyeo Diving Experience Adventure · 3 h · from KRW 154,000 per person
Where to stay in Jeju
- Jeju City Centre about KRW 100,000 per night
Main urban hub of Jeju Island. Good base for northern Jeju. Jeju Airport 15 min away. Wide range of accommodation.
- Seongsan / East Jeju about KRW 90,000 per night
Best area for nature lovers and sunrise seekers. Close to Seongsan Ilchulbong (UNESCO) and haenyeo villages. Quieter with many ocean-view pensions.
Hotels
- Jeju Haenyeo Pension 3-star · KRW 80,000 to KRW 150,000 per night
- Shilla Stay Jeju 4-star · KRW 150,000 to KRW 320,000 per night
Where to eat
- Heuk Dwaeji House Korean BBQ · about KRW 30,000 per person
- Haenyeo Restaurant Seongsan Seafood · about KRW 40,000 per person
Getting to Jeju
Airport: Cheju (CJU)
Getting around
- Bus
- Car Rental Self
- Scooter Rental
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Jeju Rental Car Hidden Fees
Jeju Airport car rental desks
Budget car rental firms add hidden insurance, fuel top-up, or damage excess fees on return not disclosed at booking.
How to avoid it: Read the full contract carefully. Take timestamped photos of the car exterior before driving. Use well-known chains (Lotte, SK).
More in South Korea
Frequently asked questions about Jeju
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Jeju?
- The highest-rated places in our Jeju guide are Hallasan National Park, Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Manjanggul Lava Tube Cave, Jeongbang Waterfall.
- Where should I stay in Jeju?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Jeju: Jeju City Centre, Seongsan / East Jeju.
- How do I get around Jeju?
- Ways to get around Jeju covered in our guide: City bus, Self-drive car, Scooter rental, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Jeju?
- Scams reported to us for Jeju include Jeju Rental Car Hidden Fees. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Jeju?
- The nearest airport to Jeju has the code CJU.