
Jeju Island, South Korea's largest island, lies in the southwestern waters of the country, covering an area of 1,845.61 square kilometers and boasting a population of 600,000. Its beautiful environment and pristine air make it a popular tourist destination. Jeju's volcanic islands and lava tubes were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and are one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Its coastline boasts a unique volcanic columnar jointed coastline.
Jeju Island not only has unique island scenery, but also inherits the unique folk culture of the ancient Tamna Kingdom. It is known as the "Hawaii of Korea". The island's tourism and aquaculture industries play an important role in South Korea.
Jeju Island is a world-renowned holiday destination and a favorite filming location for Korean dramas. The development of the "Olle Trail" in 2007 has made it a hiker's paradise. In the center of the island lies Hallasan, South Korea's highest peak, formed by a volcanic eruption. The eastern part of the island boasts spectacular natural scenery, with attractions like Seongsan Ilchulbong and Seopjikoji being favorites for couples. The northern part boasts the traditional Old Jeju City, where you can find authentic Korean traditional markets. The southern part of Seogwipo City is home to fascinating museums and resorts, making it a truly memorable experience.
April to June and September to November are the best time to travel to Jeju Island.
April to June is the spring in Jeju Island. The climate is pleasant at this time, and the cherry blossoms and rape flowers are in full bloom. The scenery is charming and even the locals are full of praise.
September to November is autumn, and the whole island is covered in beautiful red maples, allowing you to experience a true golden autumn season.
Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
Formed by a volcanic eruption from the sea, the crater at the summit resembles a gigantic crown, and its sunrise over the sea is renowned. Resembling a massive castle, it's called "Seongsan." This spectacular sunrise has earned it a World Heritage status and is a symbol of Jeju. Hiking and horseback riding are available, with a riding range at the foot of the mountain. A path leads to the beach from the summit, a 5-10 minute walk away. On clear days, there are haenyeo performances, and you can take a speedboat out to sea to experience the thrill of the sea.
Every spring, fields of rape flowers bloom, turning the hillside into a golden world, which is spectacular.
Tickets
Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st
Adult ticket: 2,000 won
Half-price ticket: Teenagers and children can enjoy half-price ticket with their voucher.
Opening hours
07:10-19:00 (summer), 07:30-18:00 (winter)
Jeju Teddy Bear Museum
This is the world's largest teddy bear museum. It houses the world's most expensive Louis Vuitton teddy bear, valued at 230 million Korean won, as well as teddy bears made from 125 carats of gemstones and precious metals. Besides the collection of rare teddy bears from around the world, visitors can also experience the nearly 100-year history of teddy bears by animate them like robots.
Tickets
Adults 8,000 KRW, Teenagers 7,000 KRW, Children 6,000 KRW
Opening hours
Weekdays: 09:00~19:00 (Ticket sales stop at 18:00)
Summer peak season: 09:30~19:30 (ticket sales stop at 18:30)
columnar joint zone
Located in the Jungmun Tourist Area of Seogwipo City, hot lava from a volcanic eruption met with icy seawater, forming a series of large and small, square and hexagonal stone pillars stacked up along the coast, creating a unique and spectacular sight. This unique landform is a protected natural area on Jeju Island and is best viewed from a distance, inspiring awe at the wonders of nature.
Tickets
Adults: 2,000 won;
Teenagers and children: 1,000 won.
Opening hours: Open all day, all year round
Tickets
Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st
Adult ticket: 2,000 won
Half-price ticket: Teenagers and children can enjoy half-price ticket with their voucher.
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st
07:10-19:00 (summer), 07:30-18:00 (winter)
Jeju Island is a volcanic island formed over 2 million years ago. Historically, it was known for its unique culture, matriarchal society, and the Haenyeo (female divers). Today, it is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site recognized for its volcanic landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
Advance booking is not usually required except for tours, car rentals, and accommodations during peak seasons (summer and holidays). Book at least 1–2 weeks in advance during busy times.
Yes, guided tours in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean are available for sites like Hallasan, Seongeup Village, and tea plantations. Many attractions provide brochures or QR codes for self-guided tours.
All major attractions offer restrooms, food stalls, and convenience stores. Tourist hubs like Seogwipo, Jeju City, and Jungmun Resort have abundant cafes and shops.
Many attractions like beaches, museums, and waterfalls are accessible. However, mountain trails (Hallasan) and lava caves may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Credit cards and mobile payments (KakaoPay, NaverPay, Apple Pay) are widely accepted. Keep small cash for local markets, small cafes, or parking.