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Jeju Island in 3 Days

Jeju Island, the Hawaii of Korea, where couples usually go for honeymoon, and the place of many UNESCO Nature Heritage sites, is really beautiful and romantic. Some people say we need to spend at least 1 week to explore and experience the most of this island, but in my opinion 3 days are enough. Trust me, many places in Jeju only look good in advertisement, they’re good at selling it. There are no interesting places in the North and West part of Jeju Island, so you can focus on East and South. East and South parts are amazingly naturally beautiful! Here’s the itinerary I recommend.

Day-1: East of Jeju Island

Manjanggul / Manjang Cave
Spending time: 30-45 minutes
Hallasan, located in the middle of Jeju Island is the only volcanic mountain in Korea. It created several small volcanic mountains throughout Jeju Island, called Oreum in Korean. One of the biggest Oreum is Geomun Oreum, famous with its large lava tube system and designated as a UNESCO Natural Heritage site. It has few lava tunnels/caves formed by lava flow in the northeast direction thousands years ago: Bengdui Cave, Manjang Cave, Gimnyeong Cave, Yongcheon Cave, Dangcheomul Cave and Seonheul Vertical Cave. I think you do not need to visit all the caves, just pick the best and the most popular one: Manjang Cave. It stretches for 1,3km, but only 1km is opened for tourists. There is a unique rock in the end of the tunnel, formed by flowing lava. There’s also a unique turtle rock located in the middle of the tunnel. The structures inside the cave are different in each section. When you see that, you will realize how strong and powerful lava can be.

Gimnyeong Maze Park
Spending time: 15-30 minutes
Just 500m away from Manjanggul, there is a human-made maze/labyrinth park called Gimnyeong Maze Park. It is not that big but quite fun, especially if you go with family. The goal is to ring the bell in the middle of the maze. It is quite easy, you can finish visiting this park in 30 minutes. The 100m high grasses shaped in images represent famous symbols of Jeju Island, such as Serpent (an object of worship on the island), and Horse (native horses of Jeju Island brought by Mongolians many years ago).

Udo Island
Spending time: 2-3 hours
This island is named Udo, which means Cow, because of its shape that looks like a laying cow laying. You can rent scooter, bike, ATV or take a shuttle bus to walk around this small island. There are caves, beaches, and horse ranches. If you love 1 Night 2 Days (a Korean TV Show), you’re gonna love this place, because there are many pictures, signs and footage of 1N2D when they visited and shot this island last time.

Seongsan Ilchulbong
Spending time: 1-2 hours
Seongsan Ilchulbong is another UNESCO World Nature Heritage site in Jeju Island. It’s also called Sunrise Peak, because I heard it’s a perfect place to see sunrise. It looks like a small island, but actually not separated from the main island. The height is about 180m, and there is a huge crater on top of the peak with diameter around 600m. Either you’re standing on the foothill or on the top of Seongsan, the view is amazing. You can go down to the seaside to see performance of woman divers. You can go up to the peak to see the crater and the view of Jeju Island.

Seopjikoji
Spending time: 30-45 minutes
Seopjikoji is an amazing place by the seashore with a trail going up and down leading to a lighthouse. It’s REALLY beautiful, and the best part is FREE. This is perhaps my most favorite place in Jeju Island. There is no public transportation going to this place, you still have to take taxi from the nearest bus stop (which costs around 4,000 won). Along the trail, there is an old house which was used for Korean drama All In shooting location. You can go inside the house by paying ticket 3,000 won.

All of above places can be reached by the same public bus: Dongilju (East Sea) bus bound for Seongsan. If you come from Jeju-si (North), the route should be: Manjang Cave -> Gimnyeong Park -> Udo Island -> Seongsan Ilchulbong -> Seopjikoji. If you come from Seogwipo-si (South), the route should be the other way around.

Day-2: South of Jeju Island

Jeongbang Falls – Cheonjiyeon Falls – Oedolgae
Spending time: Half day
There are 3 famous waterfalls in this part of Jeju Island. If you like nature then all are worth it to visit. Jeongbang Falls is special because the water directly flows to the sea. Not far from there, there is Cheonjiyeon Falls. Another waterfall, Cheonjeyeon (different than Cheonjiyeon), is located inside Jungmun Resort. Before going to Jungmun Resort, there is another beautiful place to see near Cheonjiyeon Falls: Oedolgae. In this site, we can see a big rock standing in the sea like a giant soldier. It was believed that this rock in past time frightened Mongolians and made them go away. Oedolgae is also a shooting location of Korean drama Dae Janggeum (Jewel in the Palace).

Jungmun Resort
Spending time: Half day
Jungmun Resort is a tourist complex filled with expensive hotels, interesting sites and some amusement museums. Places worth to visit inside Jungmun Resort are:

  • Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum

Robert Ripley (1890-1949) traveled around the world, and collected strange facts and items he found. He created Ripley’s Believe It Or Not franchise showing in newspaper, radio, and television. The items and facts inside Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum in Jeju Island were all interesting and surprising to see.

  • Teddy Bear Museum

Korean people can’t get enough of Teddy Bear. There are many Teddy Bear Museums around Korea, and 2 of them are in Jeju Island, and one of them is in Jungmun Resort. Teddy Bears here were dressed like famous stars including Marlyn Monroe, Elvis, Charlie Chaplin, Lady Di and Prince Charles, and so on. My favorites are Teddy Bears in Korean drama Goong, and Teddy Bears in Korean traditional wedding.

  • Cheonjeyeon Falls

Just 10 minutes walking diatance from Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum, there was a waterfall named Cheonjeyeon Falls (don’t mistake it for Cheonjiyeon). The unique thing about this waterfall is it flows quite long and has 3 falls. You can hike a little bit to see all those 3 falls, really beautiful. It was believed that 7 Goddesses come down from heaven at night and bathe in the waterfall’s pond. Cheonjeyeon means Pond of God. On the way to the waterfall, you will pass Seonimgyo bridge.

  • Jusangjeolli Cliffs

Jusangjeolli is an amazing volcanic rocks cliff and pillars formed by eruption of Hallasan into the sea.

Day-3: Hallasan
Spending time: 8 hours
Visiting Jeju Island is not complete without climbing the great Hallasan (1,950m), who made this island alive and created all the beautiful sites in Jeju. There are 6 trails of hiking Hallasan, but only 2 of them reach the top: Seongpanak (9.6km) and Gwaneumsa (8.5km). It takes about 4 hours to go up, and 3 hours to go down, so practically you will spend the whole day to climb the Hallasan. There is a huge crater on top of Hallasan, just like Seongsan Ilchulbong. Once you finish climbing it, you can ask for a certificate, cool eh? 😉

Extra

If you still have enough times, you can also go to these famous places. They are opened in the evening, so you can insert them in any day you want. These places are closer to Jeju-si (North of Jeju Island).

Loveland
Spending time: 30-45 minutes
This is one (and the most famous one) of sex museums in Jeju Island. It shows many sexy and vulgar sculptures.

Yongduam Rock
Spending time: 15-30 minutes
Yongduam means Dragon Head. Like its name, this rock is shaped like a dragon head. It was formed by lava from Hallasan, winds and the sea.

That is my version of 3-days itinerary in Jeju Island. Hope it can help you plan your holidays! Wait, no beach at all? Nope. I went to 3 or 4 beaches in Jeju Island… disappointing! The wave was not big, errr… was there any wave? It was in summer but the water was cold. I don’t recommend any beach in Jeju Island. Jeju is not Hawaii or Bali. Jeju is more special in its volcanic mountains, lava rocks and waterfalls. And I like it 🙂

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85 thoughts on “Jeju Island in 3 Days”

  2. Kamal Prawiranegara

    Great post! Seems that Jeju has alot of natural treasures..
    Am going to Jeju in September for 10 days with wife and son (4 years) and was wondering of there are many things to do to keep the little boy happy? Any recommendations?

    Thanks,

    K

    Reply
  3. Anonymous

    Great info. Thank you. My co-writer and I was planning to visit the place next year. We're thinking of taking all your advice. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Rika Safrina

    Hi Kamal, sorry for the late reply.

    There are many fun amusement parks in Jeju Island suitable for children, like Teddy Bear Museum, Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum and Gimnyeong Maze Park. You can minimize natural sightseeing and visit those museums/parks more. I didn't visit any other museums/parks, except Chocolate Land and Hallim Park. Both were not that good, so I won't recommend them.

    Oh I saw many families having fun in Hyeopje beach playing water sport. Maybe you can bring your kid to the beach 🙂

    Reply
  7. Rosetta

    Ei Rika! Is it you? I'm Grainne 🙂 I dont know how I stumbled into your blog…Anyways, I'll be going to Jeju end of october for 3 days also. I think I'll follow your itinerary:)

    I wanted some advise regarding Day2. Are the places within walking distance?

    Reply
  8. Rika Safrina

    Hey, are you Grainne from Gemalto? 🙂

    For Day 3, you have to be sure that you're really into hiking Hallasan. It's a little bit tough, but really worth it 😀

    As for Day 2, some places are not within walking distance.
    Jeongbang Falls -> Cheonjiyeon Falls: Taxi ~2500 won
    Cheonjiyeon Falls -> Oedolgae: Taxi ~2500 won
    Oedolgae -> Jungmun Resort (Teddy Bear Museum): Taxi ~7000 won or take local bus 1000 won
    Teddy Bear Museum -> Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum -> Cheonjeyeon Falls -> Jusangjeolli Cliff: Walking Distance

    Reply
  9. Rosetta

    Yes..I'm Grainne from Gemalto 🙂 I'm going with my sis… How are you? 🙂 You've got a nice blog! 🙂

    Wanna ask, for Day 1. Did you find any trouble taking bus? Was the bus timing ok? Would there be a chance that I alight at wrong stop?

    Thanks for the Day2 info… Did you visit Trick Art Museum?

    For hiking, i'm planning to hike up Mt Hallasan via Seongpanak trail and via Gwaneumsa trail down… I just hope we can make it.

    Reply
  10. Rika Safrina

    I'm good, thanks for visiting my blog 😀

    I didn't visit any trick museum in Jeju, because I have visited one in Seoul. It's gonna be fun, you should try it. There is one trick museum in Jungmun Resort named Alive Museum, just walkig distance with Teddy Bear Museum. Maybe you can visit it in Day2 🙂

    The bus in Jeju wasn't too frequent, so you might be really careful with the timing. For example, after you arrive in Manjanggul Cave, you can ask the tourist staff over there about the next bus schedule to Seongsan Ilchulbong. Supposed it was 2 hours later, then you have to finish exploring the cave and get back to the bus stop in 2 hours!

    Buses in Korea are always on time. There is English announcement inside the bus, especially in favorite tourist spots (all spots in Day1 are famous), so you won't miss the stop. To make sure, you can tell the driver in advanced about where you want to go. Good luck! 🙂

    Reply
  12. Maria Shantika

    Hai rika..it's nice to read ur blog. I'm planning to go to jeju next April. Still haven't decide whether want Travel independently or by tour. According to you, in case travel alone and to have easy access of ur recommended itinerary, where is the best location to stay ? Thanks before 😉

    Reply
  13. Rika Safrina

    Hi Maria. If you travel by public transportation, I think the best location to stay would be in Jeju city, near bus terminal. If you rent a car, you could stay in Seogwipo city. I will write another posts regarding my accommodation and transportation when I was traveling to Jeju alone 🙂

    Reply
  14. Hans Justinian

    Hihi, thank you so much for the post. Really informative. I plan to visit Jeju end of the year. Would hope to read your upcoming post on the accommodation and transportation in Jeju. Thanks!

    Reply
  15. Riris

    hi rika,
    i plant to visit jeju on march next year. i want to know the transportation there. did you use public transportation to go to all place you've mentioned above?

    Reply
  18. Julia Boen

    Hi Rika, thanks a lot for your helpful posts.. I'm planning to go to Jeju next year March with my parents for 4 days.. Although many ppl recommend Teddy Bear Museum & Seopjikoji but i dont know why that these don't interest me at all. Instead, i will try deep sea boat fishing (there will be meal prepared from our catch, if any) http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=814116#2 and also submarine tour http://www.submarine.co.kr/
    Just to share as i hardly hear ppl say about these activities.. And i'm really so looking forward to my holiday already! 🙂

    Reply
  19. Rika Safrina

    Thanks Julia for sharing. I haven't heard about the deep sea boat fishing before, but I know about submarine tour. Submarine tour seems interesting to me, maybe I'll try it next time 🙂

    Reply
  20. Samantha

    Hi Rika! Thank you so much for this helpful post – it has really made planning my Jeju trip easier 🙂

    I was just wondering, how much exploring you did in Udo? I was thinking of hiring an ATV to drive around in, but I'm not sure how much time would be needed.

    Reply
  21. Rika Safrina

    Hi Samantha. At that time there was not much to see and do because of raining, also I didn't have so much time, so I finished exploring Udo Island in 2 or 2.5 hours. If you have time and want to rent an ATV or scooter, you can explore the island more, perhaps for half a day 🙂

    Reply
  23. Rika Safrina

    Hi.. Bus fee for South, East and Hallasan is about 3000won one way. Yes, I recommend to just stay in Jeju-si, it's more convenient if you use public transport. You can go to all places above from Jeju-si.

    Reply
  29. Ainee Johari

    Thanks babe. It really helps a lot. Keep on writing. I have make a reseacrh for 2 days but doesnt find one that write simple and clear like u. U stated the transport and how to go there.

    Thank you. Keep on writing.

    Reply
  30. Jane Riani

    Hello Rika 🙂
    Thank you for the post! it's very helpful and informative! and glad to know you are Indonesian, coz I am Indonesian too, but currently living in Singapore 😉
    I am going to visit Jeju on March with a group of friends from all around the world; any suggestion on which part of Jeju island should I stay??

    Reply
  31. Rika Safrina

    Hi Jane 🙂 If you go around using public transportation, I'd say staying in Jeju-si is more convenient and easier. But if you rent a car or have private tour, I think staying in Seogwipo-si is nicer because most main attractions are in south (Seogwipo-si) and east of Jeju Island. Hope it helps 🙂

    Reply
  33. Anonymous

    Hie there. Thank you for posting up about Jeju Island..
    May i know from one point to another, how long does it take if we travel by car or bus?

    Reply
  35. yiting

    Hi! I am thinking of traveling in Jeju via taxis and buses as tour taxis are way too expensive! However, is it easy to hail a taxi to travel from one attraction to another?

    Reply
  36. Anonymous

    Hey:) do you think it is possible to go to all the places you have mentioned from the Dongilju line in one day starting from seogwipo? because i dont want to stay in jeju-si but i heard it's better to see these places from jeju-si?
    Btw a very helpful blog!!!
    greetings^^

    Reply
  39. Rika Safrina

    Hi 🙂 Dongilju bus should run between Jeju-si Bus Terminal and Seogwipo-si Bus Terminal (two ways). So, I think all the places along Dongilju can also be reached from Seogwipo-si Bus Terminal. In my opinion, Jeju-si Bus Terminal is more foreigner friendly than Seogwipo-si Bus Terminal, so it would be easier from there.

    Reply
  41. Pei Sin Chin

    Hi! 🙂 May i ask you how did you go to the Hallasan Mountain? Are there any buses that will bring us there? And also, it seems like there's a timing where the Hallasan mountain will be opened to the public to trek, do you happen to know the time we can start trekking and also the time we must leave the mountain? 🙂

    Reply
  42. LYY

    Hi Rika!
    Glad to read your post 2 weeks before my trip to Jeju.
    I would like to ask you if you would recommend to take public transport or hiring a driver? Because i find it too expensive for 2-to-go which will cost me 130,000won for 8hours from Jeju city to the attractions.

    Reply
  43. Rika Safrina

    Hi, sorry I just read this comment. You must have been back from your trip to Jeju. How was it? Did you take public transport or hire a driver? I'd recommend using public transport because it's more fun and not that difficult too 🙂

    Reply
  45. Veny

    Rika senang sekali dapat info ttg transport di Jeju .Rabu depan saya n cousin akan visit Jeju .kita stay di Yeha GH dekat Terminal intercity , kalau saya pakai T money untuk naik bus Dongilju kita gak perlu ke loket penjualan tiket ya ?

    Reply
  47. veny

    @Rika …seneng banget & berterima kah sekali atas postingan nya ttg Jeju , yg mulanya saya ragu banget mau naek bus . Ternyata …. ahhh semua mudah sesuai info kamu . saya juga minta dipanggilin taxi oleh Ahjuma yg jaga loket parkir di Seupjikoji ha222 . bener2 berkah disaat terkahir saya udh buntu .. nemu Blog ini . ha222
    Thanks anyway Rika , keep posting & sharing .

    Reply
  51. momsie

    Hi Rika. Be going Seoul tomorrow, such a surprise that I suddenly saw your blog. You're such a darling to answer all questions. And you're really a big help for us… thanks very mucho !

    Reply
  54. Anonymous

    Hello Rika. Thanks for all the info in your posts 🙂 I was planning to make a trip to Jeju in January 2016, but I hear its going to veeery cold there during that time. I'm interested in following your itinerary from Jeju-si to the East, but I was wondering if any of the attractions you've mentioned will be closed or inconvenient during the winter period? Which attractions would you recommend to go to during the winter season? Thanks!

    Reply
  55. Nijura

    Hi, I am going to Jeju Do in July and exactly for 3 days, so I was so happy to see your article with 3-day itinerary. Could you please tell what is better: to stay at one place and travel to the sights, or to stay at two different places? What I mean is, whether to stay in Jeju City and each day travel to the respective sights, or to stay at hotels/motels in different locations based on the sights we are planning to see? Many thanks

    Reply
  56. Rika Safrina

    Hi Nijura, I think it's better to stay in one place, especially if you travel with public transport better to stay in Jeju City because there are many buses from Jeju City to above places I mentioned in the post.

    Reply
  57. Rika Safrina

    Hello! Sorry I just read your comment. I think all the places above are nice too to visit during winter. I am personally curious with Seongsan Ilchulbong and Seopjikoji during winter, might be more mysterious and romantic. Perhaps for Hallasan it would be more difficult to reach the top.

    Reply
  58. apithea

    Hi, rina thanks for the info. Going there next month with my sister selama tepat 3 hari so this article really help a lot.
    Tadinya pengen nginep deket pantai gitu biar dapet liburannya, tapi kayaknya susah bis ya? Kalo dari airport bawa koper naek bis repot ga ya? En di jeju si waktu itu nginep dimana? Dekat ke terminal kah. Aku google ada beberapa juga penginapan di seongsan deket pante, is it easy to reach with bus? Thank you for the information

    Reply
  59. Rika Safrina

    Halo, waktu itu saya juga bawa koper dan naik bis, ga repot kok hehe. Di Jeju si nginep di HK Jeju II (udah ganti nama jadi The Forest Hostel), deket bus stop, mesti ganti bus dulu sekali di terminal. Untuk penginapan di Seongsan, coba saja cek website nya atau email mereka menanyakan bagaimana cara ke penginapannya dengan public bus. Waktu itu saya nginep di HK Jeju III deket pantai (sepertinya sekarang sudah tutup), bus stop terdekat nya sekitar 10 menit jalan kaki.

    Reply
  61. may ditha

    Hi, Tks for the useful info.ill and my friend will be going to Jeju on 26Nov-28Nov this yr. And will stay at Hostel Maro, Jeju. will arrive Jeju airport at 3.00pm & will leave Jeju at 1pm. We decide to self drive for our trip in Jeju. For 1st day mayb will just going to Yongduam Rock and Jeju Loveland and at nite strolling around Jeju city. Wondering isn't possible for us (2nd Day) to go East side (exclude UDO island)and SOUTH side in one day? Or if it's too pack for one day, is that possible for us to go Seongsan Illchulbong next day early morning as our flight will depart in noon time. Hope to hear from you soon & tks again.

    Reply
  62. Rika Safrina

    Hi, since you're going by car, it would be easier for you to go around. So yes, you can visit East (exclude Udo Island and Seongsan Ilculbong) and South sides on the same day. Seongsan Ilchulbong is opened since sunrise, so you can go there for sunrise then go back to Jeju city for noon flight. Hope this helps 🙂

    Reply
  63. Alou Herrera

    Hi! Great post. I was wondering if you could include the admission fees per attraction? 🙂 Also, we would be using public transportation instead of renting a car. I was wondering how to go about the trip when using public transpo 🙂

    Reply
  64. Haydee Coquilla

    Hi, I really enjoyed reading your blog about Jeju. It is very informative 🙂 Me and my friends will be having a trip this October in Jeju and we'll follow your itinerary. The only problem is we also want to go to Folk village, Jeju stone park and Sangumburi crater. Is it near seopjikoji? How should we go there? I will appreciate your reply. thanks 🙂

    Reply
  65. Nabila Zehra Zaidi

    Hey Rika!

    Your post is awesome. However, I have only 5 days in SK and want to do Seoul and Jeju. Do you think its possible and how would you suggest to divide my time between the 2 cities?

    Thanks in advance. 🙂

    Reply
  66. MJ

    Hi,

    Is it possible to travel alone at Jeju Island? And how did you commute around the island, is it easy accessible? And if you only have 2 days what will you recommend at Jeju Island?

    So many questions hehe..I only have Teddy Bear Museum and yellow2 flowers things in mind.

    Thank you so much!

    Reply
  67. Rika Safrina

    Hi Haydee, unfortunately I don't know how to go to those 3 places. I heard Sangumburi Crater can be reached by bus from Seopjikoji. I am not sure about the rest. Hope you have a wonderful trip in Korea 🙂

    Reply
  69. Rika Safrina

    Hi MJ. I did traveling alone while in Jeju. I went everywhere using public transport, mostly bus and sometimes taxi. Taxi fare is not too expensive either. If you have 2 days, then follow my suggestion in the posting without climbing hallasan 🙂

    Reply
  74. Unknown

    hi! great post about Jeju! i am planning on going there Jan 2017 (Jan 15-Jan 18). i know Jeju is typically a spring/summer tourist hot-spot. any recommendations on what to do there in winter? do you think all the sites you mentioned will still be open for visits? thanks so much! look forward to hearing back from you!
    – jeannie

    Reply
  77. Rika Safrina

    Hi Jeannie, sorry I missed this comment, and now you must have been back from Jeju. Hope you had a wonderful time there 🙂 I believe Jeju is also nice to visit during Winter and all sites I mentioned above are still opened

    Reply
  79. Yche Paderes

    Hi, this is really awesome and way too helpful. Made my Jeju trip convenient and was like a pro! =) Kudos! already a fan here 😉 Would love to read some of your travel blogs.

    Reply

  83. Pingback: Accommodation in Jeju Island - Rika Safrina

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