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Jeju Island lies off the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, a volcanic island built around Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea. Black basalt walls, citrus orchards and hundreds of small volcanic cones give it a look unlike the mainland, and its culture includes the haenyeo, women who dive without breathing equipment to harvest seafood. Parts of its volcanic landscape are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the east coast, Seongsan Ilchulbong is a classic sunrise climb, and ferries nearby cross to Udo, a smaller island of peanut fields and pale beaches. Inland, Manjanggul is a long lava tube with a section open to walkers, while the old torreya trees of Bijarim Forest and the grassy crater of Sangumburi make easy stops. Hikers tackle Hallasan National Park. In the southwest, the Osulloc Tea Museum sits among green tea fields. Around Seogwipo, Jeongbang Falls drops directly to the shore, a gentle path leads to Cheonjiyeon Falls, and the hexagonal basalt columns of Jusangjeolli Cliff meet the waves.
Jeju is popular with families, couples and hikers. Spring brings canola blossoms, and autumn is clear and mild, while summer is humid with a risk of typhoons. Most visitors split their time between Jeju City in the north and Seogwipo in the south.
WiserMap travel guideJeju Island South Korea Hallasan and Seongsan Sunrise PeakDiscover Jeju's volcanic highlights, from Seongsan Ilchulbong and Hallasan to Manjanggul, Udo and coastal waterfalls, with food, seasons, transport and a route.Read the guide
A tuff cone that rose from the sea on Jeju's east tip, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stairway of about 20 to 30 minutes climbs to the crater rim. It is famous for sunrise, and haenyeo women divers often perform near the base. Arrive early to avoid tour bus crowds.
A stretch of coast near Jungmun where hexagonal basalt columns rise from the sea, formed as lava cooled. A short walkway and viewing deck look down on the waves crashing against the pillars. It is a quick stop of 30 to 45 minutes, often combined with the Jungmun resort area.
One of the longest lava tubes in the world, part of Jeju's UNESCO World Heritage volcanic sites. About a kilometer is open to visitors, ending at a large lava column. It stays cool all year, the floor is wet and uneven, so bring a jacket and sturdy shoes. Check for closures for repairs.
A forest of thousands of nutmeg yew trees in Gujwa, some over 500 years old, including one known as the thousand-year-old tree. Walking paths of crushed volcanic stone loop through the shade. It is a calm walk of about an hour, and it stays pleasant even in summer heat.
A wide volcanic crater in the island's interior, unusual because it has no cone around it. A short paved path leads to viewpoints over the crater, which is full of forest, and the fields around it are covered in silver grass in autumn. It is a quick stop on the way across the island.
A waterfall in Seogwipo that drops straight into the sea, one of very few in Asia to do so. Steps lead down to the rocky shore where you can stand near the base. The rocks are slippery, so wear good shoes, and combine it with a walk on the nearby Olle Trail route.
A 22-meter waterfall in Seogwipo reached by an easy, flat path through a subtropical gorge. The pool below is home to eels, and the waterfall is lit in the evening, when it is open late. It pairs well with a walk to the Saeyeongyo bridge and Saeseom island close by.
A beach on the northwest coast with white sand, shallow turquoise water and views of the small island Biyangdo. The shallow sea makes it good for families, and pine trees behind the beach give shade. Hallim Park is next door, and summer is busy, so arrive early to park.
A small island a short ferry ride from Seongsan Port, known for Seobin Baeksa beach, peanut ice cream and quiet coastal roads. Visitors rent bicycles, scooters or electric carts to circle the island in a few hours. Ferries can be cancelled in rough weather, so check before you go.
Hallasan is South Korea's highest mountain at 1,947 meters, a shield volcano with a crater lake at the top. The Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails reach the summit and need a free online reservation. Start at dawn, as there are cut-off times at the shelters for reaching the top.
A network of long-distance walking routes that circles the island in more than 20 marked sections along coasts, villages and orchards. Each section takes four to six hours. Look for the blue and orange ribbons and arrows, and pick up a stamp passport at the trail centers.
A tea museum and cafe beside wide green tea fields in southwest Jeju, run by a Korean tea company. You can learn about tea culture, walk the rows of tea bushes and try green tea ice cream and roll cakes. Entry is free, and Innisfree's shop and cafe are next door.
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