Jeju Island Itinerary | Plan Day Trips & 2- to 4-Day Holidays in South Korea

Jeju Island might be South Korea’s largest island, but it’s still small enough to zip around from one activity to another, so a weekend getaway is perfectly doable. However, if you have enough time, a 3- or 4-day Jeju Island itinerary is better. Whether you’re spending two days or a week in this natural paradise, having a travel plan in hand can ensure that you don’t miss any of the best sights and attractions. Starting in Jeju City is easiest, but don’t worry, this guide gives plenty of opportunities to visit beaches, Hallasan National Park and scenic hiking spots on Jeju Island!

Best time to visit Jeju Island

April through June on Jeju Island provides almost perfect weather conditions for daily sightseeing outdoors. Summer months after June can be humid, cloudy and rainy, so travel plans should be adjusted accordingly. For instance, plan outdoor activities in mornings and evenings, and save indoor activities for afternoons when temperatures are hottest and muggiest. The weather on Jeju Island starts cooling off after August, and winter months can be quite cool (Mt. Hallasan gets snow!), but regular rains on the island during fall and winter can put a damper on outdoor plans. So, again, plan outdoor and indoor activities accordingly. Whether you’re traveling in April or December, though, Jeju Island remains beautiful year-round, and each season offers something unique.

Jeju Island Itinerary | Day 1 Activities & Attractions in Jeju City

Jeju City, the capital of the island, is a great place to start any Jeju Island itinerary. The downside to only spending a day or two here is that it’s tough to see everything the city has to offer. Take a look at these Jeju City attractions, and plan a day of sightseeing in the city. After exploring Jeju City, mix and match the next three activities in any order you like. If you can’t stay four days on the island, pick your favorites first, and get your trip to Jeju Island started!

Things to do in Jeju City | Morning Activities

• Sarabong Peak in Sarabong Park – this scenic spot is the perfect place to greet the sunrise on your first full day in Jeju Island.

• Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum – plan on spending a couple hours exploring four exhibit halls of artifacts. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. (The only time you can’t go is on a Monday.)

• Halla Arboretum – another great place to see the sunrise on Jeju Island, this arboretum is located on the southern outskirts of Jeju City and is a huge place to explore. The arboretum operates from sunrise to sunset. Exhibition halls, however, are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. only. Admission is free.

If you only have one day on the island, you might need to choose between seeing the sunrise at Sarabong Peak or Halla Arboretum.

Things to do in Jeju City – Afternoon Activities

• Jeju Five-Day Folk Market – if you’re in town on the right day, take a trip to Jeju Five-Day Folk Market (just west of Jeju International Airport) to grab some lunch and a few snacks to get you through the day. Starting on the second day, the market is open every fifth day (2, 7, 12, 17, 22 and 27) of the calendar month.

• Dongmun Traditional Market – alternatively, and if you don’t want to travel too far outside the city, you can find some great things to eat at Dongmun Traditional Market. It’s the oldest and largest traditional market in Jeju Island, though, so this place may eat up some of your afternoon time. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and it’s worth trying to squeeze into your Jeju Island itinerary.

• Gwandeokjeong – this historical pavilion features a complex of buildings, a museum and a scenic pond with plenty of shady spots. You can generally get around the grounds in an hour or so, depending on how long you admire the stunning architecture and gardens. Gwandeokjeong is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

• Yongyeon Pond – wind down the afternoon with a trip to this cliffside scenic region along the river. You can hike around the area or just stop for one of the most beautiful selfies you’ll ever take.

Things to do in Jeju City – Evening Activities

• Red & White Horse-shaped Lighthouse at Iho Tewoo Beach – this popular evening activity features a coastal view of the sunset, as well as a photo of one of the oddest lighthouses in the world.

• Dodubong Peak – after photographing the lighthouse, head over to this mountain peak to enjoy yet another glorious view of the Yellow Sea.

• Black Pork Restaurant Street – you’ve earned dinner at one of the tastiest places in Jeju Island. Grab a plate of the island’s specialty dish because you won’t find black pork anywhere else in the world.

More activities in Jeju City

If you want to forgo all the touristy sights and just spend your time relaxing or completely isolated from most of humanity, these activities might be a better way to spend a day on Jeju Island.

• Hamdeok Beach – this beach located on the eastern outskirts of Jeju City can get a little busy during summer months, but private spots are available, and the view can’t be beat.

• Manjanggul Cave – a little further east of Hamdeok Beach is the world’s largest lava cave. You can spend hours hiking in peace and exploring the underground tubes, which are designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Check In to WHISTLE LARK, Step Out to Jeju City

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Jeju Island Itinerary | Day 2 Activities in East Jeju

Spending a day on the eastern coast of Jeju Island is a must for travelers with enough time to do so. The eastern coast features some of the best cultural activities and food on the island, as well as opportunities for hiking, photography and horseback riding.

• Jeju Haenyeo Museum – learn about the female divers – called haenyeo – who still hit the beach every morning to free dive for fresh seafood. You can learn about these historic women at the museum, or head to the nearby beach early and catch them on a dive! After the haenyeo bring in their fresh catches, they welcome visitors to enjoy a meal at the nearby “Haenyeo House Restaurant.” The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but Monday.

• Seongsan (Ilchulbong) Sunrise Peak – on the far eastern shores of Jeju Island lies this scenic volcano that offers gorgeous views of the sea and surrounding regions. If you’d like to spend a little more quality time in the Seongsan region, go on a horse ride in the connecting park.

• Seopjikoji – just down the road from Seongsan Sunrise Peak is another can’t-miss scenic spot. Seopjikoji has been featured in numerous films, and sightseers can see why during a hike along Seopjikoji Coast Walk.

• Aqua Planet Jeju – a great family and indoor afternoon activity, Aqua Planet Jeju is just a few minutes from Seopjikoji and as the largest aquarium in Asia features an exceptional marine life experience. The aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Check online for admission fees as they vary from season to season.

Check In to A-rock Guesthouse, Step Out to Seongsan

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Jeju Island Itinerary | Day 3 Activities in South Jeju

The southern coast of Jeju Island is full of natural wonders. Hikers and adventurists definitely should add this area to any Jeju Island itinerary. If you only plan a day in the south but fall in love once you get there, hotels near these top Jeju attractions are aplenty.

• Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls – this three-tiered waterfall is an incredible place for hiking, taking photographs … and cooling off! Go in the morning or afternoon. It’s open all day.

• Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff – it won’t take much time to see this natural wonder, but you don’t want to miss it. These cliffside lava rocks have been shaped into columns by waves and make for super selfie backdrops.

• Yakcheonsa Temple – tour this temple in the late morning or early afternoon. You’ll find ornate architecture – and lunch in a nearby neighborhood restaurant.

• Teddy Bear Museum – take an opportunity to cool down and please the kids with a tour of Teddy Bear Museum. The Jeju Island museum houses a teddy bear worth more than $2.1 million and is as much fun for adults as children. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Check In to The Seaes Hotel & Resort, Step Out to Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls

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Jeju Island Itinerary | Day 4 Activities at Mount Hallasan

You can’t visit Jeju Island without a trip to South Korea’s tallest mountain, Mount Hallasan, and you might not want to save this adventure for Day 4! Several trails lead to the summit of the mountain, and serious hikers could spend a full day trekking in Hallasan National Park. Mount Hallasan is a shield volcano (think of it as a “flat” volcano) but has not erupted since the year 1007 A.D. With that said, if it weren’t for Mount Hallasan, much of Jeju Island wouldn’t exist, as Hallasan National Park takes up a good chunk of the island!

Hiking trails on Mount Hallasan

• Gwaneumsa Trail – offers the best views from the summit and takes 8 to 10 hours to complete
• Seongpanak Trail – considered the easiest hike to the summit and takes 7 to 9 hours to complete
• Eorimok Trail – does not go to the summit but still offer incredible views and takes only two and a half hours to trek
• Yeongsil Trail – the easiest but still scenic hike takes about two hours to complete

Check In to Jeju Hill Hotel, Step Out to Hallasan National Park

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