22 Things to Do in Jeju Island by Area (+ Top 5 You MUST Visit)

I’ve traveled solo to Jeju Island twice now, and each trip has been different, with endless places to visit.

You could walk around Jeju Island for hours as there’s paved trails everywhere.

My favorite things to do in Jeju Island were the calm hikes, sunset watching, and scenic walks.

While it may be more difficult to travel Jeju without a car, I enjoyed the long bus rides listening to podcasts and music, as well as the more laidback business of the cities.

Here are 22 things to do in Jeju Island, along with my top 5 must-visit Jeju attractions, as well as places to visit in Jeju for next time.

Add these sites to create the Perfect Jeju Island Itinerary for 2-5 Days.

These places to visit in Jeju will be sectioned by areas of Jeju: Jeju City (north), Seogwipo City (south), Central Jeju, East Coast, and West Coast.

Jeju Checklist: have you booked these yet?

▢ Book from the best hotels in Jeju (what I use)

▢ Hire a private car for a Jeju Island day tour

▢ Book the most popular tours in Jeju Island

▢ If you want to drive, rent a car in Jeju Island. Check rates here

Table of Contents

My Top 5 Things to Do in Jeju Island:

These are the top 5 things to do in Jeju Island that I recommend for first-time visitors. You’ll find more info and photos below.

🔸 Seongsan Ilchulbong aka Sunrise Peak (East)

🔸 Hike Hallasan Mountain (Central)

🔸 Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff (South)

🔸 Handam Coastal Walk (West)

🔸 Hamdeok Beach (East)

Love going to all the beaches? Read my list of the 7 Best Beaches in Jeju.

Things to Do in Jeju City (North Jeju)

Jeju City is where the airport is. Jeju City looks like your typical busy city, with lots of restaurants, hotels, shops, and buildings.

However, there are a few tourist sites and things to do in Jeju City, and a really nice coastal walk.

I personally walked more than two hours along the coast to travel to these destinations listed. (You can also take the bus or rent a bike, but it was so nice walking, with benches along the way).

⛴ Try this: Jeju Luxury Private Tour with UNESCO Yacht Cruise

1. Yongyeon Pond & Bridge

People crossing a beige walking bridge over a water valley in Jeju

Yongyeon Pond is 10-minute bus ride north of downtown. While here, you can walk around the pond and water valley with teal waters, as well as cross the bridge. The bridge also lights up at night.

2. Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road

Group posing and standing on at Rainbow Coastal Walk in Jeju Island, which different colored blocks lining road

The Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road is a scenic route along Jeju’s coastline, with colored tile blocks. It’s a great place to watch the sunset. Plus, there’s restaurants and cafes right across the street.

3. DoDuBong (섬머리 도두봉 공원 on maps)

View from DoDuBong peak in Jeju of sea and green trees and houses

Right after the Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road is DoDuBong Park. The short hike has lots of stairs and paved walkways, leading to a vantage point with panoramic views of the sea and Jeju City. There are better viewpoints in Jeju, but it was a nice workout!

4. Red & White Horse Lighthouse

Large Red Horse Lighthouse in Jeju Island

The Red & White Horse Lighthouse in Jeju City are two large horse-shaped lighthouses, spread apart on different viewing decks. Nearby are also gravel areas where people camp, eat, and drink outside.

5. Iho Tewoo Beach

Shallow and sandy Iho Tewoo Beach in Jeju City Jeju Island

Right next door to the lighthouses is Iho Tewoo Beach. The beach is swimmable with more wet-coarse sand. There’s also restaurants and stalls at the beach. This is the nearest beach in Jeju City.

Top Jeju Island Tours to Book:

🚌 Jeju island UNESCO site full day guided tour

🚙 Hire a private car for a flexible Jeju Island day tour

🎫 9 -Hour Jeju Island highlights group tour (tickets included)

Central Jeju

6. Hike Hallasan Mountain

A breathtaking view from the top of Eoseungsaengak Trail in Hallasan Mountain, Jeju Island, South Korea. The scene overlooks lush, green valleys surrounded by towering, forested mountains under a partly cloudy sky. A small cluster of buildings can be seen nestled in the valley far below, almost hidden by the dense greenery. A rope fence in the foreground marks the edge of the viewing area, emphasizing the steep drop and expansive natural landscape.

The main thing to do in Central Jeju is hike Hallasan Mountain. I did the easiest trail called Eoseungsaengak Trail, which is the trail closest to Jeju City by bus #240 (a one-hour journey).

The Eoseungsaengak trail takes about an hour in total to hike with lots of stairs. The other Hallasan trails are a few hours for just one way, so this trail is a good starter hike.

Wooden pathway with rope handrails leading through grassy terrain with mountain views on the Eoseungsaengak Trail.

More Central Jeju activities are listed below under places in Jeju I didn’t get to.

If you don’t want to hike alone, you can also join a Hallasan group tour that includes other destinations.

📖 Read my Guide to Hiking Eoseungsaengak Trail (+ How to Get There).

Seogwipo City (South Jeju)

Seogwipo is the 2nd largest city on Jeju Island, though more laid back. It’s closer to greenery and natural sites, like waterfalls in Jeju and cliffs.

🚌 Join a southern Jeju Island with a group tour (includes Hallasan Mountain)

7. Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff

A stunning view of Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff on Jeju Island, South Korea, showcasing the unique hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. The turquoise waters of the ocean crash against the base of the cliffs, with lush greenery and distant mountains visible in the background.

Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff is one of my favorite places to visit in Jeju Island. It was formed when a volcano erupted underwater. There’s viewing points and bridges throughout the area.

8. Oedolgae Rock

Oedolgae Rock, Jeju Island, South Korea: A striking view of the Oedolgae Rock, a tall, solitary rock formation rising out of the ocean, surrounded by lush greenery and framed by trees.

Oedolgae Rock means “Lonely Rock.” This lone rock formed 150,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption.

9. Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls

Small waterfall with lush greenery and teal water - Cheonjiyeon Waterfall in Jeju

Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls is a smaller waterfall in Jeju Island, but has well-maintained pathways with lush greenery throughout the area.

Tickets are 2,000 won, or $1.50 USD to enter. You can also get the adorable orange Jeju mandarin souvenir gifts here.

📖 5 Amazing Waterfalls in Jeju Island You Can Visit (2024)

10. Saeseom Island and Saeyeongyo Bridge

A 20-minute walk from Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls is Saeyeongyo Bridge, which connects to Saeseom Island (though you won’t spend too much time on the island itself).

Views from the bridge are beautiful and worth visiting. There’s also sitting areas beneath the bridge.

11. Jeongbang Waterfall

The image captures a close-up view of Jeongbang Waterfall in Jeju Island, South Korea. The waterfall streams down a rocky cliff face into a pool surrounded by large boulders, where several visitors are gathered, some taking photos and others enjoying the natural scenery. The lush greenery atop the cliff and the branches of a tree partially frame the top of the image, adding to the serene atmosphere of the location. The lighting suggests a late afternoon or early morning visit, with soft sunlight filtering through the trees.

Jeongbang Waterfall is probably the most popular waterfall in Jeju, so it can get crowded, though you can sit and relax on the rocks.

The waterfall flows directly into the sea and is 23m (75 feet) high. Tickets are 2,000 won, or $1.50 USD to enter.

📖 5 Amazing Waterfalls in Jeju Island You Can Visit (2024)

12. Jungmun Tourist Complex

A white Grimm-themed building called Grimm Forest in Jeju

The Jungmun Tourist Complex is a main tourist base in southern Jeju, with lots of resorts, cafes, and museums. Some popular sites are the Teddy Bear Museum, Grimm Forest, and Alive Museum.

13. Jungmun Saekdal Beach

Cliff view of Jungmun Saekdal Beach in Jeju Island. Tealish-gray waters with coastal trees

Jungmun Saekdal Beach is a popular beach for surfing and is walkable from the main Jungmun Tourist Complex. There are cliffs along the beach for walking trails and beach viewpoints, as well as restaurants and bars.

East Coast, or Seongsan

A main site missing from this list that I did not go to but is a popular place to visit in Jeju is Udo Island. More East Coast activities are listed below under places in Jeju I didn’t get to.

🚌 Join an east Jeju Island group tour (includes Sunrise Peak & Jeju Stone Park 🌅)

14. Seongsan Ilchulbong aka Sunrise Peak

A scenic view from the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) on Jeju Island, South Korea, looking down a wooden staircase that winds through lush greenery. The vibrant landscape below features a coastal town, with buildings spread across the landscape and the blue ocean stretching into the horizon, dotted with small islands.

Hiking Seongsan Ilchulbong aka Sunrise Peak is in my top 5 things to do in Jeju Island, and a main attraction in the East Coast. It’s a UNESCO Heritage Site and was formed by a hydrovolcanic eruption.

It takes around 20 minutes to walk up one way (mostly stairs). The views at the top and throughout the hike make it worth visiting.

15. Hamdeok Beach

Hamdeok Beach Viewpoint with teal water - best beaches in Jeju Island

Hamdeok Beach may be my favorite beach in Jeju Island, and not really for the beach but for the whole surrounding area.

There’s a smaller private beach to watch sunsets, and trails that lead to beautiful viewpoints of Hamdeok Beach where you can see the teal waters from above.

16. Woljeongri Beach

A sunny day at Woljeong Beach on Jeju Island, South Korea, with white sand and clear blue water. The beach is dotted with people enjoying the water, some swimming and others standing on the rocky outcrops. In the background, several large wind turbines are visible near the shoreline, along with low buildings. The sky is bright blue with a few scattered clouds, emphasizing the clean and open environment. A signpost with a phone number is visible in the foreground on the right.

Woljeongri Beach is located in a beach town area that’s surrounded by windmills. The beach has clear blue waters and is along a coastline of cafes, restaurants and galleries. You’ll see a lot of people camping on the beach as well.

West Coast

The West Coast is more known for all the cafes and beaches in Jeju that are along the northwestern coastline.

🚌 Join a west coast Jeju group tour (6 locations included)

17. Handam Coastal Walk

Cement walking trail with black lava rocks and green hills - Handam Coastal Walk in Jeju Island - best things to do in Jeju

The Handam Coastal Walk is one of my top 5 places to visit in Jeju. It’s a paved trail along Jeju’s coastline, with beautiful views of the sea and rocky shores of lava rocks and specks of lush greenery.

18. Aewol Cafe Street

View from Aewol Cafe Street near Handam Coastal Road in Jeju with black lava rocks and teal water

Right next to Handam Coastal Walk is Aewol Cafe Street, a popular area of cafes and restaurants with views of the sea.

19. Gwakji Beach

A serene view of Gwakji Beach on Jeju Island, South Korea, taken from a slight elevation. The sandy shoreline is scattered with seaweed and small rocks, with gentle waves lapping at the edge. In the distance, a few people walk along the beach near the water, while low buildings and dark rocky outcrops are visible further along the coast under a cloudy sky.

In the same area is Gwakji Beach, known for its calm, emerald waters. The water is swimmable but limited to the shallow part. It’s a perfect beach to relax on the sand and watch the sunset.

20. Hyeopjae Beach

Hyeopjae Beach Black Lava Rocks - Jeju South Korea: A coastal scene with black lava rocks and stacked stones on the beach, with the ocean and a distant island in the background.

Hyeopjae Beach is a popular beach in Jeju, so it can get crowded. The beach is known for its white sand and clear waters that’s safe for swimming.

A highlight for Hyeopjae Beach is the black lava rocks formed by volcanic eruptions.

21. Geumneung Beach

View of Geumneung Beach with clear light blue waters surrounded by small clusters of black lava rock

Right next door to Hyeopjae Beach is Geumneung Beach. The water is quite shallow but the water is pristine with beautiful viewpoints of both beaches.

Across the road from Geumneung Beach are Hallim Park, Hyeopjae Cave and Ssangyong Cave that you can visit while there.

22. Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road

Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road, Jeju, Korea: This image captures a bridge walkway leading to a towering wind turbine along the Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road. The pathway, flanked by sturdy railings, extends over the water under a cloudy sky, highlighting the blend of nature and renewable energy in this scenic coastal spot.

Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road is where you can get directly under the windmills (or from viewing paths and bridges). It’s surreal to feel all the wind right next to the windmills.

It’s a 15-minute walk away from the bus stop, but you walk through local views like garlic farms.

More Things to Do in Jeju Island

Below are additional things to do in Jeju Island, that I will save for next time. They are separated by area of Jeju.

One thing I want to try next time is the popular Jeju Island Photoshoot with Blue Moon and dreamlike blue night photos.

You can also book this hanbok private tour and photoshoot.

🔗 Read my guide on planning your Jeju Island itinerary

A collage of stunning landscapes and attractions from Jeju Island, South Korea. The top left image shows a tall, rocky islet rising from the sea, surrounded by lush greenery. The top right image captures a serene, forested area with a peaceful river flowing through rocky cliffs, near a traditional pavilion. The middle left image

North and Central Jeju:

Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest
Halla Arboretum
Jeju Love Land
Jeju Museum Of Art
Jeju Light Garden

South Jeju / Seogwipo City:

Kayak on Soesokkak
Seogwipo Forest of Healing
Namwon Keuneong Promenade
Other waterfalls in Jeju Island
Hello Kitty Island

East Coast:

Udo Island
Dakmeoru Coast
Seopjikoji
Jeju Folk Village
Manjanggul Lava Cave
Jeju Swiss Village

West Coast:

Arte Museum Jeju
Osulloc Tea Garden
Hyeopjae Cave
Suwolbong Peak Summit

Final Thoughts: Is Jeju Island Worth Visiting?

Bus Seats in Jeju Island with window view of greenery

Jeju is often called the “Hawaii of Korea” mostly for being the getaway destination. I’ve been to both and they’re special in their own ways.

But because of the comparisons I kept seeing between Jeju Island and Hawaii, my first trip to Jeju was a little underwhelming.

The beaches were not like the swimmable beaches I was used to, but the water was beautiful and uniquely surrounded by black lava rocks.

"Scenic view of Hamdeok Beach on Jeju Island, South Korea, featuring clear turquoise waters, a sandy shore, and a lush, green hillside. People are seen enjoying the water and the serene coastal environment."

Jeju’s sunsets and coastal views were some of my favorite sights in South Korea.

Since there are so many things to do in Jeju Island, I also treated my first trip to Jeju as a check-off list: hopped on bus, saw site, quickly moved onto the next.

I really enjoyed my second trip to Jeju when I took my time, made the most of the long bus rides with podcasts and music (there’s wifi on the buses), and just wandered around aimlessly, walking along coastal trails and scenic views.

Short answer: yes, Jeju is worth visiting to see what makes the island unique, and you’ll have a better time taking in the view and traveling in the moment.

Top Jeju Island Tours to Book:

🎫 Jeju island UNESCO site full day guided tour

🎫 Hire a private car for a flexible Jeju Island day tour

🎫 9 -Hour Jeju Island highlights group tour (tickets included)

22 Things to Do in Jeju Island by Area (+ Top 5 You MUST Visit)

My Top 5 Things to Do in Jeju Island: