Ramada Plaza Yeosu: A Family-Friendly Review of the Superior Ondol Room for Your Trip

Jeju Island is one of South Korea's most popular travel destinations, filled with beautiful natural landscapes and a wide variety of activities. From its emerald seas and the majestic scenery of Hallasan Mountain to exotic volcanic cones (Oreums) and forest trails, it offers a unique experience for every type of traveler. It's a beloved spot for family trips, romantic getaways, adventures with friends, and even solo journeys.

However, with so much to see and do on this vast island, it can be challenging to decide where to go.

That's why in this post, we've carefully selected 10 essential Jeju destinations highly recommended by locals. If you're planning a trip to Jeju, be sure to check out this list!

Seongsan Ilchulbong – Jeju's Iconic Landmark

Seongsan Ilchulbong, located on the eastern side of Jeju, is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. It's an impressive tuff cone formed by a volcanic eruption under the sea in the past. The climb to the 180-meter-high peak takes about 20-30 minutes, making it a great spot for a light trek.

As its name, which means "Sunrise Peak," suggests, it's particularly famous as a prime spot for watching the sunrise. An early morning hike to the top rewards you with a magnificent view of the sun rising over the Jeju sea. It's an especially popular destination for watching the first sunrise of the year on January 1st.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak

• Travel Tips
• If you're visiting for the sunrise, it's best to arrive before 6 AM.
• The path to the summit is mostly stairs, so wearing comfortable sneakers is recommended.
• There are many great restaurants near the entrance, so enjoy a meal after your descent!

• Location: 1 Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

• Hours: 07:00 - 18:00 (may vary depending on sunrise times)

• Admission: Adults ₩5,000 (approx. $3.60 USD) / Teens ₩2,500 (approx. $1.80 USD) / Children ₩1,500 (approx. $1.10 USD)

Udo Island – A Smaller Jeju Within Jeju

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Jeju Island, Udo (meaning "Cow Island" due to its shape) is often called a miniature version of Jeju for its diverse charms. This island combines unique coastal scenery, green fields, and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for a day trip.

Key attractions include Geommeolle Beach, Seobin Baeksa (White Sand Beach), and Udo Peak. A trip around the island offers breathtaking natural views at every turn. Also, don't miss out on local delicacies like peanut ice cream made from Udo peanuts and fresh seafood dishes.

Udo Island - Soemeori Oreum

• Travel Tips
• Bringing cars to Udo is restricted, so renting an electric scooter or bicycle is recommended.
• During peak season (summer), ferries can be crowded, so check the schedule in advance.
• Be sure to try the unique local treats: peanut ice cream and Udo peanut makgeolli (rice wine)!

• Location: Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

• Ferry Hours: 08:00 - 18:00 (schedules may change depending on weather conditions)

• Ferry Fare: Round trip: Adults ₩8,500 (approx. $6.10 USD) / Children ₩3,000 (approx. $2.15 USD)

Hyeopjae Beach – Emerald Waters and White Sands

Hyeopjae Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Jeju, captivating visitors with its stunning emerald sea and fine white sand. The shallow and clear water makes it an especially popular spot for families with children.

In summer, it's bustling with people enjoying swimming, while in winter, it's perfect for a scenic walk along the shore. Nearby attractions like Hallim Park and Geumneung Beach are worth visiting together. The area is also dotted with charming cafes where you can relax and enjoy the view.

Hyeopjae Beach

• Travel Tips
• Visit in the morning when the water is most transparent to enjoy the most beautiful scenery.
• There are many ocean-view cafes near Hyeopjae Beach. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the view.
• If you plan to swim in the summer, sunscreen and a hat are a must! The sun can be quite strong.

• Location: 2497-1 Hyeopjae-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

• Hours: Open all year round

• Admission: Free

Cheonjiyeon Falls – One of Jeju's 3 Great Waterfalls, Beautiful at Night

Cheonjiyeon Falls is one of Jeju's most famous waterfalls. Its name, Cheonjiyeon (天地淵), means "a pond where heaven and earth meet," inspired by the deep pool below the falls that seems to touch the sky.

This place is particularly famous for its beautiful night scenery. Unlike other waterfalls in Jeju, it is open at night, and the illuminated falls create an even more magical atmosphere. A well-maintained walking path makes it a perfect place for a relaxing stroll.

Cheonjiyeon Falls

• Travel Tips
• Since it's open at night, visiting in the evening is recommended to enjoy the night view!
• The walk from the entrance to the falls is short, making it great for a visit with children.
• Nearby are two other of Jeju's 3 Great Waterfalls, Jeongbang Falls and Cheonjeyeon Falls, so you can plan to see them all!

• Location: 667-7 Cheonji-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

• Hours: 09:00 - 22:00 (Last admission at 21:30)

• Admission: Adults ₩2,000 (approx. $1.45 USD) / Teens & Children ₩1,000 (approx. $0.70 USD)

Camellia Hill – A Sentimental Jeju Destination Filled with Camellias

Camellia Hill is a botanical garden that boasts the most beautiful camellia forest in Jeju, where you can enjoy various flowers throughout the year. It's especially renowned as a top spot for capturing stunning, Instagram-worthy photos in winter (December-March) when the red camellias are in full bloom.

With hydrangeas and lavender in spring and summer, and pink muhly in autumn, this place offers different charms each season, ensuring a rewarding visit no matter when you go.

Camellia Hill

• Travel Tips
• Visit between December and March when the camellias are in full bloom for the best scenery.
• There are many charming cafes nearby, so planning a cafe tour as part of your itinerary is a great idea!
• On sunny days, the sun can be intense, so be sure to bring a hat or sunglasses.

• Location: 166 Byeongak-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

• Hours: 08:30 - 18:00 (Last admission at 17:30)

• Admission: Adults ₩10,000 (approx. $7.20 USD) / Teens ₩8,000 (approx. $5.70 USD) / Children ₩7,000 (approx. $5.00 USD)

Seopjikoji – A Scenic Spot Famous as a Drama Filming Location

Seopjikoji is a place of outstanding natural beauty on the eastern coast of Jeju, boasting picturesque landscapes where the blue sea meets green meadows. It gained fame as a filming location for the popular K-drama <All In> and remains a top tourist destination today.

The view of the lighthouse, vast grasslands, and the blue ocean as you walk along Seopjikoji will surely become an unforgettable memory. It's often windy, so it's a good idea to bring a warm layer.

Seopjikoji

• Travel Tips
• There are many great photo spots with the vast meadow as a backdrop, so a camera is a must!
• Seopjikoji is known for its strong winds, so bringing a light jacket is recommended.
• It's close to Seongsan Ilchulbong, so you can plan an efficient trip by including both in your itinerary!

• Location: 107 Seopjikoji-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

• Hours: Open all year round

• Admission: Free

Hallasan National Park – The Heart of Jeju, South Korea's Highest Peak

Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea (1,947 meters above sea level), a massive shield volcano that forms the center of Jeju Island. Showing different charms each season, Hallasan is filled with snowy landscapes in winter, royal azaleas in spring, lush forests in summer, and colorful foliage in autumn, offering beautiful scenery any time of year.

There are various hiking trails of different difficulty levels. The Seongpanak Trail (approx. 9.6 km, 8-9 hours round trip) and Gwaneumsa Trail (approx. 8.7 km, 8 hours round trip) to Baengnokdam Crater Lake are the most popular. Even if you don't hike to the summit, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery on lighter trails like the Eorimok or Yeongsil courses.

Hallasan Mountain

• Travel Tips
• Crampons are essential for winter hiking! Be sure to prepare proper winter gear as there's a lot of snow.
• There are restricted hiking hours on Hallasan, so it's important to plan your schedule in advance.
• If a full hike is too challenging, enjoy a light trek on the Eorimok or Yeongsil trails.

• Location: San 220-1 Haean-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

• Hiking Hours: Vary by season (No entry before sunrise)

• Admission: Free

Dongmun Market – Jeju's Hottest Traditional Market

If you want to enjoy delicious local food in Jeju, Dongmun Market is a must-visit! It's a traditional market frequented by locals where you can taste a variety of foods, from fresh seafood, black pork, and Omegi-tteok (a local rice cake) to Hallabong (Jeju citrus) juice.

It has recently become popular for "food tours," where you can enjoy dishes unique to Jeju, such as grilled hairtail fish, mackerel sashimi, abalone kimbap, and black pork dumplings.

Dongmun Market

• Travel Tips
• Visit after 7 PM to experience a more vibrant atmosphere.
• Don't miss out on popular snacks like abalone kimbap, Hallabong juice, and Samdasoo ice cream!
• Visit the nearby Chilsung-ro Shopping Street to fully experience the local Jeju vibe.

• Location: 20 Gwandeok-ro 14-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

• Hours: 07:00 - 22:00 (may vary by store)

Bijarim Forest – A Healing Time in a Thousand-Year-Old Nutmeg Forest

Bijarim Forest is one of Jeju's most iconic forest trails, densely populated with over 2,800 nutmeg yew trees. Walking through the forest, you can breathe in phytoncide-rich air for a truly healing experience. The path is flat, making it an easy and enjoyable walk for people of all ages.

Visiting Bijarim in the early morning offers a special experience, allowing you to enjoy a quiet walk accompanied by the sound of birds.

Bijarim Forest

• Travel Tips
• Visiting on a cloudy day rather than a sunny one can offer a more atmospheric experience.
• The path is flat, so anyone with comfortable shoes can easily walk the trail.
• If you want to truly heal and experience the full effects of phytoncides in a forest, this is the perfect place!

• Location: 55 Bijasup-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

• Hours: 09:00 - 18:00 (Last admission at 17:30)

• Admission: Adults ₩3,000 (approx. $2.15 USD) / Teens ₩1,500 (approx. $1.10 USD) / Children ₩1,000 (approx. $0.70 USD)

Yongnuni Oreum – Enjoy the Charm of Jeju's Volcanic Cones with an Easy Trek

While Jeju Island has over 360 volcanic cones, or Oreums, Yongnuni Oreum is one of the most accessible, even for beginner hikers. At a relatively low altitude of 247 meters, you can reach the summit in about 20-30 minutes, and the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking.

The summit offers a panoramic view of Seongsan Ilchulbong and the sea, allowing you to appreciate Jeju's unique and exotic landscape. Visiting at sunrise or sunset will reward you with even more stunning scenery.

Yongnuni Oreum

• Travel Tips
• The wind can be strong when climbing, so a windbreaker is a must!
• Visit on a clear day for a fantastic view of Seongsan Ilchulbong and Udo Island.
• The hike is not too strenuous, making it a great Oreum to visit with children.

• Location: San 28 Jongdal-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

• Hours: Open all year round

• Admission: Free

Jeju Island Travel Tips

When is the best time to visit Jeju Island?

Jeju is beautiful all year round. In spring, cherry blossoms and canola flowers are in full bloom, while in autumn, the island is filled with silver grass and autumn foliage. Summer (July-August) is great for swimming, but it's peak season, so it can be crowded and flights are more expensive. We recommend visiting anytime, depending on your travel style.

Can you travel in Jeju without a rental car?

While a rental car is convenient, it's possible to travel in Jeju without one. You can visit major attractions using the airport limousine, intercity buses, and tourist shuttle buses departing from Jeju Airport. However, public transportation to Oreums or more remote areas can be infrequent, so considering a taxi or renting a car is a good idea.

What are some good Jeju destinations for families?

For a family trip, we recommend Hyeopjae Beach, Udo Island, Bijarim Forest, and the Eorimok trail on Hallasan. Hyeopjae Beach is great for kids with its shallow water, and Bijarim Forest is a healing spot with an easy walking trail for all ages.

What are the must-try foods in Jeju?

There are so many delicious foods you must try in Jeju!

• Heuk-dwaeji Geun-gogi (Thickly grilled Jeju black pork, a signature dish)
• Gogi-guksu (Jeju-style noodles in a rich pork broth with chewy noodles)
• Jeonbok-ttukbaegi (A signature seafood dish with fresh abalone and various seafood in a hot pot)
• Hallabong Juice & Omegi-tteok (Jeju specialty products perfect for dessert)

Especially at Dongmun Market and Jeju Olle Market, you can enjoy a variety of Jeju foods at affordable prices, so don't miss out!

How should I plan my Jeju travel itinerary?

Although it depends on your travel schedule, it's most efficient to divide your trip between the eastern and western parts of the island.

• Eastern Course: Seongsan Ilchulbong → Udo Island → Seopjikoji → Pyoseon Beach
• Western Course: Hyeopjae Beach → Hallim Park → Oreum Exploration (Yongnuni Oreum, Saebyeol Oreum)
• 4-Day/3-Night Itinerary: Combine the two courses and add a Hallasan hike and cafe hopping.

No matter where you go in Jeju, you'll find stunning natural scenery and unique charms. The 10 spots introduced in this list will be satisfying destinations for both first-time visitors and those who have visited many times.

Related Posts