What are some quiet alternatives to beaches in Jeju for the summer?

Instead of crowded beaches, Jeju offers tranquil valleys and hidden swimming spots like Saetdori-mul, Gangjeongcheon Stream, Nonjit-mul, Sombancheon Stream, and Donnaeko Valley. These spots are often known only to locals and provide a refreshing escape.

What is Saetdori-mul and why is it special?

Saetdori-mul is a hidden swimming spot near Samyang Black Sand Beach, known for its extremely cold spring water fed from Hallasan Mountain. Its obscurity makes it uncrowded, and its shallow, non-slippery bottom is safe for children.

Is Gangjeongcheon Stream suitable for families?

Yes, Gangjeongcheon Stream is ideal for families. It's easily accessible from downtown Seogwipo, has shallow water and rocks for children to play on, and offers nearby amenities like public parking and restrooms.

What is unique about Nonjit-mul?

Nonjit-mul is a natural, non-commercialized swimming pool in Hahyo Village. It was traditionally used for agriculture and is now a local spot with shallow, cool water, making it safe for children. It has no admission fees or facilities.

What amenities are available at Donnaeko Valley?

Donnaeko Valley has basic, well-maintained amenities including a parking lot and restrooms. It is free to enter. However, there are no restaurants or snack bars nearby, so visitors should bring their own food and drinks.

Top 5 Hidden Summer Getaways in Jeju: Quiet Valleys & Swimming Spots

When you think of a summer trip to Jeju Island, beaches and seaside resorts are probably the first things that come to mind. However, many of these places can be crowded and noisy. If you're looking for a quiet place to swim and relax, exploring valleys or hidden swimming spots instead of the main beaches is a great alternative. In this post, we'll introduce five tranquil and refreshing summer getaways in Jeju, known mostly to locals.

Saetdori-mul – A Pristine Water Source Known Only to Locals

Located near Samyang Black Sand Beach, 'Saetdori-mul' is a swimming spot that remains relatively unknown even among Jeju residents. Despite its proximity to the coastal road, it's not easily visible from the outside. This means there are very few crowds, making it the perfect place to enjoy summer in tranquility.

Saetdori-mul Spring

The bottom of Saetdori-mul is mostly composed of basalt rock and earth, so it's not slippery, and the water is shallow, making it a comfortable spot for children. Best of all, it's fed by cold spring water from Hallasan Mountain, keeping the temperature very low, which makes it an ideal spot to beat the midsummer heat.

Saetdori-mul Spring

There are no special amenities or tourist facilities, so it's a good idea to prepare a packed lunch or simple drinks in advance. Also, parking space is limited, so visiting early in the morning during peak season is advantageous. When you visit, it's important to practice basic environmental etiquette, such as taking your trash with you to avoid harming nature.

Gangjeongcheon Stream – A Clear Valley in Jeju's Urban Heart

Gangjeongcheon Stream, located not far from the center of Seogwipo City, is an urban valley. Situated near Kensington Resort Seogwipo, it's characterized by its clear water and quiet atmosphere, despite being surrounded by residential areas, schools, and amenities.

Gangjeongcheon Stream

Gangjeongcheon Stream isn't very long, but its sections of shallow water and rocks make it a great place for children to play. The trees on both sides of the stream provide shade, allowing you to relax away from the sun, and it's also a good spot to lay out a mat on the rocks and enjoy a picnic.

The stream is easily accessible, within a 10-minute drive from downtown Seogwipo, making it simple to include in your travel itinerary. Nearby conveniences like a public parking lot, convenience stores, and restrooms make it suitable for families.

However, being an urban space, it can get busy with local residents on weekday afternoons and weekends. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, visiting in the morning is recommended.

Nonjit-mul – A Natural Village Swimming Pool

Located in Hahyo Village, Seogwipo, 'Nonjit-mul' is a community hub and a natural summer swimming pool for the village. This stream, flowing along Jeju's characteristic basalt terrain, was traditionally used to supply water to the surrounding rice paddies, and as its name (which implies "paddy water") suggests, it was once used for agriculture.

Nonjit-mul

Recently, it has become a popular spot for families and local residents looking to enjoy a quiet swim. The water is shallow and remains cool even in summer, making it ideal for young children to splash around. Thanks to the flat rocks and gently flowing water, children can play safely, and there is adequate space to rest in the shade after swimming.

Importantly, Nonjit-mul is not commercialized, so there are no admission fees or snack bars, and there are almost no artificial structures. As it is adjacent to the villagers' living space, it's crucial to keep noise levels down and follow basic etiquette, such as properly disposing of trash. There is no separate parking area nearby, so the roads can be somewhat congested during the vacation season.

Sombancheon Stream – A Healing Spot Where Forest and Water Meet

'Sombancheon Stream,' located near downtown Seogwipo, is an easily accessible natural water playground. This stream flows through the middle of the city but is surrounded by trees, giving it a forest-like feel despite its urban location. It is known for showing different scenery with each changing season.

Sombancheon Stream

Sombancheon Stream has a flat bottom and shallow water, making it a safe environment for young children to play. Although parts of it have been artificially landscaped, it generally maintains a nature-friendly structure.

The stream is also a beloved relaxation spot for Jeju residents, frequently visited by families on walks or citizens riding bicycles on weekends. It's a great place to schedule for a day trip, as you can not only play in the water but also enjoy a leisurely time walking along the nearby trails.

Donnaeko Valley & Wonang-pokpo Falls – Jeju's Iconic Summer Retreat

Donnaeko Valley and Wonang-pokpo (Mandarin Duck) Falls, found at the entrance of Donnaeko-ro in Seogwipo, are among Jeju's top valley retreats. While relatively well-known among tourists, the valley is expansive and long, so if you time your visit right or walk just a little further in, you can still find a quiet spot.

Donnaeko Valley & Wonang-pokpo Falls

Donnaeko Valley is famous for its deep, cold water, making it perfect for swimming even in summer as the water temperature remains low. Near the waterfall, the water pools, creating a good spot for a swim, while the shallow stream flowing along the valley is easy for children to walk in.

Wonang-pokpo Falls is located upstream in the valley. While not large, the water cascades over the rocks, creating a refreshing sound that cools you down from the summer heat. With just a picnic mat, you can easily spend half a day here.

This area is also connected to the Jeju Olle Trail (Route 6), making it a great option to combine trekking with a valley visit. Basic amenities like a parking lot and restrooms are well-maintained, and another advantage is that it's free to enter. However, there are no nearby restaurants or snack bars, so it's best to prepare your own snacks and drinks.

Summer in Jeju is often associated with sea travel, but even away from the beaches, there are plenty of cool and meaningful hidden getaways. Places like Nonjit-mul, Saetdori-mul, Gangjeongcheon Stream, Sombancheon Stream, and Donnaeko Valley exist as great spaces to spend time with family, partners, or even alone, without commercial facilities.

If you want to experience a tranquil Jeju summer away from the crowded beaches, we highly recommend adding these spots to your travel itinerary.

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