Recently I visited the Jeju Island on my vacation to South Korea. The island is often described as the Hawaii of South Korea because of how beautiful it is! Jeju is a big island which can be divided into 4 major areas: Jeju City (North), Seogwipo City (South), Aewol (North West) and Seongsan (East).
Since Google Maps does not really work in South Korea, I recommend you download Naver Maps. They might get a little bit getting used to but that's probably the best option that you have! Here's are some places that you can visit during your trip to Jeju.
Jeju City
If you fly into Jeju, you'll arrive in the Jeju City which is very near the airport.
Cherry Blossom Spots
If you're visiting Jeju in the cherry blossom season, then here are some cherry blossom spots that you must visit!
Jeonnong-ro Cherry Blossom Street
Jeonnong-ro is a street in Jeju City that is lined with cherry blossom trees. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the street while admiring the beautiful blossoms. You can easily reach there using the bus if you're staying in Jeju City.
Naver Map Jeju Jeonnongno Cherry Blossom Street 제주특별자치도 제주시 삼도1동
Jeju University
The campus of Jeju National University is a popular cherry blossom spot in Jeju City. The trees are planted along the campus road, creating a stunning tunnel of pink blossoms. It's also easily reachable via the bus.
Naver Map Jeju National University Ara Campus 제주 제주시 제주대학로 102 제주대학교
Halla Arboretum
Halla Arboretum is a large park in Jeju City that features a wide variety of plant species, including cherry blossom trees. Visitors can enjoy a picnic under the cherry blossoms or take a stroll along the walking trails.
Naver Map Halla Arboretum 제주 제주시 수목원길 72
Yongdam Rock
Yongdam Rock is a popular volcanic rock formation that looks like a dragon's head. Though I couldn't spot thee dragon head myself, hope you do ;)
Naver Map Yongduam Rock 제주 제주시 용두암길 15
You can walk around and soak in the ocean views and click pictures or sip coffee and eat cake while watching the waves crash into the rocks at Antoinnette Bakery.
Naver Map Angttuaneteu Bakery 제주 제주시 서해안로 671
And don't forget to see the Yongdam Park on the way!
Naver Map Yongdam Park 제주특별자치도 제주시 용담이동 455-1
Yongyeon Valley & Hancheon Stream
Nearby the Yongdam Rock is the Yongyeon Valley and Hancheon Stream. There's a beautiful paved walk around the valley that serves as a amazing picture spot!
Naver Map Yongyeon Valley 제주특별자치도 제주시 용담1동 2581-4
Samseonghyeol
The Samseonghyeol is an archeological, historical and cultural landmark. The shrine has an entry of 4000krw per adult and you can bring in a photographer for an extra 2000krw which is what I did! Since, I was travelling alone, it was super hard taking photos of myself so I searched on Airbnb experiences for a photographer (I had never had a professional take my photos before :o)
If you're visiting the Jeonnong-ro Cherry Blossom Street, it's just a 20 minutes walk from there.
Naver Map Samseonghyeol 제주 제주시 삼성로 22
Nuwemaru Street
If you want to enjoy shopping and eating, don't forget to visit the Nuwemaru Street! It is filled with restaurants, bars, clothing and souvenir shops.
Naver Map Nuwemaru Street 제주 제주시 연동7길 31
Hamdeok Beach
This is one is one of the closest beaches to Jeju City. It took about an hour for me to reach there using the bus. The white sand and clear water make it the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun.
There's also a cafe on the beach where you can relax, drink and enjoy the waves.
Naver Map Hamdeok Bathing Resort 제주 제주시 조천읍 조함해안로 525
Gimnyeong Maze Park
It is a large maze made of hedges that cover an area of 5,000 square meters.
The maze is designed in the shape of Jeju Island, and visitors can explore the various paths and dead-ends that make up the maze. There are various checkpoints and observation decks throughout the maze that provide a great view of the surrounding landscape.
Naver Map Jeju Gimnyeong Maze Park 제주 제주시 구좌읍 만장굴길 122
Jeju Folk Village
Jeju Folk Village is an open-air museum that showcases traditional Jeju Island life, architecture, and culture. Though I personally didn't have enough time to visit it, I would love to go there on my next trip to Jeju!
Naver Map Jeju Folk Village 제주 서귀포시 표선면 민속해안로 631-34
Seogwipo City
I found that Seogwipo City was a bit hard to travel within using the public transport as compared to Jeju City. I was unable to visit many of the spots because of the long bus wait times.
I advise that you rent a car or book a private taxi for the day. You can also find some group day tours on Klook.
Camellia Hill
Camellia Hill is a beautiful botanical garden located in Seogwipo City. The garden is known for its vast collection of camellia trees, which feature over 500 different species and cultivars of camellias from around the world.
In addition to the camellias, the garden also features a variety of other plants and flowers, including azaleas, magnolias, and rhododendrons. Visitors can enjoy exploring the various walking trails and gardens, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and learning about the history and culture of camellias.
Naver Map Camellia Hill 제주 서귀포시 안덕면 병악로 166
Cherry Blossom Spots
Daewangsucheon Yerae Eco Park
Naver Map Daewangsucheon Yerae Eco Park 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 상예동 5002-26
Unmolgyo Bridge
Naver Map Unmulgyo Bridge 제주 서귀포시 서홍동
Jeongbang Waterfall
Jeongbang Waterfall is one of the few waterfalls in Asia that falls directly into the ocean. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the waterfall and the ocean, as well as the surrounding cliffs and lush vegetation.
Naver Map Jeongbang Waterfall 제주 서귀포시 칠십리로214번길 37
Chilsimni Food Specializatiion Street
The Chilsimni Food Specializatiion Street is just 15 minutes walk from the Jeongbang waterfalls.
Naver Map Chilsimni Food Specialization Street 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 서귀동
Olle Market
Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market is a traditional Korean market that features a wide variety of local foods, crafts, and souvenirs. Visitors can enjoy exploring the market, sampling traditional Korean street food, and shopping for unique souvenirs.
Naver Map Seogwipo Everyday Olle Market 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 서귀동 340
Other
Here are some spots that I wish I could visit, but couldn't due to limited time.
Climb Mount Hallasan
Mount Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea and a popular hiking destination. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the island and the surrounding ocean while trekking up the mountain.
Explore Seongsan Ilchulbong
Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can climb up to the crater and enjoy stunning views of the sunrise and the surrounding landscape.
Visit Manjanggul Cave
Manjanggul Cave is one of the largest lava tubes in the world and a popular tourist attraction in Jeju Island. Visitors can explore the cave and learn about the island's volcanic history.
Arte Museum
The museum showcases a wide range of modern and contemporary art from Korea and around the world.One of the highlights of the museum is its unique architecture. The building is designed to resemble a cube, with a large glass wall that offers views of the surrounding landscape. The interior of the museum features white walls and concrete floors, creating a modern and minimalist atmosphere that enhances the art on display.