Things to do in Jeju, South Korea

Visit Jeju’s quirky museums

Jeju has a wealth of both, serious and seemingly cheesy museums, which are sure to entertain you! From Trick Art Museum (reviewed by Kiss My Kimchi) to Sex & Health Museum, World Eros Museum and a Psyche (aka Butterfly) Museum. Jeju aims to keep its tourists and honeymooners, entertained, informed and well-oiled for humor.

Being a fan of the Korean drama, Gung (aka The Palace), the Teddy Bear Museum was my first stop. Visiting the Haeneyo Museum to learn more about Jeju’s female divers, the historical protectresses of the island, was inspiring and worthwhile!

Advice: Have the tourist information desk at the airport map it out for you or tell you which buses to take to get there.

Experience Jeju Island’s “Natural” Wonders

Despite its chic resorts and theme parks, Jeju is probably the only place in Korea whose “natural” beauty is not a result of heavy cosmetic surgery. Outside the main tourist cities, Jeju life feels down-to-earth, rural and pretty au naturale. Break out those hiking backpacks, sunscreen, walking shoes and cameras.

Jusangjeolli Cliffs

Address : 2663, Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Mount Halla

Address : Jeju, Jeju-do, South Korea - 064-713-9950

Manjuggal Caves(lava tubes)

Address : 182, Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea +82 64-710-7903

Take a walk on the ‘Olle‘ side

Jeju has set up some twenty walking paths called Olle Trails (duration anywhere from 3-6 hours). The routes are marked by arrows, sculpture or colored tags and promises to lead you through the *most* drop-dead, picturesque mountain scenery, neighborhood backyards and breathtaking beachfront shores. Walking the Olle Trails are free of charge and coastal bus routes make regular stops at trail points.

Hop a ferry to Udo Island

Beautiful beaches, sweeping cliffs, woven back streets and rural country charm. It’s all worth a day trip.Udo Island is a tiny, romantic island with a Scottish/Irish feel, modest B&B pensions, a lighthouse and it’s navigable by scooter, ATV, bus and car.

Advice: Take the bus or better, rent a scooter! Getting there: Take the bus out to Seongsangri- Harbor (past the Sunrise Peak stop) and take the ferry over to Udo. You may need to present your passport.

Visit Jeju’s famous K-drama film locations

If you’re a K-drama fan, Jeju Island is littered with prominent film location spots and they aren’t hard to find. Book a Hallyu tour or make it a point to visit some along the way; they aren’t hard to find! Korea is often proud of their film locations and many sights are often highlighted on the tourist maps given out at the airport tourist information desk. But be on your toes, some sites aren’t listed, and you may stumbled upon them by accident.

Do more than bus it or drive it

In Jeju there’s a range of alternate transportation options at your disposal! Buses on Jeju are convenient, cheap and efficient modes of transportation. They will get you everywhere and if not, taxis can pick up the slack. However, from ferries, horseback riding, scooters, ATVs, bikes, etc… Jeju is a mixed bag of tourist treats, so don’t get stuck just trying one flavor!

Advice: If you plan on renting a scooter or car, you must bring your driver’s license, passport and your international driver’s permit.

Spend a night (or visit) Jungmun’s resort hotels and beaches.

Jungmun’s beaches are nice, but that’s not the spectacle of worship you’ll want to see; it’s the top resort hotels! They’re not only fancy-schmancy, they’re mega-glam!

Who lets you rent camping tents so you can BBQ on their resort grounds? The Shilla Jeju does. Yowzers! Who’d craft an enormous ice-skating rink and giant windmill in their backyard? Just say, Lotte! Mega yow! But it doesn’t end there. From jacuzzis, heat lamps near pools, hiking trails and casinos, check out Jungmun’s resort hotels and you’ll find more things to make you groan with envy. What does it cost for a room at one of these opulent babies? Well, normally, it’s prices that might want to make you weep.

Area if you’re interested in shelling. The Hyatt was really nice. It’s actually one of the locations where they filmed the popular Korean drama, Boys Over Flowers and the balcony of our room opened right to the wedding chapel.

Jungmun’s beaches - Saekdal-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Jungmun’s resort hotels - Saekdal-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea