Did you know that the busiest flight route in the world is in South Korea: between Seoul (Gimpo) and Jeju? Nicknamed the ‘Hawaii of Korea’, Jeju is South Korea’s most loved holiday destination. The volcanic island, located off the southernmost part of the country, boasts exotic scenery surrounded by palm trees and volcanic rock structures, and the UNESCO-listed lava caves and naturally occurring sea cliffs provide magnificent views everywhere you go. Due to its unique setting, the island has been featured in many films and music videos – and could be just the place for your next trip.
If you are looking to visit the island, check out my top tips for immersing yourself in the local culture below.
1. Rent a car for a scenic drive along the coast
While you can get around the island on public transport, the best way to enjoy Jeju’s scenic views is to rent a car. There’s less traffic than in Korea’s major cities, so it’s the perfect place to cruise along the famous driving routes. From the airport, you can drive west until you see the wind farm or drive east, where you’ll find a unique rock structure driveway along the sealine. If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins diving through the waves while you’re at the wheel.
Top tip: Bring your international driving licence before you travel!
Image source:Korean Tourism Office
2. Dedicate a day to hiking
Halla Mountain is the tallest mountain in South Korea, measuring 1.95 km above sea level. Due to its unique stature, you’ll find a range of plants and wildlife on its different levels. At the top of the mountain is the reward for your hard work: Baekrokdam crater. This is the point at which you bring out the snacks and warm yourself up with your packed lunch – usually noodles and Kimbap (Korean rice rolls). Some say this is the best place in the world to eat instant ramen! Just remember to always check the weather forecast, as this can affect your hiking schedule.
Top tip: Bring hot water with your instant ramen and kimbap!
3. Get up early to see the most beautiful sunrise
Koreans believe that the best time to make a wish is while watching the sunrise, especially from a place with mysterious, natural beauty. The UNESCO-listed Sungsan Ilchulbong is a naturally created volcanic peak stretching out into the ocean. It was named Sunrise Hill (Ilchulbong) due to its beautiful morning view across the sea and the local town.
It often appeared in the background of ‘Welcome to Samdal-ri’, a K-drama set on the island. The hike around it only takes an hour and is definitely worth setting your alarm for. Remember to keep your wish a secret!
Top tip: Check the sunrise time on your app and get to Sungsan Ilchulbong at least half an hour before sunrise.
Image source:Korean Tourism Office
4. Catch the waves on Jeju’s sandy beaches
Jeju is known for its clear and warm water, with an average yearly temperature of 17-18°C. Among many beautiful beaches around the island, Saekdal Beach is dubbed ‘the Mecca for surfers’ due to its huge and regular waves. The soft, sandy beach also offers a variety of watersports such as sea kayaking, parasailing and speed boating.
On the other side of the island, Hyeopjae beach was recently chosen as the most beautiful in South Korea, and gained even more fame for being visited by Jimin from BTS. The shallow, emerald water invites beginners to dip their toes and enjoy the view surrounded by a pine forest.
Top tip: Choose Saekdal for watersports and Hyeopjae to chill.
5. Set aside some zen time
Jeju has beautiful, rolling green tea fields, many of which offer a tea-tasting experience. Looking over the endless plains and sipping fragrant tea will bring you the inner peace you sought during your trip. But don’t worry if you are a coffee person. There’s a famous cafe street in Aewol where most of the cafes boast an ocean view towards Hyeopjae beach.
Top tip: Try out other green tea products including cakes, smoothies or organic make-up!
Image source:Korean Tourism Office
6. Stock up on late-night snacks from Dongmun market
Going for a late-night snack with some drinks is a classic Korean passtime. If you are on a trip with a group of friends, why not stock up on some food for an all-nighter? A few traditional markets in Jeju open late, such as the one in Dongmun. These covered markets are well lit and full of people, so will be interesting to browse, even if you don’t fancy any more food. A range of traditional and fusion dishes are on offer – choose as many as you can!
Top tip: Try the abalone kimbap, lobster skewer and Korean sashimi ‘hoe’ (pronounced ‘hweh’!)
7. Get fresh seafood from the Haenyo
Have you heard of Jeju’s Haenyo? These female free divers collect seafood from up to 15m deep in the water. The UNESCO-registered job hasn’t proved as popular among young people, meaning that the average age of a Haenyo is incredibly over 70!
The oldest living Haenyo is 98 and has 82 years of diving experience. You can try their fresh catch of the day around the island at a cheap price. If you are interested in their history, you can learn more from the Haenyo museum and even free dive alongside them with the Haenyo experience!
Top Tip: Watch a documentary about the Haenyo before you go.
8. Fill your belly with Jeju specialties
It’s not just the Haenyo’s fresh seafood that you need to try; Jeju has a range of specialities to discover. The island’s black pork is renowned across Korea and has been awarded special status due to its unique history and quality. It is famous for its delicious five-layered pork belly. You will find a number of black pork BBQ and pork bone noodle restaurants around the island. Other delicacies to try are the Hallabong tangerine, green tea and tilefish. This is some of the best Korean food you’ll try!
Top Tip: Watching the staff remove the whole tilefish bones in a single act is a performance in itself.
9. Enjoy a range of views on the Olle trail
The ‘Olle trail’, inspired by the Camino de Santiago in Spain, will take you around the island’s perimeter. Each route includes different geographical features such as volcanic hills flat fields of rapeseed, and rocky beaches. The first route, which connects Oreums (meaning hills in the Jeju dialect) and the seaside, is recommended for beginners. Route seven, known as the most beautiful, requires a higher skill level for climbing over rocky roads and peaks. To complete the whole 26 trails, it takes about a month!
Top Tip: Get a stamp at the end of each trail for a souvenir!
Image source:Korean Tourism Office
10. Ride freely through cedar tree forests on horseback
As a famous Korean saying goes: ‘a person is to be sent to Seoul when they are born, and a horse is to be sent to Jeju’. Having been the historic home to royal stables, Jeju is known for having horses of the highest breed.
You can saddle up and try out horseback riding in the famous cedar forests in the centre of the island – an activity seen as the best way to feed the soul and replenish your batteries.
Top Tip: Jeju horses are a unique breed of small horses native to the island, so shouldn’t be too daunting for a beginner.
Want to experience South Korea in style?
If you’re craving a little bit of that South Korean life with fresh flavours, bustling cities, and traditional sites, travel there with Contiki! Our South Korean Soul trip is full of amazing experiences, like the above, and so much more.
