Jeju gets marketed as South Korea's beach getaway. That's technically true but massively underselling it. This is a volcanic island with a triple UNESCO designation (World Heritage, Global Geopark, Biosphere Reserve), a matriarchal diving tradition, the country's highest peak, and food that mainland Korea treats with reverence.
Here's what to actually do.
Hallasan is a shield volcano that rises to 1,950m — the highest point in South Korea. The crater lake at the summit (Baengnokdam) is the payoff: a jade-green lake filling the caldera, visible only from the rim.
The Seongpanak trail is the most popular: 9.6 km one-way, 4-5 hours up. Free entry, but summit access closes at 12:30PM — you must pass the checkpoint by then or get turned back. Register at the trailhead. In peak season, arrive by 5AM for guaranteed entry.
Crampons are mandatory November-March (rent at trailhead for ~5,000 KRW). Weather changes fast — sunshine to zero-visibility fog in minutes. Bring layers, rain gear, and 3L of water.
Pro tip: The Gwaneumsa trail (8.7 km) is steeper but less crowded and has better forest scenery on the lower sections.
Jeju's haenyeo (sea women) are UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. They free-dive to 10m+ without oxygen, harvesting abalone, sea urchin, and octopus — a tradition that's centuries old. The average haenyeo is now over 70. This is a living tradition that will end within a generation.
Catch demonstrations at Seongsan Ilchulbong (1:30PM and 3PM daily). Buy their fresh catches at the seaside markets — sea urchin from 10,000 KRW, live abalone from 15,000 KRW.
The Haenyeo Museum in Hado-ri (3,000 KRW) provides excellent context — tools, wetsuits, oral histories, and the social significance of a matriarchal economic system.
This volcanic tuff cone — formed 5,000 years ago by an underwater eruption — rises dramatically from the sea. The 20-minute hike to the rim reveals a bowl-shaped crater with green grass at the bottom. Entry: 5,000 KRW. Open from sunrise.
Get there 30 minutes before sunrise for the best light. The east-facing rim catches the first golden rays while mist pools in the crater below. By mid-morning, it's busy with tour groups.
One of the world's longest lava tubes at 7.4 km, with 1 km open to visitors. A UNESCO World Heritage component with dramatic lava formations including the world's largest known lava stalagmite (7.6m tall).
Entry: 4,000 KRW. Open 9AM-6PM (closed first Wednesday monthly). The temperature inside is a constant 11-21°C — bring a light jacket. The scale of the tube is impressive — ceiling heights up to 23m. Allow 1 hour for the walk.
Heukdwaeji (Jeju black pork) comes from a native pig breed that produces noticeably sweeter, more tender meat than mainland pork. Black Pork Street in Jeju City's Tapdong area has 20+ restaurants specializing in it.
A set for two runs 35,000-50,000 KRW. You grill it yourself at the table over charcoal, wrap slices in perilla leaves with garlic, green chili, and ssamjang paste. It's ritualistic and delicious.
Skip: the restaurants with English menus outside (tourist-oriented, marked up). Choose: the ones packed with Korean families (better quality, fair prices).
Jeju's 26 Olle walking trails total 437 km around the coast. Each route is 11-23 km and takes 5-8 hours. The best sections:
All trails are free, well-marked with orange arrows and blue ribbons. Download the Jeju Olle app for GPS navigation.
Jeju produces 99% of Korea's tangerines. From October to January, orchards open for picking experiences: ~10,000 KRW for a basket you fill. The hallabong variety (bumpy-topped, extra sweet) is the star.
Tangerine chocolate, juice, and cosmetics are Jeju's most popular souvenirs. The Tangerine Garden Museum in Seogwipo has free tastings.
Jeongbang Waterfall drops 23 meters directly into the ocean — one of the only such waterfalls in Asia. Entry: 2,000 KRW.
Cheonjeyeon Falls is a three-tier cascade through forest. Entry: 2,500 KRW. The Seonimgyo Bridge above has carved stone figures and dramatic views.
Cheonjiyeon Falls (similar name, different falls) near Seogwipo drops 22m into a deep pool. Beautiful night illumination.
A small island off Jeju's east coast, reached by a 15-minute ferry from Seongsan (5,500 KRW round trip). Rent a bike or electric scooter and circle the island in 2-3 hours.
Udo is famous for: peanut ice cream (ground peanut on peanut ice cream, ~4,000 KRW), coral beaches, and lighthouse views. Less developed than the main island — the pace is slower and the crowds are lighter.
These basalt stone statues with bulging eyes and hands clasped on their bellies are Jeju's cultural guardians — found at every village entrance and tourist site. They're carved from volcanic rock and date back to the 18th century.
Touching the nose is said to bring fertility (this has become a thing for Korean newlyweds visiting Jeju). The original statues are protected cultural properties, but replicas are everywhere — and they make great photos. For more, check out our seasonal guide to Jeju Island.
Jeju isn't a beach resort destination. It's a volcanic outdoor museum with some of the most unique food and cultural traditions in East Asia. The beaches are a bonus, not the point. If you're exploring the region, Busan offers a compelling comparison. For a different perspective, consider Tokyo as well.
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