Things to do in Jeju
Known as the island of relaxation, Jeju is a place where many Koreans and discerning tourists go to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is 3 times the size of Seoul, and there are many hidden gems to explore throughout the island. Here are 11 things to do in Jeju, from exploring street markets to cafe-hopping.
Visit theme parks
1. Jeju Glass Castle
Image credit: @yuri_gomtange
Jeju Glass Castle is a theme park that boasts over 200 pieces of glass artwork, and it is adored by both adults and children alike for its unique concept.
The theme park is also a popular location for honeymoon photoshoots as the glass artworks are especially colourful and eye-catching.
Image credit: @yuri_gomtange
A highlight of the theme park is the iconic dome-shaped glass bell made with other smaller glass bells, which make light twinkling sounds when the wind blows.
There is also a designated spot where you can write your wishes and hang them on the glass bells.
Image credit: @yuri_gomtange
There is also a “tangerine tree” in the park made entirely from numerous tiny pieces of glass.
Image credit: @yuri_gomtange
Another highlight of the theme park is the exhibit with miniature glass houses that light up in the dark.
Image credit: @yuri_gomtange
At Jeju Glass Castle, you can also take pictures with their mascot, a cuddly looking bear that isn’t so cuddly IRL, as it is also made of glass.
Entry to the theme park is KRW11,000 (~USD8.82) for adults, KRW9,000 (~USD7.22) for youths aged 13-18, and KRW8,000 (~USD6.42) for children aged 3-12.
Address: 462 Nokchabunjae-ro, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju
Opening hours: 9am-7pm, Daily
Contact: 064-772-7777| Website
2. Jeju Mini Land
Image credit: @jiyeonjojeju
Jeju Mini Land is a spacious park which features miniature versions of famous attractions all around the world, and it is a great place to educate and entertain children.
Image credit: @do_nayoon_luv
Image credit: @ddung2_trip
The iconic Tower Bridge in London – often mistaken for London Bridge – is also replicated here, and it truly resembles the real thing as it is even built over a small pond.
Image credit: @jeju_jyp
The sculptures in Jeju Mini Land are made with great attention to detail, as there are even tiny humans within the sculptures.
For adults, tickets cost KRW9,000 (~USD7.22) each. For teenagers, and children, tickets cost KRW7,000 (~USD5.61) each and KRW5,000 (~USD4.01) each respectively.
Address: 606 Bijarim-ro, Jochon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 064-782-7720
Go cafe-hopping
3. Low High cafe
Image credit: @iam_h.jung
Low High is a quaint cafe located in Aewol, and it is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon.
Image credit: @iam_h.jung
The main element, concrete, is accented with wood furnishings for a minimalist yet cosy feel. The interior is also decorated with pebblesto add to the earthy feel.
Image credit: @oh_hyo.o
Low High is famous for their Canelés (french pastry flavoured with rum and vanilla), and you can get these for KRW3,500 (~USD2.81) each.
Pair it with a Classic Latte (KRW5,500, ~USD4.41) or their Grapefruit Tea (KRW6,000, ~USD4.81) if you aren’t a fan of coffee.
Image credit: @syommy
There is a special seat in the cafe with a picturesque view of a hallabong (Jeju’s representative fruit) tree, where you can take aesthetic pictures and bask in the sun-kissed beauty of Jeju.
Address: 1039-1, Gonae-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju
Opening hours: 11am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 070-7869-0105 | Instagram
4. Noeully cafe
Image credit: @noeully
With a breathtaking view of the sea, Noeully cafe is a spot that is too pretty to miss out on.
It spans over 3 floors, and is reminiscent of a greenhouse with its tall windows and indoor plants.
Image credit: @noeully
Head to the outdoor terrace to get an unobstructed view of the sea and take in the sea breeze.
There are also beanbags for you to rest on for a comfortable viewing experience.
Image credit: @noeully
The view of the sunset is especially breathtaking at Noeully, we recommend that you drop by the cafe during the evening.
Image credit: @noeully
Noeully’s signature drink is their Fruit Ade (KRW9,000, ~USD7.22) and you can get them in various flavours, from hallabong to grapefruit.
Address: 656, Aewolhaean-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju
Opening hours: 9am-9pm, Daily
Contact: 064-741-5050 | Website
5. Mongle
Image credit: @sunny__jeje
Mongle is a cute cafe by the seaside, and it is famous for its adorable logo that resembles a little blue cloud.
Image credit: @bom_825
This cafe is a popular spot amongst tourists for its strategic location, and adorable branding.
Image credit: @noonnip
If you visit Mongle, you can’t leave without getting their handmade cookie sandwiches. They are filled with different flavours such as peanut butter and matcha.
You can get them in a box for KRW18,000 (~USD14.44), and they’ll be perfect as a Jeju souvenir.
Image credit: @sunny__jeje
Address: 400 Haemajihaean-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju
Opening hours: 9am-6.30pm, Daily
Contact: 010-6368-7676 | Instagram
Experience Jeju’s nature
6. Cheonjiyeon waterfall
Image credit: @dongguel._.dongguel
Cheonjiyeon waterfall is one of the main tourist attractions in Jeju, and its name literally means sky (cheon) connected with land (ji).
The clear waters and large volcanic rocks add to the natural beauty of the falls, and it is no wonder why Jeju is known as a natural wonder of the world.
Image credit: @dahyeonlee
Cheonjiyeon waterfall is most popular at night, as the falls are illuminated.
Image credit: @boundforbusan
In order to reach the waterfall, you will have to walk through a landscaped trail where you’ll see many stone statues called Dol Hareubangs, which are considered to be guardians that ward off demons and evil spirits.
Image credit: @leejimin_____
Address: Cheonji-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju
7. Yeomiji Botanical Gardens
Image credit: @boram_marincity
Yeomiji Botanical Garden is an attraction that is most popular in spring, as it is the season when beds of flowers bloom, and when the weather is cool and comfortable.
Image credit: @yuree.travel
Nature enthusiasts will look forward to the indoor garden, as you will be able to find over 2,000 types of rare tropical plants here.
The indoor garden is also a hotspot for phototaking, as there is an area with rows of colourful umbrellas that hang from the ceiling.
Image credit: @yuree.travel
The outdoor garden teleports you into various countries with its themed areas, such as the Jeju Native Garden, as well as Korean, Japanese, Italian and French folk gardens.
Image credit: @zzanggooni
Tickets to the botanical garden cost KRW9,000 (~USD7.22) per adult, KRW6,000 (~USD4.81) per youth, and KRW5,000 (~USD4.01) per child.
Address: 93 Jungmungwangwang-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 064-735-1100 | Website
8. Manjanggul Cave
Image credit: @___seastar
Manjanggul Cave is the 12th longest lava tunnel in the world, and it was formed hundreds of thousands of years ago after a volcanic eruption.
Part of the site has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it is a must-visit if you are in Jeju.
Image credit: wathanachai.jw941738
The interior of the tunnel is cool and it maintains a temperature of 11-21°C, making it a great place to beat the heat during the summer.
Image credit: @li__am.0_0
Manjanggul cave has a variety of interesting structures made of cooled lava, and they are illuminated by coloured lights.
Image credit: @eddy.kinn
There are 3 entrances to the Manjanggul lava tube, but visitors can only use the second entrance.
Image credit: @banisoni19
Tickets cost KRW2,000 (~USD1.60) per person for adults and KRW1,000 (~USD0.80) per youth.
Admission is free for children, seniors over 65 years old and people with disabilities and their caretakers.
Address: 182 Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju
Contact: 064-710-7903
Explore street markets
9. Dongmun market
Image credit: @suve__ly_
Dongmun market is Jeju Island’s largest and oldest permanent market, and it is a popular tourist location as there are many places where you can eat and shop to your heart’s content.
It is a street market, night market, traditional market, and seafood market all combined in one location, so you can kill many birds with one stone when you drop by.
Image credit: @jeju_lover0301
The market is divided into 4 main sections, namely, fresh seafood, fruits and snacks, souvenirs, and street food.
Image credit: @yeoli_95
You can slowly savour and try the variety of unique street food dishes as the night market is open all the way till 11pm.
If you come across some heuk dwaeji (Jeju black pork) sold by the street food stalls, be sure to give it a try as it’s the island’s speciality.
Image credit: @suve__ly_
Dongmun market is also well-known for their fresh seafood, so those who love raw fish and shrimps are in for a treat.
Address: 64-1 Gwandeong-ro, Ido 1(il)-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju
Opening hours: 8am-11pm, Daily
Contact: 064-752-8959
10. Jeju Minsok Five-Day Market
Image credit: @mingoon__
As its name suggests, Jeju Minsok Five-Day Market is a market that is only open once every 5 days, on the 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd, 27th days of every month. Many sellers who set up shop here also travel from market to market across the region to sell different products on days where Jeju Minsok Five-Day Market is closed.
Image credit: @mingoon__
It is one of Jeju’s largest traditional markets where you can find everything from locally grown produce such as hwanggeum hyang (a type of tangerine unique to Jeju Island) to plants and even fortune-tellers.
Image credit: @mingoon__
This market is unlike any other markets in Jeju, as it has a Halmang Jangteo (meaning grandma market) which is a designated area where women over the age of 65 can sell their products without paying any rent.
Image credit: @hi_hazel_5
Jeju is famous for their tangerines, and you can find a wide variety of them at the Jeju Minsok Five-Day Market.
Address: 1204-1 Doduil-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju
Opening hours: 7am-6pm (on days when the market is open)
Contact: 064-743-5985
11. Arboretum night market
Image adapted from: @ungmo
If you’re wondering what to do in Jeju at night, the Arboretum night market is a great option for you to explore.
There is a full row of food trucks where you can find a variety of delicious food such as burgers and kebabs.
Image credit: @ya_sijang
The night market is also a nice place to hang out as there are fairy lights hanging from the trees, so you won’t have to worry about stumbling in the dark.
Image credit: @ji_hyunju
After satisfying your stomach, head to the other carnival game stalls, where you can pop balloons to win prizes.
There are also stalls that are catered to children, where there are a variety of toys on sale.
Address: 1327 Yeon-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju
Opening hours: 6pm-10pm, Daily
Things to do in Jeju for a fulfilling trip
Also known as the Hawaii of South Korea, Jeju is full of hidden gems. From towering volcanoes to scenic beaches, there is always something to discover on the beautiful island. This list of attractions in Jeju will get you started if you’re looking to get the most out of the island.
Also check out:
- 7 things to do in Suwon
- 10 trendy neighbourhoods in Seoul
- 8 cherry blossom festivals in Korea
- 20 things to know before travelling to Korea
- 11 cherry blossom cafes in Korea with stunning views
Cover image adapted from: @yuree.travel, @jeju_lowhigh, @noeully, @jiyeonjojeju
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