🌋 Jeju Island Highlights: Nature, Cafes, and Beaches

From Korea
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🌋 Jeju Island Highlights: Nature, Cafés & Beaches
Jeju is Korea’s beloved getaway—dramatic volcanoes, turquoise coves, and cozy cafés all on one island. Use this first-timer guide to pick must-see spots, plan transport, and learn a few trip-saving phrases.
📌 What You'll Discover
1) Quick Trip Snapshot
Best time
Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct (mild, clear views)
Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct (mild, clear views)
Where to stay
Jeju City (North, transit) · Aewol (cafés) · Seogwipo (South, nature)
Jeju City (North, transit) · Aewol (cafés) · Seogwipo (South, nature)
Must-pack
Windbreaker, sunblock, comfy hikers
Windbreaker, sunblock, comfy hikers
Apps
Kakao/Naver Map, Kakao T (taxi), local bus app
Kakao/Naver Map, Kakao T (taxi), local bus app
2) Natural Wonders You Can’t Miss
Jeju’s UNESCO-listed geology makes every hike a postcard.
- Hallasan — Korea’s highest peak; several trails from half-day to full-day. Reserve early for popular routes.
- Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) — Tuff cone with famed sunrise. Go early to beat crowds.
- Manjanggul Lava Tube — Other-worldly lava cave; cool temps year-round (bring a light jacket).
- Jusangjeolli Cliff — Striking hexagonal basalt pillars carved by ancient lava meeting waves.
3) Ocean-View Cafés
Jeju cafés are an experience—sea breeze, architecture, and desserts.
- Bomnal Café (한림읍 한림로 329) — Colorful seaside terrace seen in K-dramas.
- Sanida Café — Elevated views and stone-inspired design; great at sunset.
- Aewol seafront cafés — A strip of photogenic spots (incl. the well-known “Monsant”). Check current hours.
4) Best Beaches to Relax
- Hyeopjae — Powdery white sand, emerald water; family-friendly.
- Hamdeok — Calm shallows for kayaking/snorkeling; cafés steps away.
- Jungmun Saekdal — Stronger waves for surfers and a dramatic coastline.
5) Getting Around Jeju
Car rental (recommended): Most flexible for beaches and hikes. Bring your passport, credit card, and a valid local license/IDP if required.
Public buses: Reliable on main routes; tap with a T-money or compatible transit card. Use Kakao/Naver Map to see real-time arrivals.
Taxis: Use Kakao T for easy pickups; note rural waits can be longer after sunset.
Public buses: Reliable on main routes; tap with a T-money or compatible transit card. Use Kakao/Naver Map to see real-time arrivals.
Taxis: Use Kakao T for easy pickups; note rural waits can be longer after sunset.
6) 2-Day Sample Plan
Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Seongsan Ilchulbong sunrise | Manjanggul Lava Tube → Hamdeok Beach | Aewol café hopping (sunset) |
2 | Hallasan hike (short course) | Jusangjeolli Cliff → Jungmun coast | Black-pork BBQ or seafood hot-pot |
Swap Hallasan for Hyeopjae if you prefer a relaxed, non-hiking day.
7) Handy Korean Phrases
Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
---|---|---|
제주 버스 타는 곳이 어디예요? | jeju beoseu taneun gosi eodieyo? | Where is the bus stop? |
주차장은 어디에 있어요? | juchajang-eun eodie isseoyo? | Where is the parking lot? |
오픈 시간/마감 시간이 어떻게 돼요? | opeun sigan/magam sigan-i eotteoke dwaeyo? | What are your opening/closing hours? |
카드 결제 돼요? | kadeu gyeoljje dwaeyo? | Do you take cards? |
8) Did you know?
Jeju has a distinct dialect and the world-famous haenyeo (female divers) who free-dive for seafood—many continue well into their senior years.
9) Learn Korean with Me
🌺 Want travel-ready Korean before your trip?
Book a class on italki — we’ll practice café ordering, directions, and Jeju-specific tips.
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Book a class on italki — we’ll practice café ordering, directions, and Jeju-specific tips.
Jeju travel Korea itinerary Seongsan Ilchulbong Hallasan Jeju cafés K-culture
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