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Day Trips from Jeju City

Day Trips from Jeju City

Jeju City Jeju-do, South Korea Travel Guide

Accessible Locations from Jeju City

From Jeju City, travel east for famous landmarks like Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak and Manjanggul Lava Tube, about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive. Western Jeju, with beaches and tea plantations, is 45 minutes to 1 hour away. Southern Jeju, home to Seogwipo City, takes 1 to 1.5 hours.

For island travel, car rental gives independence. Jeju's bus network links major sites. Organized tours cover specific regions, often with hotel pick-up.

Touring Options

  • Organized Tours: Structured itineraries, multiple sites, transportation, often a guide.
  • Organized Tours: Fixed schedules, less flexible.
  • Independent Travel (Car Rental): Maximum freedom, personal pace, explore remote areas.
  • Independent Travel: Own driving, navigation, parking considerations.

Natural Wonders

Jeju's volcanic land has stunning natural beauty, perfect for outdoor discovery.

Parks & Nature Reserves

Hallasan National Park offerits varied landscapes and hiking. Manjanggul Lava Tube, an UNESCO site, has impressive underground formations. Bijarim Forest, with historic nutmeg trees, provides tranquil walks.

Sites

  • Hallasan National Park: Lower trails, options for accessibility.
  • Manjanggul Lava Tube: World-class lava tunnel, geological formations.
  • Bijarim Forest: Serene ancient nutmeg forest paths.

Scenic Coastal Views

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, an UNESCO cone, offers dramatic vistas. Seopjikoji, a coastal area, features cliffs and a lighthouse. Udo Island, a short ferry away, boasts white sand beaches and lava cliffs.

Features

  • Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak: Volcanic cone, famous sunrise views.
  • Seopjikoji: Picturesque coast, dramatic cliffs, lighthouse.
  • Udo Island: Charming island, white beaches, unique products.

Beaches, Mountains & Rural Charm

Island Landscape

  • Hyeopjae Beach: White sand, clear waters, Biyangdo Island views.
  • Sanbangsan Mountain: Lava dome, Buddhist cave temple, great views.
  • Rural Roads: Tangerine groves, small farms, a glimpse into rural life.
  • Seasonal: Cherry blossoms in early April.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

  • Cherry Blossoms: Early April peak bloom, Jeju National University.
  • Canola Flower Fields: Spring blooms around Seopjikoji.
  • Hallasan Hikes: Enjoy moderate weather during spring and fall.
  • Waterfalls: Summer visits to Jeongbang and Cheonjiyeon.

Regional Travel Times

  • Eastern Jeju:1-1.5 Hours
  • Western Jeju:45 min - 1 Hour
  • Southern Jeju:1-1.5 Hours
  • Full-day Region Exploration:8-10 Hours
  • Jeju City to Udo Island:Short ferry ride
  • Jeju City to Seogwipo:1-1.5 Hours
  • Jeju to Seoul (flight):Frequent
  • Jeju to Busan (flight/ferry):Accessible

Planning Tip

Group nearby attractions in your daily plan to maximize your time on Jeju Island.

Cultural Discovery

Discover Jeju's heritage through traditional villages and historical locations.

Seongeup Folk Village

A well-preserved village demonstrating traditional Jeju culture, architecture, and lifestyle. Immersive historical insights await.

Rural Agricultural Areas

Explore the island's interior, discover tranquil tangerine groves and small farms. Witness Jeju's peaceful rural life.

Sanbangsan Mountain

A significant Buddhist site with a cave temple (Sanbanggulsa). A natural wonder and place of spiritual reflection.

Historical Sites

Seongeup Folk Village provides an immersive journey into Jeju's unique past. See traditional homes and local crafts.

Highlights

  • Traditional Homes: Authentic Jeju architecture.
  • Local Crafts: Witness and acquire traditional skills.
  • Cultural Performances: Engaging displays of Jeju heritage.

Pilgrimage Sites

Sanbangsan Mountain, beyond its scenic beauty, contains Sanbanggulsa, a Buddhist cave temple. A sacred destination.

Features

  • Cave Temple: Sanbanggulsa, a spiritual sanctuary.
  • Lava Dome: The mountain itself, a geological marvel.
  • Panoramic Views: Overlooking the the coast in the south.

Multi-Day Extension Ideas

Udo Island Overnight:Relaxed beaches, coastal charm.
Seogwipo City Stay:Southern coast, waterfalls, Jungmun Complex.
Seoul & Mainland Combo:Capital's history and modernity.
Busan Coastal City:Beaches, markets, cultural villages.
Gyeongju Historical Dive:Ancient Korean history, UNESCO sites.
Ferry Connections:Mokpo, Wando, Busan.

Seamless Connections

  • Jeju International Airport (CJU) links to Gimpo (GMP) or Incheon (ICN) for mainland travel.
  • Ferries also present scenic routes to various mainland cities.
  • A multi-city flight option allows for exploration of South Korea.
  • Connecting Jeju with Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju has a comprehensive overview of South Korea.
  • Explore Multi-Day Tours on GetYourGuide

Planning Longer Stays

Extended Itinerary Ideas

1

-3 Day Getaway

Combine Jeju City exploration with one major island region. Focus on East Jeju: Seongsan Ilchulbong, Manjanggul, and Udo Island.

2

One-Week Immersion

Cover all major island regions. Include Jeju City, North/East, South (Seogwipo), and West (Hyeopjae Beach). A Hallasan hike fits if time allows.

3

Two-Week Deep Dive

Follow the one-week plan, after that add specific Olle Trails, lesser-known Oreums, area hamlets, cooking classes, or an Udo Island overnight.

Multi-Day Activities

  • Udo Island Overnight: Experience island charm without the day-trip rush.
  • Seogwipo City Stay: Explore southern coast, waterfalls, Jungmun Complex.
  • Olle Trails: Dedicated days for specific routes.
  • Local Cuisine: Explore markets, farm visits, cooking classes.
  • Extended Beach Time: Relax and enjoy various coastal spots.
  • Lesser-Known Oreums: Discover unique volcanic cones.

Connecting to Mainland

  • Flights to Seoul (Gimpo/Incheon): Frequent domestic connections.
  • Flights to Busan: Direct domestic flights available.
  • Boats to Mokpo, Wando, Busan: Scenic travel options.
  • Seoul (4-5 days): Capital's history and modern attractions.
  • Busan (2-3 days): Coastal city, markets, cultural villages.
  • Gyeongju (historical capital): Ancient Korean history, UNESCO sites.

Long-Term Stay Specializations

Olle Trails Immersion

Systematically hike all Olle Trails for comprehensive island exploration.

Culinary Deep Dive

Explore local food culture through markets, cooking classes, and farm visits.

Jeju Heritage Journey

Explore Jeju's unique history, geology, and local communities.

Route Combination

Combining Jeju with Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju has a comprehensive overview of South Korea's offerings.
Day Trips from Jeju City. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours