It was my first time traveling to Jeju Island on my own. To be honest, I spent nearly two months preparing for it. Just reading all the travel guides was enough to make my head spin—some people said renting a car was the most convenient option, while others argued that taking the bus would be sufficient; some insisted it was essential to see the sunrise, while others thought it wasn’t worth getting up early at all. In the end, I simply decided to abandon the concept of a “perfect itinerary” and follow my own pace, and that turned out to be much more enjoyable than following any guidebook.
This article is essentially my own version of the journey I took. Over a period of five days and four nights, I started from the downtown area of Jeju Island, headed east to Seongsan Sunrise Peak, then circled west to Yaeul Coffee Street, made a stop at Udong Island along the way, and finally even visited a Dermatology clinic. If you also plan to visit Jeju Island, I hope this itinerary can help you save some time and effort by avoiding unnecessary detours.
Several things you need to know before setting off
How many days are actually suitable for visiting Jeju Island?
To be honest, a three-day or two-night visit is more like a superficial tour. If you really want to experience the rhythm of Jeju Island, it is recommended to stay for at least five days and four nights. Jeju Island is quite large; driving from one end to the other takes about an hour and a half. If your schedule is too tight and you only have time to quickly take pictures of each attraction before moving on, you will miss out on a lot of the leisure and relaxation that this place has to offer.
This time, I spent five days and four nights, covering approximately 80% to 90% of the places I wanted to visit. In fact, there was an entire afternoon during which I had no scheduled activities at all; I just sat by the sea at Yueting Beach and watched the waves. Speaking of which, that afternoon turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of my entire trip.
How can I arrange my transportation in the most hassle-free way?
I spent a long time thinking about whether to rent a car or take the bus. In the end, I came to the conclusion that if you have a driver’s license, are not prone to motion sickness, and are traveling with at least two people, renting a car is definitely more cost-effective than taking the bus. The bus service on Jeju Island is not very frequent, and some tourist attractions are quite far away on foot. If you rely solely on the bus, you could easily spend half a day waiting for it.
I chose to pick up the car near the airport, and the fuel cost is additional. After calculating over five days, it costs approximately over a thousand Taiwanese dollars per person, which is much cheaper than taking a taxi. The road signs on the island are clear, and with the help of navigation, it’s basically impossible to get lost, so beginners don’t need to worry too much.
If you don’t want to drive, you can purchase an M-Pass transportation card near Jeju Airport. With this card, you can take buses unlimited times, and it can also be a viable option when combined with taxis.
Which area is better for accommodation?
The three main tourist accommodation areas on Jeju Island are Jeju City, the Chinese Tourism Area, and Seogwipo City.
I recommend that most people stay in the urban area of Jeju City – it’s conveniently located near the airport, night markets, and the Dongmun Market, making it easy to travel there in the morning and return in the evening. The Chinese-speaking tourist areas are ideal for those looking for high-end vacation experiences, but the transportation there can be a bit inconvenient. Seogwipo is a great choice for those who want to visit all the southern attractions, but if your itinerary mainly focuses on the eastern part of the island (such as Seongsan and Udo), staying in the urban area of Jeju City will actually be more convenient.
Recommended itineraries for five days and four nights
Day 1: Arrival + First experience in Jeju City
On the first day, you may experience jet lag, so don’t schedule too many activities. After arriving at the airport, go through the car rental procedures and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, take a stroll around the city.
The Dongmun Market is my top recommendation for your first stop. This is a local market for Jeju residents, not a tourist-oriented fake market. You can find Hana Peak oranges, grilled black pork, and freshly made orange glutinous rice cakes here. I had a dinner that cost less than 20,000 South Korean won here, and it was so fresh that I couldn’t describe it in words.
Longtu Rock is not far from the city center and can be reached on foot. It looks especially beautiful at sunset. Its shape really resembles a dragon’s head emerging from the sea, and it’s easy to find a good angle for photos.
Day 2: Eastern natural scenery – Seongsan Sunrise Peak + Oudo Island
This is the day with the most physical exertion, so it’s recommended to set off early.
Seongsan Sunrise Peak is a World Natural Heritage site and also Jeju Island’s most iconic landmark. I arrived there at 6:30 in the morning, and there weren’t too many people. It took about 20 minutes to climb up. The view from the crater is truly breathtaking, especially when the sea and sky merge into one. But to be honest, if you don’t particularly care about watching the sunrise itself, it’s just as beautiful during the day. Going early to catch the sunrise is purely a personal choice and isn’t mandatory.
After coming down from Seongsan, take a ferry to Oudo Island. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes. Oudo Island is small, and renting an electric bike will allow you to explore the entire island in about two to three hours. There’s a famous “Haenyeo Culture Exhibition Hall” on the island, as well as all-white beaches and emerald-colored seawater – one of the most visually stunning places during your trip. I recommend trying the island’s unique “peanut ice cream”; it has a special texture and isn’t too sweet.
Day 3: Hanna Mountain or a relaxing day in the central area
There are two options for this day – it depends on how you feel.
If you’re in good shape and the weather is nice, hiking to Hanna Mountain is definitely worth it. The Cheongban-ryeong Trail takes about five to six hours round-trip. With an altitude of 1,950 meters, it’s South Korea’s highest peak, and the view from the summit is absolutely worth the effort, especially on a clear day. Note that you’re not allowed to enter the downhill section after dark in the afternoon, so plan your time carefully.
If you prefer to relax, you can take a leisurely route through the central area: Hanlin Park (lava cave scenery) + Eoryu-eup Coffee Street. Eoryu-eup has become one of Jeju’s hottest coffee spots in recent years. There are several independent cafes along the coast, offering American coffee with sea views – it’s a great way to spend the afternoon.
Day 4: Western coastline + central cultural and tourism area
On the fourth day, I headed in the southwest direction.
Columnar joint zones are groups of hexagonal basalt columns formed after a volcanic eruption cooled down. They are neatly arranged, creating a very visually striking effect. The nearby Chinese-style beach is also beautiful; you can swim there if you visit in summer.
Nearby, there’s also Cheonjiwon Waterfall. The drop isn’t very high, but the flow is abundant. Standing at the bottom of the waterfall, you’ll feel surrounded by nature. The entire scenic area is small, so about an hour should be enough to explore it.
In the evening, I found a seafood restaurant in Seogwipo City where I enjoyed abalone porridge and a mixed plate of sashimi – it was the most filling meal of my entire trip.
Day 5: Summary + shopping + return trip
On the last day, the flight usually departs in the afternoon or evening. In the morning, you can do the following:
- Buy souvenirs at the Dongmun Market (oranges, chocolate, black pork paste, Hana Peak fruit jam).
- Shop at Lotte/Shinro Duty Free Stores (if you qualify for tax exemptions).
- Or, make an appointment at a Dermatology clinic for a skincare treatment (I’ll talk about this later).
It’s recommended to confirm the car return process at the airport in advance. The parking lots at Jeju Airport can sometimes be crowded, so it’s safer to allow at least an hour for the return process.
Guide to avoiding mistakes when eating in Jeju Island
Black pork is a must-try, but choosing the right place is important
Jeju black pork (제주흑돼지) is mentioned in almost every travel guide, and it’s indeed worth trying. However, not all places that claim to serve black pork actually use genuine ingredients. I recommend going to places where there are long queues of local customers, or directly visiting the barbecue street near the Dongmun Market. The prices there are cheaper than in tourist areas, and the pork is of higher quality.
Donsadon is a frequently recommended chain brand. The ingredients are consistent, and they also offer a Chinese menu, making it suitable for first-time visitors.
Where to eat seafood?
I recommend Myeongjin Jeonbok near Seogwipo for abalone rice. It’s a local establishment, and you’ll need to queue if you arrive late.
Haenyeo cuisine is a unique part of Jeju’s food culture. Fresh abalones, abalones, and kelp are served immediately. Haenyeo House is one of the best places to try this cuisine; they also have an English menu and are friendly towards tourists.
Recommended cafes
Eoryu-eup Coffee Street is a must-visit, but it gets very crowded on weekends. Here are some particularly interesting cafes:
- Aewol Bakery Cafe: A popular cafe with sea views and bread – a must-visit spot for photos.
- Gyulkkot Darak: An orange-themed cafe with cute decor, perfect for posting on social media.
- Teseum (Teddy Bear Museum Cafe): A coffee space with a unique decoration style.
Getting medical beauty treatments while traveling? Sharing my experience
Why choose to get skincare treatments in Jeju Island?
Actually, this wasn’t originally part of my plan. On the third day of my trip, while looking at myself in the mirror at the hotel, I noticed that my skin looked a bit dull due to the sun and the stress of the journey. So, I decided to look up nearby Dermatology clinics on the spot.
Although Jeju Island is smaller than Seoul, there are still plenty of Dermatology clinics available, and many of them provide Chinese-language services for tourists. I finally chose NEWLINE Dermatology mainly because their prices were transparent, the reservation process was simple, and there was no pressure to buy unnecessary products.
Reservation process and actual experience
I made my reservation through the BeautsGO platform, which lists several Dermatology clinics in Jeju Island. You can directly compare the services and prices without having to search each clinic’s website individually. After filling out the form, a Chinese translator from the clinic quickly contacted me to confirm the appointment time. When I went to the clinic that day, I just needed to mention my name, and there were no language barriers.
I had a basic hyaluronic acid injection treatment, along with a skin examination. The whole process took a little over an hour. It was similar to getting treatment at a Dermatology clinic in Seoul – the doctor would explain the recommended treatments based on my skin condition and wouldn’t try to push unnecessary products on me. After the treatment, my skin looked much more radiant. Since I applied some moisturizer before going out in the sun, the photos turned out much better.
What are the options for medical aesthetics treatments on Jeju Island?
According to the information I have gathered, here are several Dermatology clinics on Jeju Island that are particularly friendly towards tourists:
- Newline Dermatology: Located in the Liandong shopping area, close to duty-free shops, with transparent pricing – perfect for first-time users with limited budgets.
- 4ever Jeju Dermatology: A chain brand with stable physician qualifications and Chinese-speaking consultation services, ideal for those in need of advanced treatments such as Thermage or HIFU.
- Toxnfill Dermatology: Filler injections and titanium needle Lifting procedures have an excellent reputation. The director of the clinic has 20 years of clinical experience and is suitable for individuals with specific injection requirements.
- PPEUM Dermatology: A chain brand with regular discount promotions, offering good value for money
If you are also interested in taking care of your skin while traveling, it is recommended that you make an appointment through the BeautsGO platform. This way, you can compare the services and prices offered by different clinics, and the platform also provides Chinese translations to help you avoid any communication issues.
A compendium of practical information for traveling to Jeju Island
Reference budget for expenses (5 days and 4 nights, for 2 people)
| Project | Estimated cost per person (in Korean won) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip ticket (departing from Seoul) | 40,000–80,000 |
| Accommodation (4 nights, mid-range) | 200,000 – 400,000 |
| Car rental (5 days, shared by 2 people) | 80,000–120,000 |
| Cuisine | 150,000 – 250,000 |
| Tickets and miscellaneous fees | 50,000–100,000 |
| Approximately in total | 520,000 – 950,000 |
The above figures are for reference only; actual costs may vary depending on exchange rates and consumer habits.
The best season for tourism
Spring (from March to May) is the most recommended peak season. The azaleas on Mount Hanna and the rapeseed fields at Sunrise Peak in Seongsan are the most representative attractions of Jeju Island, and the temperature during this period is also very pleasant.
Autumn (September to November) is also an ideal time. With the foliage of maple trees adding charm to the scenery and fewer tourists than in summer, the overall experience is much more pleasant.
In summer, there are more people, and the typhoon season can sometimes have an impact. In winter, some outdoor attractions experience strong winds, but air tickets and accommodation are usually cheaper, making it suitable for budget-conscious travelers.
Several things that need attention
- During the peak season, there are a huge number of people at Chengshan Sunrise Peak. If you don’t want to wait for the sunrise, it is recommended to go before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., as the waiting time will be much shorter in these periods.
- During the peak season in Niudao (June to August), it may be necessary to book ferry tickets in advance, and electric vehicle rentals also tend to sell out quickly.
- The weather in Hanna Mountain changes rapidly, so it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket even if you set off on a sunny day.
- In some areas of Jeju Island, mobile signal coverage is unstable (especially in mountainous regions); it is recommended to download offline maps.
- When renting a car, make sure to check whether the insurance covers scratches and tire damage; parking fees are additional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it necessary to rent a car when traveling independently on Jeju Island?
It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended. If you don’t have a driver’s license or don’t want to drive, you can purchase the M-Pass bus card. Most of the main attractions are accessible by bus, although the intervals between buses are relatively long, and the waiting time at each attraction may range from 30 to 60 minutes. If you don’t have a tight schedule, taking the bus is also a viable option.
Q: Are language issues a serious problem on Jeju Island?
Most major attractions and restaurants are marked in both Chinese and English, and airports and duty-free shops offer Chinese-language services. In more remote areas, communication may present some difficulties due to language barriers, but using translation apps can help overcome these issues. When making appointments for Dermatology treatments or specific services, it is recommended to use platforms like BeautsGO, which provide Chinese translations, to avoid many communication challenges.
Q: What are some must-buy souvenirs for when traveling to Jeju Island?
Products related to Hana Peak oranges, such as orange chocolate, orange mochi, and orange sauce, are the most representative, and they can be found at the cheapest prices in Dongmen Market. Additionally, canned black pork, Jeju seaweed, and Hana Mountain basalt salt are also very popular.
Q: Compared with medical beauty treatments in Seoul and Jeju Island, is it really worth undergoing such treatments here?
If you originally plan to undergo cosmetic procedures in Seoul, then the options on Jeju Island are relatively limited, and the convenience offered is not as high as that in Seoul. However, if you simply want to take some basic skincare treatments (such as hyaluronic acid injections, skin rejuvenation, or cleansing) during your trip, there are several reputable Dermatology clinics on Jeju Island that can meet your needs at reasonable costs. It is recommended to book through BeautsGO to avoid any potential communication barriers due to language differences.
Q: If it is my first independent trip to South Korea, is it suitable to make Jeju Island my first stop?
Perfect! Jeju Island has a much slower pace than Seoul, is full of local warmth, and attracts many foreign tourists. Whether it’s transportation, dining, or attractions, there is a certain level of support in foreign languages. As a great starting point for independent travel in South Korea, it is much easier to get started here than in Seoul.
📌 BeautsGO Booking Reminder: If you need skin care or cosmetic treatments during your trip to Jeju Island, you can use the BeautsGO platform to search for local clinics in Jeju Island that offer Chinese-language services. The entire booking process is conducted in Chinese, allowing you to balance your travel plans with your cosmetic treatment needs without any inconvenience.
Disclaimer: The information regarding tourist attractions, transportation costs, and medical beauty institutions mentioned in this article is for reference only; the actual conditions should be based on the latest local information. The effectiveness of medical beauty treatments varies depending on individual physical constitutions, and it is recommended to undergo such treatments after being assessed by a professional physician.
