Written on September 30, 2010 at 10:09 pm by Christine Ka'aloa

Top 8 Things to Do on Jeju Island

Filed under Jeju Island, Korea, Travel Tips (by Country) {6 comments}

map of Jeju island Map from Visit Korea.org

As the honeymoon capital for all of Korea, Jeju Island is often highly regarded as the “Korean Hawaii” by many Koreans. Being a Hawaii native, I’d say it’s definitely in the running realm of consideration. While it misses on the crucial vibe of Aloha, the spirit that Hawaiians take pride in, Jeju has several jaw-dropping natural wonders which should rank it higher in UNESCO World Heritage listings, than mother Korea. Tropical climate, beaches, inactive volcanoes, off-the-wall museums and theme parks and a leisurely island pace, a fun and refreshing bibimbap of Korean style!

Top 7 Things to Do in Jeju:

Jeju has three main tourist ports: Jeju City, Jungmun Resort area and Seogwipo. The airport limousine bus makes stops along that city route and regular buses around the island is efficient and regular. A giant adult amusement park, Jeju has activities galore as well as, some pretty fun and oddball attractions to fill your travel itinerary. Here are some of the things I did and would recommend:

1. Visit Jeju’s quirky museums

Jeju has a wealth of both, serious and seemingly cheesy museums, which are sure to entertain you! From a Trick Art Museum (reviewed by Kiss My Kimchi) to Sex & Health Museum, World Eros Museum and a Psyche (aka Butterfly) Museum,… Jeju aims to keep its tourists and honeymooners, entertained, informed and well-oiled for humor. Being a fan of the K-drama, Gung (The Palace), the Teddy Bear Museum (read my review) was my first stop ! Visiting the Haeneyo Museum (read about the haeneyo) to learn more about Jeju’s haeneyo ( aka female divers), the historical protectresses of the island, was inspiring and worthwhile!

: Teddy Bear Museum. Located at Jungmun Resort Area. The Airport Limosine bus stops in front of the museum enroute to Jungmun Tourist Resort Complex.

: Above: Shinyeong Cinema Museum; Below: Haeneyo Museum

2. Amuse yourself with theme parks.

The island offers an assortment of mild-mannered and straight-forward fun in golf courses and casinos; but then comes the off-beat thrills of enigmatic theme parks! Just reading the names of them, you want to say– What the hell? Loveland (my review here) , Gimyeong Maze Park (my review here), Psyche World (aka butterflies), Mini Mini Land (aka miniatures), Stone Park, Pony and Alligator Town (does this mean ponies and alligators?) ... the list of curiosities just won’t end. Pick a part, any park… then come back and tell me what it was about!

Loveland (Pictured above and below) is a top attraction. With sex being a closeted
topic in Korea, you can bet this park made it on my travel list as a curious MUST!

Sex and Koreans in Jeju.

: Gimnyeong Maze Park in Jeju. Directions same as Manjuggal cave; they are on the same road.

3. Experience Jeju’s “Natural” Wonders

Despite its chic resorts and theme parks, Jeju is probably the only place in Korea whose “natural” beauty is not a result of heavy cosmetic surgery. Outside the main tourist cities, Jeju life feels down-to-earth, rural and pretty au naturale. Break out those hiking backpacks, sunscreen, walking shoes and cameras! I grew up in Hawaii and I’m not exaggerating when I say, Jeju is sprinkled with gorgeous seaside cliffs, impressive waterfalls, caves and fresh ways to make you say, “Gaaa”!

Here’s spots I found particularly impressive:

Hiking your thing? Why not climb Mt. Halla or take the bus to the west coast of Seongsan-ri to Seongsalliipgu bus stop to visit Sunrise Peak. Wanna see impressive volcanic rock and karst formations? Try visiting the Manjanggul caves (lava tubes), Jusangjeolli Cliffs or head out to the southern coast to catch the Odoelgae Rock rising from the sea to defy gravity.

: Jusangjeolli Cliffs- hexagonal rock formations in the cliff and jutting out of the ocean. Getting there: Take Airport Limousine Bus & stop at International Convention Center. About a 15 minute walk or 3 minute taxi ride to entrance.

: Odoelgae Rock

: Koreans hiking Mount Halla. Two trail entrances: Eorimok (take bus 1100, last bus 3:00p) and Seongpanak (take bus 5.16, last bus 9:30p) .

: Manjuggal Caves(lava tubes) : Take the Donghoe Line Intercity Bus to get off at the parking lot near Manjanggul Cave Entrance. (app. 1hr 20 min.) It’s a 20 minute hike to the actual park entrance; take 5 minute taxi ride there.

**4. Take a walk on the ‘Olle‘ side**

Jeju has set up some twenty walking paths called Olle Trails (duration anywhere from 3-6 hours). The routes are marked by arrows, sculpture or colored tags and promises to lead you through the *most* drop-dead, picturesque mountain scenery, neighborhood backyards and breathtaking beachfront shores. Walking the Olle Trails are free of charge and coastal bus routes make regular stops at trail points. I highly recommend (read my post here) trying one or all of them if you get the chance!

: Olle trails in Jeju

: Olle trails wonders near Sunrise Peak

: Jeju farmer

: olle trail markers

5. Hop a ferry to Udo Island

Beautiful beaches, sweeping cliffs, woven back streets and rural country charm… it’s all worth a day trip. Udo Island is a tiny, romantic island with a Scottish/Irish feel, modest B&B pensions, a lighthouse and it’s navigable by scooter, ATV, bus and car. I’ve been told you can wisk around Udo Island in under an hour by scooter! If I didn’t explore the inland veins of the neighborhood streets, it’s possible I would’ve made it within that time frame!

Take the Seongsan-ri Harbor ferry to the island and dock in under 10 minutes. If you’ve rented a car, you can ferry that over, as well. Bike, scooter and ATV rentals are easily found at the harbor (you might be asked for your passport or I.D. to rent). A hop-on/hop-off tour bus operates every 30 minutes.

The lighthouse at Udo Island

rocky shoreline coasts

6. Visit famous K-drama film locations.

If you’re a K-drama fan, Jeju Island is littered with prominent film location spots and they aren’t hard to find. Book a Hallyu tour or make it a point to visit some along the way; they aren’t hard to find! Korea is often proud of their film locations and many sights are often highlighted on the tourist maps given out at the airport tourist information desk. But be on your toes, some sites aren’t listed, and you may stumbled upon them by accident. My mom and I booked a room at the Hyatt and discovered the chapel outside our room looked very familiar… it was a location where they filmed Boys Over Flowers!

Check out the KTO website for more locations (read here to make your own K-drama tour).

: Take a picture in the location where the film was shot

: Odoelgae Rock area is a famous K-drama film location

: Wedding Chapel at Hyatt Regency Jeju: location for Boys over Flowers

: Seeas Hotel in Jungmun Resort is a popular film locations for K-dramas Boys over Flowers, Gung/Palace and Secret Garden.

7. Do more than bus it.

In Jeju there’s a range of alternate transportation options at your disposal! Buses on Jeju are convenient, cheap and efficient modes of transportation. They will get you everywhere and if not, taxis can pick up the slack. However, from horseback riding, scooters, ATVs, bikes, etc… Jeju is a mixed bag of tourist treats, so don’t get stuck just trying one flavor!

Tip: If you plan on renting a scooter or car, you must bring your driver’s license and your international driver’s permit.

Horseback and ATV riding (Udo Island)

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8. Spend a night (or visit) Jungmun’s resort hotels and beaches.

So there almost wasn’t a #8, but hell, I’ll throw it in for those who love the posh scene! Jungmun’s beaches are nice, but that’s not the spectacle of worship you’ll want to see; it’s the top resort hotels! They’re not only fancy-schmancy, but mega-glam! Who’d want a camping area on astroturf on the grounds of their resort? The Shilla Jeju would. Who’d craft an enormous ice-skating rink and giant windmill in their backyard? Just say, Lotte! But it doesn’t end there, from jacuzzis, heat lamps near pools, hiking trails and casinos, check out these Wonderland hotels and you’ll find more things to make you groan with envy. What does it cost for a room at one of these opulent babies? Well, normally, it’s prices that might want to make you weep! Fortunately, I struck a deal with Expedia and got my stay for a price that would bring tears of joy.