Summer vacation in Korea! If you are going on a long trip, we recommend Seoul → Jeju Island!
Many people are considering long-term travel during the summer holidays. This time, we will introduce Jeju Island, which is full of attractions and is recommended for long-term travel in Korea! Jeju Island is also known as the Okinawa of Korea, and is rich in natural beauty and tourist attractions. If you are staying for an extended period of time, why not make Jeju Island your next destination in addition to urban sightseeing in Seoul? In this article, we will introduce 9 recommended spots on Jeju Island, including beautiful coastlines, lava caves, traditional ethnic culture, and stylish night markets.
If you want to know more about tourist spots in Seoul, check out the blog below!
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1. Hamdeok Beach: Jeju Island's beautiful white sand and clear emerald waters
Hamdeok Beach is a beautiful white sand beach in the northern part of Jeju Island, with crystal clear waters. The 5km long beach is a popular spot for locals, where you can enjoy not only swimming but also other activities such as surfing. There are also restaurants and cafes nearby that serve delicious seafood, so you can enjoy the whole day here. It is also famous for its beautiful sunset views.
Address: Hamdeok Beach - Google Maps
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2. Jeju Dongmun Fisheries Market: A fisheries market where you can enjoy fresh seafood from Jeju Island
Jeju Dongmun Fisheries Market is a vibrant marketplace located in the heart of Jeju city. Fresh seafood is plentiful, with fishermen displaying their freshly caught seafood. There are many shops and stalls that will cook a wide variety of fish and shellfish for you, making it a great opportunity to enjoy local cuisine. Of course, it's not just seafood! From classic Korean dishes like tteokbokki and hotteok to dishes that can only be found on Jeju Island like black pork skewers and black pork kimchi rolls, even those who don't like seafood can enjoy it. If you're not sure what to eat when you visit Jeju Island, we recommend Jeju Dongmun Fisheries Market.
Address: Jeju Dongmun Fisheries Market - Google Maps
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3. Samyang Beach: Jeju Island's Special Black Sand Coast
Samyang Beach is a beautiful coastline located on Jeju Island, Korea, and its black sand is a popular spot for tourists. Unlike other beaches, the sand here is not made of shellfish sand, but volcanic rock fragments, which is what makes it black. It is said that burying yourself in this black sand (called moretum "모래뜸") can help relieve arthritis and neuralgia. Why not try burying yourself in the black sand after enjoying a swim at Samyang Beach?
Address: Samyang Beach - Google Maps
4. Manjanggul Cave: Explore Jeju Island's Mysterious Lava Tubes
Manjang is a famous lava cave located on Jeju Island, boasting a magnificent scale of 7.4 km in length. Of that, only 1 km section is open to tourists, where you can explore the mysterious world formed by lava. The name "Manjang" means "very high ceiling", and the name comes from the high ceiling of the cave. Designated as a natural heritage site of Jeju Island, Manjang is a must-see spot for those who want to feel the power and beauty of nature. The inside of the cave is cool even in summer, so why not explore the cave when it is hot? The mysterious beauty of this cave is a spectacular sight worth visiting at least once.
Address: Manjanggul Cave - Google Maps
5. Seongsan Ilchulbong: The symbol of Jeju Island, a magnificent sunrise and beautiful volcanic scenery
Seongsan Ilchulbong is one of Jeju Island's most famous tourist attractions, known for its beautiful sunrise views. This place is a lava plateau formed by volcanic activity about 5,000 years ago, and its unique shape jutting out into the sea attracts tourists. There is a hiking trail, and the view from the top is very beautiful. Especially at sunrise in the early morning, the sky and sea turn red, creating a spectacular view. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 , and is a world-famous tourist spot. The admission fee is 5,000 won. Opening hours from March to September are from 7:00 to 20:00 (ticket sales end at 18:50), and from October to February, opening hours are from 7:30 to 19:00 (ticket sales end at 17:50 ) . The first Monday of each month is a regular holiday, so please check the date and time before you go.
Address: Seongsan Ilchulbong - Google Maps
6. Chusanjeolri (Columnar Joint): A work of art created by nature on Jeju Island, the mysterious shape of volcanic rocks
Did you know that Jeju Island also has columnar joints? This is a phenomenon formed by the rapid cooling of volcanic rocks, and is characterized by the appearance of rows of hexagonal columns. These landforms were formed naturally over tens of millions of years, and their beauty and regularity are captivating. If you love natural landscapes, this is a must-see spot on Jeju Island, where you can feel the power and beauty of nature. This beautiful landscape further enhances the mysterious charm of Jeju Island.
Address: Columnar Joint - Google Maps
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7. Ihotaema Lighthouse: A beautiful view of Jeju Island's coastline and sunsets
Ihoteumar Horse Lighthouse is a beautiful lighthouse located on the west side of Jeju Island, offering a panoramic view of the magnificent coastline and sunsets. There is a promenade around the lighthouse, making it ideal for a stroll along the seaside. In the evening, the sun sinking into the horizon is particularly beautiful, making it a recommended spot for couples. There is also Ihoteu Beach nearby, where you can enjoy swimming in the summer. The area around Ihoteu Beach is dotted with restaurants serving fresh seafood, making it an area where you can also enjoy fine cuisine. It is a wonderful place unique to Jeju Island, offering visitors the gentle sea breeze and beautiful sunsets.
Address: Ihoteuma Lighthouse - Google Maps
8. Jeju Mokgwana: An ancient government office that preserves the history and culture of Jeju Island
Jeju Mokgwana is the historical government office of Jeju Island and an important relic symbolizing the history and culture of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. This building was the political, cultural and social center of Jeju Island's local government from ancient times to the Middle Ages. Jeju Mokgwana reflects the social system and values of the time in its architectural style and layout, and you can still feel Jeju's traditional architecture today. The area around Jeju Mokgwana is dotted with tourist attractions and museums where you can experience Jeju's traditional culture and lifestyle. If you are visiting Jeju Island and would like to experience Jeju's unique traditional culture, we recommend visiting Jeju Mokgwana.
Address: Jeju Mokgwana - Google Maps
Miniscan / CC BY SA
9. Sumogongiryasijang (Arboretum Street Night Market): Jeju's shopping spot with nightlife
Sumogongilyasijang is a night market in Jeju Island, and is a recommended tourist spot for those who want to spend a special night on Jeju Island. Although the opening hours are a little short, from 18:00 to 22:00 , this night market has a variety of food trucks, from traditional Jeju cuisine to representative cuisines from around the world. There is also a wide selection of local crafts, making it the perfect place to choose souvenirs for friends, such as handmade products and specialties unique to Jeju Island! In addition, there are booths where you can experience various things, and you can even make your own handmade crafts. If you go to Jeju Island, why not spend your last night at Sumogongilyasijang?
Address: Smogonkiryasijan - Google Maps
summary
Jeju Island is a wonderful place where the charm of nature and the fun of the city come together, offering a different experience from Seoul. For those going on a long-term trip to Korea, Jeju Island, which you should visit after enjoying Seoul, is sure to offer a variety of scenery and moving experiences. Visit the 10 spots introduced here and experience the depth of Korea's nature and culture. Why not visit Jeju Island to make some wonderful memories during your summer vacation? Why not visit Jeju Island to make some wonderful memories during your summer vacation? The unforgettable charm awaits you once you visit!
