For two decades already, an extraordinary museum on Jeju Island plays a major role in the sex education of the people of South Korea. Its name is Jeju Loveland Sculpture Park, and it exhibits some 140 Korean NSFW sculptures of human figures, engaging in the saucy act of sex.

Sure, visitors are mainly giggling in front of the unusual display of statues having sex, but then again – in what school do you not see classmates bursting into laughter at something that the teacher said?

I traveled to the Love Land, an open-air school of sex positions and erotic art. Between a museum and an amusement park, Jeju Loveland is a fun ride to enjoy.

But beware of those pictures – they are definitely Korean NSFW. Scroll down to the Jeju Loveland photo gallery at the end of the article if South Korea’s sex park makes you impatient.

Welcome to the notorious Korean erotic theme park!

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Jeju Loveland, or Kama Sutra in the Korean way

An enormous woman, supposedly 9 meters tall, writhes in joy at the very entrance of Jeju Loveland. Painted in gold, she might be alone, but her craving for physical attention is real.

As if we have entered someone’s private bedroom, we witness an orgasmic spasm. The artwork’s title is “Desire”, and it is quite a tame introduction to this Korean sex park, a jungle of human sexuality that even Kama Sutra may find raunchy.

Visitors follow the penis-shaped arrows, and the very illustrative sexual manual unfolds in 3D.

The variety of sexual positions at this Korean erotic park is impressive! Dozens of human figures, even some dogs and pigs, display the old and some new ideas for your own sexual aerobics at home.

“Jeju Loveland is a place where imagination can run wild”, the motto boasts. But while the giggling crowds of young and old may suggest that this is just a humorous sex-themed park, the management promises much more! “Jeju Loveland provides a proper approach to sex culture”, they say.

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Jeju, Korean sex education island

The idea of subtle sex education was conceived here in the 1970s. As most Koreans were not allowed to travel abroad until the 1990s, the warm Jeju in the South became the prime honeymoon island.

In this period, families were arranging marriages, and newlyweds sometimes didn’t even know each other properly. Jeju Island was the place to meet and interact with your life partner, far away from family pressure.

The famous British journalist Simon Winchester reported that, in the late 1980s, the hotels on Jeju Island were employing “professional icebreakers”. Their role was to help the freshly married couples relax, through a series of entertaining erotic games, which included lap dances, but didn’t stop there. The writer comments that one of these hotel entertainers probably deflowered more women than any other man in Asia.

Korean sex island was born.

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Two decades of Korean NSFW sex art at Jeju Loveland

Love Land sculpture park opened in Jeju on November 16, 2004. Korea’s erotic theme park was a product of two years of hard work.

Two dozen graduates of Hongik University in Seoul, a Korean prime art school, gave their best in interpreting the wealth of human sex life.

While one of the intentions was indeed the education of the public, underage visitors to Jeju Loveland were not permitted. That’s right, sexual training in Korea starts only when you enter your 20s!

In the world of enlarged phalluses and labia carved in stone, your social inhibitions quickly break

From the giant marble penis that spurts water which bounces off the ground, to miniature dioramas that depict the sexual life of Koreans in everyday situations, sex in Jeju Loveland comes in all sizes and shapes.

Well, almost all! In a country that still sees homosexuality as a taboo, the exposition is fairly heteronormative. Except for a diorama presenting men in jjimjilbang, the traditional Korean spa, where one of them is lying down with an erection in an all-male environment, Jeju Island sex park dominantly depicts heterosexual encounters.

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On almost 40 thousand square meters of Jeju Loveland, you can experience what Der Spiegel called “salacious Disneyland”.

While most sex statues are made for observation, many call for interaction. Lone male and female sculptures in Jeju Loveland just scream for your involvement, while your friends snap pictures for Instagram.

In Jeju xxx world of enlarged phalluses and labia carved in stone, your social inhibitions quickly break. By the end of the erotic park tour, you will want to jump on that bicycle with pedaling-generated masturbation, and pedal until the happy end!

But does Korean sex park really present erotic – art?

From gloryholes to car sex, this soft porn sculpture park is a vast photo zone.

Jeju Loveland might defend its educative role by throwing in a few mythological references or by extending the creative variations of threesome intercourse.

But in the end, is it just an acceptable excuse for visiting a sex shop? Is South Korea’s sex amusement park not more than a smart way of igniting the visitors’ need for kinky adult toys, readily available in the museum’s gift shop?

The description plates next to the Love Land statues do not reveal the names of the sculptors. It is almost as if authorship is not essential. Jeju Loveland sculptures drown in anonymity.

So is this erotic theme park really a museum, or more of a playground? It is certainly a rare example of a sculpture exhibition that encourages visitors to touch the art.

Before leaving Jeju Loveland, we are invited to throw our spare coins into a goldfish pond, where hopefully a penis-shaped fountain may fulfill our wishes.

I decide to visit the Jeju sex museum’s restroom instead. On the male toilet, the door handle is in the shape of female breasts. On the door of the female bathroom, the handle is in the form of a penis in an erection. One could say that it is coherent exploitation of the sex theme. But there is some awkward trashiness that blooms in this example.

While I relieve at the urinal, my pee slowly spills out of the bottom of the thing and floods the area that I thought was wet with water. That was all the fountain luck I needed!

To learn more about the context of sex life in South Korea, check out what this documentary on VICE has to say about Jeju Loveland!

JEJU LOVELAND ESSENTIALS

Where is Jeju Island?

Jeju Island is the southernmost island of South Korea. It lies in the Korea Strait, the sea passage between South Korea and Japan.

Going from Seoul to Jeju Island is straightforward. A direct flight is just 70 minutes long, and there are more than 90 flights per day!

For the best available prices of flight tickets, book your Jeju trip here!

How to get to Jeju Loveland?

Jeju Loveland is located in the northern part of the island, just a 15-minute ride away from Jeju International Airport.

The taxi ride from Jeju Airport to Love Land should cost you less than 10.000 KRW (8 Euros).

If you are coming from Jeju City to Love Land, you can take bus number 240 (the blue one) at Jeju Bus Terminal. You should exit at the Jeju Museum of Art. The theme park Jeju Loveland is some 550 meters away from this bus stop.

Jeju Loveland admission fee

Jeju Loveland ticket costs 12.000 KRW (9 Euros).

If you’d like a discount on the Jeju Loveland admission fee, you should form a group of 30, and then the price would be 11.000 Won.

Jeju Loveland entrance fee for seniors costs 10.000 Won, while if they form a group of 30, the price will drop to 9.000 Won (7 Euros).

All in all, the discounts at the Korean NSFW garden do not seem to be significant, and the conditions are strict.

Jeju Loveland operating hours

The opening hours for Jeju Loveland are 9 am to midnight. The last admission to the sculpture park is at 11 pm. That means that even for locals working long hours, Korean NSFW park can secure some much-needed vent.

If you are visiting Jeju Loveland at night, you will find the park illuminated, which is a very different experience.

In any case, allow yourself one hour for the visit to the South Korean sex theme park, one of the most popular Jeju Island tourist attractions!

Where to stay in Jeju?

If you want to stay close to the park, check the best accommodation offers in the Jeju Loveland area here.

Best time to visit Jeju

The warmest months to visit Jeju Island are July to September. In August, the daily temperature on the Korean island of desire might be from 26 to 31 degrees Celsius.

The busiest (and the most expensive) months in Jeju are January, May, and April. For lower prices, check December.

No words can replace what the images can communicate.
To learn more about Jeju’s most explicit theme park, explore these sexual sculptures in our Jeju Loveland photo gallery!

 

Would you like to visit Jeju Loveland, the infamous Korean NSFW sex park on Jeju Island?
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This post was originally published on February 14th, 2019, and was updated on April 5th, 2023.

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The post Jeju Loveland: Korean NSFW Erotic Theme Park appeared first on Pipeaway.

The stunning nature of Hallasan National Park, a UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site, gives Hallasan hiking trails an aura of exceptional beauty. Experiencing this environment provides a sense of fulfillment that the pure fact of conquering the highest South Korean summit cannot compare with.

Jeju has been a dream destination for Asian tourists even before Kang, the North Korean defector in Netflix‘s popular drama series “Squid Game”, expressed her fantasy about visiting the island if she survived the bizarre Korean version of the “Hunger Games”.

Hallasan hiking trails lead through places of exceptional beauty on the volcanic island of Jeju

With a myriad of available Jeju Island activities, whether you are exploring waterfalls and lava tubes, enjoying the island’s unusual coastline, relaxing in a range of authentic Korean spa bathhouses, or visiting the infamous sex park Jeju Loveland, the Korean Hawaii is a place that generates excitement.

Nothing, however, tops hiking to the top of Hallasan Mountain, the extraordinary volcano that enabled the birth of Jeju Island.

In this detailed guide, you will learn facts and legends surrounding this mystical place, find out my recommendations on the best Hallasan trails and how to get to Hallasan Mountain depending on your trail choice, as well as take away practical advice on conquering the highest mountain in South Korea.

How many mountains are there in South Korea?

With 70 % of its territory covered in mountains and highlands, we could say that South Korea is dominantly a mountainous country.

Its two major mountain ranges are the Taebaek Mountains (following the eastern shore of South Korea) and Sobaek Mountains (in the west-central part of the peninsula), with sometimes additionally highlighted Jiri Massif, home to the highest peak on the South Korean mainland (Jirisan, 1.915 m).

In total, there are 7.715 named mountains in South Korea. While numerous, they are not particularly high, with most summits under 1.000 meters.

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How high is Mount Hallasan?

Hallasan mountain’s height reaches 1.947 meters above sea level. That makes it the tallest mountain in South Korea. It can be seen from any point on Jeju Island and, on a clear day, even from the mainland.

Locals often call Hallasan – Yeongjusan, which we could translate as “a mountain high enough to pull the galaxy”.

Where exactly is Hallasan Mountain?

Hallasan Mountain is located in the middle of the island of Jeju, the southernmost point of South Korea in the East China Sea.

How old is Mount Hallasan?

The formation of Mount Hallasan on a lava plateau dates back to the Pliocene epoch, more than 2,5 million years ago. The 2017 research on determining the age of the summit crater rock by optically stimulated luminescence, revealed that the current shape of Mount Hallasan was formed between 37 and 20 thousand years ago.

How was Mount Hallasan formed?

Hallasan Mountain, just like the entire Jeju Island, is a direct result of volcanic activity. It was formed by the eruptions of basalt and trachyte lava.

Is Hallasan an active volcano?

Scientists don’t always agree on the definition of an active volcano. If we accept the ruler of the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program which defines activity in a timeframe of 10 thousand years, we would have to say that Hallasan is not a dormant nor extinct volcano.

The most recent research from 2014 has radiocarbon dated the charcoal below the basalt layer as 5.000 years old. This means that the Hallasan volcano erupted after the last ice age, so it should be classified as active.

Additionally, there are historical records from the Joseon Dynasty noting the 11th-century events, the location of which has not yet been determined: “In June 1002 CE, a mountain arose in the middle of the sea. There were four giant holes at the top of the mountain, out of which red liquid flowed and soared, and thick smoke plumed for five days. All the red liquid hardened and became stone like roof tiles.”

Hallasan’s last eruption might have been one or five thousand years ago, and the current lack of activity might suggest its dormant phase, but there have been erupting examples of even volcanoes deemed extinct. Therefore, while it is highly unlikely that a sudden eruption could spoil your Jeju holidays, one should still treat the Hallasan volcano like an unpredictable active volcano.

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What is Hallasan Mountain famous for?

Besides being the highest mountain in South Korea, thus making it a landmark of national significance, there are other elements that define Hallasan Mountain as a prime hiking destination.

In addition to the large volcanic crater on the top of the mountain – Dongneung Peak (Baengnokdam), Hallasan is surrounded by smaller parasitic cones, called oreum in the Jeju dialect. With 368 of them sprinkled around the mountain, this is the world’s largest ‘Oreum Kingdom’. Oreums here are mostly cinder cones, with some lava domes and tuff rings.

Hallasan’s geological value is directly connected with its biological wealth. As temperatures fall with elevation, the climate zones change too. This enabled the development of a variety of species, from subtropical to alpine.

The vertical ecosystem of plants includes some 2.000 species, out of which 73 are indigenous, many endangered, and rare. There were even legends of Korean wizards who became immortal after consuming an endemic Hallasan plant. Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of unified China (221-210 BC), sent men to retrieve the sacred plant so he could live forever too.

Besides the plant diversity, the environmental gradient on Hallasan Mountain also enabled the coexistence of polar and tropical animals in a relatively small area. The mountain is shared by 4.000 animal species, including 160 resident bird species and 3.315 kinds of insects. The largest mountain animal is the roe deer, the symbol of Hallasan, which recovered after being on the edge of extinction.

Both flora and fauna are protected in Hallasan Mountain Natural Reserve as Natural Monument no. 182 since 1966, as National Park since 1970, as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2002, as World Heritage Site since 2007, and as Global Geopark since 2010.

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Sacred mountain worth killing for

Beyond natural treasures, Hallasan Mountain also has a spiritual significance to Koreans. As one of the three South Korean spirit mountains (the other two being Jirisan and Seoraksan), Hallasan is considered sacred. Koreans believe that gods and spirits live in the mountain, so they worship it and pray there.

Hallasan Mountain is also home to Gwaneumsa, the oldest Buddhist temple on the island, dating back to the 11^th century. It was destroyed in 1702, during the Joseon dynasty when Confucianism was established as the national religion, but it was rebuilt in the early 20^th century.

When the first western visitors started arriving at Jeju Island in the late 19^th century, hoping to climb Hallasan, locals informed them that nobody has ever been to the summit.

Jeju governor Yi Chi-ho rejected German journalist Siegfried Genthe in 1901 with these words: “The mountain spirits would surely plague the island with bad weather, thunderstorms, poor harvest and pestilence if anyone were to approach them and disturb their rest. A bad harvest would cause the people to blame you, the foreigner, and no doubt would result in your physical harm.”

With a bloodthirsty massacre of Korean Christians earlier that year, the island that hated foreigners seemed ready to do whatever it takes to protect their beliefs.

Despite of the fact that they live in a harsh environment, the people of Afar in Ethiopia defended the Erta Ale volcano with their lives too. Even if it meant chopping off testicles of uninvited visitors, they were always ready to protect Danakil depression, the hottest place on Earth.  

How to hike Hallasan Mountain?

Luckily, hiking Mt. Hallasan today is a child’s game in comparison to achieving the same in the hostile environment a century ago. Well, at least permit-wise.

While there is no entry fee for the Mt. Hallasan hike, in recent years, booking a spot for your visit is mandatory through their reservation system. You can secure your pass for dates in a current and an upcoming month. They disappear fast, especially on the weekends, so do it as soon as you know your hiking dates!

While the website technically comes in the English language, you will need to select a trail name written in Korean. So pin this article, in order to know what you are choosing, you’ll thank me later!

The trails you can pick are Seongpanak or 성판악, and Gwaneumsa or 관음사. Hiking trails that do not reach the summit of Hallasan Mountain do not require a reservation.

You only need to reserve the trail you’ll use for the ascend (for Seongpanak, there are 1.000 daily permits, and for Gwaneumsa 500). When descending the mountain, you can choose the pathway on the spot.

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Hallasan summit

Mount Hallasan summit, also known as Dongneung Peak or Baengnokdam, nests a grassy 108-meter-deep crater with a lake. The crater was formed after the last Hallasan eruption when the top of the ridge collapsed.

Baengnokdam Lake or White Deer Lake got its name after a mystical white deer that once frequented this place as a drinking ground. Gods living in the mountain, according to the belief, came to ride and play with this white deer.

Another myth explains that the lake is a place where Seolmundae Halmang, the grandmother of the island, fell in never to return. This story conflicts with the one explaining the death of the goddess with a kitchen-style accident (read about it in Yeongsil Trail article section). That is true unless we interpret her cauldron as a crater, filled with a primordial soup that formed Jeju and ate the masterchef alive.

In any case, when on Hallasan peak, you will not have the opportunity to take a closer look into Seolmundae’s kitchen. Descending down the 550-meter-wide crater is not permitted, but views from above are definitely as nice as the close-ups. I’m sure even omnipresent crows would confirm that!

The wooden platform one can observe the volcano from is surrounded by picnic areas where you can consume food you brought yourself. After all, you wouldn’t want to cook it on the spot and provoke the fatal destiny that even goddesses couldn’t escape.

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How long does it take to climb Hallasan Mountain?

Depending on the hiking trail you choose to explore, your Hallasan Mountain visit could last anything between 4 and 10 hours. If you want to reach the summit and back and are in reasonably good shape, reserve at least 7 hours of your time.

Is Hallasan a hard hike?

There are short and easy Hallasan trails, but then there are also some that require a higher level of fitness. However, every Hallasan hiking route is shorter than 10 kilometers (one way).

When comparing the two Hallasan routes leading to the mountaintop, Seongpanak Trail is considered to be easier (with only the final part marked as difficult). On the other hand, Gwaneumsa Trail, with steeper and more exhausting sections, is geared towards more advanced hikers.

While you can definitely explore Hallasan trails as return hikes, I suggest combining the two main ones. I climbed up the mountain on a less arduous Seongpanak Trail and descended down the more demanding Gwaneumsa Trail.

While this does seem to be a logical choice, replicated by many visitors, I do have to mention that my knees seriously suffered when going down Gwaneumsa stairs. I almost felt I would have to call for evacuation via the rollercoaster-style monorail following the path.

As an early hiker, I was the first one to leave the summit, but among the last ones to exit the trail. I even met the national park ranger browsing the forest and checking for hikers that fell behind.

Both of my knees just gave up during descent, something I never experienced before. In the last portion of my Hallasan hiking route, I could only walk sideways, with completely straightened legs.

The benefit of climbing up Gwaneumsa Trail and descending via Seongpanak Trail is that fewer people do it this way. This means you get the opportunity to enjoy great views without crowds, and less steep come-down in the end. If I return to Hallasan again, I might try this reverse hiking route, and see if my kneecaps would prefer that.

Then again, accidents such as leg fractures are not a strange event even when descending the Seongpanak Trail.

Hallasan Mountain hiking trails

There are five main hiking trails on Hallasan Mountain.

Only two of these trails (Seongpanak, Gwaneumsa) lead to the summit of Hallasan Mountain, connecting to each other on the caldera rim via its eastern ridge.

Until the 1990s, the three hiking trails connecting on the western flank of Hallasan also led to the top but were closed off in that part, so that vegetation could restore. The highest point that Eorimok, Yeongsil and Donnaeko meet at is Witse Oreum, at 1.700 meters.

Before hiking, you should always check the status of the trails you want to use at an official source. Hallasan Mountain trails can close for a varying period of time (from months to years), because of restoration, fire prevention, spring thaw, or general recovery from tourism.

Besides the five main hiking routes presented in this guide, you can also check shorter Hallasan walking trails such as Seokgulam and Eoseungsaengak.

Top 5 Hallasan hiking trails

1. Seongpanak Trail

Length (one way): 9,6 km

Elevation difference: 1.200 m

Time (one way): 4,5 hours

Seongpanak Trail is the longest of Hallasan hiking routes, but it is visitors’ favorite as it follows a gently sloped course.

Accessing the mountain from its eastern side, the trail first goes through an evergreen forest of broadleaf trees, partly covered by boardwalks and rope-style carpet that prevents slipping.

Here, you’ll be able to read info boards on the benefits of forest and see signs warning you to watch out for boars. Extinct since the early 20th century, boars reclaimed their mountain territory after some specimens escaped from a local farm. With a bit of luck, you could also spot white-backed woodpecker, badger, and roe deer.

If you want to be sure of conquering the summit, beware of reaching Jindallaebat Shelter, also known as Azalea Field Control Center, before the passing time. If you don’t get there by 12 (from November to February), 13 (from May to August), or 12:30 (in spring and autumn months), you will not be allowed to proceed with the ascent.

The good news is that you’ll be almost there, just 2,3 kilometers to the top, which shouldn’t take more than an hour and a half. Pass the Korean fir colony, and the steep wooden staircase ahead is the last, even if not the least, challenging part of your hike to Baengnokdam.

The side trail to Sara Oreum

Just in between the two shelter stops (Sokbat and Jindallaebat), you will find the pathway branching out south, towards the Sara Oreum.

The 600-meter detour to this volcanic cone, designated as scenic spot no. 83 by the Cultural Heritage Administration, will add 40 minutes to your hiking time.

Sara Oreum is home to the Lake of Heaven, a 100-meter-wide crater lake sometimes wrapped in a fog that gives it a mystical appearance. Walking the boardwalk following the edge of the lake, one can admire the marshland adorned with trees such as Siberian crab apple, Japanese strawberry tree, Korean mountain cherry, and Siebold’s spindle tree.

From Sara Oreum Observation Deck, the views open up to the southern sea, as well as the eastern ridge of Mt. Hallasan. It’s a serene place for just sitting and observing.

How to get to Seongpanak Trail?

Personally, I rented a car, parked it at the Seongpanak Trail start, and then, after the hike, used a taxi and bus to get back to my car from the Gwaneumsa finish line. While renting your own car gives you more freedom for planning, you can access Seongpanak Trail by public transport too. Direct buses heading to the trailhead are 181 from Jeju City and 182 from Seogwipo.

2. Gwaneumsa Trail

Length (one way): 8,7 km

Elevation difference: 1.330 m

Time (one way): 5 hours

Gwaneumsa Trail accesses Hallasan Mountain from its northern side, offering views of deep valleys as well as outstanding mountain features.

Close to the famous Buddhist temple it got its name from, the start of Gwaneumsa Trail is marked by Gwaneumsa Camping Site which can accommodate up to 1.000 visitors. If you feel like starting your Hallasan hike as soon as the trail opens (5:00 in summer, 6:00 in winter, 5:30 in spring and autumn), this is the perfect place to spend the night or take a shower after a descent.

There is also a selection of outdoor workout equipment at the trailhead, in case you feel like warming up for the most difficult Hallasan hiking route.

It’s not the longest hiking trail on Hallasan, but it takes the most time to complete. Steeper parts leading to Samgakbong Shelter, and the final ascend to the summit, are those that slow hikers the most.

The first part (in the case that you chose Gwaneumsa Trail for ascending, unlike me) goes through quite an enjoyable area suitable for forest bathing. There are 50 species of trees on this trail, and they hide an entire world of ferns and herbaceous plants successfully fighting for a small amount of sunlight sprinkling through the canopies.

Bird lovers will enjoy spotting a variety of feathered residents of this forest, such as jungle crows, great spotted woodpeckers, bulbuls, chickadees, wrens, and even more magical summer visitors such as fairy pittas, paradise flycatchers, yellow-rumped flycatchers, blue-and-white flycatchers, and so on. On the forest floor, look for long-tailed pangolins!

Lava tube, hanging bridge, and countless stairs

After half an hour on Gwaneumsa Trail, you will reach Guringul Cave, home of bats and other cave animals. Essentially a lava tube cave, formed by lava flow, this 442 meters long and 3-meter-wide work of mother nature was used as an ice storage facility in ancient times, essentially a freezer of our ancestors. You are not able to enter Guringul, but there are 130 lava tube caves on the island, and you should definitely visit Manjanggul, as recommended in my list of top things to do in Jeju.

Next, you’ll pass Tamnagyegok Valley and Mokgyo Bridge. From there on the hike starts to get more challenging. The yellow-tipped stairs might not lead you to Dorothy‘s Oz, but once you manage to catch your breath, the scenery will become magically rewarding. Expect wooden pathways surrounded by impactful backgrounds (flowers, foliage, or snow, depending on the month of your visit), unusual rock formations, and the beauty of living and dying trees.

Remember though that you will need to be at Samgakbong Shelter before the cutoff time if you want to reach the Hallasan Mountain summit. Just like with Seongpanak Trail, your deadline will be between 12 and 13 o’clock, depending on the season.

Next, you’ll cross the hanging Yongjingak Hyunsugyo Bridge, and continue along the roughest part of the trail. The last section of the steep climb is 2,7 kilometers long and should take 1 hour and 40 minutes before reaching Baengnokdam along its east ridge.

Even if I climbed Mt. Hallasan in October, I was fascinated to see snow/ice trapped in the branches of the trees on this side of the mountain. Together with an impressive panorama, the ecosystem you witness while taking Gwaneumsa Trail makes all the effort worth it.

How to get to Gwaneumsa Trail?

There is no direct bus line between Jeju City center and Gwaneumsa Trail. You will first need to get to Jeju National University (hop on 181 from Jeju City, or 281 from Seogwipo), and then transfer to bus number 475 at the Jedae Village stop, which will bring you to the trailhead. If you rented a car, you can also park it at the hike start line.

3. Eorimok Trail

Length (one way): 6,8 km

Elevation difference: 630 m

Time (one way): 3 hours

Eorimok Trail approaches Mount Hallasan from the northwest. It starts at Hallasan National Park Office and finishes at Nambyeokbungijeom or South Cliff Fork.

This moderate trail first passes by Eorimok Valley. One-hour walk through the oak tree forest will bring you to Sajebidongsan or Sajebi Hill. Its steep slope demands somewhat higher physical effort, but it’s the only part of the Eorimok Trail marked as difficult.

Another thirty minutes on a stony path, with countryside panorama and oreum views, and you’ll get to Mansedongsan or Manse Hill. From here onwards, it’s a gentle flat terrain.

Technically, you could stop your 2-hour hike at Witse Oreum Shelter (1.700 m), the highest point of the trail facing the crater wall of Baengnokdam Lake. The shelter is colloquially referred to as “noodle shack” because hikers traditionally make a lunch break with instant noodles here.

However, for most visitors, Witse Oreum is not the end of the Eorimok Trail. They will continue walking the alpine plain until the Nambyeok junction, finishing the 3-hour trek at an altitude of 1.600 meters.

From the fork of the Nambyeok circuit trail, you could head down the Donnaeko Trail, get back to Witse Oreum Shelter, and change to Yeongsil Trail, or return entirely the same way you ascended the mountain.

When hiking Eorimok Trail, be sure to consult the Hallasan weather forecast, as sudden changes such as fog could affect your experience. If the fog is absent, keep your eyes open for roe deer that frequently appear on the trail, or red royal azaleas covering the meadows in spring.

How to get to Eorimok Trail?

If you plan to use public transport, you should take intercity bus number 240 from Jeju City. Visitors staying in Seogwipo will need to transfer to the same bus, opposite direction, in the Jungmun-do area.

4. Yeongsil Trail

Length (one way): 5,2 km

Elevation difference: 700 m

Time (one way): 2 hours

Yeongsil Trail is the shortest of the main Hallasan hiking trails, and it approaches the mountain from the southwest.

The trail runs from Yeongsil Management Office to Witse Oreum Shelter. If you want to extend your hike to Nambyeok junction, add another hour.

The first part of the trail follows the 2.5-kilometer-long motorway from the office to Yeongsil Service Area, which should take around half an hour to complete. In this section, only vehicles with less than 12 passengers are permitted. This is where renting a car or hailing a taxi comes in handy if you want your trail to be only 3,7 kilometers in length.

After Yeongsil Valley, with the shade of Korean fir trees, mountain streams, and waterfalls, the only demanding part is overcoming the relatively steep slope of Yeongsil Crater ridge. The rest of the hiking trail is an easy stroll over mostly flat terrain.

Seonjakjiwat Plain is an exceptional alpine meadow that bathes in pink and red from April to June. The local belief says that shrubs of Hairy Korean rhododendron and Korean azalea in front of the monumental Byeongpungbawi Rock are produced out of the blood of 500 generals.

According to the myth of Jeju’s birth, a gigantic woman Seolmundae Halmang created Mount Halla with seven tosses of a shovel. When this mother of 500 sons cooked a soup for them one day, she fell into the cauldron and died. The sons ate the soup, and when they found their mother’s bones inside, they cried until turning into stone. The large cluster of unusual rock pillars (Obaekjanggun) is visible from Yeongsil Trail, and every spring, the legend explains, their blood revives in form of wildflowers.

How to get to Yeongsil Trail?

Bus number 240 from Jeju City will bring you to the Yeongsil Management Office. Hikers coming from Seogwipo will need to transfer to this bus (opposite direction) from the Jungmun-do area. If you want to skip the 2.5-kilometer hike from the office to the real trailhead, renting and parking a car at the upper Yeongsil Service Area could save you half an hour.

5. Donnaeko Trail

Length (one way): 7 km

Elevation difference: 1.100 m

Time (one way): 3,5 hours

Donnaeko Trail is the only trail approaching Hallasan Mountain from the south, which makes it a convenient starting point for visitors staying in Seogwipo City.

This moderate trail starts at the Visitor Information Center in Donnaeko Amusement Park in Seogwipo and finishes at Nambyeok junction. If you want to extend your hiking experience to the longest Hallasan hiking distance, add another hour to reach Witse Oreum Shelter, and you’ll cover a total of 9,1 kilometers.

Donnaeko got its name after boars that used to come to the valley with cold mountain waters to drink. Today, boars are not around, but you can be the one enjoying a quick dip under the waterfalls in this enchanting part of Jeju.

The real trek starts at the upper area of the recreation grounds. It passes by the Sseogeun-multong pond and broad-leafed forest, the red pine forest of Salchaegido, and then gives a rest opportunity at Pyeonggwe Shelter, surrounded by basalt rocks, lava caves, and lava domes.  The final part goes through a subalpine scenery adorned with shrubs, ending at the South Cliff Fork.

The trail has a gentle ascent at the start, and after the shelter, it’s almost flat, which makes it easily accessible to a majority of hikers.

How to get to Donnaeko Trail?

If you are coming from Jeju City, take bus number 181 to Seogwipo Industrial Science High School. From here, take bus number 610-1 to Memorial Cemetery Plaza, and then walk 1 kilometer to the visitor center. If coming from Seogwipo, just hop on the 610-1 bus. A good alternative to finding your way is taking a taxi from the town.

Hiking on Mount Hallasan is the best thing to do in Jeju, even according to Tripadvisor. But there are many more activities to enjoy on the island. 

When can I hike Hallasan?

Even if Hallasan hiking trails can close due to bad weather or other reasons, the mountain is generally accessible in every season of the year. That being said, spring and autumn bring the most pleasant weather, and nature gets as colorful as it gets. Of course, if you prefer a monochrome experience, Hallasan Mountain under snow is also enchanting, so opt for a winter hike.

Month choice aside, you should know that staying on Hallasan Mountain overnight is not permitted. As a matter of fact, to prevent unnecessary rescue operations, there is a strict timeframe you should follow when deciding on the hours you will start, continue, or finish your hike.

Do not forget to take into account the time you need for transfer between your accommodation and the trailhead of your choice, which could easily take an hour and a half.

For easier writing, in the following paragraphs, I’ll refer to months from November to February as winter, months from May to August as summer, and months of March, April, September and October as spring/fall.

Opening times

Hallasan Mountain trails open up at 6:00 in winter months, at 5:30 in spring/fall, and at 5:00 in summer.

If you want to be sure to reach the top of the mountain without stress, I wouldn’t recommend starting the hike after 8:30.

Entering the hiking trails is impossible after 12:00 in winter, after 12:30 in spring/fall, and after 13:00 in summer.

Cutoff times

To guarantee that you’ll manage to reach your final destination, there are also cutoff or turnaround times by which you need to pass the shelters on the route.

On Seongapank Trail, the cutoff time at Jindallaebat Shelter stops climbing at 12:00 in winter, 12:30 in spring/fall, and 13:00 in summer.

On Gwaneumsa Trail, cutoff times at Samgakbong Shelter are the same.

Closing times

The times that rangers will start kicking you out, which means it’s the last moment to start descending, are as follows:

Mount Hallasan summit (eastern ridge) closes at 13:30 in winter, 14:00 in spring/fall, and 14:30 in summer.

Witse Oreum Shelter closes at 15:00 in winter, 16:00 in spring/fall, and 17:00 in summer months.

Nambyeok or South Cliff’s turning point booth closes at 14:00 in winter, 14:30 in spring/fall, and 15:00 in summer.

Hotels near Hallasan Mountain

There is a quite good selection of accommodation options in the vicinity of Hallasan National Park. No matter whether you prefer staying on the northern or the southern coast of Jeju Island, you should be able to find an adequate hotel or a guesthouse.

For even more ideas on places to stay, visit Agoda which offers you accommodations ranging from budget stays to five-star luxury options. 

  

Recommended hotels in the Jeju City area

Hotel Nanta Jeju is a four-star hotel, conveniently close to Hallasan Mountain, and just across the street from Planetarium. The hotel has its own live-performance theater, multiple dining options, fitness facilities, and even two charming dogs. You could stay at this place for already 48 Euros per night. Check the rates for your preferred dates here.

If you are more of a cat person, Amber Resort Jeju has feline pets you will fall in love with. Surrounded by a green lawn, and with a direct view of Hallasan Mountain, you’ll get exposure to the fresh mountain air. Family rooms in private houses are available already from 186 Euros per night. Check the rates for your preferred dates here.

For those who prefer to stay in the heart of Jeju City, Grand Hyatt Jeju is a luxurious 5-star hotel, with indoor and outdoor pools and unbeatable ocean views. Rooms start at 227 Euros but check out the exact rates for your dates here.

A more economical in-town option could be Ganderak Guesthouse. In a convenient location, if you do not have your own transport to reach Hallasan, the 4-bed dormitories come with complimentary breakfast. The prices start at 33 Euros per night. Find the exact rates for your dates here.

Recommended hotels in the Seogwipo area

Donnaeko Pension in Seogwipo offers deluxe double rooms with a fully-equipped private kitchen and bathroom, as well as a communal outdoor swimming pool and garden. Rooms start at 48 Euros per night but check out the exact rate for your dates here.

The Qube Resort Jeju offers spacious studios with ocean and Hallasan Mountain views. With heavy curtains, good sleep is guaranteed, and a buffet breakfast will wake you up in the morning. You can get a room here for 59 Euros per night already. Find out the exact rates for your preferred dates here.

If you are looking for a splurge option, pick Velum Resort. Their rooms come with balconies offering mountain views which you can experience from a bathtub. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, and prices start at 343 Euros per night. Confirm the exact rate for your dates here.

On the economical side, as long as you are fine with staying in the heart of Seogwipo, Bridge Residence Hotel offers great value for money. For as little as 27 Euros, you can get a studio room equipped with cooking and laundry facilities! Check availability for your dates here.

If you love hiking but hate dealing with organizing stuff, maybe you should join a customized private Jeju 7-day hiking tour! For less than 2.000 Euros, you'll get good quality accommodation for an entire week, but also private transfers and a company of a mountain expert on Hallasan hiking trails. During the program, you'll also join a couple of trekking courses along the coast, explore forests and lava caves, and visit other significant natural heritage sites!

Hallasan Mountain hike – Final thoughts

Jeju Island is perfect for exploring on foot. As a matter of fact, Koreans have built a whole network of walking paths, called olle trails, encircling the entire island! It is not a surprise that Hallasan Mountain, the impressive roof of Jeju, comes with its own set of well-organized hiking trails that will lead you to some truly fascinating scenic spots.

When hiking Hallasan, wear sunscreen, layers of clothes, and good shoes

You do have to bring a strong will with you, as while not really mission: impossible, Hallasan hiking trails could take a toll on your physical capacity to conquer the highest Korean mountain.

Take care of your energy reserves, and bring everything you need with you. Snacks and water supplies are a must. If you want to celebrate once you reach the top, Hallasan soju, the local alcohol drink made of fermented and distilled rice and volcanic bedrock water, will be a perfect choice for raising the glass.

Also, beware of sometimes unpredictable Hallasan weather, so always wear a combination of sunscreen, extra layers of clothes, and comfortable and sturdy shoes. Your legs will thank you!

Start your trek as early as possible, and then take your time. Do not obsess with cutoff times, but rather go slowly, and enjoy every minute of your hike through nature’s best artwork! Hallasan Mountain hike will create memories you will carry long after the pain in your knees disappears.

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Set in the Korea Strait, the volcanic island is often referred to as South Korea’s Hawaii. Jeju Island activities include quirky theme parks and museums (such as Teddy Bear Museum or Jeju Loveland) that will fill your Jeju Island tour with content to remember.

Many lovers and newlyweds choose to visit Jeju as their honeymoon destination; the lava island became synonymous with the island of love! For all travel lovers, these are Jeju attractions to visit! Some things are the best to do with kids, and others are designed for couples, but however you choose to come, you won’t be wondering what to do in Jeju.

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Top 11 Jeju Island attractions

1. Hallasan National Park

Hallasan Mountain is the most iconic landmark of the Korean island of Jeju. Technically a shield volcano, Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea, rising up to 1950 meters above sea level.

The myth says that Seolmundae Halmang, the enormous grandma goddess, sculpted Jeju Island from the sand. Science tells us that volcanic eruptions created the island, some 2 million years ago. In any case, its impressive size was the reason to get its today’s name; ‘Hallasan’ literally refers to a mountain that is high enough to pull the galaxy!

Hallasan is not only the highest Korean mountain, but it is also a place to ‘pull the galaxy’!

Designated as a national park in 1970 and UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, Mount Hallasan is a favorite hiking place on Jeju Island. Its diverse vegetation, with 73 indigenous plant species among 2000 others, provides a pleasant green backdrop for a day spent outdoors!

There are several trails of different difficulties. I would recommend climbing up the Seongpanak Trail (9,6 km). For average-skilled hikers, reaching Mount Halla peak should take less than 4,5 hours. I climbed up in 4 hours, even with a detour to Saraoreum summit, one of 360 oreums or parasitic cones. The name of the watery marshland at the peak is Lake of Heaven, and it attracts lesser crowds than Mt. Hallasan peak. The view from the highest Korean point will reward you with the crater lake of Baengnokdam. Plan to start descending via Gwanneumsa Trail (8,9 km) at 2 pm at the latest!

Entrance to Hallasan National Park, the golden star of Jeju Island sightseeing, is free. Find all details about Hallasan Mountain hiking trails here, and discover why hiking the volcano is one of the best things to do in Jeju Island!

2. Manjanggul Lava Tube

Jeju Island attractions continue underground. There are more than 130 lava tubes on the island! These natural tunnels occur when the hard crust forms on top of the lava, still flowing underneath.

UNESCO protected Geomunoreum as one of the most impressive lava tube systems in the world! Manjanggul is an 8-kilometer-long cave and one of the most popular among tourists. The width of the tube reaches up to 18 meters and the height – up to 23 meters. Its finest characteristics are well-preserved passage shapes and cave features!

One can learn a lot about geomorphology in the Manjanggul lava tube; expect to find lava stalactites and stalagmites, lava shelves, lava toes, and even a lava raft in the shape of Jeju Island! The lava flow carried away this rock remnant and it settled when the lava solidified. Today, its name is Turtle Rock. At the end of Manjanggul cave, there is another sensation: the world’s largest lava column! The highest lava stalagmite on the planet has 7,6 meters in height, adding to the reputation of Manjanggul as one of Jeju’s top attractions!

This geopark is also home to 42 cave creature species, including the Jeju cave spider, Korean huntsman spider, Jeju Salamander, Copper-winged bats, and Long-winged bats. The latter form the largest colony of bats in Korea; there are 30 thousand of them living in Jeju lava cave!

Dress appropriately when visiting lava tubes. During my visit, the outdoor temperature was 18,7 degrees, but inside this natural monument, the temperature was 13,8 degrees Celsius.

Manjanggul cave entrance fee is 2.000 Korean Won (1,5 Euro).

3. Jusangjeolli Cliff

Lava eruptions left a variety of marks on Jeju Island. Besides craters, crater lakes, and lava tubes, the columnar joints might be the most unusual leftovers of natural volcanic processes.

These rock columns were produced when lava cooled down, solidified, contracted, and split the rock into polygonal shapes. The joint is called ‘jeolli’.

One can find the hexagonal columnar joints throughout Jeju Island, but especially on its southern coast.

Jusangjeolli Cliff at Jungmun and Daepo Coast is the best place to see this natural phenomenon, formed some 250 thousand years ago! Tortoise-shell-jointed pillars run for about two kilometers along the coast! Today, they are the favorite resting place of birds, while tourists can observe one of the top Jeju Island attractions from the viewpoint. The entrance fee to Jusangjeollidae is 2.000 Korean Won (1,5 Euro).

Other Jeju must-visit sites for columnar joints are Cheonjeyeon and Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, Andeok Valley, and Sanbangsan Mountain.

4. Jeju Olle trail

If you like walking, following Jeju Olle Trail is one of the most joyful things to do in Jeju Island! The best Korean walking route encircles the whole island of Jeju with 425 kilometers of well-maintained hiking trails!

In the local dialect, ‘olle’ referred to the narrow alley between the house gate and the street. Today, Jeju Olle trails connect the Jeju coastline with village roads, farms, forests, and volcanic cones. The scenery is amazing!

The island developed Olle trails between 2007 and 2012, and now they are a free way to spend eco-friendly vacations in Jeju. There are 21 main routes and five sub-routes. They can take 1 to 8 hours to finish, but with clear directions and guideposts along the way, anyone can do it!

While walking around Jeju Island, you might spot Ganse, the strong, but gentle Jeju horses running across the fields. This native breed is often called a Jeju pony due to its relatively small body size. You will also be able to find their stylized sculptures which serve as markers of the trails, as well as places where you can autonomously collect stamps to document your hiking achievement.

5. Jeju waterfalls

Jeju, especially its Seogwipo area that stretches across the island’s south, is rich with waterfalls. Chasing waterfalls is one of the best Jeju Island activities, and these are the top 5 Jeju waterfalls to include in your itinerary!

Jeongbang Waterfall is the only Asian waterfall dropping directly into the ocean. This photogenic riffle is 23 meters high and up to 10 meters wide! The entrance fee to Jeongbang Waterfall is 2.000 Korean Won (1,5 Euro).

At walking distance from Jeongbang, Sojeongbang is a 5-meter-high waterfall. Nobody maintains the observation area, so be careful when visiting. There is no entrance fee.

Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls have the most enchanting atmosphere of all five (‘cheon’ means heaven). The local legend says that, in ancient times, fairies would descend from heaven to bathe in the waterfall’s pond. The image of these seven nymphs is carved on Seonimgyo Bridge, arching over the stream. Besides the three tiers of the waterfalls (the largest one is 30 meters high), in the Subtropical Forest covering both sides of the valley, you can find the whisk fern, one of the most precious plants in Jeju province. The entrance fee for Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls is 2.500 Korean Won (2 Euros).

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall (yes, just one letter difference!) is 22 meters high and 12 meters wide. The path to the waterfall leads through a subtropical garden. Pay attention to Camellia, the flower that has a special meaning for Jeju residents. It symbolizes their invincible spirit, and the red ones represent the victims of the Jeju Uprising seven decades ago. The entrance fee to Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is 2.000 Korean Won (1,5 Euro).

Eongtto Falls appear only after heavy rains. And then, the water plunges down from a 50-meter-high cliff. I visited in the dry season, so I cannot claim that it would satisfy waterfall chasers.

6. Spirited Garden Jeju

Spirited Garden is a complex of seven small gardens connected by stone bridges. On 40 thousand square meters, expect to find ponds, waterfalls, sculptures, and Bonsai trees! Some of them are five centuries old!

Mr. Sung Bum-Young started creating this park back in 1968. It took a lot of patience and sacrifice to transform a deserted wasteland into a place of meditation! Like with Bonsai, growing a garden is a long-term process. It trains the spirit but also provides joy to one. Experience the zen!

Even political celebrities recognized the founder’s dream of connecting man with nature. In five decades, presidents, prime ministers, and even kings walked these paths! Many called this green Jeju Island attraction – “the most beautiful garden in the world”.

In 2017, in celebration of diplomatic ties between Korea and China, Spirited Garden erected the statue of the world’s largest Dol Hareubang. The word means ‘grandfather’ in the local dialect, and it is a mythological masculine deity – you will be able to see its sculptures everywhere on the island! The guardian of Jeju Island has a rugged appearance, protruding eyes, and a firm posture.

The entrance fee for Spirited Garden is 12.000 Korean Won (9,5 Euros).

7. Jeju Maze Park

If you found walking through the Spirited Garden too straightforward, here’s the park to get lost in! Gimnyeong, sometimes spelled Kimnyoung, is Jeju Maze Park. In the neighborhood of Manjanggul Cave, it’s a perfect place to play hide-and-seek!

In 1987, the American expat Frederic Dustin planted more than two thousand Leyland cypress trees and created one of the most fun Jeju Island attractions. The labyrinth has the shape of Jeju and is a testimony of the founder’s love for the island.

Three skywalks and an observatory provide panoramic views of the maze. Even if you climb them from the maze itself, I am not sure they actually help you once you are in between the trees. Don’t use the map, just relax and have fun! Most people manage to finish the maze in an hour!

If you finish earlier than your partner, you can play with cats at their playground, or use the toilet with a nice bubblegum scent. Well, depending on your bladder-relieving habits, use it before entering and getting lost in Gimnyeong Maze!

Jeju Maze Park entrance fee is 4.400 Korean Won (3,5 Euros)

8. Jeju Loveland Museum

If you want to invite your loved one for another unusual walk, Jeju Loveland is the ground to explore. This sculpture park is an open-air museum of sex positions, a place to find some love or, at least, some laughter!

The home of all things erotic exhibited very graphic 3D Kama Sutra since 2004. On almost 40 thousand square meters, expect to see sculptures, dioramas, and other art pieces depicting couples, groups, or solo players engaging in a passionate game of sex.

The ticket for Jeju Loveland costs 12.000 Korean Won (9,4 Euros).

For more information on this extraordinary museum, read this article: Korean NSFW: Jeju Loveland in Pictures.

After visiting Jeju Loveland Museum, check Dokkaebi Road in front of it. It is better known as the Mysterious Road, a place where the laws of gravity are seemingly suspended. The surroundings create an optical illusion that makes it look as if cars are heading uphill even if the road actually has a downward slope of 3 degrees! Place a ball on the floor and watch it roll ‘uphill’!

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9. Osulloc Tea Museum & Innisfree Jeju House

Just next to Seogwang Tea Garden, the world of tea got celebrated on a high level – in its very own museum! Since 2001, Osulloc Tea Museum spreads Korean tea history and tradition and attracts 1,5 million visitors every year.

Besides the fields of green tea, the outdoor area is populated with artworks inspired by the volcanic history of Jeju Island. It is a pleasant area to walk around or even lay down on a nice day!

And then, there is Innisfree Jeju House! This brand celebrates the nature of Jeju, and allows you to activate all five senses! Make your own natural cosmetics with green tea, tangerine, and volcanic clay, or make paper out of Jeju tangerine peel! At Organic Green Café, the chefs create your meals and drinks out of fresh Jeju ingredients.

You can see that Jeju tangerine is in the center of attention, just as the green tea leaves! Tangerine trees can be found everywhere on the island, and in the warm climate, a special type named Hallabong was developed. This sweet citrus got its name from one of the most famous Jeju Island landmarks – the summit of Halla Mountain. The fruit’s protruding top part resembles the shape of the Jeju volcano! At Innisfree Jeju House, I ate a delicious cake inspired by Hallabong!

10. Jeju Island beaches

Jeju Island is proud of its beaches. With 200 kilometers of coastline, the offer is plentiful. From white to black, from sand to rock, and everything in between, searching for the best beach in Jeju is an exciting task. If you go exploring, these are the ones to check: Hamdeok Beach, Hyeopjae Beach, Geumneung Beach, Gwakji Beach, Black Sand Beach, Jungmun Beach, Yongmeori Beach, or Iho Taewoo Beach with its horse-shaped lighthouses.

Besides being the destinations of leisure, Jeju beaches are a working place for some. Haenyeo or Jeju mermaids are strong local women who dive into the deep sea to catch seafood, all without an oxygen tank! These fisherwomen dive up to 30 meters deep water, and hold their breath for over three minutes! They often do not retire until they are 80! Historically, female divers outnumbered men, and haenyeo became the head of the family and the cornerstone of a semi-matriarchal society in Jeju.

Try their daily catch, for instance, an abalone! Jeonbokjuk, a rice porridge with abalone, is the local specialty of Jeju Island!

To learn how haenyeo work on Jeju Island, check out this Youtube video by UNESCO!

11. Jjimjilbang

Jjimjilbang is a Korean bathhouse open 24 hours a day! This means that, besides unwinding in hot tubs, saunas, and fomentation rooms, it also offers an opportunity for a sleepover, as long as you are flexible comfort-wise. Jjimjilbangs are definitely a cultural meeting point you need to visit at least once during your South Korean trip! There are certain rules in this Asian spa, so make sure to read our guide on how to use Jjimjilbangs before visiting the Korean onsen!

From the ones I tried on my own skin, here are my recommendations!

Dodu Water Park (10.000 Won or 8 Euros for an overnight stay) had an active kids-playing area, which also meant it had a lot of kids. With large rooms, it was hard to find a peaceful corner for resting.

Yongduam Seawater Land (11.000 Won or 8,5 Euros) was maybe my favorite. It had conveniently dark sleeping rooms with bunk beds, and there was even a TV in the sauna. Not that I could understand Korean TV!

Sanbangsan Hot Springs was the priciest Jjimjilbang (14.000 Won or 11 Euros). It had the largest variety of pools, but I could hardly find a quiet place to sleep. With children running around until late in the night, in the end, I opted for the floor in the restaurant (well, sleeping on the floor is nothing unusual for Jjimjilbang).

The bathhouse at Jeju World Cup Stadium (11.000 Won or 8,5 Euros) had lesser crowds during my visit but also seemed a bit bland.

Well, none of these was truly disappointing, as long as you can appreciate cultural differences when you enter the bathhouse that is not your average Western wellness facility!

Make sure to drink a cup of delicious Jeju Hallabong juice after your spa time! It will rehydrate you and make you sleep better than any cup of milk would!

Things to do in Jeju Island – conclusion

Jeju is an island worth exploring both above and underground

The volcanic history of Korean Hawaii determined the best assets of Jeju Island tourism. Jeju is famous for its highest mountain peak, lava tubes, beaches, and waterfalls. They attract visitors to explore the island both above and underground!

With the well-maintained and widespread system of Olle trails, the Jeju Island landscape is a hikers’ paradise! For more walking opportunities and other Jeju Island activities, there are numerous unique parks and gardens to get lost in!

Exploring this extraordinary natural and cultural heritage is a must-do in Jeju, especially for romantic couples and newlyweds on their honeymoon. Jeju attractions brand it as an island of love and lava, which makes it, pun intended, the hottest Korean tourist destination!

See some of Jeju’s volcanic landscape in this drone footage!

About Jeju Island

Where is Jeju Island located?

Jeju Island is the southernmost island of South Korea. It lies in the Korea Strait, the sea passage between South Korea and Japan.

How big is Jeju Island?

The size of the island is 1.849 square kilometers.

Jeju Island population

According to the 2014 data, Jeju has a population of 604.771 citizens.

Jeju Island – getting there

The easiest way to get to Jeju Island is by air. The flights from Seoul’s Gimpo Airport to Jeju International Airport are frequent and last only 70 minutes.

When I was flying out of Jeju, I flew to Busan’s Gimhae Airport.

Besides domestic flights, there are also direct connections with Japan and China.

Check your best flying options on Kiwi.com!

Getting around Jeju Island

Jeju Island attractions are quite dispersed across the island. The best way to explore them is by renting a car. My car rental cost me 104,42 GBP (125 Euros) for four days.

Roads in Jeju are fine if you exclude Korean wording and the unusual practice of placing traffic lights AFTER the crossroad, and not before. Otherwise, with GPS support, driving in Jeju is doable, as long as you follow the rules, and can handle nervous honking by those behind you who couldn’t care less about respecting the speed limit.

Most destinations in Jeju are within 2 hours driving distance from any point, so your rides will be short and not exhausting. But they will give you the freedom of going anywhere and at any time.

When to visit Jeju Island?

When planning your Jeju trip, it is good to know that the island has a temperate humid climate with mild winters and hot and rainy summers. The lowest precipitation is between November and February. April and October are mild and pleasant transitional periods.

Where to stay on Jeju Island?

If you prefer hotels to Jjimjilbangs, for the best prices, consider booking Jeju accommodation through this link!

How many days to stay on Jeju Island?

Creating the perfect Jeju Island itinerary will mainly depend on your interests. Personally, I believe that a good measure for visiting Jeju is anything between 4 and 7 days. However, for my next trip to the island, I’d hope to stay for a month, and walk the whole length of Olle trail along the coastline!

I hope this guide on things to do in Jeju Island helped plan your travel itinerary!
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Disclosure: My visit to Spirited Garden and Gimnyeong Maze Park was complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

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