Jeju Island

A volcanic island and premier vacation destination known for its natural beauty, beaches, and unique landscape including Hallasan mountain. It attracts millions annually for relaxation, outdoor activities, and its distinct cultural heritage.

Things to do

• Climb Hallasan Mountain — Hike South Korea's highest peak at 1,950 meters with trails ranging from easy to challenging, offering crater lake views and alpine scenery.
• Visit Jeongbang Waterfall — Experience a rare waterfall that cascades directly onto a black sand beach, particularly spectacular during spring and autumn.
• Explore Manjanggul Cave — Walk through one of the world's longest lava tubes with impressive stalactites and natural formations created by volcanic activity.
• Relax at Hyeopjae Beach — Enjoy crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand on this scenic beach ideal for swimming and water sports.
• Tour Jeju Haenyeo Museum — Learn about the island's famous female free-diving women and their centuries-old pearl and seafood harvesting tradition.
• Visit Seongup Folk Village — Stroll through a restored traditional Jeju village showcasing thatched-roof houses and authentic island architecture and lifestyle.
• Explore Teddy Bear Museum — Browse quirky exhibitions of decorative teddy bears from around the world in a themed museum popular with families.

Food to try

• Jeju Black Pork (Heugdwaeji) — Tender, flavorful grilled or braised pork from indigenous black pigs raised on the island, often served at specialized restaurants.
• Abalone (Jeonbok) — Fresh abalone harvested by haenyeo divers, served raw, grilled, or in soups as a premium local delicacy.
• Omegi-tteok — Traditional Jeju grain cakes made from barley and millet, historically eaten during lean seasons and now available as snacks.
• Sea Urchin (Uni) Bowls — Fresh sea urchin roe served over rice, showcasing Jeju's abundant seafood from surrounding waters.
• Gogi Guksu — Local noodle soup made with broth, vegetables, and thinly sliced meat, representing Jeju's comfort food traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect haenyeo traditions — Acknowledge the skilled free-diving women as cultural ambassadors; visit their demonstrations or purchase directly from them to support this UNESCO-recognized heritage practice.
• Remove shoes indoors — Always remove your footwear when entering homes, temples, or traditional Korean restaurants to show respect and follow local customs.
• Observe beach etiquette — Swim only in designated beach areas and respect warning flags; understand that certain beaches have gender-specific bathing times due to haenyeo operations.