Play boldly with K-dramas and K-shows in mind: The Ultimate 2018 Jeju Island Guide

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Recommended Ways to Enjoy Jeju Island

Jeju Island Attractions: Explore with GD

When it comes to the newest attractions on Jeju Island, none can top the “Jeju Shinhwa World,” a lavish resort heavily invested in and endorsed by GD, brought to you by YG Entertainment. Not only is it sprawling in size, but the park is also divided into a theme park, the YG Entertainment Town, a water park, Lionsgate Cinema, as well as a convention center, resort hotels, and an Asian food street overseen by renowned chefs—truly a comprehensive and ultra-luxurious theme park experience.

▲ Jeju Island Attraction – Shinhwa World. (Photo / ?Sai Sai Zhong Pu Chuan Jeju Shinhwa World)

Moreover, the rides within Shinhwa World are all themed around the wildly popular Korean animated character, Larva. As a result, you can find all kinds of fun, lively installations featuring Larva and Oscar, along with an abundance of merchandise in the shops. If you’re a fan, you definitely shouldn’t miss this park.

Official Website: Jeju Shinhwa World

▲ GD’s Café in Jeju Island. (Photo / jejushinhwaworld)

▲ GD’s Café in Jeju Island. (Photo / yg_republique)

Aside from the theme park, another must-visit stop on this Jeju Island pilgrimage is the highlight: the YG Entertainment Town and Untitled, 2017 Café, with the café personally planned and designed by GD himself. The exterior features a design modeled after the letters G and D, while the interior offers a bright space with minimalist styling. The most eye-catching element is the pair of large red and yellow flowers hanging from the ceiling—a perfect spot for relaxing, chatting, and enjoying coffee during your trip.

Address: 98, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, 304beon-gil, Shinhwa History Road, Ande-myeon
Business Hours: 09:30–17:30

This OrangeLaOrange is a BBQ spot that GD visits every time he’s in Jeju. The restaurant’s specialty is thick-cut local black and white pork, served with a unique mackerel sauce that’s simply irresistible. As such, aside from GD, members of Big Bang, Lee Byung-hun, Eunhyuk, and Winner have all dined here. It’s a deeply local eatery with major star appeal.

Address: 3086-3, Nohyeong-dong, Jeju-si
Business Hours: 13:00–22:00

Because of the natural scenery on South Korea's Jeju Island, many celebrities have chosen to live there, including the actors Kim Nam-joo and her husband, Lee Hyo-ri and her husband, as well as the soccer player Park Ji-sung and his wife. The most talked-about, of course, is the home of Lee Hyo-ri, which was featured in the Korean variety show "Hyori's Homestay." The original intention of the show was to let viewers share the couple's life on Jeju Island and thereby gain a deeper appreciation for the island’s attractions, rather than simply visiting to see their private residence. So, I will introduce some Jeju Island attractions that appeared in "Hyori's Homestay."

The Newchang Windmill Coastal Road (also known as the Lighthouse Viewpoint Scenic Drive) is a coastal route leading to the Xiaoli Homestay. You can drive along it for a scenic tour or cycle slowly to enjoy the ride. Along the way, you’ll see pure white windmills and lighthouses while enjoying the sea breeze and the laid-back island life. You can also climb the lighthouse to take in the vast, sweeping views of Jeju Island’s attractions, experiencing the endless blue where sea meets sky.

Address: 1322-1 Hannam-ri, Jeongeup-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (Saerop Cheolhuhuro Lottangung 1322-1)
Transportation: Take bus number 102 from Jeju Airport and get off at Han-gyeong-myeon Office (Jeokgeum-ri). From there, take a taxi for about 3,000 KRW, or walk for around 30 minutes.

Of course, when talking about Korean variety shows filmed on Jeju Island in Korea, how can we leave out "Running Man"? In the show, the members of RM searched for treasure, shuttling back and forth around the lake, the cactus garden, and near the Jeju Grandfather statue at Sunrise Park, capturing the natural scenery and attractions of Sunrise Park in a very fun way. So, if you're making a pilgrimage to Jeju Island, you absolutely can't miss this attraction on the island!

Address: 4150-30 Jung-san-gwan-dong-seong, Seogwipo-si
Business hours: 08:30 until one hour before sunset
Transportation: Take bus 720, get off at Lancha 1 Palace (Sandal 1 Ri Station), then walk 1 km.

Another filming location from *Running Man* is Dongmun Traditional Market (also known as Chihwan-gyo & Noppyeon), located in the heart of Jeju’s commercial district. Compared to more modern or tourist-oriented markets, Dongmun Traditional Market retains a more traditional and local atmosphere, featuring numerous stalls and delicious street food at very affordable prices. It’s a great place to experience daily life on Jeju Island.

Address: 20, Gwondeok-ro 14beon-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (Ildo 1(il)-dong)
Business Hours: 09:00–18:00

Yeomjeong-ri Coast (also known as Pokmul-gungjeongje) is famous for its crystal-clear waters on Jeju Island. Not only has it appeared in *Running Man*, but in recent years it has also introduced super fun transparent canoes. Before setting off, instructors patiently teach basic paddling techniques, making it easy even for beginners to enjoy gliding over the sea. Additionally, the colorful chairs along Yeomjeong-ri Coast, set against the backdrop of the sea and sky, make it a perfect Instagram spot—this is a must-visit destination on Jeju Island.

Address: Yeomjeong-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
Opening Hours: 10:00–19:00

Jeju Island Attractions: Travel Like in a Korean Drama

There are countless Korean dramas filmed in Jeju Island, South Korea, but those shot entirely on the island are much rarer. One such drama is *Warm and Cozy*, starring Kang So-ra. It not only showcases the haenyeo (female divers) culture of Jeju but also features Chunji Café (also translated as Spring Café), where the main character runs a restaurant, attracting many travelers to visit this pilgrimage site.

The seaside Chunji Café consists of several small brick-and-wood buildings adorned with vibrant paintings and string lights, exuding a lovely exotic vibe. The seaside gazebo often seen in the drama is another must-photo spot. While the exterior scenes were filmed here, the interior was built on a set—so the actual interior of Chunji Café looks completely different. Visitors can enjoy experiencing the contrasting styles.

Address: 25, Haeyang-ro 1beon-gil, Haeyang-eup, Jeju-si
Business Hours: 09:00–21:00
Transportation: Take Bus 202 and get off at Handam Station, then walk about 5 minutes

K-drama fans will immediately recognize this scene—who else could it be but *Goong (Princess Hours)*, the drama everyone had to watch live when it aired? Not only did it feature the teddy bear couple at the start of every episode, but the second half of the series was also shot in Jeju Island, where Choi Jin (played by Yoon Eun-hye) accompanied the Queen Dowager to the Teddy Bear Museum. Even though it’s been years since its premiere, it remains a must-visit K-drama filming site for first-time travelers to Jeju Island.

Address: 31, Jungang-ro 110beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
Business Hours: 09:00–19:30

Finally, Hallasan Mountain is an essential pilgrimage site among Jeju Island’s attractions. It’s the iconic location from the classic Korean drama *My Name is Kim Sam-soon*, where the protagonist declares, “If I ever climb Hallasan again, then I’m not Kim Sam-soon!” Hallasan is also South Korea’s highest peak, standing at 1,950 meters, and was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2007. With five different hiking trails offering varying levels of difficulty and scenery, visitors can enjoy rhododendron blooms in spring and summer, or vibrant foliage and snow-covered landscapes in autumn and winter—breathtaking views all year round.

After seeing these beautiful and uniquely styled Jeju Island attractions, you can probably understand why Jeju has become a popular filming location for Korean variety shows and dramas. Next, I’ll introduce a place that has gained fame in recent years for its hydrangea and camellia blossoms—rumor has it that it might soon appear in a Korean drama too. Why not visit before the crowds arrive and imagine yourself as a celebrity or K-drama lead on a photoshoot adventure?

Jeju Island Attractions: Travel Like on a Photoshoot

Opening Hours: 08:00–18:30
Transportation: Take the Jeju Expressway Bus 780 → Get off at Sangchang-ri, then cross the street and take Bus 940 (Yumyeon Circular Bus) → Get off at Camellia Garden

Jeju Island Attractions Map

[Authorized Repost from Tripbaa – Asia Travel Experts]Original Source: [2018 Jeju Island Attractions: Explore GD’s Favorite Jeju Through K-Dramas & Variety Shows!]

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