Jeju Island Travel Cheat Sheet: Dongmun Market, Udo Island, Hallasan Mountain, and more

KKday Travel Experience

Jeju Island in South Korea is an unmissable vacation destination and a travel paradise in the eyes of Koreans. Jeju Island boasts not only beautiful beaches but also numerous natural wonders such as Udo Island, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, and the Jusangjeolli Cliffs, as well as South Korea’s highest peak, Hallasan Mountain.

Of course, you can’t miss the food at Dongmun Market or the shopping in the Yeon-dong area. Even without a car, you can explore Jeju Island by tourist bus. Let KKday tell you about the must-visit attractions on Jeju Island and how to plan your independent trip, and we’ll create a rich five-day, four-night itinerary for you.

The Jeju Island landmark “Seongsan Ilchulbong” is a masterpiece of nature, shaped over the years by seawater erosion and weathering. From afar, it looks like a dragon emerging from the sea. The scenery is beautiful and perfect for a stroll and photos. As you walk toward the Yongduam Cloud Bridge, you can watch planes take off and land. Korean shows like “Where Are We Going, Dad?” and various dramas have chosen this spot as a filming location.

Local legend says there was once a dragon on Jeju Island that stole a pearl from Hallasan Mountain. It was then struck by lightning and fell into the sea, where its body turned into rocks and its blood dyed the surrounding area red, forming what is now called Yongduam, or Dragon Head Rock.

Source: Shutterstock

■ Address: 15 Yongduam-gil, Yongdam 2(i)-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
■ Phone: +82 64-728-3918
■ Admission: Free, Parking: 500 KRW
■ Transportation: Walk five minutes toward the sea from Yongdam Intersection
■ Seongsan Ilchulbong Official Website
■ Recommended Stay Duration: 2 hours

Dongmun Market is the largest and most bustling of Jeju Island’s three major markets. It connects to Seven Star Shopping Street and Central Underground Street, forming the most vibrant area on the island. Seafood and fish products in Jeju are especially fresh, and the market offers many marinated seafood items and traditional snacks. You’ll find staples like spicy stir-fried rice cakes, gimbap, and fish cakes, as well as famous Jeju specialties such as citrus products, green tea, chocolate, and the Stone Grandfather statues.

Korean clothing, trendy items, and stationery are concentrated in Seven Star Shopping Street and Central Underground Street. When I visited Jeju last year, I found some really unique clothes in Seven Star Shopping Street at much lower prices than in Seoul. Shopaholics definitely shouldn’t miss this place.

Source: Shutterstock

■ Address: 16 Dongmun-ro, Ildo 1(il)-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
■ Phone: +82 64-722-3284
■ Business Hours: 08:00–21:00, Closed on Sundays
■ Transportation: Take a city bus to Jungang-ro Intersection or Dongmun Market Station
■ Recommended Stay Duration: 3 hours

After visiting Dongmun Market, take a stroll down the famous Jeju Black Pork Street. The most famous food on Jeju Island is black pork, and you absolutely must try the black pork barbecue paired with soju when you’re here.

Credit｜Coral Hou

■ Address: 25 Gwandeong-ro 15(sibo)-gil, Geonip-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
■ Phone: +82 64-753-0008
■ Transportation: Just a 10-minute walk from Dongmun Market
■ Recommended Stay Duration: 1.5 hours

Located on the eastern side of the island, Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) is a rare, well-preserved underwater volcanic hill in the world. Its cratered top, flat and concave, looks like a large bowl from afar, making it quite unique—thus it has been designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Facing the ocean, it’s perfect for watching the sunrise. From the mountaintop, you can clearly see the sun slowly rising from the edge of the sea, illuminating the ocean and land. The light refracting through the clouds in the sky creates a dreamy scene like a watercolor painting. It’s a popular spot for Koreans to welcome the New Year.

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Source: Shutterstock

■ Address: 284-12, Ilju-ro, Seongsan-ri, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
■ Phone: +82-64-710-7923
■ Admission Fee:
Individuals – Adults 2,000 KRW, Youth & Military 1,000 KRW
Children 1,000 KRW, Free for under 6 and over 65
■ Transportation: Take a trunk bus to Seongsan Ilchulbong and get off; Bus No. 710 (older route) can also take you there.
■ Recommended Stay Duration: 2 hours

Udo is absolutely our personal favorite. The island boasts crystal-clear blue seas, white sandy beaches, soaring seagulls, and waters so transparent that you can clearly see the little creatures beneath. There are few cars on the island—most people rent bicycles or electric scooters. The air is fresh with almost no pollution, making it feel like a paradise. It's perfect for a relaxing bike ride. You’ll often see haenyeo (female divers) fishing nearby. The food is especially recommended—peanut ice cream, Haenyeo seafood pancakes, and grilled abalone are all incredibly delicious. You won’t want to leave once you arrive.

Credit | Coral Hou

Highly recommended by our editor

Haenyeo seafood pancakes are a must-try delicacy from Udo. These seafood-filled pancakes are both crispy and chewy, with a rich umami flavor. Paired with the freshness of the sea, they are a taste you’ll never forget. We recommend trying them together with your companions—it’s an experience you’ll deeply cherish.

■ Transportation: From Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal or Seogwipo Bus Terminal, take a trunk bus to Seongsan Port (approx. 1 hour 30–40 minutes), then transfer to a ferry, which runs about every 15 minutes and can accommodate vehicles.
■ Ferry Fare:
One-way – Adults 3,500 KRW, Youth (middle school and above) 2,800 KRW
Elementary students 1,000 KRW, 2 years and above 700 KRW
Round-trip – Adults 5,500 KRW, Youth (middle school and above) 4,800 KRW
Elementary students 1,700 KRW, 2 years and above 1,400 KRW
■ Recommended Stay Duration: An afternoon

Editor’s Recommendation:Foreigners must bring their passport to take the ferry.

Mt. Hallasan is the first high peak on the island, located in the center of Jeju, standing 1,950 meters tall. Along with Mt. Geumgang and Mt. Jirisan, it is known as one of Korea’s Three Sacred Mountains. Legend says it is inhabited by immortals, hence it is also called “Mountain of Paradise.” The mountain is cool and serene. Every spring, it bursts into vibrant blooms, making it the peak tourist season. In addition, Mt. Hallasan has an exceptionally rich ecosystem, with diverse plants and animals scattered throughout the area.

There are many hiking routes on Mt. Hallasan. If you’re a beginner, you can choose the Eorimok Course or the Yeongsil Course. If you prefer a more leisurely trip focused on the beautiful views at higher altitudes, you can opt for the Gwaneumsa Course or the Seongpanak Course.

Editor’s Reminder:

Due to the nature of Jeju Island’s soil, there are many gravel fragments on the trails—be very careful while hiking.

■ Phone: +82-64-713-9950
■ Mt. Hallasan Hiking Routes ■ Transportation:
1. Yeri-mok Hiking Trail – From Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal, take Bus No. 181. Get off at Yeri-mok Entrance. Jeju City → Yeri-mok Entrance, estimated time: 35 minutes
Chinese → Yeorimok Entrance, Estimated Time: 45 minutes

2. Youngsil Mountain Hiking Trail - Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal!? The type of transportation is a bus, and the boarding point is at the terminal. The route from Jeju City to the Youngsil Ticket Office Entrance takes about 55 minutes. Jeju City → Youngsil Ticket Office Entrance, Estimated Time: 55 minutes
Chinese → Youngsil Ticket Office Entrance, Estimated Time: 25 minutes

3. Seongpanak Mountain Hiking Trail - Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal!? The type of transportation is a bus, and the boarding point is at the terminal. The route from Jeju City to Seongpanak takes about 36 minutes.
Seogwipo City → Seongpanak, Estimated Time: 38 minutes

4. Gwaneumsa Mountain Hiking Trail - No regular bus service available; private car or chartered vehicle required.

■ Recommended Stay Duration: 4.5 hours

Since there are many horseback riding spots around Haneobsi Falls, most travelers combine visiting the falls with a horse riding experience. Some stables only offer trail rides, while others provide professional courses. At that time, I opted for a beginner horseback riding class — going from walking to cantering was incredibly fulfilling. In addition, the vast open fields of the ranch make for beautiful photos, making it a must-visit spot for Instagram-worthy pictures.

Source: Pixabay

■ Address: 239, Nokcha Potted Plant Road, Andeum-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

■ Operating Hours:
Summer (March–September): 09:00–16:30
Winter (October–February): 09:00–17:30
Closed: 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), New Year’s Day
■ Recommended Stay Duration: 3 hours
A museum themed around “green tea,” introducing Korea’s traditional tea culture. Its architecture is quite famous — from afar, it resembles a giant green tea cup. Inside, it combines traditional and modern spaces along with a pond and garden, allowing visitors to enjoy tea and tea sweets in nature. It’s also a great place to shop for souvenirs.

After visiting the Green Tea Museum, you can check out the nearby innisfree Jeju House, a glass building. Innisfree is a leading Korean beauty brand, with many of its natural ingredients sourced from Jeju Island. The site includes a cosmetics experience area, an organic café, and opportunities to try making handmade soap. Alternatively, you can visit MONSANT CAFE, opened by GD (G-Dragon).

Source: Shutterstock

■ Phone: +82 64-794-5312
■ Operating Hours: 09:00–18:00
■ Transportation: Take bus 755 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal and get off at “Pilgwang Oak Seorok.”
■ Official Website: O’sulloc
■ Recommended Stay Duration: 2 hours
One of Jeju’s three major waterfalls and the only one in Asia that flows directly into the sea. With its powerful flow and crystal-clear water, many people swim in the stream in summer, and it’s also a great spot for photos.

On the cliff of the waterfall is carved the phrase “Xu Fu passed here.” Legend says that during China’s Qin Dynasty, Emperor Qin Shi Huang sent Xu Fu with 3,000 boys and girls to sail the seas in search of the elixir of life, and they once visited Jeju Island’s Cheonjiyeon Falls. The name “Seogwipo” literally means “Xu Fu’s return west to China.”

Source: Shutterstock

■Address: 37 Chilsimni-ro 214beon-gil, Donghong-dong, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea
■ Phone: +82 64-733-1530
■ Admission: Individuals – Adults 2,000 KRW, Children, Teens, Military 1,000 KRW, Free for under 6
■ Opening Hours: 08:30–18:00
■ Transportation: On Jungang-ro in Seogwipo City, take a city bus bound for Bumok, and get off at the Seogwipo KAL Hotel stop
■ Recommended Stay Duration: 1.5 hours

Located in the southwestern area of Seogwipo City on Jeju Island, this large-scale, centrally located destination is Korea’s most famous comprehensive tourist complex, featuring numerous museums, parks, and high-end hotels all clustered here.

The roads are well-planned and scenic, and you could easily spend two days just exploring the Jungmun Tourist Complex. The Teddy Bear Museum is a must-visit, housing thousands of uniquely designed teddy bears—some even let you hug and take photos with them. Other notable attractions include the Everland Botanical Garden, Pacific Land, and the Chocolate Land.

Seafood cuisine is especially popular in Seogwipo City, and the Jungmun Tourist Area has many excellent seafood restaurants. After a full day of sightseeing, why not treat yourself to a delicious seafood meal at one of them?

■ Address: Sakta-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
■ Phone: +82 64-739-1330
■ Jungmun Tourist Complex Official Website
■ Transportation:
Airport Bus: Take Airport Bus No. 600 from Jeju International Airport → Get off at Jungmun Tourist Complex (approx. 45 minutes)
Intercity Bus: Get off at the Jungmun Tourist Complex entrance (approx. 50 minutes)
City Bus: Take a seated bus (No. 120 or 130) from central Seogwipo → Get off at Cheonjiyeon Falls entrance or Jungmun Tourist Complex entrance (Seated Bus No. 110 allows you to get off inside the complex)

Editor’s Recommendation: Teddy Bear Museum

When visiting Jeju Island, don’t miss the world’s largest Teddy Bear Museum!Famous for its surge in popularity thanks to the Korean drama “Goong (Princess Hours),” the Teddy Bear Museum showcases a wide variety of teddy bears and even features mini concerts with teddy bear versions of Elvis Presley. It’s suitable for both kids and adults. And of course, don’t forget to pick up some adorable teddy bear souvenirs as a little treat for yourself!

■ Address: 31, Jungmun Tourist Road 110beon-gil, Sakta-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
■ Operating Hours: 8:30–19:00
■ Ticket: Adults 10,000 KRW | Teens 9,000 KRW | Children 8,000 KRW
■ Official Website
■ Recommended Stay Duration: 2 hours

Editor’s Recommendation: Pacific Land

Located at the entrance of Jungmun Saekdal Beach, Pacific Land not only houses a museum themed around Jeju’s marine life but is also famous for its live animal shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and monkeys. After the performances, you may even get the chance to take photos with the adorable animal stars. If you have more time, you can also head to the less crowded Jungmun Saekdal Beach for a swim!

■ Address: 154-17, Jungmun Tourist Road, Sakta-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
■ Operating Hours:
August 16 to July 19: 11:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30
July 20 to August 15, 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00, 17:00
Admission: Adults 15,000 KRW, Teenagers 12,000 KRW, Children 10,000 KRW
■ Recommended visiting time: 2 hours

Editor's recommendation: Dapu Coast Columnar Joint Belt

The world-famous Dapu Coast Columnar Joint Belt is located along the coastline between Jungmun-dong and Dapu-dong. The towering, approximately 40-meter-high polygonal columns were formed when magma cooled rapidly upon contact with seawater from ancient volcanic activity. This breathtaking natural wonder is a must-see. [⁄⁄⁄⁄⁄⁄⁄⁄⁄⁄]

■ Address: 216 Jungmun Tourist Road, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (Jungmun-dong)
■ Transportation: 20 minutes by bus from Seogwipo Bus Terminal to Jungmun area, then a 15-minute walk; or take Airport Bus No. 600 to Jeju International Convention Center, then walk right for 5 minutes
■ Opening hours: 8:00–18:00 (may vary by season)
■ Admission: Adults 2,000 KRW, Teenagers and children 1,000 KRW
■ Recommended visiting time: 2 hours

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When in Jeju Island, you’ve got to get wet and wild. Hajae Beach is one of the island’s famous beaches, complete with well-maintained facilities such as restrooms and showers—perfect for families with kids. Right next to the beach is Hallim Park, which makes for a great place to stroll or enjoy nature if you have extra time.

■ Address: Hajae-gil, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
■ Transportation: Take the West Route Loop (Route 1132) bus from Jeju City or Seogwipo, and get off at the entrance of Hallim Park
■ Recommended visiting time: 2.5 hours

Before heading home, don’t forget to go on a shopping spree and bring some loot back with you. Yeon-dong in Seogwipo is home to the Yeon-dong Shopping District. Though not as densely packed with shops as the Central Underground Shopping Mall, it offers more spacious walking areas, larger stores, and popular outlets such as Lotte Mart and E-MART. Plus, it’s where you’ll find South Korea’s second-largest duty-free shop, “Shilla” Duty Free—don’t miss this fantastic shopping destination.

■ Address: Yeon-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea
■ Transportation: Take Bus No. 100 from Jeju City Intercity Bus Terminal and get off at “Geumneung Rotary” (transliterated as per marker)
■ Recommended visiting time: 3 hours

[KKday Travel Experience] Authorized repost. Original article titled [5-Day, 4-Night Jeju Island Itinerary & Must-Visit Attractions]

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