29 Best Sights in Jeju-do, South Korea

This is a botanical garden, zoo, and cultural experience all wrapped up in one. At this Jeju-themed park, visitors experience the flora of Jeju while winding through a maze of greenhouses, orchards, and reptile enclosures. The walk-in bird sanctuary puts you face to face with peacocks and other native fowl. The water garden, traditional folk village, and bonsai and stone statue park represent the island's artistic heritage. There are even two small lava tubes guests can walk through. If your visit is short, Hallim Park is a great way to experience Jeju's many facets in just a few hours.

Arguably Jeju's most recognized tourist sight, Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) is a dramatic tuff cone created around 5,000 years ago after an underwater volcanic explosion. Rising 600 feet out of the sea like a coastal fortress, the cone is ringed by dramatic cliffs sculpted by thousands of years of wind and waves, and capped by a grassy, bowl-shaped caldera. The peak was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2007 thanks to its "outstanding aesthetic beauty" and geological significance.

It takes about an hour to hike the well-maintained path to the lip of the crater, where you can take in views of the caldera and the sea beyond. The best views of the peak, however, are to be had at nearby Gwangchigi Beach, especially at sunrise, when the peak is silhouetted against the rising sun. If you're lucky, it will also be low-tide, exposing the moss-covered volcanic rocks along the beach.

A popular attraction for tour groups and families during the day and a romantic stop for couples at night, the picturesque, 72-foot-high falls are surrounded by woods but still just a half-mile walk down a paved path from the parking lot, so they're easily accessible. The area around the falls is known for its diverse plant life and migratory birds, and the water is home to marbled eel.

A short ferry ride from the port of Moseulpo, Gapado is a relaxing piece of old Jeju. Home to fewer than 200 people, the remote island takes just one or two hours to fully circumnavigate. It's a lovely place, especially in spring, when much of the island is covered in fields of waist-high barley. Walk along volcanic stone-lined paths through seas of green-gold barley swaying in the ocean wind, taking in views of Jeju's Hallasan mountain in the distance. The island hosts an annual Barley Festival every April or early May. While you're on the island, check out the architecturally spectacular Gapado Artist in Residence (AiR), a gallery and creative space for Korean and international artists.

Korean travelers regard Geumneung Beach as Jeju's most "exotic," largely owing to its row of palm trees. It also gets some of Jeju's finest sunsets, when the descending sun turns the seascape around Biyangdo (Biyang Island) into a canvas of red, orange, and violet. The beach's shallow depth and concentration of volcanic rocks make it an ideal place for snorkeling. The shallow water also makes the beach popular with family vacationers, especially in summer. The beach has a free camping ground that's open year-round. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; lifeguards; showers. Best for: walking; swimming; sunsets; snorkeling.

In the Jeju dialect, "gotjawal" refers to the thick forests of trees and climbing plants that cover the rocky ground on the middle slopes of Hallasan mountain. These forests are critical to Jeju's ecosystem, as the rainwater that falls here penetrates deep into the aquifer through the highly porous volcanic rock. These forests are home to about 750 species of indigenous plants and dozens of animal species, including several endangered and protected ones such as the exceptionally rare Black-headed Snake. Several gotjawal forests have been designated protected parks, including Gotjawal Provincial Park in southwest Jeju. Five trails make their way through half a square mile of forest. The highlight is the 50-foot high observation tower with breathtaking views over the forest and surrounding landscape. There's also a visitor's center and a cafe. Trekking or hiking shoes are recommended, and dress shoes and sandals are forbidden.

This stretch of black sand near Seongsan is best known for its views of Seongsan Ilchulbong, especially at sunrise. In fact, many of the promotional shots of the peak are taken from here. If you're lucky, sunrise will coincide with low tide, when the sunlight will glisten off the beach's moss-covered volcanic rocks. Aside from the views, there are some good restaurants near the beach, as well as horse riding facilities and canola flower fields in spring. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: sunrise, walking.

Jeju's dominant topographical feature is Hallasan, an extinct shield volcano that looms 1,950 meters (6,397 feet) over the island. The mountain's lower slopes are covered in dense woods, fields, pastures, and citrus groves that give way to grassy meadows, azalea fields, and forests of dead yew trees at higher elevations. More than 360 parasitic cones cover the volcano's flanks. There are seven hiking trails up the mountain, though the two most popular—the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails—now require reservations. Both take about 10 hours, and while the hike to the crater at the peak can be a slog, no technical climbing is required and the views over the island are well worth the effort. Beware of the strong winds and sudden change in temperature as altitude increases. Hallasan has camping sites, parking, a visitors center, and bathrooms.

Like most of the beaches on Jeju's northern coast, you'll find plenty of white sand sloping gently into crystal clear water, along with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and other amenities. What really sets Hamdeok Beach apart, though, is that it's right next to a sizable volcanic cone, Seoubong. It's a short hike to the top, where you'll find great views over the coast. The hill is covered in bright yellow canola blossoms in spring and golden cosmos flowers in autumn, too. The beach is just 30 minutes from Jeju International Airport, making it one of the island's most accessible seaside destinations. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.

One of the most popular beaches on Jeju's northwest coast is also one of its most picturesque thanks to its white sands, black volcanic rock, emerald sea, and the small volcanic island Biyangdo just off the coast. Gently sloping into shallow seas, the beach makes for a perfect family getaway. The sunsets from here (and nearby Geumneung Beach) are inspiring. The beach is lined with plenty of charming cafes and restaurants, as is the nearby town of Hallim. Also nearby is Hallim Park, an arboretum and one of the island's most popular tourist destinations. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; lifeguards; showers. Best for: walking; swimming; sunsets.

This museum is dedicated to Jeju's remarkable female divers, or haenyeo, who dive more than 30 feet deep to collect shellfish and other sea critters without the help of oxygen masks. They do this up to seven hours a day, 90 days of the year, holding their breath for a full minute on each dive. Jeju's women free divers were inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. In addition to its exhibits on haenyeo, the museum has a sculpture garden and gift shop. A visit here is usually paired with a trip to adjacent Sehwa Beach.

Described as "a place where love-oriented art and eroticism meet," this theme sculpture park provides some intriguing—albeit daring—insights into the art of love making. Given Korea's relative conservatism this venue may come as a surprise for some. Throughout the grounds are 140 large sculptures and monuments. This is strictly an adult activity; keep the kids at home.

The 72-foot-high Jeongbang Falls is the only waterfall in Korea that flows directly into the ocean. Though swimming is not recommended, visitors can wade out into the water; when the tide is low it's possible to get quite close to waterfall. On the rocks near the water is an excellent spot for a picnic lunch, or at the top of the cliffs where you can see another nearby waterfall (Sojeongbang) and take in surrounding views at the observatory. Be sure to wear durable, rubber-soled shoes as the rocks can be extremely slippery. Get here early to avoid the crowds.

This sandy stretch of beach in the sprawling Jungmun Tourist Complex stretches from Cheonjiyeon Waterfall to the stunning basalt cliffs of Daepo Jusangjeolli. More than one million people visit the beach a year, so it can be something of a sea of parasols in summer. However, it also gets relatively high waves, making it a favorite of Korea's surfer community. Typhoon swells are common in summer. Even if you're not a beach person, the nearby Jungmun Tourist Complex is full of things to see, including the impressive Yeomiji Botanical Garden. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; lifeguards; showers. Best for: swimming; surfing.

The Jungmun Tourist Complex was created in 1978 as a way to promote tourism to Jeju. Apparently, it worked. Today, the sprawling complex includes 10 major hotels, an international convention center, several museums, a golf course, a marine park, beaches, waterfalls, and more. Some travelers go to Jungmun and never leave. One place particularly worth visiting within the complex is the Yeomiji Botanical Garden. The indoor garden alone is home to 2,000 rare tropical and subtropical plants, while the outdoor gardens feature sections in a variety of national styles. It also has an observation tower with views of Hallasan and Jeju's offshore islands.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cave was created many millennia ago when the island's volcano was still active. Manjanggul is the largest lava cave on the island, stretching for about 4.5 miles, though less than a mile is open to the public. The path into the cave is well lit but it still feels dark and spooky. Manjanggul is part of the larger, 300,000-year-old Geomun Oreum lava tube system and is packed stalactites, stalagmites, and a lava column—it's a photographer's playground.

Eight miles off the coast of Jeju, this is the country's southernmost point. It's a tiny but stunning island, with steep cliffs, fantastical rock formations, lighthouses, and plenty of sea caves. You can comfortably stroll around the entire island in about an hour and a half. One scenic point is a tiny Catholic church shaped like an abalone shell. Have a bowl of jajangmyeon (Chinese noodles with black bean sauce), while you are here. Ferries leave every hour on the half hour from Moseulpo Port. The trip takes 30 minutes. Check weather conditions as the ferry closes for rough sea.

Opened by Korean cosmetic giant AmorePacific in 2001, Osulloc Tea Museum is an architecturally stunning complex located amid sublime scenery at the entrance of the sprawling Seogwang Green Tea Plantation. The museum's exhibits focus on the history and traditions of Korean tea, while the popular cafe offers a wide range of tea-based beverages and desserts, including green tea ice cream and green tea roll cakes. For a real treat, though, take a 55-minute tour and green tea class at the museum's Tea Stone annex, which embraces its setting amid a thick forest grove with transparent glass walls. Tours require reservations, and a Korean translator is a good idea. Even if you don't enter the museum itself, you can stroll around in the photogenic green tea fields nearby and gaze upon rolling hills and volcanic cones in the distance.

This grotto carved into the side of Sanbangsan mountain is a significant Buddhist shrine and one of the most important and popular cultural sites on the island of Jeju. The steep staircase climb is exhausting but well worth the effort for the panoramic ocean views. Once at the top, visitors can drink from the fresh mountain spring and make a donation to the life-sized Buddha statue.

More than 6,500 feet in circumference and 420 feet deep, Sangumburi is not only one of the largest of Jeju's 360 volcanic craters, but it's also a rare "maar"—that is, it was formed when groundwater came into contact with magma, causing an explosion. The crater functions as a nature preserve, hosting more than 400 species of trees and plants and populations of deer and other animals. The crater is particularly spectacular in autumn, when its flanks are covered in shimmering silvergrass. Its rim offers fine views of Hallasan as well. The crater is an easy five-minute walk from the park gate. 

Like Jeju's other beaches, Sehwa Beach is a captivating medley of white sand, black rock, and jewel-toned water. What it lacks, however, are crowds—and here lies its charm. Still relatively untouristed, this is as tranquil a stretch of coast as you will find anywhere on the island. Sehwa has also attracted its share of hipsters from the mainland, as its trendy cafes and popular Bellongjang artisan market will attest. On the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, and 30th of the month, the beach area also hosts one of northeast Jeju's biggest open air markets, where you'll find locally harvested seafood, carrots, and other produce. Nearby is the Jeju Haenyeo Museum, where visitors can learn about the lives of Jeju's famous female divers, or haenyeo. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: sunsets; sunrises; walking; solitude.

Though this beach's proper name is Udo Sanho Beach, it's popularly known as Seobinbaeksa, which means "beautiful white sand beach in the west." As the name would suggest, this strip of white sand on the western side of Udo is quite stunning, as are the views it provides of the Jeju mainland. The sand is actually made from coral, or more precisely, red algal nodules called rhodoliths. For this reason, the beach has been designated a natural monument by the Korean government. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; showers. Best for: sunsets; swimming; walking; snorkeling.

Go back in time and experience the traditional Jeju way of life in this preserved agricultural village. The thatched roof and lava rock wall homes have been passed down through the generations and locals still inhabit the 3,000 homes. Visitors gather here to watch villagers perform folk songs and listen to them speak in the Jeju dialect. Stop by the souvenir shop to pick up a harubang, the grandfather statue that has become one of the images of Jeju.

Formed from a volcano eruption, the 600 ft. high Sunrise Peak was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and is the perfect place to enjoy breathtaking sunrises. The jagged rocks lining the outer rim of the crater are said to resemble a king's crown. Be aware that the climb to the top is steep and challenging.

Seopjikoji Cape juts out into the sea from eastern Jeju, not far from the impressive volcanic cone of Seongsan Ilchulbong. Unique among Jeju's coastal sites, the cape is made of red volcanic ash, or scoria. Gentle hiking trails take you along the cape's fields and hills, providing lovely views of the sea and surrounding area. Jeju's native horses graze here, and in spring, the fields blaze golden with canola blossoms. The Phoenix Island Villa Condo & Club House owns most of the cape. The resort includes Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando's Glass House, a minimalist concrete and glass cafe and restaurant overlooking the sea, and the Genius Loci, a tranquil mediation garden of concrete, stone, and water.

Just 15 minutes by ferry from the port of Seongsan, this small volcanic island used to be a hidden piece of bucolic old Jeju. In recent years, the hip crowd has discovered the place en masse, bringing trendy cafes, restaurants, and bed-and-breakfasts with them. Still, the island's patchwork of fields and pathways lined by volcanic stones walls remind visitors what Jeju was like before tourism transformed it forever. Fields of bright-yellow canola flowers light the island up in early spring; many charge small entry fees. The island also has hiking trails, bike paths, ATV and scooter rentals, scenic coastal cliffs and Seobin Beach, one of the finest white sand beaches in Jeju and East Asia's only beach made of rhodoliths (red algae nodules). On a culinary note, the island is renowned for its peanuts, which locals use to make ice cream, cheesecakes, beverages and other delicacies.

Not so long ago, the Woljeong Coast was a beautiful and relatively quiet stretch of white sand and emerald sea on the road to Seongsan in northeast Jeju. Nothing can remain secret forever, though, and the area is now a bit overrun with cafes, restaurants, and bed-and-breakfasts such as the Lunamar Pool Resort. That said, there are worse ways to spend an afternoon than taking in the captivating seaside scenery over an artisanal cold brew or craft beer. Try the carrot cake at the cafe Gujwa Sanghoe, a beautifully renovated traditional Jeju home with walls of volcanic rock. Some of the cafes have placed colorful wooden chairs on the beach boardwalk; these have become popular photo spots. Woljeong Coast's water is pretty shallow, making it ideal for children. At the same time, the area gets consistent waves, drawing plenty of surfers. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; lifeguards; showers. Best for: sunsets; sunrises; surfing; swimming.

The Yongmeori Coast is not really a beach, but a headland of phantasmagoric sandstone cliffs located where the dramatic lava dome of Sanbangsan mountain meets the sea. The cliff is actually the remnant of an old tuff ring produced by three undersea volcanic vents. Weathered by millennia of wind and waves, the highly stratified cliffs, which reach over 150 feet in height, sharply twist and turn as they make their way along the sea. Here and there, the sea has carved out coves, inlets, and caves. You can walk along the bottom of the cliffs, though entry is forbidden during inclement weather and high tide.

Trekkers and photographers flock to this low-lying, horseshoe-shaped volcanic cone in Jeju's northeast for its gentle, undulating landscapes and its ever changing seasonal foliage. It takes just 15 minutes of easy hiking to reach the top of the cone, where you can take in views of Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Udo Island, and some of Jeju's other prominent volcanic cones. You can circumnavigate the entire crater in a leisurely one-hour hike. The cone attracts many hikers particularly in autumn, when colonies of shining silvergrass cover its slopes.