Must Visit Attractions in East Jeju Island

Located off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju Island is always a top tourist destination renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, unique culture, and delicious cuisine. This lovely island never fails to charm, but lately, the spotlight is on the attractions along its eastern coast. From serene beaches to wonderful mountains, there’s a buzz waiting to be explored. Join us as we venture along this scenic stretch to uncover the best attractions in East Jeju Island that captivate all who visit.

Seongsan Ilchulbong (Seongsan Sunrise Peak) 성산 일출봉

• Address: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 일출로 284-12
• Open hours: Weekday: 07:00 – 20:00, Weekend: 07:00 – 20:00
• Phone: (+82) 064-783-0959
• Ticket: Adults: 2,000 won ($1.5) | Youths: 1,000 won ($0.75) | Children: 1,000 won ($0.75)

At the crack of dawn, there’s no better place to catch a stunning Jeju sunrise than from the peak of Seongsan Ilchulbong. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of daybreak or simply love a good hike, visiting Seongsan Ilchulbong is an absolute must in Jeju.

This natural wonder is 180 meters above sea level, a tuff cone crater formed by volcanic activity beneath the ocean’s surface. At the summit, you’ll find a striking arrangement of 99 chiseled rocks, resembling a crown encircling a vast meadow. A brief 30 – 45-minute hike takes you to the rim of the crater, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding seascape. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this natural wonder promises an unforgettable sunrise experience you won’t regret waking up early!

Woljeongri Beach 월정리 해수욕장

• Address: 480-1, Haemajihaean-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 제주시 구좌읍 해맞이해안로 480-1

Woljeongri Beach on Jeju Island is a serene haven with stunning scenery and soft white sand. This is the perfect spot for a peaceful escape from crowds. You can enjoy leisurely walks, sunbathing, or water sports here. 

Over time, more travelers have discovered its beauty, developing restaurants, cafes, and accommodations along the shore. Some cafes thoughtfully placed chairs for guests to relax and admire the sea, creating an iconic spot for photographs. The beach is also favored for water sports, including surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking. Surfers especially appreciate Woljeongri Beach for its consistent waves with uniform heights.

Jeju Rail Bike

• Address: 641 Yongnuni Oreum-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
• Open hours: 9:00 – 17:30 daily
• Phone: (+82) 064-783-0033
• Website: www.jejurailpark.com

If you’ve tried rail biking before, you’ll find the Jeju Rail Bike experience quite similar: expect stunning scenery! You’ll encounter natural wonders like Yongnunioreum, Darangswioreum Parasitic Cones, and the Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone. Along the way, you may spot a field where a herd of over 100 cows grazes peacefully. The ride starts and ends on downhill slopes, ensuring an exciting journey.

The rail bikes operate hourly, departing every half-hour, and completing the trail typically takes about 35 minutes. You’ll discover plenty of attractions along the route, including cafes, animal farms, and observatories. For an elevated view, visit the second-floor observatory to admire the rail bike course and the ranch with Yongnuni Oreum in the background. Don’t forget to try the café’s specialty carrot juice, made from freshly ground carrots – a unique treat from Gujwa.

Sangumburi Crater 산굼부리

• Address: 768, Bijarim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 제주시 조천읍 비자림로 768
• Open hours: 9:00 – 17:00 daily
• Contact: +82-64-783-9900
• Website: www.sangumburi.net

Nestled on the southeastern side of Jeju Island, Sangumburi Crater beckons as a must-visit Natural Monument. Its expansive flatness stretches over 650 meters wide, with depths plunging 100 meters and a circling circumference of 2,070 meters. From above, its circular expanse resembles a grand stadium; within, a rich tapestry of plant life awaits discovery. Wandering the north side, you may encounter red thorn and magnolia trees alongside rare winter strawberries. Venture southward, you can explore Ondaerim’s evergreens, maples, and mountain strawberry trees. 

While Sangumburi Crater is beautiful year-round, autumn is the most breathtaking season. During this time, the ridges of the crater transform into a golden spectacle as waves of silver grass sweep across, offering a magnificent sight to behold.

Ecoland Jeju 에코랜드

• Address: 1278-169, Beonyeong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 제주시 조천읍 번영로 1278-169
• Open hours: 8:30 – 16:30 daily
• Contact: (+82) 064-802-8000
• Admission fee: Adult (19 years old or older)16,000 Won ($12) | Teens (13~18 years old)13,000 Won ($9.7) | Child (36 months old~12 years old)11,000 Won ($8.2)
• Website: www.ecolandjeju.co.kr

Eco Land Theme Park, nestled in the expansive one km² Gotjawal primeval forest, offers a unique adventure aboard trains resembling 1800s steam-powered Baldwin locomotives. These seven Baldwin train replicas, the Lincoln Train, were custom-made in the UK. As you traverse the forest’s railway trails, you’ll encounter diverse plants, animals, and insects inhabiting this mysterious ecosystem. 

The park also features a serene lake, perfect for exploring the forest’s ecosystem, leisurely walks, and picnics. While visiting, don’t forget to check out attractions such as the Eco Bridge, Eco Windmill, Picnic Garden, Kid’s Town, Eco Road, Bare Foot on Scoria, Floating Café, and topiary artworks.

Kimnyoung Maze Park (김녕 미로 공원)

• Address: 122, Manjanggul-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 제주시 구좌읍 만장굴길 122
• Open hours: 9:00 – 17:50 daily
• Contact: (+82) 064-782-9266
• Website: www.jejumaze.com

Head to Kimnyoung Maze Park next to Manjanggul Cave if you want fun and adventure. Opened in 1987 by American professor F.H. Dustin, it’s Korea’s first maze park with seven symbols representing Jeju’s history and geography. It’s Asia’s first symbolic maze park, boasting eco-friendly surroundings with Leylandii and Jeju scoria. 

It’s Korea’s first cat park, home to around 50 cats. Enjoy wandering through the maze, surrounded by beautiful flowers and picture-perfect frames. It’s a great place for all ages to have a wonderful time!

Hamdeok Seoubong Beach (함덕 서우봉 해변)

• Address: 519-10, Johamhaean-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 제주시 조천읍 조함해안로 519-10

If you’re seeking a fantastic beach experience, consider visiting Hamdeok Beach, a renowned gem among Jeju’s top three beaches. Also known as Hamdeok Seoubong Beach, it’s conveniently located along Jeju Olle Trail Course 19, just 20 kilometers from Jeju International Airport. Here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery featuring emerald-blue waters, towering palm trees, and pristine white sandy shores. 

You can stroll along the coastal walking trail or enjoy a picnic in the grassy area. Be sure to visit during summer evenings to witness the enchanting sight of the night sea or in spring to admire the Seoubong Volcanic Cone adorned with vibrant yellow canola blossoms. It’s a wonderful sight to behold.

Udo Island 우도

• Address: 153, Udo-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 제주시 우도면 우도로 153

If you have an extra day on Jeju Island, don’t miss out on visiting Udo Island. Just a short 15-minute ferry ride from the eastern coast of Jeju, Udo is famous for its peanuts and breathtaking scenery. Its fertile soil and abundant marine life make it like a miniature version of Jeju. 

Here, you can enjoy various activities like fishing, biking, sand massages, and exploring the island’s marine life on submarines or cruises. Renting a bicycle is highly recommended; you can cycle everywhere, leisurely explore its beaches, soak in the tranquil ambiance, and rejuvenate amidst nature’s embrace.

Catch a ferry from Seongsan Port or Jongdal Port to reach Udo Island. 

Seopjikoji Hill 섭지코지

• Address: 107, Seopjikoji-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 섭지코지로 107
• Contact: (+82) 064-740-6000
• Admission: free | Open all year round

Seopjikoji earns its name from its distinctive shape, extending into the sea, with ‘koji’ representing a cape in the Jeju dialect. This picturesque coastline boasts a blanket of canola flowers in spring, with the imposing Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak in the backdrop and the breathtaking Sinyang Beach nearby.

Here, you can soak in the traditional allure of Jeju, from expansive hills adorned with canola flowers to serene Jeju ponies grazing peacefully and striking rocky cliffs. Perched atop the hill is a beacon fire station crafted from volcanic rocks. Beyond the station lies the vibrant Bulgeunoreum Volcanic Cone, characterized by its red soil, with a contrasting white lighthouse atop. Seopjikoji is also a popular filming location for Korean movies and dramas. Take a walk here when you visit Jeju!

Jeju Folk Village 제주 민속촌

• Address: 631-34, Minsokhaean-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 표선면 민속해안로 631-34
• Open hours: 8:30 – 18:00 daily
• Contact: (+82) 064-787-4501
• Admission fee: Adults 15,000 won ($11.2) | Teenagers 12,000 won ($9) | Children 11,000 won ($8.2)
• Website: www.jejufolk.com

If you have a passion for history or simply want to delve into Jeju’s cultural heritage, visiting Jeju Folk Village is a must. With 117 meticulously restored houses and facilities, Jeju Folk Village transports visitors back to the 1890s. 

Here, you can explore various themed areas such as the Mountain Village, Hill-Country Village, Fishing Village, and Shamanism Village across the expansive 40-acre site. Marveling at an extensive range of folk items, including 1,627 woodenware, 1,046 bamboo ware, 1,699 earthenware, 1,544 porcelainware, 765 wax candles, 921 ironware, and 579 other items. 

Jeju Folk Village is where Janggeum, the protagonist of the popular Korean drama “Jewel in the Palace,” was exiled. If you’re a fan of this movie, you should check this site out.

Jeju Herb Garden (Herb Dongsan)

• Address: 170, Donoreum-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
• Open hours: 9:00 – 22:00 daily
• Contact:  +82 64-787-7362
• Admission fee: Adults 13,000 won ($9.7) | Youths 11,000 won ($8.2) | Children 10,000 won ($7.5) |Foot spa 15,000 won ($11.2)
• Website: www.herbdongsan.com

If you’re seeking a tranquil escape into nature’s healing embrace, look no further than Jeju Herb Dongsan. This expansive park and garden provide a serene atmosphere and herbal wellness. With over 150 varieties of herbs and wildflowers spread across 66,115 square meters, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Explore the scenic Mandarin farm and experience the enchanting LED-lit gardens in the evening. Whether you’re a couple seeking romance or a family searching for relaxation, this destination has something for everyone. And don’t miss the chance to pamper yourself with the aroma foot spa; it’s the greatest rejuvenating experience ever!

Manjanggul Cave (만장굴)

• Address: 182, Manjanggul-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 제주시 구좌읍 만장굴길 182
• Open hours: 9:00 – 17:00 daily
• Contact: +82 64-710-7903
• Admission fee: Adults 4,000 won ($3) | Teens and children 2,000 won ($1.5)

Exploring the Manjanggul Lava Tube (Cave) is a must-do activity for adventurers. This impressive lava tube extends approximately 7,400 meters, boasting dimensions of up to 25 meters in height and 18 meters in width, making it one of the largest in the world.

Despite being formed over a hundred thousand years ago, Manjanggul remains remarkably well-preserved. While most of the cave is inaccessible, tourists can explore a one-kilometer section that showcases various lava tubes and cave formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars. Among these formations, the cave is home to the world’s tallest recorded stone pillar, standing at an awe-inspiring height of 7.6 meters.

Darangshi Oreum (Wollangbong) 다랑쉬 오름 (월랑봉)

• Address: San 6, Sehwa-ri, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 제주시 구좌읍 세화리 산6

• Contact: (+82) 064-740-6000

Hike to the summit of Darangshi Oreum for panoramic views of East Jeju’s rolling hills and coastline. Rising 380 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking panoramas of Seongsan Ilchulbong and Udo Island. And for the thrill-seekers among us, the mountain’s popularity among paragliding enthusiasts presents an opportunity for soaring high above the rugged terrain, taking in the landscape from a whole new perspective.

As you plan your trip to Jeju Island, include these must-visit attractions in East Jeju on your itinerary. From natural wonders to cultural treasures, the eastern region of Jeju promises unforgettable experiences and endless discoveries for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and immersion in the island’s unique charm. Come and experience the magic of East Jeju for yourself!

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