Must-visit Attractions in West Jeju Island

Jeju Island, South Korea’s crown jewel, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, unique culture, and vibrant attractions. While the entire island is a paradise waiting to be explored, the western region of Jeju offers a plethora of hidden gems and must-visit destinations for anyone seeking unforgettable experiences. Here, we highlight the must-visit attractions along the west coast of Jeju that you simply cannot afford to miss.

Arte Museum 아르떼뮤지엄

• Address: 478 Eorimbi-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si
• Open hours: 10:00 – 10:00 daily
• Contact: (+82) 1899-5008
• Website: kr.artemuseum.com

Arte Jeju Museum stands out from traditional art venues. Instead of static exhibits, it offers dynamic displays that fuse nature and art through advanced technology. Situated in a refurbished warehouse, the museum hosts 11 high-tech installations across ten distinct sections. Each section highlights a different facet of nature or art, with moving images projected onto various surfaces like walls, ceilings, and floors. 

One standout exhibit is the Waterfall, an 8-meter-high cascade of light that appears to splash around your feet, creating a mesmerizing effect. Mirrors extend the space infinitely, adding to the allure. Another highlight is the Beach exhibit, where you’ll feel like you are standing by the sea, with waves seemingly lapping at your feet, accompanied by soothing sounds. After exploring these captivating exhibits, you can relax at the Arte Teabar, sipping tea-based mocktails to conclude your experience.

Hagwi Aewol Coastal Road 하귀애월해안도로

• Address: 445-3, Gonae-ri, Jeju-si, Jeju | 제주 제주시 애월읍 고내리 445-3

Just 10 kilometers from Jeju Airport, the Hagwi Aewol Coastal Road is a favorite among Jeju travelers. Starting at Gamun-dong Port in Hagwi-ri, this scenic route follows the coastline, passing by ocean-view cafes and pensions. Known for its stunning seafront scenery, the road features dramatic cliffs and black volcanic rock beaches on one side, while the opposite side is lined with coffee shops and restaurants. 

You can quickly drive down the road, stopping whenever you like, or take advantage of the cycle path that runs alongside. Alternatively, Olle Trail 16 offers a walking path with equally breathtaking views. No matter how you explore it, the Hagwi Aewol Coastal Road offers a memorable experience.

Hyeopjae Beach 협재해수욕장

• Address: 329-10 Hallim-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 제주시 한림읍 한림로 329-10

Hyeopjae Beach is a beloved destination on Jeju Island, renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Its white sand, turquoise waters, lush greenery, and striking black volcanic rocks offer a picturesque setting for beachgoers. Biyangdo Island, visible just off the coast, adds charm as a backdrop for stunning photos. 

The white sandy beach is roughly 20 meters long, and the water is 1.2 meters deep with no sudden drops, making it ideal for swimming. You can rent umbrellas and chairs for relaxation and explore nearby dining options, from Korean cuisine to pizza.

Hallim Park 한림공원

• Address:  300, Hallim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 제주시 한림읍 한림로 300
• Open hours: 8:30 – 17:30 daily
• Contact: +82-64-796-0001
• Website: hallimpark.com

Hallim Park is one of the most popular tourist spots on Jeju Island. It is located approximately 33 kilometers west of Jeju-si and Hallasan Mountain along the beach in Hallim-eup. Established in the early 1970s, the park covers nearly 100 thousand square meters. It features diverse gardens such as Palm Tree Road, Jeju Stone and Bonsai Garden, Water Garden, and Subtropical Botanic Garden. 

You can explore iconic attractions like Hyeopjaegul and Ssangyonggul Caves, known as the world’s only two-dimensional caves. Additionally, there is a folk village, children’s amusement park, and outdoor resort facilities, making it a great place for a family trip.

The Ma Park 더 마 파크

• Address: 산8 Wollim-ri, Hallim-eub, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
• Open hours: 9:00 – 17:45 daily
• Contact: +82 64-795-8080
• Website: www.mapark.co.kr
• Performance Hours: March 1st ~ Oct. 31st : 10:30, 14:30, 17:00 | Nov. 1st ~ Feb. 28th : 10:30, 14:00, 16:30

If you’re searching for an unparalleled horse-themed adventure, “The Ma Park” on Jeju Island is your destination. Renowned as the world’s largest, it offers top-notch horse riding facilities suitable for all levels, including indoor and outdoor race tracks. You can also witness an enthralling horse-riding show in a stadium accommodating up to 1,500 spectators. Additionally, the park provides amenities such as a snack bar, gift shop, and an exhibition hall showcasing rare horses. “The Ma Park” is a notable filming location for popular Korean dramas like “Boys Over Flowers.” If that is your favorite drama, check out this place! 

Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road

• Address: 1322-1, Sinchang-ri, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 제주시 한경면 신창리 1322-1

This road is famous for its offshore wind farm and rocky coastline. On windy days, waves crash against the black rocks, creating a dramatic scene. You can drive along the coast to see the windmills or walk on the promenade over the water for a closer look. 

This road is famed for its stunning sunsets, making it an ideal spot for photography and sunset-watching. Alongside, you’ll find the Eco Experience trail, featuring attractions like the Kelp grouper statue, the Wondam Experience Site, and a rest area perfect for snapping selfies against various backdrops. Nearby coffee shops offer a welcome respite to rest your legs after your walk.

O’Sulloc Tea Museum 오설록 뮤지엄

• Address: 15, Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 안덕면 신화역사로 15
• Operating hours: 09:00-18:00
• Admission: Free
• Contact: +82 64-794-5312
• Website: www.osulloc.com

Tea is a big part of Jeju Island’s identity, and the O’Sulloc Museum, which opened its doors in September 2001, is well-known all over Korea. Shaped like a giant green tea cup, this museum beautifully blends both Western and Eastern influences. Here, you can enjoy special O’Sulloc teas and take a breather by the indoor garden’s lotus pond. On the second floor, there’s an observatory where you can soak in stunning views of the nearby green tea fields and the surrounding scenery. 

Inside the Tea Cup Gallery, you’ll find a fascinating collection of tea vessels and tools showcasing Korea’s rich tea culture. In the Tea Culture Room, you can dive deep into Korean tea traditions, its history, how it’s made, and its global significance. For anyone who is passionate about tea, this spot in West Jeju is an absolute must-visit.

Innisfree Jeju House 이니스프리 제주하우스

• Address: 23 Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 안덕면 신화역사로 23
• Open hours: 9:00 – 18:00 daily
• Contact: +82-64-794-5351

If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably heard of Innisfree. Known for embodying the natural beauty of clean Jeju Island, Innisfree offers a range of products derived from the island’s pristine environment. At Innisfree Jeju House, you can join various activities that engage all five senses. 

Set amidst the breathtaking nature of Jeju Island, the house was built to preserve the area’s natural environment. You can experience a sense of being one with nature while enjoying Innisfree’s cosmetics made from quality ingredients sourced from Jeju. Additionally, you can savor organic food made from fresh local produce, sit in the cafe and relax.

Jeju Museum of Contemporary Art 제주 현대 미술관

• Address: 35 Jeoji 14-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
• Open hours: 9:00 – 18:00 | Closed on Mondays
• Contact: +82 64-710-7801
• Website: www.jeju.go.kr/jejumuseum

The Jeju Museum of Contemporary Art is located in the Jeoji Culture and Art Village in Hangyeong-myeon. Opened in 2007, it features paintings by Park Kwang Jin, a renowned Western-style painter. You can also explore a sculpture park with unique artworks and enjoy the outdoor performance hall, special exhibition rooms, art shop, and seminar room. It’s a great spot for art lovers and families alike.

Yongmeori Seashore 용머리 해안

• Address: 218-10, Sanbang-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 안덕면 산방로 218-10
• Operating hours: 09:00-19:00 (Last ticketing 18:00)

Yongmeori Seashore is a remarkable site where Mt. Sanbangsan extends into the ocean, resembling the head of a submerged dragon. This area, formed over millions of years, showcases unique Sa-am stacks and Gulbangs, creating a majestic seascape of towering cliffs and rock formations.

Descending towards the seashore, you will come across the Hamel Castaway Memorial, which honors Hamel’s arrival in 1653. Adjacent to the beach is a soft, dark sandy shoreline where you can encounter the haenyeo, Jeju’s women sea-divers, selling sea cucumbers. You can enjoy a stroll amidst the breathtaking coastal scenery along the road parallel to the seashore.

Geumneung Beach 금능 해변

• Address: 2037 Geumneung-ri, Hallim-eub, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Geumneung Beach on Jeju Island’s west side offers clear waters, soft white sand, and breathtaking sunsets with a view of Biyangdo Island. It’s family-friendly, with shallow waters and amenities like shower booths. Despite being connected to the popular Hyeopjae Beach, Geumneung sees fewer visitors, making it a peaceful and relaxing spot. As the tide goes out, a vast sandy beach appears, forming natural swimming pools where children can play safely. If traveling with your kids, put this beautiful beach on your itinerary. 

As we wrap up our exploration of the best attractions in west Jeju Island, it’s clear that this region is a paradise waiting to be discovered. Jeju’s western shores blend natural beauty and cultural delights, from its captivating coastlines to its delectable culinary offerings. Start planning your trip to Jeju’s west coast today and create memories that will live forever!

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