The Best Hotels in Jeju Island (South Korea) 2024

📝 My Travel Experience: Jeju Island was an unforgettable journey filled with scenic landscapes, relaxing beaches, and warm-hearted locals. Exploring Hallasan’s trails and witnessing the sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong were personal highlights. Each corner of Jeju seemed to offer something unique, making it a destination I’d gladly return to.

🌿 Jeju Island is a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation. With lush landscapes, unique volcanic formations, and pristine beaches, it offers a perfect escape. Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations, family-friendly stays, or budget options, Jeju has something for everyone.

🏙️ Where to Stay in Jeju: I recommend staying in Jeju City for convenient access to the airport and city attractions, and also considering Seogwipo if you prefer a more scenic coastal vibe. Jeju City is perfect for short stays and business travelers, while Seogwipo offers a quieter environment with proximity to beautiful landscapes and beaches.

🏖️ Top Beaches and Attractions: Jungmun Beach in Seogwipo is known for its soft sand and scenic views, and Hyeopjae Beach is famous for its turquoise water and family-friendly setting. Must-see attractions include the Hallasan Mountain trails, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, and Manjanggul Lava Tube.

🗣️ While English is commonly used in hotels and popular tourist areas in Jeju, it’s beneficial to learn a few Korean phrases when visiting local spots, markets, and smaller eateries. Simple greetings like “Annyeonghaseyo” (Hello) and “Gamsahamnida” (Thank you) help in connecting with locals and show respect for their culture. Most locals are welcoming and helpful, especially when visitors make an effort to communicate in Korean.

🎫 The Jeju Tourist Pass is highly recommended for visitors looking to experience multiple attractions across the island. This pass offers discounted or free access to popular destinations such as Hallim Park, Jeju Folk Village, and the O’sulloc Tea Museum. Additionally, it includes transportation discounts, allowing seamless travel across Jeju. For those interested in an easy, flexible sightseeing option, the Jeju City Tour Bus offers a hop-on-hop-off experience that covers many key attractions, including scenic viewpoints, cultural sites, and shopping areas.

📶 Free Wi-Fi is available at Jeju International Airport, most cafés, and in many tourist areas across the island. For those who want uninterrupted internet access, renting a portable Wi-Fi device from the airport or a local provider is a great choice, especially useful when exploring remote parts of Jeju. Most major attractions and shopping centers provide stable internet access, ensuring travelers stay connected throughout their visit.

🌊 Outdoor Adventures: Jeju Island is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Hallasan Mountain, South Korea’s highest peak, offers trails for all skill levels, with panoramic views from the summit on clear days. The Jeju Olle Trails, a network of 26 paths encircling the island, showcase Jeju’s scenic coastlines, rolling hills, and rural villages. Seongsan Ilchulbong, or Sunrise Peak, is famous for its stunning sunrise views and is a must-visit for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Jeju’s Manjanggul Lava Tube, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an awe-inspiring look at the island’s volcanic origins, with stalactites, lava formations, and a cool underground environment ideal for exploration.

🎉 Festivals: Jeju Island hosts vibrant festivals throughout the year. The Jeju Fire Festival in early spring celebrates traditional practices of burning old grass to welcome new growth, with various fire-themed activities, folk performances, and cultural exhibitions. In October, the Jeju Olle Walking Festival draws thousands to explore the island’s trails, sample local cuisine, and experience Jeju’s hospitality. Additionally, the Tamna Cultural Festival celebrates Jeju’s rich history and heritage, with parades, musical performances, and interactive exhibits offering insight into Jeju’s unique traditions and lifestyle.

🚢 Scenic Day Trips: A visit to Udo Island, known as “Little Jeju,” is a popular day trip for its stunning landscapes, including white coral beaches, scenic bike trails, and panoramic coastal views. The island is accessible by ferry from Seongsan Port and is ideal for cycling and snorkeling. For a different experience, take the Seogwipo Submarine tour to explore Jeju’s marine life up close, including colorful coral reefs and various fish species. Another excellent option is a trip to Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful rock formations – a perfect place to relax and enjoy Jeju’s natural wonders.

🥘 Food to Try: Jeju Island offers unique dishes that reflect its coastal and agricultural heritage. Black pork barbecue is a local specialty that’s a must-try for its rich, tender flavor, often enjoyed at dedicated black pork restaurants in Jeju City. Seafood hotpot (haemultang) is popular, showcasing fresh abalone, clams, octopus, and shrimp sourced from Jeju’s waters. For dessert, Jeju’s famous hallabong tangerine and green tea-flavored treats made from locally grown tea fields are a delight, available at markets and specialty stores around the island.

🌅 Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer the best weather, with mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and vibrant fall foliage. During these seasons, Jeju’s landscapes are at their most beautiful, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Winter, while colder, brings fewer crowds and offers the unique chance to see snow on Hallasan Mountain. Summer (July to August) can be hot and humid, but the beaches are vibrant, with various water activities and festivals celebrating Jeju’s summer culture.