Jeju Island Attractions: Red and Black List | Honest Reviews from Veteran Visitors Who Have Visited Jeju Three Times – These Places Are Worth Going To, While These Ones Can Be Skipping…
I first visited Jeju Island last spring, at the insistence of my best friend. She said, “Once you go there, you’ll realize that Jeju isn’t the kind of place where ‘one visit is enough.’” And surprisingly, her words turned out to be true—so far, I have been to Jeju three times, once in each of spring, summer, and autumn. Every time, I made new discoveries and also encountered some unexpected challenges along the way.
This article is my “red and black list” of Jeju Island attractions, which I compiled after three trips, countless times of getting lost, and several instances of regretting having gone there. The red list includes places that I truly recommend and would like to visit again; the black list includes places that I genuinely don’t think are necessary to visit – or even ones that made me feel a bit regretful after going. I hope this can help you avoid taking unnecessary detours when planning your trip to Jeju Island.
Top Pick 1: Sunrise Peak at Seongsan Mountain – If you visit Jeju and don’t climb this peak, it’s as if you haven’t even been there.
To be honest, before my first visit, I even thought to myself, “It’s just a crater—is it really that miraculous?” But after climbing up, I kept my mouth shut.
Seongsan Ilchulbong is a landmark in the eastern part of Jeju Island and a World Natural Heritage site. It remains a place that never fails to amaze me, despite having seen countless photos of it. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the starting point of the hike, and another 40 to 50 minutes to reach the summit (if you move slowly). From the top, the volcanic crater offers a breathtaking view that brings a sense of peace – 360 degrees of sea, and on clear days, you can even see the entire main island of Jeju.
My second visit to Jeju was in autumn, and I deliberately chose to go during sunrise (yes, I had to get up before 5 o’clock in the morning). When I saw the sun emerge above the sea level, an elderly Korean couple beside me was clapping their hands. I still remember that scene to this day.
“Seongsan Sunrise Peak is a place I always make sure to visit whenever I go to Jeju three times. In spring, I enjoy watching the sea of rapeseed flowers surrounding the crater; in autumn, I admire the sorghum grass; and if I’m lucky in winter, I can even see snowscapes. Every t
ime I visit, I experience different kinds of emotions.”
— Celia, a Hong Kong girl studying in South Korea, who has been to Jeju four times
Practical information:
- 📍 Location: Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
- 🕐 Opening hours: Summer 07:30–19:00 / Winter 07:00–17:50
- 🎫 Ticket price: ₩5,000 for adults (approximately NT$120).
- 🚌 Transportation: It takes approximately 1 hour to take bus No. 700 from the downtown area of Jeju City, or about 40 minutes if you rent a car and drive there yourself.
- ⚠️ Reminder: In spring, the wind is very strong, so be sure to fasten your hat securely! (The first time I went, my hat got blown away twice – it was really embarrassing.)
Red List 2: Niudao – the place in Jeju that I most want to visit again, without a doubt.
Udo is an isolated island located in the eastern part of Jeju, and it gets its name because its shape resembles that of a lying ox. If you ask me where the sea water in Jeju is the most beautiful, I would without hesitation say Udo.
It takes about 15 minutes to reach Niudao by ferry from Chengshan Port. On the island, you can rent electric bicycles or motorcycles for a tour (walking is not recommended, as the island is larger than you might imagine). The route I recommend is: Niudao Lighthouse (to admire the gradient of blue and green waters) → Baisha Beach (to swim in the sea) → Peanut Ice Cream (a must-try!) → Niudao Cliff (for its geological attractions).
My first visit to Niudao was on a cloudy day; the sea water was a grayish-blue color, which was already incredibly beautiful. On my second visit, the weather was clear and sunny, and the color of the water turned into a vivid Tiffany blue – I was completely stunned on the spot. Such a color is truly something that no filter can replicate.
Practical information:
- 📍 Location: Niudao-myeon, Jeju City, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
- 🚢 Transportation: Take the ferry from Seongsan Port (round-trip cost is approximately ₩5,500; for motorcycles, it’s ₩2,500).
- 🛵 Transportation on the island: Electric bicycles can be rented for a daily fee of ₩20,000, while motorcycles cost approximately ₩30,000.
- ⚠️ Reminder: During the peak season (July to August), there will be long queues for ferries. It is recommended to go earlier or book tickets online in advance.
Honorable Mention 3: Hanna Mountain National Park – the highest peak in South Korea; those with sufficient physical fitness should definitely challenge themselves to climb it.
Hanra Mountain, with an elevation of 1,950 meters, is the highest mountain in South Korea. If you enjoy hiking, then this is a must-visit destination in Jeju. But even if you don’t like climbing… you can still drive to the Oryu-mok entrance and take a short, easy forest trail. In this way, you can experience the pristine beauty of Hanra Mountain without having to reach the summit.
It was only on my third visit to Jeju that I finally mustered the courage to climb Hanna Mountain. I chose the route from “Uirimuk-sang” to “Yeongsim-nae”, which takes about 3.5 to 4 hours one way. Along the way, there are pristine coniferous forests and volcanic rock landscapes. Upon reaching the summit (or nearly the summit, depending on the weather conditions on that day), one can view the crater lake called “Baeruktan”.
“On the morning we set off to climb Hanana Mountain, it was still drizzling. But halfway up, the weather suddenly cleared up, and the sea of clouds rolled beneath our feet – that scene is still vivid in my memory to this day. But let me remind you: Hanana Mountain is no ordinary hill to climb. You must wear footwear with good traction; the roads are very slippery in rainy weather, and there may even be snow in win
ter. Make sure to check in advance which routes are open on that day.”
— Vicky, 28 years old, Designer from Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Practical information:
- 📍 Location: Haean-dong, Jeju City, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
- 🕐 Opening hours: Subject to seasonal adjustments, approximately 05:30–13:00 (entry is subject to time restrictions; please confirm in advance).
- 🎫 Admission: Free (however, permission must be requested in advance through the official website to reach the summit).
- 🚌 Transportation: Take bus No. 740 from the downtown area of Jeju City to the Hannapa Mountain entrance station; the journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
- ⚠️ Reminder: If you drive yourself, the parking lot is quite small, so it’s recommended to arrive early. There are several possible routes; for beginners, the “Yuli Mu Route” is highly recommended.
Red List No. 4: Land-accessible routes – Romantic coastal paths where you can enjoy the sea without even needing a ticket
Seobji Kojji is located in the eastern part of Jeju Island and consists of a trail built along the coastal cliffs. Many Korean dramas have been filmed here (for example, “The Legend of the Blue Sea” was shot in this location), but even those who are not fans of Korean dramas will find it absolutely beautiful.
The trail is approximately 4.5 kilometers long, and it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. Along the way, on one side are the azure waters of the sea below the cliffs, while on the other side are grasslands and fields of rapeseed flowers (if you visit in spring). At the end of the trail, there is a white lighthouse – taking photos there is absolutely stunning.
And — the most important thing — it’s completely free of charge. Compared to some paid attractions, the cost-effectiveness of this service is truly very high.
Practical information:
- 📍 Location: Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
- 🕐 Opening hours: 09:00–19:00
- 🎫 Ticket: Free of charge
- 🚗 Transportation: It takes about 10 minutes to drive from Seashan Sunrise Peak, or you can take bus No. 710.
Red List No. 5: Muyeongni Beach – the most popular beach for online beauty enthusiasts on the east coast of Jeju
Woljeong-ri is a beach that has become extremely popular on Instagram in recent years. Its distinctive feature is a row of colorful chairs arranged along the shore. The task is simply to sit on these chairs, face the sea, and take pictures. It’s that simple, but the resulting photos are truly beautiful.
The sea water has a layered blue-green hue, and the shallow beaches are very long, perfect for playing in the water. There are many seaside cafes nearby, so you can go there for a cup of coffee while enjoying the view of the sea after a tiring day. During my third visit to Jeju, I spent an entire afternoon just sitting there, doing nothing but staring blankly into space – it was truly therapeutic.
Practical information:
- 📍 Location: Yueting-ri, Old Jwa-eup, Jeju City, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
- 🕐 Opening hours: Open throughout the day
- 🎫 Ticket: Free of charge
- ⚠️ Reminder: During the summer, there are always a lot of people around. If you want to take photos of chairs without anyone in them, it is recommended that you go there earlier (before 9 o’clock).
Red List No. 6: Dongmen Traditional Market – A must-visit destination for food lovers. Here, you can enjoy oranges, black pork, and seafood in one satisfying meal.
Dongmun Market is the largest traditional market in the downtown area of Jeju, and it is always on my itinerary whenever I visit Jeju. Here, you can find local specialties of Jeju such as oranges, peanuts, and orange chocolates, as well as various food stalls (the pork street is right next to the market), and there is also a gift shop area.
Here are some must-try dishes:
- 🍊 Jizhou oranges: These oranges are extremely sweet during the season (November to February), and they are much cheaper to buy in the local markets than in the tourist areas.
- 🐷 Barbecued black pork: There are many restaurants specializing in black pork barbecue near the market, and the prices are cheaper than those in Seoul.
- 🍵 Orange chocolate: It’s cheaper in the Dongmen market than in the airport duty-free shops, so it’s worth comparing prices before making a purchase.
Practical information:
- 📍 Location: 2tu 1-dong, Jeju City, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
- 🕐 Business hours: Approximately 08:00–21:00 (hours may vary slightly by stall)
- 🎫 Admission: Free (consumption at your own expense)
- 🚗 Transportation: Within the city of Jeju, it can be reached on foot or by taking the city bus to the “Dongmen Market” stop.
Blacklist No. 1: Longtou Rock – To be honest, the rock itself doesn’t look particularly impressive at first glance.
Let’s be clear: Yongduam is not “unattractive” in itself, but rather “not worth making a special trip just to visit”.
Longtou Rock is a piece of volcanic rock located by the sea in the urban area of Jeju. It resembles the head of a dragon, which is why it is named Longtou Rock. There is a seaside promenade nearby, and it is truly beautiful to watch the sunset there at dusk. However, if you are short on time, I would recommend spending your time at other attractions. You can visit Longtou Rock on your last day, just before heading to the airport.
It was my first time visiting Jeju, so I specifically arranged a trip there. After taking just two photos, I thought to myself, “Hm… Is that it?” I finished exploring the whole area in just ten minutes.
Conclusion: It is suitable for those who “have spare time in the urban area of Jeju” to visit on their way somewhere else, but not for those who “make a special trip just to do so”.
Blacklist No. 2: Teddy Bear Museum – If adults visit it, well…
The Jeju Teddy Bear Museum is quite famous among Chinese tourists. If you are bringing children along, this place is definitely a top choice. But if you are an adult without children… I have to be honest: you can still visit, but don’t expect too much.
The ticket costs ₩12,000 (approximately NT$300) and displays various scenes featuring teddy bears, such as historical events and world-famous paintings. They are indeed quite cute, but watching them for about 40 minutes is probably enough. Personally, I don’t think the value for the money is very high; for the same amount of money, I would prefer to spend it on a good meal.
Conclusion: Family trips are the top choice; adults traveling alone are advised to assess their interests before making a decision.
Practical information:
- 📍 Location: Chinese Tourism Road, Seogwipo City, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
- 🕐 Business hours: 09:00–18:00
- 🎫 Ticket price: ₩12,000 for adults
Blacklist No. 3: Wan Zhang Cave – Currently under renovation, and even when it is open to the public, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Manjanggul is a World Natural Heritage site recognized by UNESCO. It consists of lava caves that stretch over a length of more than ten kilometers. Sounds impressive, right? But—
Firstly, as of 2026, the Wanzhang Cave is still under renovation and will remain closed until the end of 2025, so it is currently impossible to access. Secondly, even if it were open, the interior of the cave is slippery, the lighting is dim, and visitors would have to climb stairs and pass through narrow passages, which is not very suitable for elderly people or those with knee problems.
If you aren’t particularly interested in geological landscapes, I would suggest spending your time at other outdoor attractions. Wan Zhang Ku can wait until another opportunity arises.
Conclusion: At present, it is not possible to enter due to the renovation work underway; even if it becomes accessible in the future, it is only recommended that enthusiasts of geological landscapes visit specifically.
Blacklist No. 4: Jeju Myth World Theme Park – The ticket prices are not cheap, and customer reviews are mixed.
Jeju Myth World is a large theme park attached to a resort located in the western part of Jeju Island, featuring roller coasters, water parks, and other attractions. If you are bringing children along or enjoy theme parks, this is definitely an option worth considering.
However, if your main purpose is to “experience the natural scenery of Jeju,” I would recommend skipping it. The ticket prices are not cheap (one-day tickets start at around ₩50,000), and many facilities require additional fees. There are also reviews from tourists online stating that “the maintenance of the facilities is not as good as expected” and “the waiting times are too long.”
Conclusion: Suitable for family trips, but not suitable for travelers who wish to experience the natural scenery of Jeju in depth.
Five painful lessons learned from three trips to Jeju
Finally, I would like to share some mistakes I made during my three trips to Jeju, hoping you can avoid them:
Lesson 1: Don’t save money by taking the bus; when in Jeju, you must rent a car.
When I first went to Jeju, I thought “taking the bus would be more economical”, but it actually took nearly two hours to get from the airport to the downtown area of Seogwipo, so I couldn’t visit many places in a single day. On my subsequent two trips, I rented a car, and it was much more efficient.
The attractions on Jeju Island are distributed in the east, south, west, and north directions. Since there is no subway system and the intervals between bus services are long, if you don’t rent a car, you will spend a considerable amount of time on transportation.
Tips for car rental:
- An international driver’s license and the original Taiwan driver’s license are required.
- Jejou Road is narrow, and parking spaces are limited, so minor collisions are quite common. It is essential to purchase comprehensive insurance.
- The rent ranges from NT$1,200 to NT$2,000 per day (including full insurance).
Lesson 2: Don’t just pick a restaurant randomly on the street; read reviews carefully.
Once, I just picked up a seafood hot pot restaurant on the street. The broth had a strong fishy smell, and the ingredients were not fresh at all. I really regretted eating there. Later on, I learned my lesson and would check the reviews on Google Maps before going to a restaurant, or ask friends who lived in the area for recommendations.
In terms of insurance options: restaurants located along the “Black Pork Street” in Jeju City center and those found in the Seogwipo Daily Casual Market generally receive relatively consistent reviews.
Lesson 3: When buying souvenirs at the Dongmen Market, always compare prices among different shops
The same oranges, chocolates, and peanuts can have significant price differences in different stores (especially between tourist areas and markets). I learned a valuable lesson at the Dongmen Market: always compare prices before making a purchase. The options at the airport are limited and expensive, so it’s better not to buy souvenirs there.
Lesson 4: In spring, the winds on Jeju are extremely strong – be sure to wear a hat with straps.
I mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating. When I went to Sunrise Peak at Seongsan Mountain in spring, my hat flew away twice – it was really embarrassing. The winds in Jeju are particularly strong, especially in spring and autumn, so windproof jackets and hooded hats are essential.
Lesson 5: If you go to Jeju in winter, you really have to be unafraid of the cold.
Detailed Explanation of the Booking Process at BeautsGO – How to Book a Medical Beauty Treatment in Jeju
When it comes to traveling to Jeju Island, more and more people now take the opportunity to include skin care treatments in their itineraries. After all, there are numerous high-quality Dermatology clinics on Jeju Island, and the prices are roughly the same as those in Seoul (in some cases, even identical). Moreover, after the procedures, one can simply take a walk by the sea to relax, which is much more comfortable than having to squeeze onto the subway for follow-up appointments in Seoul.
If you also want to experience skin care services during your trip to Jeju, I highly recommend making reservations through the BeautsGO platform for the following reasons:
- ✅ The platform provides Chinese-language customer service, so communication is possible without knowing Korean.
- ✅ BeautsGO is an official partner platform that ensures that the clinics meet all regulatory requirements.
- ✅ You can check in advance whether there are any available slots on that day, to avoid making a wasted trip.
- ✅ All fees are transparent, and no additional commission is charged.
- ✅ Some clinics implement a policy of the same prices for Chinese and Korean customers, so you don’t have to worry about being charged tourist prices.
Method 1: Make an appointment through the BeautsGO APP.
- Search for “BeautsGO” in the App Store or Google Play and download it for installation.
- After logging in, click “Hospitals” at the bottom and search for “Jeju”.
- Select the service you wish to undergo → Choose the time → Enter any remarks (please indicate if you require Chinese-language services).
- Submit your reservation and wait for the clinic to confirm via text message (usually within 1 hour).
Method 2: Make an appointment through the WeChat mini-program.
- Search for the “BeautsGO” mini-program on WeChat.
- After entering, click “Book Now” → search for “Jeju”.
- Select the project and time → Fill in your name and contact information
- After confirmation by the customer service, the appointment details will be sent to you. You can simply take a screenshot of these details and bring it to the clinic.
Method 3: Make a direct reservation through the official website.
- Visit the BeautsGO official website.
- Searching for hospitals in the Jeju region
- Fill out the reservation form online, and our customer service team will contact you to confirm the details.
In conclusion, Jeju Island is a place that makes people want to return there again.
As I write this, I suddenly remember that afternoon when I first visited Jeju and sat there, lost in thought by the sea in Wolting-ri. The sky was a bright blue that day, and the sea water had a layered blue-green hue. A couple nearby was taking their wedding photos, and the sea breeze brought a slight coolness that felt very pleasant.
At that moment, I thought to myself: I will come back again.
I have returned to Jeju Island three times now, and each time I have made different discoveries and felt different emotions. Jeju Island is not the kind of place where a single visit is enough; it possesses a kind of magic that makes people want to return again and again.
We hope that this list of recommendations will help you avoid taking unnecessary detours when planning your trip to Jeju, and allow you to spend more time at those places that truly deserve your attention. You are also welcome to book a skin care treatment in Jeju through BeautsGO, so that your trip there can be not only about enjoying the beauty of the place, but also about having a wonderful time while taking care of your skin.
Wishing you a wonderful trip to Jeju 🌊