If you want to travel abroad during the May Day holiday, Jeju Island in South Korea is an excellent choice—it’s close, has beautiful scenery, offers plenty of delicious food, and the visa process is convenient. Jeju Island is definitely one of the top destinations for the 2026 May Day holiday.
Jeju Island is South Korea’s largest island. Surrounded by sea, it boasts stunning natural landscapes including volcanic formations, lava coasts, beaches, and waterfalls. Direct flights are available from many Chinese cities, with flight times ranging from 1 to 2 hours only. There’s no need to adjust to a different time zone, so you can start enjoying your trip as soon as you arrive. This article provides a comprehensive guide to visiting Jeju Island during May Day, covering weather and clothing recommendations, must-see attractions, delicious foods, transportation and accommodation options, and budget estimates to help you plan a perfect trip.
Weather and clothing recommendations for Jeju Island during May Day
May Day (from late April to early May) is the best time of spring in Jeju Island. The average temperature ranges from 15 to 22°C, with mostly clear skies and a 20–30% chance of rainfall.
| Item | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Average Temperature | 15–22°C |
| Weather | Mainly clear skies, with occasional overcast days |
| Wind | The wind is stronger by the sea, so be sure to bring a jacket. |
| Ultraviolet rays | In spring, the sun is very strong; SPF50+ sunscreen is essential. |
- Top: Thin long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirts plus a light jacket to adapt to temperature changes in the morning and evening.
- Pants/Skirts: Jeans, casual pants, or skirts are ideal for walking on sandy beaches.
- Shoes: Comfortable sports shoes are a must (for hiking at Sunrise Peak), plus slippers/sandalies for the beach.
- Accessories: Sunglasses, hats, and thin scarves (for protection from wind and sun).
Transportation tips for Jeju Island: Renting a car and driving yourself is highly recommended.
Jeju Island doesn’t have a subway; public buses, taxis, and driving are the main modes of transport. Renting a car offers the greatest freedom.
Car Rental Driving Preparation Documents
- Original passport + Taiwanese driver’s license + International Driver’s Permit (IDP)
- Credit card (for deposit) + Car rental reservation confirmation
Reference for car rental costs
| Vehicle model | Approximate NT$ per day | Number of passengers |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | Starting from approximately NT$1,400 | 4–5 people |
| Standard Sedans | Starting from approximately 2,000 yuan | 5 passengers |
| Minivans | Starting from approximately 2,300 yuan | 6 passengers |
Passengers who cannot drive can choose to take city buses, Jeju City Tour Buses (one-day passes are the most cost-effective), or taxis.
Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Jeju Island for May Day
| Attractions | Features | Suggested visiting time |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Seongsan Sunrise Peak | UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, submarine volcanic hills, stunning rapeseed flower views and sunrise | 2 to 3 hours |
| Udo Island | Coral reef beaches, lighthouse park, peanut ice cream, Hanam Mountain fried rice | Half a day to 1 day |
| Aqua Planet Aquarium | Asia’s largest single aquarium tank, housing 45,000 marine creatures, with a submarine tunnel | 2 to 3 hours |
| Ota浦 Coast Columnar Joint Zone | The hexagonal basalt columns are 30 to 40 meters tall, creating a truly spectacular sight | 1 hour |
| Chongbang Waterfall | The only coastal waterfall in Asia that flows directly into the sea, approximately 23 meters high | 1 hour |
| Village of Traditional Customs | A traditionally preserved Jeju village where you can experience wearing Hanbok; UNESCO World Heritage Site | 2 hours |
| Lihu Island and the Red and White Lighthouse | Jeju Island’s most picturesque spot, also used as a filming location for Korean dramas; perfect for photos at sunset. | 1 hour |
| Dongmun Market | Jeju’s most traditional and permanent market, offering seafood, black pork, orange snacks, and souvenirs. | 1–2 hours |
| Snoopy Land | A 20,000-square-meter peanut-themed garden with over a hundred photo spots. | 3 hours |
| 9.81 Park Gravity Racing | The world’s first theme park dedicated to racing without engines, with top speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour. | 2 to 3 hours |
Must-try foods in Jeju Island on May Day
- Jeju black pork: Raised on Hanna Mountain, this pork is tender and odorless—perfect for grilling over charcoal. 📍 Recommendations: “Black Pork Street” (Geon-eup-dong, Jeju City) or “TOP Bupyeong Black Pork Headquarters”
- Seafood (whitebait, abalone, sea urchins): Caught fresh from the sea, these dishes are especially delicious. 📍 Recommendations: Dongmun Market or Seogwipo Daily Market
- Udo peanut ice cream: Made from Jeju’s specialty peanuts, this ice cream has a rich and smooth texture
- Jeju oranges and orange-related products: Jeju’s iconic fruit—you can try them at Dongmun Market. Consider bringing orange chocolates home as souvenirs
- Jeju’s “Clap Show”: A unique form of mime using kitchen utensils—90 minutes of non-stop entertainment that anyone, even foreigners, can enjoy
Recommended 5-day/4-night itinerary for Jeju Island
| Number of days | Itinerary suggestions | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival → Pick up car → Miru Lighthouse → Dongmen Market → Black Pork Street → Check into Jeju City | North Region |
| Day 2 | Seongsan Sunrise Peak (sunrise) → Aqua Planet Aquarium → Jeju Street Performance | Eastern + Southern Regions |
| Day 3 | Niudao Island all day (Coral Beach, Lighthouse, Peanut Ice Cream, Hannapa Mountain Fried Rice) → Check into Seogwipo | Eastern Region |
| Day 4 | Apu Columnar Joint Zone → Jeongbang Falls → Folk Village → Seogwipo Daily Market | South Region |
| Day 5 | Snoopy Land / 9.81 Park (choose one) → Duty-Free Shop → Return Trip | West + South Regions |
Jeju Island Accommodation Recommendations
| Accommodation Types | Recommended Locations | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Five-star resorts | Seogwipo (Silla Hotel, Kensington Hotel) | Romantic getaways, luxury travel |
| Business hotels in the city center | Yeon-dong, Jeju City (Sunshine Hotel, Sky Garden) | Independent travelers, first-time visitors |
| Beachside homestays/resorts | Near Jwaejae Beach, Hamdeok Beach | Families with children, beach enthusiasts |
Tips for skin care in Jeju Island during May Day
In addition to tourism and delicious food, Jeju Island has also attracted an increasing number of tourists in recent years who take the opportunity to experience skin treatments while on their vacation. The island is home to many dermatology clinics and cosmetic surgery centers with legitimate qualifications, offering popular treatments such as hyaluronic acid injections, gold microneedling, photorejuvenation, and LDM droplet therapy.
If you want to schedule a skin treatment during your May Day trip, booking in advance through Chinese-language reservation platforms is currently the most convenient way. Platforms like BeautsGO support online reservations for clinics on Jeju Island, with all operations conducted in Chinese and clear pricing. It’s worth noting, however, that there are relatively fewer large dermatology clinics on the island compared to Seoul, and the peak season during May Day makes reservations more competitive. It is recommended that those in need check available clinics and book their slots in advance through these platforms.
Reference budget for a May Day trip to Jeju Island (in RMB)
| Budget items | Budget range (per person) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip airfare | 1,500–3,000 RMB |
| Accommodation (4 nights) | 1,200–3,000 RMB |
| Car rental (4 days, for 4 people) | 600 to 1,200 yuan |
| Food and drinks | 800 to 1,500 yuan |
| Attraction tickets | 300 to 500 yuan |
| Shopping/gifts | 500 to 1,500 yuan |
📊 Reference budget for May Day: Economy class – approximately 4,000 to 6,000 yuan per person | Standard class – approximately 6,000 to 8,000 yuan per person | Luxurious class – approximately 8,000 to 12,000 yuan per person
Precautions for traveling during May Day
- ✅ Book your flight and accommodation 1 to 2 months in advance: May Day is a peak travel season, so it is recommended to book popular hotels and flights well in advance
- ✅ International driver’s license required: If you plan to drive yourself, obtain an IDP at a Taiwanese authorities office before departure. A Taiwanese driver’s license and an international driver’s license are both necessary to rent a car legally in South Korea.
- ✅ Check the weather forecast: The weather is likely to be changeable during the May Day holiday, so bring rain gear and a light jacket.
- ✅ Sun protection essentials: The ultraviolet rays on the islands are strong, so be sure to bring SPF50+ sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses.
- ✅ Best place for currency exchange: Exchange offices in Jeju city offer better rates. It’s recommended to use a credit card with high foreign currency conversion rates for your purchases.
- ✅ Children’s Day on May 5th: Some attractions and shops may be closed or have adjusted hours, so it’s a good idea to double-check before you go.
The May Day holiday is only a few days long, but choosing the right destination can ensure a meaningful and enjoyable trip. Jeju Island is close in distance, boasts rich natural scenery, and offers unique cuisine. It’s an ideal destination that caters to both “relaxing tourism,” “gourmet shopping,” and “skin care experiences.” By doing your research in advance, booking your flight and car in advance, and planning your itinerary carefully, you can enjoy this beautiful island without any worries.
