An alternative option is travelling (KOBE, JAPAN THINGS TO DO) by ferry, although there are no direct routes from Seoul. The journey requires travelling to southern ports such as Busan or Mokpo, followed by a ferry ride that can take between four and twelve hours. Overall, flying remains the most convenient and time-efficient way to reach Jeju Island.
About Jeju Island
Jeju Island is regarded as the natural highlight of South Korea. In contrast to
the fast-paced environment of Seoul, Jeju presents a slower and more relaxed
setting. The island is well known for its landscapes, shaped by volcanic
activity over thousands of years, featuring lava tubes, black rock formations,
waterfalls, and Hallasan, the highest peak in the country.
The island has wide
coastal views and fresh air. The scenery changes with the seasons, from green
fields and coastal winds to cooler, misty mountain areas (TOP ATTRACTIONS IN SOUTH INDIA).
Visiting Jeju feels
like stepping back in time. Traditional life is still preserved, seen in stone
houses, local markets, and the “haenyeo” (women divers), who continue a unique
cultural practice. Due to its coastal location, Jeju is also known for its fresh
seafood and Jeju black pork, both widely recognised across the country.
Jeju Island moves at a slower pace, centred around nature, simplicity, and a comfortable, home-like environment.
Dragon Head Rock/Yongduam
Located within 10–15 minutes from Jeju International Airport is Dragon Head
Rock, also known in Korean as Yongduam. It is about a 10-minute walk from the
open parking area. Dragon Head Rock faces the waters of the Korea Strait, which
connects the East China Sea and the East Sea (Sea of Japan).
Standing at the
viewing point in Jeju City, the view opens towards the surrounding seas, where
strong coastal winds and waves shape the coastline.
Dragon Head Rock is
a natural lava rock formation formed from volcanic lava over thousands of
years, resembling the profile of a dragon’s head facing the sea.
The view is
especially striking during windy days when waves crash against the cliffs.
Sunset is a popular time to view the sea and rock formation in softer light.
Near the main
viewing area, there is also the “Smiling Mermaid” statue linked to a local
folklore story about a sea goddess along Jeju’s coastline. It is a photo stop
that adds a cultural storytelling element to the site.
The entire stop usually takes less than an hour.
The Ghost Road/Mysterious Road
Mysterious Road, also known as “The Ghost Road,” is known for an optical
illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill when the engine is switched off
and placed in neutral. In reality, the road has a slight downhill slope, but
the surrounding landscape creates a visual effect that makes it look otherwise.
The effect is caused
by the alignment of the road, trees, and horizon, which affects depth
perception and creates a strong optical illusion.
Located near the Jeju City exit on Jeju’s 1100 Road in Jeju City, this spot has drawn curiosity for decades. It is a short stop where the illusion can be observed directly.
Jeju Folk Village
Jeju Folk Village is an open-air museum located in Seogwipo City, in the
southern part of Jeju Island.
It showcases
traditional Jeju life through restored village settings, including
thatched-roof houses, stone walls, and farm structures that reflect how people
once lived on the island.
The village is
organised into sections representing fishing villages, mountain villages, and
farming communities, showing how daily life varied across Jeju.
It is mainly a slow
walk through the village at your own pace, with seaside homes, daily
activities, and the close-knit community structure of early Jeju settlement
life.
Cultural demonstrations and traditional performances are held at scheduled times, giving insight into local customs and heritage. There can be demonstrations of Jeju horse bone powder, including a tasting session. The powder is said to be for health and wealth, and it can be purchased.
Aqua Planet Jeju
A premier marine life theme park, Aqua Planet is one of the largest aquariums
in Asia. Located in the coastal area of Seongsan in Seogwipo City, Jeju Island,
it features a diverse array of marine species, from colourful tropical fish and
jellyfish to sharks and dolphins, displayed across aquariums of various sizes.
The wide range of sea
life includes species from both Korean and international waters, with rays and
fish of different shapes and sizes across several themed sections.
Aqua Planet is
designed with advanced technology to replicate natural habitats, presenting
marine ecosystems in a structured and informative way.
Not to be missed is
the main aquarium section, which is partly underground and designed like an
underwater environment. Moving through the indoor space, the layout and
lighting create the feeling of being beneath the sea. There is a tunnel walkway
where marine life such as sharks and rays swim above and around, giving a close
view of the ocean.
The main tank, known as the “Sea of Jeju,” is one of the largest in the country and recreates the surrounding marine ecosystem. The facility also includes themed zones, feeding sessions, and scheduled shows.
Jeju Teddy Bear Museum
Jeju Teddy Bear Museum is located in the Jungmun Tourist Complex area of
Seogwipo City. It is an indoor themed museum showcasing an extensive collection
of teddy bears from around the world.
The exhibits
include antique, vintage, and contemporary teddy bears, with themed displays
featuring scenes from history, art, and popular culture, all reimagined using
teddy bears.
The museum presents
different cultures, historical events, and famous landmarks through teddy bear
figures and dioramas arranged across indoor display halls and themed galleries.
Highlights include the world’s smallest teddy bear and the most expensive teddy bear decorated with jewellery, along with interactive displays, a garden area, and a section designed for children.
Trick Eye Museum Jeju/3D Illusion Art
Whether known as 3D, Trick Eye, or Trick Art Museum, the one in Jeju Island
follows the same global concept found in similar museums around the world. It
is an indoor optical illusion museum featuring interactive 3D art
installations, where painted scenes and visual effects create illusions
designed for photo-based displays.
Trick Eye Museum Jeju
includes themed rooms with different concepts, using perspective and artwork to
create visual effects that appear three-dimensional. It is mainly for light,
fun moments of posing and taking pictures with various illusion setups. When in
a group, it also creates lots of laughter and activity together.
Ice Museum Jeju/Indoor Ice Sculpture Gallery
Ice Museum Jeju, also known as the Indoor Ice Sculpture Gallery, is located
indoors within the Arboretum Theme Park area in Jeju City. The temperature
inside is kept below freezing throughout the year. The gallery features a range
of ice sculptures, including themed displays and Jeju-inspired designs, all
preserved in a controlled environment.
Inside, there are
interactive elements such as ice slides and walk-through sections for closer
viewing of the sculptures. Winter protective wear is usually provided at the
entrance, but it is best to carry a thick jacket as the temperature inside is
very cold.
It usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and care is needed as the surfaces can be slippery due to the ice.
Seongsan Sunrise Peak
Seongsan Sunrise Peak is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and is also known
as Seongsan Ilchulbong in Korean. Located on the eastern coast near
Seongsan-eup in Seogwipo City, it is one of the most iconic natural landmarks
in Jeju Island. It is a volcanic tuff cone formed by underwater volcanic
eruptions about 5,000 years ago, highlighting its geological importance and
unique formation.
Sunrise Peak rises
as a steep hill-like formation from the flat coastal land, with a height of
about 182 meters, and has a crater at the summit, creating a bowl-shaped peak
with wide panoramic views of the sea and coastline.
From the top, the
crater rim and surrounding ocean scenery can be clearly seen, overlooking the
East China Sea and the surrounding coastal waters of Jeju Island. The
surrounding area includes coastal walking paths and open landscapes, making it
a significant natural attraction in Jeju.
It is most famous for sunrise views, where early morning light appears over the horizon, creating a clear panoramic view of the coastline. The climb takes around 20–40 minutes via a staircase leading to the summit viewpoint.