Exploring the West and East side of Jeju Island!

Wondering what is the BEST way to travel around Jeju island and how to not miss the must-see places? Well first of all Jeju island is BIG! So seeing everything in one day would be impossible. So our suggestion is to pick your area to explore: East or West. You could manage to see almost all the famous places in 2 days if you book the East and West/South Itinerary here

Second of all, public transportation does exist but it’s not that great and won’t save you a lot of time. Some people like to rent a scooter, which is fun but make sure to look up weather conditions and Summertime is not recommended for this if you can’t take the heat. The easiest, most comfortable AND affordable way to travel in a small group of 4~9 people is by a Private car Tour.

Why? Because you get a driver who takes you anywhere you’d like within a 9h time limit, a Tour guide will guide you through the sights and prepare the best meal choices for you, you can customize your trip and add fun hidden places and lastly get picked up and dropped off at your hotel or anywhere you’d like in Jeju city!

Traveling solo? Or a couple on a budget? Then check out Jeju island Shuttle Bus Tours instead:
Jeju Island 1-day Bus Tour with Lunch
Jeju Island 1-day small Group Van Tour with lunch 

What are the big differences between a private car tour, guided tour and group tour? Read all about it in this blog post:
What is the difference between a Private Van Service and a Tour Guide Service?

Want read about less famous/hidden places on Jeju island?
7 Beautiful hidden places in Jeju Island blog post

See also another fun blog post:
Top 3 must-do for your Jeju Island Tour!

WEST Jeju Island Tour

Stop 1. The Mysterious Road

The mysterious Road or also known as the Goblin Road is famous for its optical illusion that makes objects appear to be rolling up the hill instead of moving downwards. Many tourists come after hearing reports of “possessed” cars, with their engines presumably turned off, somehow rolling upward. You can also try this on the spot or use a water bottle to see the water seemingly flowing upstream!

Stop 2. The Jusangjeolli Cliff

Jusangjeolli Cliff is a natural and beautiful cultural monument of Jeju Island. It was formed when the lava from Hallasan Mountain erupted into the sea of Jungmun. They are rock pillars shaped like cubes or hexagons of various sizes and almost seem as if stonemasons had carved them out. The waves of the high tide crashing into the side of the cliff gives a breathtaking view of the ocean surrounding the pillars.

 

Stop 3. The Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls

Cheonjeyeon Falls, named “The Pond of God,” is really a must see. It’s a very calming place with beautiful plants and clear blue water. Perfect photo and resting spot!

 

Stop 4. Mt. Sanbangsan

Sanbangsan Mountain is the result of a great old volcanic activity making a huge lava dome. The cliffs are marked with interesting formations. The name ‘sanbang’ – literally means ‘a cave inside a mountain’ – which suggests that this mountain contains a cave located about 150m above sea level and has a great view out over the ocean. You can often see clouds above the mountain due to being close to the ocean and its high elevation. On top of Sanbangsan lies 2 temples that hold relics of Buddha.

 

Stop 5. Mt. Songaksan

Songaksan Mountain is also called 99 Bong (99 Peaks) due to its 99 small peaks. The road from Sanbanggulsa Temple in Southern Jeju to Songaksan Mountain is a famous coastal drive with an amazing scenery. From the summit, one can see nearby islands such as Marado, Gapado, and Hyeongjeseom, and as far as Hallasan Mountain and the Pacific Ocean. If you Look along the coastline, you may also spot the large man-made caves built during the Japanese occupation.

 

Last stop. O’Sulloc Green Tea Museum and Innisfree Jeju House

O’sulloc Tea Museum, right next to the famous green tea fields in Jeju, was the first tea museum opened in 2001 with the aim of introducing and spreading Korean teas and the traditional tea culture of Korea. The museum is a cultural space where the West and the East, and modernity and tradition coexist in harmony. The museum has a tea gallery, eco-friendly resting area, and cafe where visitors can enjoy a variety of tasty tea-based desserts.

Innisfree is a natural cosmetics brand that makes its products with quality ingredients harvested from Jeju island. At Innisfree Jeju House, you can experience everything about Innisfree with a variety of activities that satisfy all five senses, as well as relaxing while surrounded by the beautiful nature on Jeju Island.

 

Like this Day Trip? How to BOOK!

Click Jeju Island Tour- Private van with Guide , and choose the West Itinerary to book this exact Jeju Island trip! You may change places or ask us any other questions you may have. We would love to help you design your dream trip! 😀

 

East Jeju Island Tour

Stop 1. Mt. Halla 

Hallasan Mountain is the highest mountain in South Korea and is perhaps the island’s most memorable landmarks. It takes an entire day to hike up so it’s definitely enough to enjoy Mt. Halla views and nature with a simple stop by, and take pictures of all the different kinds of plants and animals you may see.

Stop 2. Jeolmul Forest Park

Jeolmul Oreum, the park’s main mountain, is famous for its beautiful Japanese cedar forest. This forest features a promenade, pond, observatory, and grass square. There are many trails to pick from, each with different length and level of difficulty. A very beautiful and peaceful, cooling place to relax at with a cup of coffee.

 

Stop 3. Seongeup Folk Village 

Seongeup Folk Village is a small traditional village that holds a lot of Jeju culture. There are still residents living here as well. The black lava rock walls, the straight but curvy alleys to block the wind, and the stone grandfather statues (called Harubang), have become a prime feature of the landscape. The local black-haired pigs are especially well-known characteristics of Jeju folk culture. The Jeju black pork is said to be very nutritious and it’s very delicious!

 

Stop 4. Women Diver Show at Seongsan Ilchulbong

In the harsh Jeju environment where rice paddle is deemed too difficult to grow, the people of Jeju relied on fishing and trading their catch as a mean to provide for their family. Because Jeju men spent weeks on fishing boats without returning home women quickly took up the task to provide for their families.

Now classified as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, see these amazing woman divers demonstrate their diving routine, you can even try the freshest sea harvest ranging from octopus, abalone, clams, squid and more as soon as the woman divers return from their demonstration!

 

 

Stop 5. Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) a UNESCO Natural Heritage 

At the same place where the Woman divers perform their show lies Sunrise Peak! Take a small hike up the mountain and enjoy an amazing view!

 

Stop 6. Woljeong beach with café street

A Jeju favorite! Woljeong Beach is famous for its scenery, white sand, and beautiful emerald ocean. Enjoy cozy and beautiful cafes along the streets near the beach.

 

Stop 7. Manjang Cave 

A great visit especially on a hot day! Go down and feel the cool air, be amazed by the natural lava tube tunnels and interesting structures inside! Only 1km of the 13,422m Manjanggul Cave is open to tourists, but that 1km is a really fun and interesting walk.

 

Like this Day Trip? How to BOOK!

Click this Jeju Island Tour- Private van with Guide and choose East itinerary to book this exact Jeju Island trip! You may change places or ask us any other questions you may have. We would love to help you design your dream trip! 😀