Travel: Jeju Si - Hawaii of South Korea- Highlights

 

Jeju-si, located on the northern coast of Jeju Island, is the largest city on the island and serves as the administrative and cultural hub. The city blends traditional Jeju culture with modern infrastructure, offering visitors volcanic landscapes, historic villages, seaside charm, and lush natural beauty. Known as the “Hawaii of Korea,” Jeju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a top honeymoon, wellness, and nature retreat destination for both Koreans and global travelers.

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Best Spots to Visit in Detail

1️⃣ Hallasan Mountain 

• South Korea’s highest peak (1,947m), a dormant volcano in the heart of Jeju Island.
• Multiple hiking trails (Eoseungsaengak, Seongpanak, Gwaneumsa) range from easy to advanced.
• Home to rare flora, alpine craters, and seasonal beauty (snow in winter, azaleas in spring).

2️⃣ Dongmun Traditional Market

• Jeju-si’s bustling traditional market near the harbor.
• Offers local street food (like black pork kimbap), fresh seafood, souvenirs, and hallabong citrus.
• Best explored in the evening for snacks and lively scenes.

3️⃣ Jeju Folklore & Natural History Museum

• Explores the island’s unique geology, folklore, and traditional lifestyle.
• Great for understanding Jeju’s isolated cultural evolution, volcanic soil, and matriarchal heritage.

4️⃣ Black Sand Beach – Samyang Black Sand Beach 

• Known for its unique volcanic black sand, believed to have health benefits.
• Less crowded than touristy beaches, ideal for relaxing and quiet walks.

5️⃣ Love Land 

• An adult-themed sculpture park celebrating sensual art and human intimacy.
• Open-air installations, humor, and progressive themes make it a novelty in Korea.
• For mature audiences only.

6️⃣ Jeju National Museum

• Focuses on the island’s history, maritime culture, and early settlements.
• Free entry and perfect for a quiet morning or rainy day.

7️⃣ Dragon Head Rock (Yongduam Rock, )

• Coastal rock formation shaped like a dragon’s head.
• Best viewed at sunset with waves crashing around; legend ties it to a dragon punished by the gods.

8️⃣ Sanjicheon Stream & Tapdong Seaside Park

• Peaceful walking trail with light installations and sculptures.
• Nighttime sea breeze, food stalls, and street performers make this a local favorite.

9️⃣ Gwandeokjeong Pavilion 

• Jeju’s oldest building (built in 1448), a relic from the Joseon Dynasty.
• Located downtown, offering insight into island defense and Confucian culture.

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Best Seasons to Visit

• Spring (April–May): Blooming canola fields, cherry blossoms, and mild weather (~12–22°C).
• Summer (June–August): Hot but breezy; ideal for beaches, diving, and island tours (~24–30°C).
• Autumn (September–November): Golden pampas grass, clear skies, and Hallasan hikes (~15–24°C).
• Winter (December–February): Snow on Hallasan, less crowded, cozy for hot springs (~0–10°C).

April and October are the most scenic and balanced months.

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Best Cuisines in Jeju-si

✅ Jeju Black Pork 

• Unique breed of pork native to the island, grilled on stone plates.
• Smoky, rich flavor – best enjoyed at Black Pork Street near Dongmun Market.

✅ Haemul Jeongol – Seafood Hot Pot

• Overflowing with crab, octopus, abalone, and shellfish.
• Perfect on cool nights after a Hallasan hike.

✅ Jeonbokjuk  – Abalone Porridge

• Comforting and luxurious; made with freshly caught abalone and glutinous rice.
• Green-tinted due to abalone innards.

✅ Momguk 

• Traditional Jeju soup made with pork, gulfweed (seaweed), and millet-based broth.
• A symbol of Jeju’s peasant food history, hearty and warming.

✅ Hallabong Desserts & Citrus Products

• Hallabong (한라봉) is Jeju’s iconic tangerine variety, used in everything from juices to cakes and jams.

✅ Raw Fish  – Jeju-style sashimi

• Served freshly sliced, often with side dishes like sea urchin roe and fermented abalone.
• Best enjoyed at seafood restaurants near the coast or port markets.

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Connectivity in Detail

By Air – Jeju International Airport (CJU)

• Located in Jeju-si, 10–15 mins from the city center.
• One of Korea’s busiest domestic airports.
• Daily flights to/from:
  • Seoul (Gimpo Airport) – ~1 hr, frequent daily flights (30+).
  • Busan, Daegu, Cheongju, Gwangju – 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • International flights to Shanghai, Tokyo, Taipei, Hong Kong (seasonal).

By Ferry (limited use by locals and cars)

• From Mokpo, Wando, and Busan to Jeju Port (located in Jeju-si).
• Travel time: 4.5 to 12 hrs depending on route.
• Scenic but less practical than flying.

Getting Around Jeju-si

• Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Jeju Island, including rural waterfalls, oreum (parasitic cones), and beaches.
• Local buses are available but less convenient outside the city.
• Taxis are common and relatively affordable for city trips.