Jeju Island is one of the most captivating places in Korea. It is well-known for its scenic volcanic landscapes as well as beautiful beaches. A famous holiday destinations for travelers and honeymooners.
Over the years, i thought traveling to Jeju would cost a fortune. But then I realized that you can travel to Jeju on a budget.
There are over 200 flights to Jeju in a day. Most airlines fly like every 15mins to every 30mins to and from Jeju. I booked online at Korean Air when had their promo. It was around P1,600 for one way ticket from Gimpo Aiport. I know it was expensive compared to other airlines. But it’s Korean Air anyway, so fair enough. There are also guesthouses, pensions and hostels if you don’t want to stay in expensive hotels and resorts.
The most convenient way to explore Jeju is to rent a taxi for a day. It will cost more than traveling by bus but it will save time and you can visit more places. Jeju Island is said to be 3 or 4 times the size of Seoul. So if you cannot visit all places in Seoul in one day, how much more in Jeju, right?
If you’re wondering where to go in Jeju, check these places I visited for 2 days.
Day 1
1. Eco Land Theme Park
I think this is the only place where you can ride a train in Jeju. The train runs through Gotjawal forest. It will take around 1-2 hours to explore the place.
Admission Fee: ₩12,000
2. Jeju Stone Park
This is one of my favorite places in Jeju. Some people say ‘Those were just stones’. But for me they are more than stones. These stones came from Halla Mountain. In the museum, they play a 15-minute video about how Jeju Island was formed. It was an interesting story.
Admission Fee: ₩5,000
3. Jeju Mini Land
It’s like you’ve travelled around the world in Jeju. This park features miniature versions of all famous landmarks in the world.
Admission Fee: ₩9,000
4. Jusangjeolli Cliff
These are rock pillars formed from the lava of Halla Mountain
Admission Fee: ₩2,000
5. Jungmun Beach
This is one of the most famous beaches in Jeju. We just dropped by to take pictures.
6. Hello Kitty Island
There was a moment when I had to choose between the Teddy Bear Museum and Hello Kitty Island. I’m not a hello kitty fan but this one is on my bukcketlist.
Admission Fee: ₩12,000
7. Cafe Bomnal and Guesthouse
Calling all Korean Drama fans! This is the shooting location of Warm and Cozy. I’m glad I made it here. There’s also a coastal walk path nearby where you can feel the breeze and smell the ocean.
Day 2
1. Udo Island
Udo Island is what I call An Island in an Island. You will need atleast 4 hours to visit Udo.
Ferry cost: ₩5,500 per head; ₩21,600 for the car
2. Seongsan Ilchulbong
A visit to Jeju will never be complete without visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sunrise Peak or the Seongsan Ilchulbong.
Admission Fee: ₩2,000
3. Seopjikoji
Seopjikoji is also another filming location of Korean Dramas.
Admission Fee: Free
4. Gimnyeong Maze Park
There are 2 maze parks in Jeju. Gimnyeong Maze park is the smaller one. It took us about an hour to find the way out. I’m not good at this. I almost want to give up. It was a dream come true to be lost in a maze.
Admission Fee: ₩3,300
I’d recommend our driver, Mr. Koh if you want to visit these places. He speaks English well, you won’t have problem communicating with him. He’s nice, good driver/tour guide and good photographer as well.
When you are in Jeju, never ever forget to try their abalone. Abalone porridge and abalone stew are my favorite.
Another famous thing in Jeju is the ‘Haenyeo’. They are the lady divers who dive into the ocean to gather different kinds of seafoods. Some of them aged over 80 years old. They are often called the Korean Mermaids. They dive even on a freezing winter.
There are other places I want to see in Jeju. I will surely find time to visit these island again some other season.
You might want to include Jeju in your itinerary on your Korea trip. It’s a place worth visiting. Happy travels!
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