Jeju Island Road Trip Guide for 1 Epic Week
If you are looking for an epic adventure in South Korea, go on a Jeju Island road trip! Explore Jeju’s picturesque beaches, UNESCO sites, and unique local culture with this 1-week Jeju Island road trip guide.
Rent a Car in Jeju
The perfect Jeju Island road trip requires the perfect ride. We went with Billycar, a low-cost car hire service in Jeju, and can really recommend it.
Billycar offers a vehicle for 32,000 won ($28) per day on weekdays during the non-peak season. We went with a gorgeous teal Mini Cooper convertible and paid around 600,000 KRW for a week.
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When to do a Jeju Island Road Trip
Jeju Island has four distinct seasons but the island’s climate temperate. It rarely falls below the freezing point even in the winter season.
See spring burst into bloom in March
Spring is a great time to visit Jeju. Wildflowers cover the island with color during this time. Mid-March to early April is generally the best time to see flowers. At the very end of March or beginning of April, cherry blossom season starts and usually lasts for around 10 days.
Beaches open for swimming in June
Summer season starts around the end of June when temperatures are up to an average high of 24ºC (75ºF). This is also when all the beaches are open for swimming.
Still, I recommend keeping a lightweight windbreaker with you since Jeju’s strong winds often lower temperatures along the coast and at higher altitudes.
July and August are the hottest months of the year. temperatures rise to around 29ºC with very little rain and warm and humid weather. July and August are perfect for surfing (the best waves are between June to October), diving, and swimming.
Visiting Jeju Island in September
Jeju’s weather stays warm longer than that of
Enjoy the island’s harvest in October
Explore hiking trails in November
Counterclockwise Circle Jeju Island Road Trip Itinerary
Starting and ending in Jeju City.
Highlights: Handam Coastal Walk, Geumneung Beach, Osulloc Tea Museum, Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls, Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, Seongsan Ilchulbong
Day 1 and 2
Jeju Island Road Trip
Start: Jeju City / Aewol Area
Itinerary: This Jeju Island road trip itinerary will take you one week.
One of my favorite areas in Jeju was Aewol. This part of the island is a popular vacation destination because, for one, it is close to the airport, and secondly, it has two beautiful beaches: expansive Gwakji, with fine sand and a cold-water spring, and Hyeopjae, a popular sunset vantage point.
It’s perfect for those who only have a short stay in Jeju and a great start for your Jeju Island road trip. This is especially true because the Aewol area offers various picturesque coastal roads with views over the Korea Strait, and many cute cafes and restaurants along the journey.
What to do in Aewol
The following stops are located in both Aewol-eup and Hallim-eup, an adjacent area that often falls under the greater Aewol area.
Handam Coastal Walk
This beautiful walkway along the shore was our first stop on our Jeju Island road trip. It connects Aewol-ri town with Gwakji Gwamul beach and is a picturesque and quiet walkway with many photo stops along the way. There are also smaller beaches nestled along the way, so be sure to bring your bathing suits.
Address: 1359, Gwakji-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Hyeopjae Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches on Jeju Island, Hyeopjae is also family-friendly because of its 1.2-meter shallow water.
The white beach, crystal clear water, and view of Biyangdo Island in the distance make this beach a truly outstanding scene and a must-stop on your Jeju Island road trip.
Address: 2497-1 Hyeopjae-ri, Hallim-eub, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Café Byo Byo
I found this café on Instagram and decided to put it on my Jeju island road trip itinerary. Café Byo Byo offers some truly unique desserts, such as their signature black sesame mousse cake shaped like a traditional Jeju Harubang statue!
It not only looks incredibly cute but also tastes divine! Plus, the café is located in a beautiful country-side town with a relaxed vibe.
Address: 1936 Myeongwol-ri, Hallim-eub, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Sing Sing EAT
This hip bar totally surprised us in a positive way. I was looking for a fun place to visit at night that serves cocktails and Sing Sing EAT was the perfect place.
I had a delicious Moscow Mule here, as well as a grilled Camembert with honey and walnuts. It was the perfect way to end our day in Jeju Island.
Address: 181 Hallim-ro, Hallim-eub, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Best Places to Stay in Aewol
Day 3 and 4
Next Stop: Andeok Area
This is another must-visit destination for your Jeju Island road trip. Why? The scenery in Andeok is dotted with green tea fields because this is where you will find one of the best attractions in Jeju: The Osulloc Tea Museum and Innisfree Jeju House.
If you are a tea lover, I highly recommend making a stop at Sannolu Café on your way from Hallim to Andeok. It’s not only a café but a local matcha and Jeju tea dispensary, where you can sample and purchase local teas directly from their farm.
What to do in Andeok
Andeok-myeon is quite a big area stretching from central-western Jeju down south to the coast. Since the northern and southern parts of Andeok are quite different, I will list them separately below.
North Andeok
Sannolu
If you like matcha and tea in general, a stop at Sannolu is a must on your Jeju Island road trip. This matcha and green tea dispensary is a combination of a modern matcha café, showroom, and shop.
On their menu, you will find their own locally grown tea varieties, such as green tea with dried tangerine or Jeju black tea, as well as various matcha drinks. You can then pick up any of the teas and take them home with you. I purchased their amazing black tea and green tea with tangerine peel.
Address: 2098-4 Josu-ri, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Osulloc Tea Museum
I wrote a whole separate blog post about my visit to the Osulloc Tea Museum (and if it’s truly worth it).
What I enjoyed the most here were the tea fields just outside the museum, where you can watch the tea pluckers hard at work. The Innisfree Jeju House is also part of the Osulloc Tea Museum and is a great place to sit down and unwind, while trying some of their best products and enjoy some delicious drinks and desserts.
Address: 15 Shinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Jeju Shinhwa World
Ideal for resort-lovers, Jeju Shinhwa World is a fully integrated resort made up of various hotels, a casino, multiple theme parks, and many restaurants and shopping facilities. This is also the place where you will find Shinhwa Water Park, one of the largest theme parks of its kind in South Korea.
Note that the casinos are opened only to foreigners according to South Korean law.
Address: 38 Shinhwayeoksa-ro, 304 beon-gil, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Bonte Museum
I actually only found out about this unique museum when I was looking for something to do in Jeju for bad weather. I also wrote a separate blog post about Bonte Museum and recommend you check it out.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of old and new art from different local and international artists in five galleries.
Address: 69 Sallongnam-ro, 762 beon-gil, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
South Andeok
Daepyeong-ri
I completely fell in love with this tiny fishing village on the southern coast of Andeok-myeon. We stayed here for two nights loved the relaxed vibe in the countryside of Jeju.
The village gives you a look behind Jeju’s big tourist hubs and offers a local, authentic experience. Small cute coast-side cafés and local restaurants make this town a must-visit.
Address: Daepyeong-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Café Hyuillo
Probably the most beautiful café in all of Daepyeong-ri, Café Hyuillo (or Café Holiday in English) boasts a relaxing rooftop overlooking the southern coast of Jeju island. You can even see Marado Island, the southernmost point of South Korea, from here.
You must try their signature frozen Hallasan Mountain cake – which looks and tastes absolutely divine.
Address: 786 Changcheon-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Best Places to Stay in Andeok
Day 5 and 6
Next Stop: Jungmun
Jungmun is another main vacation destination in Jeju. The area is nestled at the foot of cliffs offering perfect conditions for surfers year-round. Jungmun Tourist Complex is a major hub in the area with a cluster of hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, and theme parks.
What to do in Jungmun
Jungmun is dominated by a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches in the south. A must-visit in Jungmun is Oedolgae, Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls and Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff.
Oedolgae Rock
Literally translating to the “Lonely Rock”, Oedolgae is a unique 20-meter tall rock formation created millions of years ago due to volcanic activity.
This place was also the filming location of the 2003 K-drama “Daejangguem” where character Hansangoong (Yang Mi-Kyung) faced her death.
Address: 791 Seohong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls
Cheonjeyeon Falls consists of three different waterfalls that are all referred to as “The Pond of God”. consists of three sections. The first waterfall falls into a beautiful pond with a depth of 21 meters. From here, the waterfall continues downwards two more times, creating the second and third waterfalls, which then flow into the sea.
Address: 2232, Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff
One of my favorite attractions in Jeju was the unique cliffs at Daepo Jusangjeolli and its imposing stone pillars.
These uniquely shaped pillars were formed thousands of years ago when the scorching hot lava from the eruption of Mount Hallasan followed its way into the sea of Jungmun.
The rock formations look like cubes or hexagons and almost seem as if stonemasons had carved them out.
Address: 36-30, Ieodo-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Seogwi Dawon
This lovely teahouse isn’t actually in the Jungmun area but on the way from Jungmun to Seongsan. If you enjoy tea and want to see some organic green tea fields, you should definitely give this teahouse a visit.
There only seems to be one item on the menu, which is basically a tea set – some hot black tea and cold matcha infused tea. Everyone was served this same exact tea set. The views from the teahouse overlooking the green tea fields add to the cozy and relaxed vibe.
Address: 118 Sanghyo-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Best Places to Stay in Jungmun
Day 7 and 8
Last Stop: Seongsan
Named after its landmark, this area is home to Seongsan Ilchulbong, an archetypal tuff cone formed by volcanic eruptions about 5 thousand years ago.
Another stop you might want to make along the way is Pyoseon Beach (표선해비치해변). It’s a very shallow and family-friendly stretch of crystal clear water.
What to do in Seongsan
The main attraction in this area is the imposing Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone that can be seen from almost everywhere along the coastline. It’s a popular area to watch the sunrise, especially on January first every new year.
Seongsan Ilchulbong
The tuff cone at Seongsan Ilchulbong used to be an island cut off from the mainland but a build-up of sand and soil formed a connection over thousands of years.
Visitors can follow a hiking trail up to the peak rising 180 meters above sea level. It’s such a beautiful location that is has been featured in many movies and dramas. Seongsan Ilchulbong was designated a natural reserve in 2000.
Address: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Gwangchigi Beach
Gwangchigi Beach was one of my absolute favorite places to visit in Jeju Island. It’s the perfect place to take amazing photos of Seongsan Ilchulbong. What’s also very unique about this beach is that it is covered in black volcanic sand.
Gwangchigi Beach is also featured in the K-drama “Warm & Cozy” (맨도롱 또똣) starring Kang Sora and Yoo Yeon Seok.
Address: 224-33 Goseong-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju-do
Chuidasun Resort Tea & Meditation
We spent our last night in Jeju island at this beautiful hotel – and I did not want to ever leave! If you are into tea and meditating, you have got to stay at Chuidasun when in Jeju Island.
The Tea & Meditation Resort was an absolute highlight of my trip. All guests have access to complimentary tea classes and tastings, as well as different meditation programs. There are also tea sets set up in every room, many of which have breathtaking views of the beach across from the hotel.
Address: 2688 Haemajihaean-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Ready for your Jeju Island Road Trip?
Our Jeju Island road trip was truly incredible and a vacation we will never forget. I honestly didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. I am eager to head back to Jeju and explore more hidden gems on this beautiful island.
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