Jeju

Jeju Island is Korea's largest island and the country's top tourist destination, attracting over 8 million international visitors annually plus millions of domestic tourists. The island offers a unique subtropical-to-temperate climate, volcanic landscapes including Halla-san (South Korea's highest peak), sandy beaches, and the famous Jeju Olle coastal hiking trails. Originally developed as a domestic vacation spot when Koreans couldn't travel internationally until the late 1980s, it remains a traditional honeymoon destination where couples often wear matching outfits.

The Seoul-Jeju route is the most-used flight route in the world, with frequent flights to Jeju International Airport. Low-cost airlines increasingly serve the island, making it more accessible. Ferries connect Jeju to the mainland: ferries to Wando depart daily at 7:20 and 19:30 (3-hour journey), to Nokdong at 16:30, and to Yeosu every afternoon. International flights also connect to Japan (Fukuoka, Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya), China (Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong), and Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Hanoi).

Public buses connect major destinations across the island. Taxis are readily available, with rides to Shin-Jeju from Jeju city proper costing around ₩5,000. Car rental is popular for exploring at your own pace. The island's two main settlements are Jeju City in the north (where the international airport is located) and Seogwipo in the south (home to the Jungmun Tourist Resort Complex).

Jeju has a subtropical-to-temperate climate with average highs ranging from 3°C in January to 30°C in August. The island is milder than the Korean mainland due to warm surrounding currents but experiences significant wind year-round. Rainfall is heaviest between June and September. Peak tourist seasons include Korean national holidays and July-August summer holidays. Outside these periods, accommodation is more available and affordable.

Minbak (guesthouses) abound on Jeju, with abundant rooms in small guesthouses with character in Jeju City, Seogwipo, and smaller towns. Several motels next to the bus terminal in Jeju City offer rooms at around ₩30,000 per night: You-cheong, Oh-cheon, and Nam-san. For budget travelers, jjimjillbangs (Korean public bathhouses with sleeping facilities) are available in Jeju City and under the World Cup Stadium in Seogwipo. Luxury 5-star options are concentrated in Seogwipo's Jungmun Tourist Resort Complex.

Jeju's signature citrus is the hallabong (dekopon), an oversized tangerine with a distinctive bump on top known for its sweet taste and easy peelability. Mandarin oranges are also a major local product. The local specialty soju is Hallasan Soju, ranging from ₩1,000 to ₩3,000 per bottle. Jeju kamgyul (citrus wine) costs around ₩5,000 for a 750mL bottle. Various hallabong ades (drinks made from hallabong juice) are popular. The western tip of the island has tea plantations producing green tea.

Hiking on Halla-san (South Korea's highest peak) is a major draw. The Jeju Olle Trail offers coastal hiking with cute ganse dolls (₩15,000) available as souvenirs—plush ponies handmade from used clothing by local women, with profits supporting trail maintenance. The island features UNESCO-listed Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes. Other attractions include horseback riding, visiting Korean drama filming locations, and quirky theme parks (sex, glass, and teddy bear museums). Sunrise and sunset viewing over the ocean are popular activities.

Jeju has the lowest crime rate in South Korea, with violent crime almost non-existent. However, remain vigilant against pickpockets in tourist areas. Two police forces operate here: the Jeju Municipal Police handles traffic and tourist policing, while the Jeju Provincial Police deals with serious crimes. Watch for rockfall warning signs near cliffs and caves on the south coast—even near Jungmun. Snakes live on Jeju, so be aware when hiking.

Jeju specialty products include hallabong chocolate (plain flat chocolate with hallabong flavor or shaped like grandfather statues), brown clothing dyed with persimmon fruit juice, and small basalt stone replicas of the iconic dol hareubang (grandfather stone statues). Citrus products (hallabong and mandarines), Jeju kamgyul wine (₩5,000/750mL), and green tea from western tea plantations are popular. Ganse dolls (₩15,000) from the Olle hiking trails make meaningful souvenirs. Cards are useful but many places remain cash-only; BK Star bank in Seogwipo and Family Mart convenience stores with ATMs accept foreign cards.

Hallasan Soju (₩1,000-3,000 per bottle) is the local specialty soju, famed for its unique flavor. Various hallabong ades made from hallabong juice are widely available. For Western-style nightlife, Shin-Jeju area (₩5,000 taxi from Jeju city) has establishments like La Vie, Boris Brewery, Modern Time, Blue Agave, and GP. Led Zeppelin is a vinyl bar with album-oriented rock, massive record collection, and song requests. Except for Gecko's in the south, there aren't other genuine Western pubs on the island.

From Jeju, mainland South Korea is accessible via flights to major cities or ferries to Wando (3 hours), Nokdong, and Yeosu. International destinations include Japan (Fukuoka, Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya), China (Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, and many other cities), and Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Hanoi). The island is administratively divided into Jeju-Si district (north) and Seogwipo-Si district (south).