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Jeju Island Itinerary: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

· 3 min read
Kai Miller
Kai Miller
Cultural Explorer & Photographer

Welcome to the "Hawaii of Korea." Jeju Island is a volcanic wonderland three times the size of Seoul. It has emerald beaches, black basalt cliffs, and Mt. Hallasan, the highest peak in South Korea.

But here is the truth: Jeju is difficult to travel without a car. If you are planning to visit, this guide will save you hours of frustration waiting for buses.

Jeju Island Itinerary: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

1. Crucial Logistics: Renting a Car​

The #1 Rule​

Rent a car. Public transport exists, but buses run on 40-60 minute intervals in rural areas. A car gives you freedom.

International Driving Permit (IDP) Warning​

This is where 50% of tourists fail.

  • You MUST have a physical IDP booklet.
  • It must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
  • REJECTED: Digital IDPs, PDF printouts, or IDPs from the "Vienna Convention" (countries like Vietnam or Germany sometimes issue these, so check carefully).

2. Understanding the Geography (The Ring Road)​

Jeju is an oval. The main road (Route 1132) loops around the coast. The smart way to travel is East -> South -> West.

  • North (Jeju City): Airport, Urban, Traffic.
  • East (Nature): Sunrise Peak, Udo Island.
  • South (Seogwipo): Waterfalls, Cliffs, Resort Hotels.
  • West (Aewol): Cafes, Sunsets, Tea Fields.

3. Day 1: The East Coast (Sunrise & Islands)​

Start early and head east.

Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)​

A UNESCO World Heritage site. It looks like a giant green bowl rising from the sea.

  • Hike: It takes only 20-30 minutes of stairs to reach the crater rim.

Udo Island ("Cow Island")​

Take a 15-minute ferry from Seongsan Port. The island is small and beautiful.

  • Do: Rent a quirky 3-wheeled electric scooter.
  • Eat: Peanut Ice Cream (Udo is famous for peanuts).

4. Day 2: The South (Waterfalls & Cliffs)​

Move your hotel to Seogwipo City (the southern main city). It is warmer and more relaxed.

Jeongbang Waterfall​

The only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the ocean. You can get close enough to feel the spray.

Jusangjeolli Cliff​

Hexagonal black stone pillars formed by cooling lava. They look like the Giant's Causeway in Ireland.

Seogwipo Olle Market​

The best place for dinner.

  • Eat: Black Pork BBQ (Jeju specialty) or fresh Sashimi.

5. Day 3: The West (Relaxation)​

Head back towards the airport via the west coast.

Osulloc Tea Museum​

Korea's most famous green tea fields.

  • Eat: Green Tea Roll Cake and Green Tea Ice Cream.
  • Buy: Premium tea as gifts.

Aewol Cafe Street​

A coastline packed with trendy cafes. It became famous because G-Dragon (Big Bang) opened a cafe here. It's the best spot for sunset.

Hyeopjae Beach​

White sand and crystal clear shallow water. The water color here rivals the Maldives.

6. Special Topic: Hiking Hallasan​

If you want to hike to the top of South Korea (1,947m), you need to know this:

  • Reservation Mandatory: You MUST book a slot online for the Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa trails.
  • Book Early: Slots open on the 1st of the month.
  • Easier Option: If you didn't book, hike the Eoseungsaengak Trail (30 mins). No reservation needed, and you still get a great view.

Jeju is magical, but it requires planning. Don't forget your IDP!