Home to stunning beaches and volcanic landscapes, Jeju-do is one of South Korea’s most popular island getaways. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, with scenic walking trails, picturesque waterfalls and a cultural folk village.

Things to do

Visit the “Pond of the Emperor of Heaven” at Cheonjeyeon, considered one of Jeju-do’s most photogenic waterfalls. It tumbles through the ceiling of a cave into three separate cascades and is surrounded by lush temperate forest and rocky boulders where rare solipnan reeds and skeleton fork ferns grow.

Want to climb South Korea’s highest mountain? Make the trek to the summit of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mount Hallasan to witness its beautiful crater lake and the sweeping views of Jeju-do. If you’re after a shorter hike, follow one of the scenic trails along the slopes of this dormant volcano, which provides a habitat for around 50 unique plant species.

Take a step back in time to see how Koreans lived in the 19th century at the Jeju Folk Village Museum. Explore the recreated houses in the Fishing and Shamanism Villages, admire the traditional agricultural artefacts and attend one of the colourful folk dance and music performances.

Wake early to watch an unforgettable sunrise from the fortress-like summit of Seongsan Ilchulbong, an extinct volcano topped by an immense crater. It can be reached on foot or by horseback along the ridge that extends from the village of Seongsan and features spectacular views facing east over the Sea of Japan.

Getting around

Jeju International Airport is around 40 minutes’ drive from Jeju City and there are regular ferries to Busan, Mokpo and Incheon. Local buses access all corners of the city and connect to destinations across Jeju Island.