Korea Travelogue: 2D1N Jeju Island Travel Guide.

Today's writeup features some of the most gorgeous scenic locations in Jeju Island, and also the most eventful day I've had throughout this trip. This is also the last writeup of my 6 part Korean Travelogue series.

In chronological order of events - from Seoul to Jeju Island. Follow my Jeju footsteps!

To be honest, planning for my stay at Jeju Island was slightly harder than Seoul, simply because of the limited time I will be spending here and the stretched distance from one attraction to another.

I booked my air ticket via Jeju Air, about a month before departure, at a price of KRW115,800 (RM403). This is not the cheapest flight available, in fact, I think I picked one of the most expensive timeslot to fly simply for convenience sake.

Nevertheless, apart from the help of my friends, I referred to Trazy for planning of this trip.

The pre-booking part of this trip is higlighted in a yellow box.

My Korea Travelogue Series:
Part 1: Myeongdong Food Guide & Surrounding Eats
Part 2: Guide to Gwanghwamun Square & Surrounding Attractions
Part 3: Guide to Hongdae & Surrounding Attractions
Part 4: Guide to Gangnam & Surrounding Attractions
Part 5: Guide to Dongdaemun & Surrounding Attractions
Part 6: 2D1N Jeju Island Travel Guide

Covered in this writeup:
Places to visit: Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak, Seopjikoji, Jeongbang Falls, Oedolgae, Jusangjeollidae Falls, Cheonjeyeon Falls, O'Sulloc Tea Museum
Food to eat: Abalone Porridge, Black Pork, Spicy Hairtail Fish Stew, Mandarin Orange Juice

I took the Limousine Bus 6021 from the Namdaemun Market Bus Stop (a minute walk from where we stayed in Myeongdong) to Gimpo Airport. Each trip costs KRW7,000 (RM24). The journey to the airport took about 1 hour.

The flight from Gimpo Airport to Jeju Island took about 1 hour. Weather was fantastic when I arrived at Jeju City (or Jeju-si as the locals call it), slightly warmer than that of Seoul City.

To get from Jeju-si (Jeju North) to my accomodation at Seogwipo-si (Jeju East), I made 2 bus rides. I used my T-money card for all of my rides here.

Bus No.100 - Jeju Airport -> Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal [10 minutes]
Bus No.710 - Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal -> Seogwipo-si [90minutes]

Bus No.100 - Jeju Airport -> Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal [10 minutes]

Bus No.710 - Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal -> Seogwipo-si [90 minutes]

To be honest, I was quite worried of hopping off the wrong stop and getting lost. It would take about 15 minutes walk from the bus stop to my accomodation, so I knew that it was not that straightforward. With only a printed map in hand, I got the help of few locals to direct me to the right location and I arrived safely at Preun Jeju Pension. Yay!

Very Important Tip: Email the hotel and request for detailed bus instructions - in English and Korean. If there is a need to ask a local for help, the Korean version would come in very handy. Having said that, only certain major hotels have official websites and offer email correspondence upon booking online. The smaller ones normally don't. In my case, I had to do a walking map of how to get from Breeze Bay Hotel to Preun Jeju Pension. Booking.com have a fantastic route map which I referred to. Remember to print out all essential maps!

Once of the best place to stay near Seongsan Sunrise Peak (must see!) is Preun Jeju Pension, where I stayed for one night KRW45,000 (RM152) and my booking was made via Booking.com. I paid for my stay by cash.

Preun Jeju Pension is run by a very friendly Korean lady, who speaks very limited English. The place was very clean, facilities ample, location great and more importantly, value for money.

The pre-booking part of this trip is higlighted in a yellow box.

Taken from the balcony of Preun Jeju Pension.

With glorious views of the Seongsan Sunrise Peak.

With some spare time in hand before nightfall, I wandered around the area, taking in all fresh air I can. The weather was perfect!

Seongsan Sunrise Peak.

I found a fantastic spot to chill near the cliffs, with fabulous views of Seongsan Sunrise Peak. I marvelled at the sight of all the greens and blues, with sounds of waves gushing at the background and the calm wind blowing swiftly. The feeling was amazing!

I spend the next half an hour just staring into the sky and finally my stomach started grumbling and I knew that it was time for some Korean dinner. 

Our appetizer for that evening came in the form of a wholesome bowl of Abalone Porridge (KRW12,000). We were saving tummy space for our main course later, so we ordered one portion to share, even then, portion came massive. There were generous slices of abalone inside and the porridge was yellowish in color, much more fragrant than the standard ones I was accustomed to, and slightly more grainy in texture.

Next, we walked to a nearby restaurant, ready as ever to feast on one of the must eat food in Jeju Island - black pork. As though we have not eaten for an entire day, we ordered two portions of Grilled Black Pork (400gm at KRW36,000) and one portion of Marinated Grilled Black Pork Ribs (300gm at KRW13,000). This meal was easily one of the most expensive yet fulfilling one I've had throughout my Korean trip. 

With only 4 hours of sleep, I woke up at 2.30am the next morning and got ready for a long and eventful day ahead. Yes, the real journey starts now.

The plan was to leave the accomodation at 3.30am and start making my way up to Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak at 4.30am, just in time to catch the sunrise time at 5.30am. All hail broke lose when I heard loud thunderstorms and splattering of rainwater against the glasswindows.

I have to admit however, I was very stubborn (no - we - both me and my friend). I conciously knew that there will be no sunrise if it rains, but I was still hoping that it will stop just in time. I brought nothing along with me apart from a bottle of water, an umbrella and my camera, and stepped out into the rain.

No map, no money, no phone, just me - some guts and bare hope.

After what seemed like a neverending series of unecessary events (which I won't be able to cover all of it in this writeup), I made my way up to the peak. The hike to the peak was relatively easy, it took about 30 minutes in total, with impromptu photography pauses in between.

No sunrise as expected, but mission accomplished, plus some foggy view of Seogwipo-si.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak (성산일출봉)
Address: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do 

제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 일출로 284-12

GPS Coordinates: 7107923

Admission Fee: KRW2,000 (If it rains - it's free)

By the time I was done, it was already close to 6.30am. I bought some pastries and hot tea from Paris Baguette Cafe (yes, we walked back to our place to get money) and hurried back, washed up and checked out before the driver arrived at 9am.

For my second day in Jeju Island, I pre-booked a private driver upon recommended, for KRW130,000 (Rm520/day). You can, alternatively rent a car, at KRW120,000 (Rm400/daily), alongside a valid international driving licenses (Rm150 for 5 years validity).

Since I'm horrible with directions and my friend terrible in driving, hiring Mr Kang (Phone: +821036922030) really wasn't an option - it was a necessity. Don't bother with travelling via public transport - it's virtually impossible with the language barrier and an essential waste of time.

Mr Kang was a marvelous host. In fact, he was inspirational to me. At 55, he speaks pleasantly fluent English, though he only started learning the language 6 months back. I sincerely admired his will to learn something so new, yet progressed so quickly, even at that age - truly inspirational. To add, not only did he drove us around, he accompanied us on most parts of our tour, explaining to us the historical significance behind each attraction, and doubled-up as a great photographer too. Please give him a beep in Jeju!

Now, with only one full day to explore Jeju Island, my plan was to only cover the must visit places in Jeju. I will be travelling Jeju in a loop (East > South > West > North), then back to Jeju City.

Scroll to the end of this post for my Jeju City itinerary map.

Now, weather was not on our side that morning. It drizzled. It stopped. It drizzled then stopped. We were told that showers were quite frequent in the month of May, so remember to check the weather forecast prior to making a booking.

First selfie in the car!

Now, Jeju Island was defined by volcanic landscapes that formed beautiful volcanic craters and lava tubes, to what Jeju Island is today. Henceforth, most of the scenic attractions here are either - mountains, caves, cliffs or falls - I think I've just name it all. First stop, Mt. Seopjikoji.

Mt. Seopjikoji (섭지코지)

Address: 107, Seopjikoji-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do 

제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 섭지코지로 107

GPS Coordinates: 7604251

Admission Fee: Free

Jeongbang Falls (정방폭포)

Address: 37, Chilsimni-ro214beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
제주특별자치도 서귀포시 칠십리로214번길 37 (동홍동)

GPS Coordinates: 7331530

Admission Fee: KRW2,000

Before I knew it, it was already lunch time and we dropped by one of the more popular Korean restaurant in Seogwipo-si. The place was packed when I dropped by. It is located about few minutes drive from the entrance of Jeongbang Falls. Again, with no English name in sight, I hope the Korean signboard below would be an ample guide.

Fulfilling my Famous Food To Eat In Jeju Island list, I ordered the Spicy Hairtail Fish Stew (KRW24,000) for 2 person, upon recommendation. The stew was fiery, though extremely hearty and came with 4 humungous chunk of fish, potatoes and radish. So good, especially on a raindy day! With tissues in hand, it wasn't difficult to polish everything up.

Rushing for time, we dropped by Oedolgae, which was not in the initial itinerary, but recommended by the driver, since it was not far away from where we were.

Oedolgae Rock (외돌개(제주))

Address: 794-11 Seohong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.

GPS Coordinates: 7603031

Admission Fee: Free

Oedolgae Rock is essentially - a rock, which I honestly do not know how to appreciate. Mr Kang was kind enough to explain to me the legend behind the rock - of an old woman who turned into a rock while waiting for husband to return from sea - just like that. After the history lesson, it's still, just an upright rock to me.

Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff (주상절리(대포동지삿개))

Address: 2663, Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
제주 서귀포시 중문동 2663

GPS Coordinates: 7381532

Admission Fee: KRW2,000

Of the many scenic attractions that I visited today, this was the most crowded, bustling with crowds of school children on field trips. The place is also one of my favorites in today's journey. Gorgeous!

Cheonjeyeon Falls (천제연 폭포) 

Address: 27, Saekdal-ro 189beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

제주특별자치도 서귀포시 색달로189번길 27 (색달동)

GPS Coordinates: 7331530

Admission Fee: KRW2,500

At Cheonjeyeon Falls, there're 3 waterfalls and 1 arch bridge in total, so expect to spend some time here. The entire area stretches about 1km in distance. I visited the first and second waterfall but had to forego the third waterfall (the furthest) due to time constraint. This is also one of my top favorites of the day and I'd highly recommend visiting - maybe I just really liked the soothing and relaxing sounds of waterfalls.

O'Sulloc Tea Museum (오설록티뮤지엄) 

Address: 425, Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do 

제주도 서귀포시 안덕면 신화역사로 425

GPS Coordinates: 7945312

Admission Fee: Free

My friends have been raving about this place for months. They say, the green tea desserts here are fabulous! Knowing that I will only be here once, me and my friend overstuffed ourselves with 3 desserts, Jeju Greem Tea Ice Cream (KRW4,500), Green Tea O'Fredo (KRW7,000) and Green Tea Roll Cake (KRW5,000). Perhaps it's the overall experience of just being there and having freshly brewed green tea desserts which made all of this thoroughly enjoyable. Delectable! 

Before I knew it, I reluctantly hop on the car and left for Jeju Airport. It was already 5pm and I had a flight to catch at 6.30pm. Jeju Airport was about 30 minutes away from O'Sulloc Green Tea Museum.

The rain have stopped but the weather was very foggy at Jeju City that evening. We were travelling at about 40km/h. Matter of fact is, I was more excited of being part-of-the-fog (it was my first time of such experience) than worried about a flight delay or cancellation, something which is exceedingly common here.

Thankfully, all plans went smoothly. I arrived at Gimpo Airport at 7.30pm and had a feast that evening at Myeongdong. (Read my Myeongdong Food Guide Here)

Despite the daunting weather, the journey in Jeju Island was definitely a memorable one for me.

This is the last of my Korean Travelogue series. I hope you had as much fun reading as I did writing. More importantly, I hope these writeups would prove informative to the planning of your trip. I can't wait to plan for my next trip!

Click this image for Trazy reference of other places to visit in Jeju West Coast.

Click this image for Trazy reference of other places to visit in Jeju East Coast.