Jeju Overview
Jeju feels volcanic, green, and spread out. The port area is plain; real sights sit across the island. Most visitors pick one zone: the eastern lava formations, Hallasan foothills, or beach towns.
A Little History
Jeju’s culture differs from mainland Korea, shaped by isolation and volcanic soil. Stone walls, tangerine orchards, and shaman traditions all survive. Rapid tourism growth since the 2000s brought big resorts and scenic roads along the coast.
Museums
Jeju has themed museums: Jeju National Museum (culture), Haenyeo Museum (women divers), and several lava-tube visitor centers. Some quirky private museums exist. Mondays are common closure days. No strict reservations needed except for specialty caves with timed entry.
- Tip: Lava tubes have uneven floors; bring steady shoes.
Major Parks and Attractions
Seongsan Ilchulbong crater, Manjanggul lava tube, Hallasan National Park trails, and coastal walks dominate. Traffic builds mid-day. Weather shifts quickly; fog covers viewpoints without warning.
Nearby Places (Easy Day Trips)
Seongsan Ilchulbong (half day by bus/taxi), Manjanggul (3–4 hours), Hallasan short trails (half day), and Jeju’s southern beaches near Jungmun (half day by car or tour).
Shopping
Local products include tangerine snacks, green tea, cosmetics, and volcanic stone crafts. Bigger malls sit in Jeju City.
- Note: Duty-free stores often require passport details.
Food and Drink
Black pork barbecue, abalone dishes, seafood stews, and tangerine-based sweets are common. Korean dining often involves shared plates. Reservations help for barbecue spots.
Practical eating tips:
- Many restaurants don’t do solo portions.
- Lunch is easier than dinner in tourist clusters.
- Order mildly spiced versions if unsure.
Currency, Payments, ATMs
South Korean won. Cards accepted nearly everywhere. ATMs in convenience stores work for foreign cards.
Opening Hours and Holidays
Shops run 10:00–21:00. Museums close Mondays.
Holidays that may affect hours or services:
- Seollal (Lunar New Year)
- Chuseok (Autumn Festival)
- Oct 3 (National Foundation Day)
Practical City Notes
Distances are long; taxis or tours save time. Buses are reliable but slow. Weather can cancel some cave or coastal access. Basic English works in tourist areas.
Quick Plans
- 3–4 hours: Coastal viewpoint plus a small museum.
- 6–8 hours: Seongsan or Manjanggul with a short trail.
- Full day: Volcano crater, lava tube, and a beach stop.
Cruise Port Info
https://www.visitjeju.net/en/detail/view?contentsid=CNTS_000000000018293
