Explore Jeju City
Your perfect trip to South Korea
Jeju City is the gateway to Korea’s island paradise, but it’s more than just a landing pad. It is a city of black volcanic rock, wind, and tangerines. While most travelers rush to the southern beaches, Jeju City offers the most authentic local life. Here, the markets are piled high with silver cutlassfish and Hallabong oranges, and the coastline is rugged basalt rather than sand.
The food scene is legendary. This is the home of Black Pork (Heuk-dwaeji)—pigs with black hair that have a chewier, richer texture than regular pork. You eat it grilled thick, dipped in Meljeot (salted anchovy sauce) simmering on the grill. It’s funky, salty, and incredible.
Jeju City feels different from the mainland. You see the Haenyeo (women divers) surfacing with their catch without oxygen tanks, a UNESCO heritage tradition. The skyline is dominated not by skyscrapers, but by the silhouette of Hallasan mountain in the center. It’s a city that serves as the perfect base camp for a road trip around the Hawaii of Korea.
The perfect plan for Jeju City:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: Volcanic Coast & Market
- Morning: Yongduam Rock (Dragon Head Rock). A volcanic formation that looks like a dragon. Watch the Haenyeo divers selling fresh sea cucumber right on the rocks.
- Afternoon: Dongmun Market. It’s huge. Buy Hallabong tangerines, Omegi-tteok (rice cake), and souvenirs. Snack on everything.
- Evening: Black Pork Street. Go to a place like Dombedon. Order the Black Pork set. Dip it in the boiling anchovy sauce. Drink Hallasan Soju.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Hills & Horses
- Morning: Sarabong Peak. A small Oreum (volcanic cone) in the city. Easy hike for a view of the harbor.
- Afternoon: Drive to Iho Tewoo Beach. Famous for the two lighthouses shaped like horses (red and white). It’s a great sunset spot.
- Evening: Jeju Noodle Culture Street. Eat Gogi-guksu (Pork Noodles). The broth is rich pork bone soup, similar to Japanese ramen but cleaner.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: The Drive (East or West)
- Morning: Drive East to Hamdeok Beach. The water color is emerald. It’s stunning.
- Afternoon: Continue to Manjanggul Cave. A massive lava tube. It’s cold inside even in summer. (Check if open, undergoes maintenance).
- Evening: Return to city. Chicken and beer by the seaside tapdong square.
Weather
Spring (March-May): Canola flowers (yellow) everywhere. Cherry blossoms. Perfect.
Summer (June-Aug): Humid, rainy, and typhoon season. But great for beaches.
Autumn (Sept-Nov): Silver grass (Pampas) covers the hills.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Windy. Camellia flowers bloom red. Hallasan has snow.
Local Customs
- Rental Car: Essential. Public transport is slow. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Wind: It is always windy. Bring a windbreaker.
- Dialect: Jeju dialect is almost a different language. Even Koreans don't understand it sometimes.
History & Culture
Jeju was an independent kingdom (Tamna) until it was absorbed by the Joseon dynasty. It was used as a place of exile for scholars and criminals. It has a tragic modern history (the April 3rd Incident), but today it is the premier honeymoon destination and a semi-autonomous province.
Getting Around & Safety
Rental Car is king. Book in advance.
- Bus: There are express buses to Seogwipo (South), but local buses are slow.
- Taxi: KakaoTaxi works well in the city, harder in remote areas.
Info for Nomads
Workation Vibe
Speed: Fast. 100 Mbps.
Cafes: Aewol Monsant (G-Dragon's former cafe) and Anthracite Coffee (old factory).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a car? +
If you want to leave Jeju City? Yes. Buses exist but you will spend half your day waiting. Rent a car for freedom.
Is Black Pork different from regular pork? +
Yes. It has more marbling and the fat is firmer and chewier. The skin is also tastier. It is more expensive but worth trying once.
Can I climb Hallasan? +
Yes, but you need a reservation for the summit trail (Seongpanak). It takes 8-9 hours round trip. Plan a full day.