Jeju Island Circuit
South Korea
South Korea's largest island, a UNESCO triple crown of volcanic crags, lava tube caves, and tuff-cone coastlines, compared favourably with both Bali and Hawaii. The best way to experience Jeju is the coastal ring road, hugging the island clockwise through Jungmun Resort, the Seongsan Ilchulbong sunrise peak, and the famous Haenyeo (sea women) who free-dive for shellfish without oxygen tanks.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Jeju City
Island capital with Dongmun Traditional Market, Yonduam Dragon Rock on the northern shore, and ferry links to the mainland.
- Manjanggul Cave
One of the world's great lava tubes: 7.4 km long, with the largest lava column on earth and a constant 11 degrees C inside.
- Seongsan Ilchulbong
The Sunrise Peak, a 182 m tuff cone formed by underwater eruption. The crater rim walk at dawn delivers Jeju's finest panorama.
- Seogwipo
Jeju's second city on the south coast, base for haenyeo diving shows, the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, and Lee Jungseop Street galleries.
- Jungmun Resort
South coast resort anchored by Cheonjeyeon Waterfall and Jusangjeolli hexagonal basalt columns rising straight from the sea.
- Sanbangsan
A dome-shaped lava plug rising 395 m on the southwest coast, with a cliff-face grotto shrine and sweeping views of Marado Island offshore.
- Hallim Park and Hyeopjae Beach
Twin lava tube caves beneath a botanical garden on the northwest coast, fronted by Hyeopjae Beach's turquoise shallows and white coral sand.
- Jeju City
The coastal circuit closes back at the capital after 181 km of volcanic coastline, lava fields, and ocean views ringing the entire island.
Where to Eat
- Black Pork StreetKorean Barbecue
A renowned area in Jeju City offering authentic Korean barbecue, especially famous for its succulent black pork dishes.
- Seogwipo Maeil Olle MarketStreet Food
A bustling market in Seogwipo where visitors can savor a variety of local street foods, from seafood pancakes to tangerine chocolates.
- Jungmun Saekdal Beach CafésCafé
A collection of beachfront cafés in Jungmun offering fresh seafood and traditional Jeju dishes with stunning ocean views.
Things to Do
- Jeju Folk Village MuseumMuseum
An open-air museum showcasing traditional Jeju houses and artifacts, providing insights into the island's rich cultural heritage.
- Cheonjeyeon WaterfallsNature
A series of three stunning waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery, with the first waterfall cascading into a crystal-clear pool.
- Jeju LovelandTheme Park
A unique outdoor sculpture park focused on sensuality and eroticism, featuring over 140 sculptures and interactive exhibits.