Who says the best road trips are only in places like Australia and New Zealand? Jeju island is one of the most popular places to visit in South Korea, with stunning views, pristine beaches and unique landmarks — making for an epic road trip too! Plus, public transportation is not as accessible here so renting a car is your best bet.
In this Korea Travel Guide, we’ll show you how to get the most out of your road trip in Jeju — from things to do and eat, to where to stay, and even travel tips! Some of our favourite attractions in Jeju are hiking up Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, riding exciting rides in Shinhwa World and of course, feasting on local delicacies at Dongmun Traditional Market. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out these 17 best things to see and do in Jeju.
Another fun fact about Jeju is that it’s served as the backdrop of many iconic K-pop and K-drama shooting locations too! On our Jeju road trip, we passed by several attractions like Seongsan Ilchulbong (where ex-member Soyou from girl group Sistar shot her solo music video) and Wind 1947 (where girl group Oh My Girl shot their Dun Dun Dance music video).
Jeju is an island filled with many wonderful natural landmarks and hidden gems linked by seamless roads, so what better way to explore its beauty than by going on the ultimate road trip?
Main Stop on Your Jeju Island Road Trip
0:30 – Car Rental — One of the most convenient ways to get around Jeju! Remember to check for any defects before starting the trip.
0:45 – Dongmun Traditional Market — Jeju’s largest and oldest permanent market serving up fresh seafood and local delicacies.
1:02 – Manjaggul Lava Tube — Spot unique rock formations made of molten lava at one of the largest lava tubes in the world, stretching around 7,400m.
1:16 – De Reve Hotel — This was one of our favourite accommodations, with a unique exterior reminding us of modern container houses, and a cosy interior with a kitchen!
1:36 – Seongsan Ilchulbong — Head up to this UNESCO World Heritage site defined by its cone crater at the centre. The climb up is tough but we assure you, it’s worth the epic sunrise view!
2:11 – Aqua Planet Jeju — Visit the largest aquarium in South Korea, home to 48,000 marine creatures including otters, walruses, rays, and sharks.
2:32 – Wind 1947 — Go fast and furious, and drift through scenic views of Mount Halla along a 1,947m race track — no driving licence needed!
3:03 – Jusangjeolli Cliff — Be amazed at this geological wonder made out of molten lava, best known for its unique hexagonal rock formation.
3:13 – Grand Mer Hotel — Conveniently located in the Seogwipo region in Jeju, Grand Mer Hotel is nearby iconic attractions we wanted to visit, like Jusangjeolli Cliff and O’sulloc Tea Museum.
3:26 – O’sulloc Tea Museum — A must-visit for matcha lovers! Walk through rows of tea leaves, check out the teacup gallery, and taste the signature O’sulloc green tea ice cream.
3:54 – Shinhwa World — With 18 wave pools, rapids, spas, and slides, splash around in the biggest indoor and outdoor waterpark in Jeju!
Renting a car on Jeju Island
There are various car rental services located at Jeju Airport. We rented ours onsite at a small local provider as everything else was booked out. So remember to book your car rental online early in advance (especially during peak seasons). Also, here’s a travel tip: before you drive off, check for any defects for a smooth and epic Jeju road trip!
Accommodation in Jeju Island
During our four-day Jeju road trip, we stayed at two different hotels located in the East and South regions of the island. This made it more convenient for us to travel around and cover more attractions in Jeju. For example, De Reve Hotel was less than a 30-minute drive to Manjaggul Lava Tube and Seongsan Ilchulbong in the East, while Grand Mer Hotel is only a 5-minute drive to Jusangjeolli Cliff down South.
Exciting things to do in Jeju
Here are some exciting things to do in Jeju, from exploring lava tubes in Manjanggul Cave to racing in go-karts at Wind 1947!
