3D2N Itinerary in Jeju, Korea Part 1

by - Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Hello guys! 🌸 Welcome back to my blog. It has been quite some time since I have updated but I have been working hard to put up my travel posts up again!
First up, let me continue sharing more of Korea and this time around, Jeju.
Thanks for sticking around~ 😁


Jeju's main attractions are basically divided into Jeju-Si and Seogwipo-Si in the north and south respectively, with Hallasan Mountain right smacked in the centre. Jeju is an oval-shaped volcanic island with more than 90 percent of its total area covered in basalt. Most guidebooks do not segregate the attractions based on the regions, but if you are planning to book a driver or even do some self-travel ( via public transport, self-drive, or bus tours like Yeha Tour [limited destinations drop-offs] ), it will be best to learn your attractions' location and cluster them according to north or south. Local drivers mainly charge fees based on one day in the north and another day towards the south of the island.

Most visitors will be able to get by with a 3D2N itinerary and be able to cover the main sites of Jeju. Of course, if you are planning on conquering the hiking trails along the Olle Routes around the island or climbing Mt. Hallasan, you will have to cater for more days.

As most tourists do, we only spent 3D2N over in Jeju.

Jeju, just off the coast of South Korea is relatively warmer compared to the Northern regions like Seoul. If you were to travel from south up (i.e Jeju), you will also notice that the temperature gets progressively colder up North ( i.e Seoul) within a short days' differences. So get yourself prepared for the temperature differences by packing in more layering clothing. 

The Jeju airport is located in the north of the Jeju island and thus you will find it definitely more convenient to stay in that area. From some of the reviews from other visitors, taxi tour drivers (in Jeju they are under the Jeju Global Taxi group and do not operate independently) may not like it as much if you were to stay in Seogwipo-Si which is in the south as it may be more inconvenient. Also, be prepared to pay more for such driver bookings.
In general, I will thus recommend you to stay in Jeju-Si. I was lucky to come across a relatively affordable stash with lovely facilities Benikea I Jin Hotel.  
In my itinerary, there is no presence of any museums of sorts as we prefer sighting nature scenery and don't wish to spend time indoors, man-made stuff.

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Day 1

1. Seongsan Ilchubong (Sunrise Peak) 성산 일출봉

The Seongsan Ilchulbong was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. This tuff cone was formed when an underwater volcano erupted in the middle of the ocean.  The highlight comes from the thrill of hiking up the trial. Contrary to its name, it is, of course, best to hike for its beautiful sunrise view. 

About Jeju Drivers
Unless you are doing self-drive or staying in the inns/ hostels nearby Seongsan, if you, like us, had hired a driver, it will be almost impossible for the driver to send you up there for sunrise.I had tried asking many but none will yield. Anyways.
 If you have experienced watching the sunrise at Ilchubong, do share with me your encounter!  

Just a sidetrack: Unlike drivers in Southeast Asia regions, drivers in Korea deemed themselves to be more "atas" (colloquial for high self-esteemed) especially since they are well-versed in a foreign language such as English and Mandarin. Well, at least that was the vibe from my 2 trips to Jeju upon interacting with these drivers. Oh, by the way, a taxi-guided private tour, which involves having the driver and the whole vehicle to yourself and your family, cost at a flat rate of 150,
000Won for 8 hours and the pickup timing from your hotel is usually start at 9am for a full day tour.
You can simply google "Jeju drivers" and a list will pop up. My driver was quite alright but I wouldn't say he is the best so I would not be recommending here.


Hike Up!

At a height of 182m above sea level, climbing up the Seongsan Ilchulbong, along paved stairs up the trail will not be easy nor a quick-ending affair. My parents were not too keen to hike up all the way and thus we just stayed around the base. If you have the time and the physical fitness level, I would definitely recommend you to hike up and see the gorgeous view for yourself. The journey up to the pitstop takes from 30 to 50 minutes depending on your physical fitness but I believe the overview will be worth it! 
From what I understand, there are also benches and toilets along the trail. In fact, it is very hiking-friendly. I would have gone up if given a chance again. 


At the Base

If you are mainly staying at the base of the mountain, walk around and relish in the refreshing cooling sea breeze while breathing in the salty cool air. Look out for this little "hut" where live haenyo ( women divers) performed when the weather permits.

 Otherwise, you can also purchase and get a taste of the fresh live Jeju seafood, freshly sourced from the open sea surrounding Seongsan. The washing is done on the spot, all which are served uncooked. 



Do you dare to eat them uncooked?

This is How It's Done

Tell, or rather point, to them which variety you want and they will chop it up for you in slices. Just tell the ahjumas to clean/wash them thoroughly before serving. Because these are all served uncooked and you don't want to get a tummy upset on your trip right. Don't be embarrassed, because even the locals told the ahjumas the same thing. 


Once you are all done inside exploring the base and the surroundings of Seongsan Illchubong, refresh yourself with Hallabong (Jeju's sweet tangerines) produce after the trail~
Deliciously refreshing. There is also a Seogwipo Citrus Museum if you are keen to visit. 


2. Sangumburi Crater

This heaven on earth is where I would strongly recommend you to be for a breathtaking view and lovely blanket of blues and greens. 

As visitors, you can't really get a bird's eye view of the crater but walking around the area is a bliss in itself too. This seemingly ordinary crater stands at a depth of 140m below sea level and a diameter of over 650m. 
Part of the crater liken to a concave indent.👇👇


Instagram Alert

Rather than the crater, I think the many youngsters and couples were mainly there for the Silver Grasses! Well known for its Silver Grass trail, come on in for Instagram worth shots and immersed yourself amongst the Silver Grass swaying in the wind. 
💡 Tip: Head there in the late evening nearing sunset to capture the playful rays peaking from the silver clouds.☺
Complimentary commentary services are available at 930, 1030, 1400, 1500 and 1600 daily.



You can't miss this lovely silver grasses making great instagrammable photos at every spot.



3. Seongup Folk Village

The Seongup Folk Village is, in fact, a "living" village inhabited by a couple. Apparently, the Jeju government gives the inhabitants huge numerous benefits and tax rebates for them to preserve this village, which has now become an attraction itself, free of charge for visits. Yes, you hear that right, it's totally free and you get a tour around the small village with an introduction to the historical background of Jeju with this bilingual couple. The husband well versed in English and the wife in Mandarin. 



💡What struck us was definitely the warm hospitality we received as visitors with the hosts who were very enthusiastic in taking lots of photos for us.


 However at the end of the tour, there a was a little sales talk whereby the hosts will try to entice you into buying their Jeju Horse Oil products and the many testimonials left by their customers. However, though nice as the hosts may be, we did not buy any. It is their extra income channel but you are not obliged to buy anything. 


4. Manjanggul Cave

The Manjanggul Cave is actually very interesting to explore and walk around in. It is the world's largest lava tube created by volcanic activity and is quite magnificent to walk through it. This UNESCO World Heritage site takes you back to a time in prehistoric times with the stalagmites, stalactites and stone formations.
The highlight will definitely be this 'Stone Turtle'  that resembles the outline of the Jeju Island.

Caution

💡 Be wary that the lava cave is slippery at parts of the walk and this activity is really not suitable for seniors who have difficulty walking/ weak kneecaps with the rocky and uneven lava rock formations. Young children will enjoy as I saw many school children having educational tours within. 
 In the end, I went down on my own as my parents waited for me up at the entrance.
2000won per entrance/ adult. 



5. 5-Day Market Dongmun Traditional Market ( For Souvenirs) 

This market is located furthermost north and is perhaps where most drivers will drop you off for the day ( alongside Jeju 5-day Market or Seomun Market). Although this was not the market I had intended to go at first, the driver had made its way there for convenience sake.

Dongmun Market is the oldest and biggest traditional market, located in the old city centre of Jeju-si. At the market, you can fill your finds ranging from seafood, fisheries, vegetable. At the dried-goods section, many stores lay in neat rows, selling beautifully packaged snack boxes which will look absolutely presentable as souvenirs. Get them at any of the markets at Jeju which will be so much cheaper. Up to 50% differences versus that in Jeju airport and you certainly will not find them so ( if at all) at Seoul's Incheon airport
Opening 8am to 9pm.

A Ricecake shop which looks popular with the number of locals purchasing but whose service was downright thumbs down when I asked for further information simple things like the flavours of the rice cakes.

These are the snack boxes you can get at very cheap and reasonable prices around the price of SGD10 or so if I remember correctly. 

6. Eat Jeju Black Pork At Hwaro Hyang

A walking distance (suggested by my driver) from the Dongmun Market ( not too near after all, but achievable) will lead you to the Heuk Dwaji street —  well known for its barbeque black pork specialities eateries. I will suggest you take a cab instead. 


Literally translated from Heuk Dwaji, "black pig" is definitely native to Jeju. Traditionally, Jeju houses had pigsty within their house compounds. Although no longer raised in houses and are now raised in commercial farms, the climate and soil in Jeju, makes for excellent conditions for raising pigs.

I was recommended to try Hwaro Hyang.

End the day with a delicious Black Pork BBQ, a speciality in Jeju.
Some of the staff in Hwaro are Chinese and spoke Mandarin.
The portions were really generous for 3 pax with free flow servings of sides and we chose the set that came with Jeju's big and succulent abalones~
 Cooking was done by the servers but as usual, be prepared for the smoke and oil thereafter. 





I have to mention the samgyeopsal, pork belly, pork collar were really thick and juicy. Well marinated and flavorful with the juices spurting out in your mouth. 
Just slurp up!


A variety of leafy veggies for you to roll your barbeque pork in.





Read on for my Part 2 3D2N Itinerary in Jeju.

Repin to keep notes!

All you need to know about spending 3D2N in Jeju Island, Korea

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