In Jeju Island｜A Carefree Life of Nature and Cuisine

🦚 Itinerary Planning (3-5 Days Free & Easy) 🌅 East Route: Romance of Volcanoes and Coastline • Seongsan Ilchulbong (UNESCO World Heritage): Summit the crater for breathtaking views of the ocean bathed in golden sunrise light—utterly spectacular! • Udo Island: Rent an electric bike to circle the island, visit White Sand Beach, Black Sand Beach, and Coral Sand Beach, and don’t miss the peanut ice cream and haenyeo (female diver) kimbap. • Seopjikoji: Filming location for the K-drama "Autumn in My Heart," featuring a picturesque white lighthouse and grassy fields, with stunning wooden boardwalks for photos. 🌿 Central Route: Where Nature Meets Culture • Hallasan (South Korea’s Highest Peak): A paradise for hikers, with spring blooms and fiery autumn foliage. Opt for easier trails like Yeongsil Route. 🚴 • Sangumburi: A low volcanic crater with dreamy winter reed fields and lush greenery in spring. 🌲 • Teddy Bear Museum: An adorable teddy bear-themed exhibition perfect for families or couples. 🌊 West Route: Healing Coastal Vibes • Aewol-eup: Turquoise waters and cozy cafés. Try the orange-flavored Americano at "Bald Coffee" and pair it with a black pork sandwich by the floor-to-ceiling ocean view—pure relaxation. 🐠 • Hyeopjae Beach: Fine sand perfect for lounging or renting a beach chair to unwind. • Hallim Park: A subtropical botanical garden with Hyeopjae Twin Waterfalls, ideal for nature lovers. 💧 South Route: Serenity of Waterfalls and Terraces • Cheonjiyeon Waterfall: A three-tiered cascade surrounded by lush greenery, offering cool respite in summer. 🌅 • Jusangjeolli Cliff: Hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic eruptions, where crashing waves create dramatic sprays—best viewed from the observation deck. 🍒 Food Recommendations: Jeju’s Culinary Delights 🐷 Black Pork BBQ • MAGAL BBQ: Tender meat wrapped in lettuce with garlic and kimchi—pure satisfaction! ~¥100/person. • Chilseong-ro BBQ: A local favorite for crispy black pork, best paired with makgeolli (rice wine). 🦞 Seafood Feast • No Raba Seafood Noodles: Rich broth with fresh shrimp, crab, and shellfish. ~¥60/person. • Dongmun Market Seafood Stew: Freshly caught seafood in a sweet broth. ~¥120/person. 🍧 🍊 Jeju Orange Specialties • Orange Ice Cream: Creamy with citrusy zest, a Udo Island specialty—even better with crushed peanuts! • Orange Mochi: Chewy and sweet, available at Dongmun Market—perfect as souvenirs. 🐬 🍜 Local Snacks • Haenyeo Kimbap: Fresh seafood, rice, and seaweed—texture-packed! Sold near Seopjikoji. 🍹 • Abalone Porridge: Thick and savory, warming the soul. Try it at Seogwipo Market. 🥓 🍵 Accommodation Picks by Preference Jeju City Center (Shopping/Convenience): Lotte Hotel Jeju, Shilla Jeju (¥800-1500) Hamdeok/Woljeong (Ocean Views/Couples): Hidden Cliff Hotel, Ocean Resort (¥1000-2000) Seogwipo (Families/Nature Lovers): Jeju Shinhwa World Resort (¥1200-2500) Aewol (Artsy/Café Hoppers): Jeju Aewol Pool Villa (¥600-1200) 🦞 🚶‍♂️ Budget Estimate (Per Person) Flights: ¥1500-2500 round-trip (book 1-2 months early for deals) Accommodation: ¥800-2000/night (budget to luxury) Food: ¥200-300/day (simple meals from ¥50, seafood feasts ¥120+) Transport: ¥100-200/day (bus ¥6/ride, private car hire ~¥1159/9hrs) Attractions: ¥50-150/site (e.g., Seongsan Ilchulbong: ₩5000/~¥27) Total: ¥3000-5000 (flexible, excluding shopping) ✈️ Pre-Trip Tips 1. Visa & Docs: 30-day visa-free, but print round-trip tickets and hotel bookings (in Chinese/English/Korean). 2. Currency: Exchange ₩300,000 (~¥1500) cash. Alipay/WeChat work, but small shops may need cash. 3. Transport: Use T-Money cards for buses, insist on taxi meters; rent cars with an international license. 4. Internet: Buy a Korean SIM card in advance (~¥30/day on Taobao). 5. Gear: Pack a windproof hat (coastal winds), EU plug adapter, and thermos (restaurants serve only ice water). ⛵️ 🐳 Pitfall Avoidance • ❌ Olle Market snacks are pricey—go to Dongmun Market for souvenirs. • ❌ Don’t carry too much cash, but some taxis are cash-only. • ❌ Duty-free app purchases (3-5 days ahead) can be cheaper than in-store. 🌺 Jeju’s beauty lies in its volcanic cliffs meeting the sea, in the sweetness of black pork and oranges, and in its slow, healing pace. Take this guide and embrace the romance of "Korea’s Hawaii"! 💕