Unlike our spontaneous trips to mainland destinations in South Korea, our 3-day trip to Jeju Island required careful planning. Getting to this beautiful island from Incheon, where I’m based, meant traveling by plane, so the sense that I couldn’t just visit again anytime soon pushed me to thoughtfully review our itinerary before the trip. However, as a fan of relaxed travel, I was determined not to cram too many destinations into just three days.
Looking back, I’m so glad we planned ahead by reading Jeju Island travel guides because the trip turned out exactly as we hoped. We were able to visit Jeju’s must-see attractions while enjoying the island at an unhurried pace.
Why Jeju Island? Despite exploring many incredible destinations across South Korea, Jeju had always been on our bucket list. Plus, with January temperatures in northern South Korea being bitterly cold, Jeju’s milder winter weather made it the perfect escape.
I’m excited to share our relaxed 3-day Jeju itinerary, tailored for anyone planning their next trip to this stunning island. Although we visited in January, most of these locations are just as enjoyable in any season.
How to Get Around Jeju Island
Getting around Jeju is as much a part of the adventure as the destinations themselves. While public transportation is available, it can be limiting and time-consuming, especially if you want to explore more remote areas. For a truly relaxed trip, I highly recommend renting a car.
To rent a car in Jeju, you’ll need:
- A valid international driving permit (IDP) or a South Korean driver’s license.
- Your passport.
- A credit card for the deposit and rental payment.
Be sure to check the specific requirements of the rental company beforehand.
To be on the safe side, we took photos of the rental car to document its condition before hitting the road. This small step can save you potential disputes over pre-existing damage. Also, be sure to review the insurance coverage options when renting.
If driving isn’t an option, don’t worry. Jeju’s extensive bus network can get you to most major attractions, though it might require careful planning. In this case, I recommend using Naver Map for navigation to ensure you’re catching the right buses and arriving at your destinations efficiently. While Google Maps does function in South Korea, it’s not as accurate or detailed.
Jeju Island: Day by Day Relaxed Itinerary For 3 Days
Day 0: Arrival and Preparation
We arrived in Jeju late at night, so we considered it as Day 0. After picking up our rental car, we drove to our hotel on the eastern coast, close to the attractions planned for Day 1. Booking accommodation near your planned destinations can save travel time and make your trip more enjoyable. We had a simple dinner and rested for the next day’s adventures.
Day 1: Seongsan Ilchulbong, Bijarim Forest, and Seopjikoji Cape
Morning: Seongsan Ilchulbong and surroundings
Our first full day on Jeju began with a visit to Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak. Although we didn’t witness the sunrise—rising early was a challenge for us—the views from the summit were still breathtaking. The short 20-30 minute hike was manageable even for casual hikers, and the panoramic vistas of the coastline and Jeju’s unique volcanic terrain made the climb well worth it. While the hike is considered short, our frequent photo stops extended it to about an hour.
For those who can manage an earlier start, I highly recommend timing your visit to catch the sunrise. It’s called Sunrise Peak for a reason, and the experience of watching the first rays light up the horizon must be magical.
One standout photo spot is to the left of the mountain’s entrance, where rugged dark cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop for pictures. The contrast between the cliffs and the vibrant blue sky, framed by rustic wooden rails, adds a unique charm to your shots.
After descending, we took a brief detour to explore the nearby canola flower fields, which were in full bloom during our visit. The sea of bright yellow flowers was the perfect backdrop for some stunning photos. Take note that near Seongsan Ilchulbong, most of the canola fields are privately-owned, so you need to pay an entrance fee. I think we paid KRW 5,000. The excitement of beautiful flowers in the cold made us not think about it all.
Seongsan Ilchulbong Must-know details
Address: 284-12 Ilchul-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: Vary by season. Check the official site for details.Closed: First Monday every month.
Entrance Fee: KRW 5,000 for adults
Afternoon: Bijarim Forest and Seopjikoji Cape
Next on our itinerary was Bijarim Forest. This tranquil spot offered a refreshing change of pace. The walking trail, surrounded by centuries-old nutmeg trees, was easy and inviting.
I enjoyed taking pictures with the gigantic nutmeg trees. While it was refreshing, this spot may feel a bit underwhelming for those who love variety. It felt that way to me, or perhaps because we started our day with the grand Seongsan Ilchulbong. That is why we headed back and spent the rest of the afternoon at the eastern coastline where we started our day.
Bijarim Forest Must-know details
Address:55, Bijasup-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Operating hours: 09:00 ~ 18:00
Entrance Fee: KRW 3,000
One highlight of the eastern coast was Seopjikoji Cape, where we marveled at the dramatic volcanic rock formations and the iconic lighthouse. This spot has an unmistakable cinematic charm and is a favorite filming location for K-dramas. The coastal breeze and ocean views made it a memorable stop. At the top, we surprisingly enjoyed more canola flowers with Seongsan Ilchulbong as a stunning backdrop. The vibrant yellow blooms contrasted beautifully against the mountain’s rugged silhouette, creating a picture-perfect scene that felt straight out of a postcard.
Seopjikoji Cape Must-know details
Address: 107 Seopjikoji-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating hours: Open all time
Entrance Fee: Free
As the day wound down, we treated ourselves to a dinner of Jeju’s famous black pork (흑동집) barbecue. Tender and flavorful, it’s a must-try dish that truly lived up to its reputation. We also tried fresh seafood, including grilled octopus. Content and satisfied, we returned to our accommodation late to relax and prepare for the adventures of Day 2.
Day 2: Aquaplanet Jeju, Jeju Camellia Arboretum , and Windmills
Morning: Aqua Planet Jeju
We started the day with a visit to Aqua Planet Jeju, the largest aquarium in Asia, located near Seongsan Ilchulbong. This impressive facility houses over 45,000 marine creatures including sharks, rays, and penguins. It was my first ever aquarium experience, and I could not help but marvel at the displays. I especially enjoyed the tunnels where I could almost touch the fish from the sides and look at some of them from above me.
We spent the morning and early afternoon exploring the aquarium’s themed halls and enjoying the Ocean Arena Performance, a dynamic acrobatics show performed by a professional synchronized swimming team. We positioned ourselves closer to the stage, if you can call the stage filled with water a stage, to see the performers closely. I noticed most of the audience was filled with families with kids, but I am also a kid at heart who enjoyed the performance up until the end.
If you are a fan of Welcome to Samdal-ri kdrama, the aquarium has a Jeju Haenyeo diving demonstration, a performance showing the incredible women divers of Jeju, catching seafood without oxygen masks. Haenyeo divers were a big part of the drama’s plot as the female and male leads’ mothers were both haenyeo divers. We missed this show due to the schedule and we prioritized looking at marine life, but heard this is a must-see show and I would love to see it the next time we visit.
If you’re planning to visit, allocate at least 2–3 hours (or more) to fully enjoy Aqua Planet Jeju. Don’t forget to check the schedule for performances and exhibitions to make the most of your trip!
Aquaplanet Jeju Must-know details
Address: 95, Seopjikoji-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating hours: 9:30 – 18:00
Entrance Fee: KRW 43,700
Afternoon: Jeju Camellia Arboretum
After lunch, we headed to the Jeju Camellia Arboretum, a winter wonderland famous for its vibrant red camellia blooms. The flowers bloom from November to March, making it an ideal destination during winter.
We strolled through picturesque trails with camellias in full bloom. For those interested in photography, this is a perfect spot to capture stunning shots of nature’s beauty.
If you visit during peak bloom season (December–January), expect breathtaking views but also larger crowds.
Nearby the arboretum, there were a lot of tangerine fields, so if you are not into flowers, perhaps you can substitute this with tangerine picking. Also, since it is a seasonal flower, you can substitute it with other attractions, like the Gimnyeong Maze Park.
Jeju Camellia Arboretum Must-know details
Address: 929-2 Wimi-ri Namwon-eup Seogwipo-si Jeju-do
Operating hours: 09:30-17:00
Entrance Fee: KRW 8,000
Note: Operating hours and fees may vary depending on the season. Check their instagram account here for updated information.
Evening: Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road
As the day drew to a close, we drove to Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road, located on Jeju’s northwest coast. This scenic route is famous for its offshore wind turbines set against emerald waters and rugged coastline. It’s also one of the best places on Jeju Island to watch the sunset.
Our itinerary was designed to be relaxed, but perhaps, we were too relaxed because we did not set a time on how long we were supposed to explore the previous destinations. We only managed to snap a few photos here, but the real sunset views were amazing.
Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road Must-know details
Address: 1322-1 Sinchang-ri, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee: Free
Day 3: Jeju Loveland and Horseback Riding
Morning: Jeju Loveland
We started our final day with a visit to Jeju Loveland, an outdoor art park famous for its quirky and risqué sculptures celebrating love and sensuality. Since it was our third and last day, we planned for attractions near the airport and it fits our relaxed and unique Jeju itinerary.
This unique attraction, designed by art students from Hongik University, features sculptures that blend humor, creativity, and artistry. It’s a lighthearted and fun stop that offers something completely different from Jeju’s natural landscapes.
We enjoyed taking pictures with the adult themed sculptures and making funny faces in this art park. The park also has an indoor exhibition hall and a café where visitors can relax. While it’s not for everyone, Jeju Loveland is a memorable experience for those looking to explore the island’s playful and unconventional side.
The park is only open to adults (19+), so plan accordingly if traveling with children.
Jeju Loveland Must-know details
Address: 2894-72 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Operating hours: 09:00 – 24:00
Entrance Fee: KRW 12,000
Note: There is conflicting information about the operating hours and entrance fee online. Visit the official website here for the updated information.
Midday: Mysterious Road (신비의 도로)
After lunch and on our way to the next destination, we made a quick stop at the Mysterious Road, also known as the “Dokkaebi Road.” This optical illusion makes it appear as though cars roll uphill when actually, they are moving down. To recreate the illusion, we playfully rolled down a bottle of water. However, watching actual cars pass by made the optical effect much more striking than our modest attempt.
It’s a fun and puzzling experience that takes only a few minutes but leaves a lasting impression. If you want to try recreating the illusion like we did, be sure to stay safe—this is an active road with passing cars, so always be mindful of traffic. Watching the effect with actual vehicles might be an even better way to enjoy it!
Tip: Look for the marked starting point on the road to experience the illusion properly.
Afternoon: Horseback Riding at Jeju Horseland
For our last activity, we headed to Jeju Horseland, a family-friendly destination offering horseback riding experiences.
My first and last horseback riding experience before this was at seven years old, with a rider supporting me from behind. I hadn’t been near a horse for more than 20 years, and this Jeju Horseback Riding felt like it was my first time. I was naturally nervous but the staff provided basic riding instructions, making it suitable even for beginners. Plus, the helmet and vest provided with the gear made me feel especially secure.
There were several courses and we chose the cheapest and shortest one that took about 20-25 minutes. It is called a lead ride that costs KRW 60,000. A staff member led the horse throughout the entire course and the white horse I rode was so calm. The staff took my photo in the best part of the course with the sea in the background. To my surprise, the horse stuck its tongue out in the photo, adding a humorous touch to the moment.
We paid for my photo to be printed. If you want the soft copy, they ask extra for it so we didn’t ask for those. We did not book a ride in advance, but it would be best if you can, especially during peak seasons, as slots can fill up quickly.
Jeju Horseland Must-know details
Address: 14-1 Nohyong-dong Jeju
Operating hours: March – October: 09:0 – 19:00, November – February: 9:00-18:00
Entrance Fee: Depends on the course you choose.
Late Afternoon: Departure Preparation
After our horseback riding adventure, we made our way back toward Jeju City to return our rental car and prepare for our departure.
If you have extra time before your flight, consider grabbing dinner at one of Jeju’s local restaurants or stopping by Dongmun Market to pick up souvenirs like tangerine chocolates or Hallabong marmalade.
Jeju Island Attractions That I Want To Visit
While our itinerary for 3 days in Jeju was great, the island has a lot to offer. Some of the destinations and activities I want to visit for my next Jeju trip are:
- Most of the Welcome To Samdalri Korean Drama Filming locations because I love the drama
- Mount Hallasan
- Jeju Olle Course
- Mazeland
- Tangerine Picking
Have you been to Jeju? If not, what destinations in Jeju are on your list to visit?
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