Jeju Island in 5 Days: Volcanic Peaks, Lava Caves, Waterfalls and Beaches TRIP BLOG Photo: Korea.net · CC BY-SA 2.0
South Korea · Jeju · Jeju

Jeju Island in 5 Days: Volcanic Peaks, Lava Caves, Waterfalls and Beaches

5 DAYS 7 places by WaTrips

Yongduam Rock, the Manjanggul lava tube, sunrise on Seongsan Ilchulbong, Jeongbang Falls, the Jusangjeolli cliffs, Hyeopjae Beach and Hallasan.

Jeju is Korea's volcanic holiday island. See Yongduam, the dragon-head rock, and walk through Manjanggul, one of the world's longest lava tubes. Climb Seongsan Ilchulbong for sunrise over the sea and watch the women divers (haenyeo). Visit Jeongbang Falls, which drops straight into the ocean, and the hexagonal columns of the Jusangjeolli cliffs, then relax on Hyeopjae's white sand. Finish by climbing Hallasan, South Korea's highest mountain, by the Seongpanak trail; start early. Spring and autumn are best.

01
STOP 1 OF 7

Yongduam Rock

Yongduam, or Dragon Head Rock, is a volcanic rock formation on the coast near Jeju City. Shaped by waves, it is said to resemble the head of a dragon rising from the sea. A short walkway leads along the shore for the best views. It is close to Jeju airport, making it a convenient first or last stop on the island, and lovely at sunset.

02
STOP 2 OF 7

Manjanggul Cave

Manjanggul is one of the longest lava tubes in the world, formed by flowing lava thousands of years ago. About one kilometre of the tunnel is open to visitors, ending at a lava column about seven metres high. The cave is cool and damp all year, so bring a light jacket and good shoes. It is part of the UNESCO-listed Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes.

03
STOP 3 OF 7

Seongsan Ilchulbong

Seongsan Ilchulbong, or Sunrise Peak, is a volcanic tuff cone that rises from the sea on the eastern tip of Jeju. A steep trail climbs to the rim of its crater, where the sunrise over the ocean is famous. It is part of the UNESCO-listed Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes. Haenyeo women divers often demonstrate their traditional diving at the base.

04
STOP 4 OF 7

Jeongbang Falls

Jeongbang Falls is a waterfall on the southern coast of Jeju that drops straight into the sea, one of the few of its kind in Asia. Visitors take a stairway down to the rocky shore at its base. Legend says an envoy sent to find the elixir of life left an inscription here. It is close to the centre of Seogwipo and easy to combine with Cheonjiyeon Falls.

05
STOP 5 OF 7

Jusangjeolli Cliff

Jusangjeolli Cliff is a stretch of coastline in Seogwipo lined with tall basalt columns formed when lava cooled quickly as it met the sea. Waves crash dramatically against the hexagonal pillars. A wooden walkway and viewpoints run along the top of the cliffs. It is part of the Jeju Global Geopark and is especially impressive on days with strong surf.

07
STOP 7 OF 7 · LAST STOP

Hallasan Seongpanak Trail

Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea, a shield volcano at the centre of Jeju Island. The Seongpanak Trail is the longest route to the summit crater lake, Baengnokdam, and takes most of a day. Hikers must reserve in advance and pass checkpoints before set cut-off times. The trail passes through forests and a shelter with views across the island.

Was this trip blog helpful?

0
0

Ready to follow this route?

Copy all 7 stops into your trip plans in the app.

Open in WaTrips

Book for this trip

Partner links: WaTrips may earn a small commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.

More trips you'll like

All trips in South Korea

More trip blogs