Embark on a culinary adventure through Jeju, an island paradise known for its delicious cuisine and breathtaking natural beauty. Indulge in local specialties and explore hidden gems, as you immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Jeju.
Thursday, September 14: Jeju City
Start your trip by exploring Jeju City, the capital of the island. In the morning, visit Dongmun Market, a bustling market where you can sample fresh seafood and local produce. Afterward, head to Tapdong Street for unique street food stalls offering specialties like dakgangjeong (crispy fried chicken) and hotteok (sweet Korean pancake). In the evening, make your way to the "Black Pork Street" in Samseong-dong for a taste of Jeju's famous black pork barbecue.
Black Pork Street: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Dongmun Market: Start your day at Dongmun Market, where you can enjoy a wide variety of fresh seafood and local produce for breakfast. Average cost for a meal is about 15,000 KRW per person.
Tapdong Street: For lunch, head to Tapdong Street and explore the unique street food stalls offering specialties like dakgangjeong and hotteok. Average cost for a meal is about 8,000 KRW per person.
Black Pork Street: In the evening, make your way to the "Black Pork Street" in Samseong-dong for a taste of Jeju's famous black pork barbecue. Average cost for a meal is about 20,000 KRW per person.
Friday, September 15: Seogwipo
Explore Seogwipo, a charming coastal town known for its stunning waterfalls and picturesque landscapes. Start your day with a visit to Cheonjiyeon Falls, where you can enjoy a scenic walk and breathe in the fresh air. In the afternoon, head to Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market, a bustling market offering a wide variety of local dishes and snacks. Wrap up your day by visiting Lee Jung-seop Street, an art street named after a renowned Korean artist, lined with unique cafes and restaurants.
Lee Jung-seop Street: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try "Seogwipo Bbang" bakery, which is famous for its freshly baked bread and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 5,000 KRW per person.
For lunch, visit "Seogwipo Jjigae" restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious traditional Korean stews and side dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 10,000 KRW per person.
For dinner, indulge in fresh seafood at "Seogwipo Haemultang" restaurant, known for its flavorful seafood hot pot. Average cost for a meal is about 20,000 KRW per person.
Saturday, September 16: Udo Island
Take a day trip to Udo Island, a small island off the coast of Jeju famous for its beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes. Start your morning with a bike ride around the island, stopping at Seobin Baeksa Beach for a refreshing swim. In the afternoon, savor local delicacies at one of the seafood restaurants near Haumokdong Port. Don't forget to try the island's specialty, peanut ice cream. End your day with a leisurely stroll along the breathtaking Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak.
Bike ride around Udo Island: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 4 hours
Seafood restaurants near Haumokdong Port: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Embark on an adventure to Hallasan National Park, home to the highest mountain in South Korea. In the morning, hike to the summit of Mount Hallasan, taking in the panoramic views of the island along the way. Afterward, replenish your energy with a traditional Jeju-style lunch at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Yeongsil Trail, a picturesque trail known for its scenic beauty. Wrap up your day with a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs of Jeju's Sanbangsan Mountain.
Hike to Mount Hallasan: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 6 hours
Traditional Jeju-style lunch: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 1 hour
Sanbangsan Mountain hot springs: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Sehwa Beach Cafe, located near Hallasan National Park. This cozy cafe serves delicious homemade pastries and has a relaxed beachfront atmosphere. The average cost for a meal here is about 10,000 KRW per person.
For lunch, try the Jeju Black Pork at Wanggwan Restaurant, which is known for its flavorful grilled pork dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of set menu options, and the average cost for a meal is about 20,000 KRW per person.
For dinner, Jinmi Sikdang is a popular local restaurant that specializes in seafood dishes. Enjoy freshly caught seafood and local Jeju flavors in a casual dining atmosphere. The average cost for a meal here is about 30,000 KRW per person.
Monday, September 18: Jeju Olle Trail
Experience the beauty of Jeju's coastline by hiking a section of the Jeju Olle Trail. In the morning, start at the Jeju Olle Information Center and choose a trail that suits your preference. Along the way, stop by cafes and restaurants offering local specialties such as abalone porridge and Jeju tangerine ice cream. Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque village of Sehwa-ri, known for its stunning coastal scenery and charming cafes. Enjoy the sunset at Sehwa Beach before heading back to Jeju City.
Hike a section of Jeju Olle Trail: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4-6 hours
Local specialties along the trail: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Goong. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, visit Jeju Noodle Alley and try their famous Jeju-style seafood noodle soup. This local eatery is known for its flavorful broth and generous portions of fresh seafood. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Black Pork Street. Here, you can savor Jeju's specialty - grilled black pork. This lively street is lined with restaurants offering juicy and tender pork dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Tuesday, September 19: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While Jeju is known for its popular tourist attractions, there are some hidden gems and local favorites that are worth exploring for food enthusiasts. Visit Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market, known for its wide selection of fresh seafood and local delicacies. Try out the famous Jeju black bean noodles at a small restaurant tucked away in a local neighborhood. Don't miss out on the opportunity to visit the Jeju Beer Brewery, where you can sample unique craft beers made with local ingredients. These hidden gems provide a unique taste of Jeju's culinary scene!
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For foodies seeking off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals, exploring the neighborhoods of Jeju City is a must. Venture into Sehwa-ri village, a hidden gem known for its charming cafes and stunning coastal scenery. Indulge in Jeju's traditional cuisine by visiting Gwandeokjeong, an old traditional house turned restaurant that serves authentic Jeju-style dishes. Another local favorite is the Haenyeo Museum, where you can learn about the fascinating culture of the Jeju Haenyeo (female divers) and enjoy a delicious seafood feast at the museum's restaurant.