TOP 5 Must-Try Experiences in Jeju-do Island & Travel Tips

INTRODUCTION

Since the "Korean Wave," Seoul, South Korea has become the No. 1 travel destination in Asia, bringing about millions of international tourists. It is not only known for its K-pop, food, kdrama, and kbeauty, but also its nature.

South Korea is a must-trip to explore, have fun and relax. Evidently, there are many places one can visit, such as Hongdae, Gangnam-gu, Busan, Bukchon, and Gwanghwamun. However, a unique place that many miss while traveling to South Korea is Jeju-do. Although you can still make your trip memorable without experiencing Jeju-do, numerous visitors, like myself, affirm that it is worth it.

Here are the best things to do, the famous attractions to visit and the tastiest dishes to eat to get you more excited about visiting the land of kimchi, hills, and fish!

ARRIVAL

Our family finally arrived at Jeju-do after our three-hour trip from Seoul to Jeju-do, and, unfortunately, it was quite cloudy. After eating lunch at the airport, we went to a rent-a-car store. From personal experience, renting a car is the best option because Seoul does not have a diverse range of transportation options, such as public subways and buses. However, one can make the most of their trip without a vehicle, too, by walking or riding a bike since the area is small.

After checking in with a Hyundai Creta SUV, my family went to my mom’s friend’s house, which was amazingly big and pretty, similar to a modern beach hut. Moreover, the inside was classic, and the view from the second floor was awe-inspiring since we could see the crystal blue ocean and Hallasan volcano.

FOOD

ERNEST MILK

Since it was a cloudy day, and we didn’t have dessert after lunch, we decided to go

Ernest Milk (어니스트 밀크), which was on the east side of the island. Ernest Milk is a milk cafe that serves a variety of dairy goods from matcha, yogurt, strawberry milk, ice cream and roll cake.

Since it is a popular cafe, there was a long line waiting to order inside. Outside, on the first floor, children were petting the goats and cows, while young and old people were on the second floor admiring the view of the volcano and taking photos for memories.

At this time, we ordered the must-have, simple ice cream with matcha and oat ice cream. Honestly, they were all delicious and rich in flavor, especially the matcha, since the matcha itself was strong, and the milk made it more appetizing. However, my favorite was definitely the ice cream with granola since the honey and nuts made it exquisite and rich in flavor.

BLACK PIG MEAT

Aside from that, black pig meat (제주흑돼지) is also a must-try since it is Jejudo's signature food. Black pig meat is simply delicious, has a unique chewy texture, and can be found in many parts of Jejudo. Besides, since seafood is accessible in Jejudo, most restaurants offer seafood side dishes such as fried fish, seaweed soup with urchins, shrimp, pollock roe, and altangand abalone. Besides, the price is affordable, and the side dishes are refillable (only two to three per side dish). Unlike the western side, Jejudo chefs cook the meat in front of the customers, giving them a remarkable experience.

The side dishes vary from radish, abalone, raw shrimp, tofu and steamed egg, to soybean paste stew.

MOOGER BURGER

Finally, there are hamburgers. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love hamburgers? However, these hamburgers I’m about to present are not the classic ones, but fresh, natural, homemade hamburgers. Nobody wants a healthy meal when you are on vacation, but these are extremely yummy to the point I ate three (went overboard), and honestly, one is filling.

The options are not as wide as McDonald's, but their quality is uncomparable. They simply have three choices: carrot, mushroom, and spinach. Mooger Burgers (제주도무거버거) are quite small and tall and can be served with soda and crunchy, long French fries. The restaurant is located in front of the sea; thus, one can enjoy their meal while observing the crystal-clear water on the second floor. Most of the reviews state the place is absolutely amazing with service, value, and atmosphere.

356, Johamhaean-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju, Jeju Island 63332 South Korea

PLACES TO VISIT

AQUAPLANET JEJU

Unfortunately, our first day was cloudy, so we couldn’t go out to sea. Thus, we decided to go to an aquarium called Aquaplanet Jeju. The aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day and is located in Seogwipo. We visited the place last year, but it is splendid, especially for people who love the ocean and marine animals, like my little sister and me.

I visited the aquarium twice, but still, I love it and would go again. Therefore, this place is a must-visit. Inside, one can observe a wide range of marine animals that are unique and rare to see in our daily lives. Besides, its features are uncomparable to the images on Google. The aquarium display was divided into several sections depending on the species, such as crabs, sharks, fishes, and sea mammals. Each group would have a special decoration or theme, making each exploration step interesting and thrilling.

Behind the aquarium is a park where customers can go to drink their coffee after visiting the gift shop and cafeteria.

At the close end, the viewers can see a pool that is 11 meters deep and colorful diversity of marine living organisms of different sizes. In the official program, there is also an opportunity to Jeju Dive in the mega-sized pool with mega-sized fishes: https://m.aquaplanet.co.kr/eng/jeju/program/introduce.do

SEONGSAN ILLCHUBONG:

Saving the best for last, the iconic place of Jejudo is Seongsan Ilchulbong. Even at first glance, it is outstanding for its huge size and unique shape bowl. Compared to Hallasan, the walking trail is much shorter, but it can also be quite tiring, yet relaxing, since there are many attractionsto see along the way, such as the view, rock structures and gardened trees.

Out of all the places, the sunset view at Seongsan Ilchulbong is the best because of the hills, trees, and beach on the front, making it the perfect postcard or artwork to hang in your home. For this reason, it is known as the Sunrise Peak in Jeju. The long valley is outstanding, and it was formed 5,000 years ago underwater, making it a rare case.

As you go down, you will see the branches of reeds with coniferous vegetation. If you are lucky, you can see a crystal-clear pool and a beautiful cliff on the right side. You might be able to see a women's diving show or a Jeju cultural heritage show in this area. These women are capable of diving 10 meters under the sea to pick up shellfish without the help of oxygen masks but only their lungs (most of the women are in their 40s and 60s).

Nearby, there are a few stores: a gift shop, an orange store, Starbucks and many restaurants, so you can visit them after a long walk.

CONCLUSION

Jeju Island place offers not only places that cannot be seen and experienced, like in Seoul, but also a fantastic journey that makes you get out of your comfort zone and appreciate nature here. The top five places mentioned here are only a tiny portion of what is available in Jejudo. There is much to see on the island, and it is worth visiting.