Jeju Island Itinerary for 5 Days for First-Timers: A Solo Travel Guide

Known as South Korea’s largest and most beautiful island and the “Hawaii of Korea,” Jeju Island is a destination known for its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and relaxing atmosphere. Located off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju is a UNESCO-listed paradise that offers everything from breathtaking volcanic craters to picturesque beaches and lush forests.

It’s my first time visiting South Korea, and I included Jeju Island in my 20-day itinerary. Even before I got my South Korean tourist visa approved, I had always dreamed of visiting Jeju Island. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about Jeju that I wanted to explore it myself!

If you’re visiting South Korea anytime soon, you might also want to consider visiting Jeju Island. In that case, here’s my 5-day Jeju Island travel guide for first-timers, specifically for solo travelers (like me)!

How to Get to Jeju Island?

Jeju Island is easily accessible via flights from major cities in South Korea, such as Seoul, Busan, and Daegu. Jeju International Airport (CJU) serves both domestic and international flights. Alternatively, travelers can take a ferry from Busan or Mokpo, though flights are often the faster and more convenient option.

If you’re a Philippine passport holder with a South Korean tourist visa, you can either fly from Seoul or Busan to Jeju Island. It takes about one hour to get to Jeju Island.

Alternatively, if you are a Philippine passport holder but do not hold any valid South Korean tourist visa, you can still fly from the Philippines to Jeju Island. Filipinos are eligible to travel to Jeju Island visa-free, which is valid for 30 days. The only downside of this is that there is no direct flight from the Philippines to Jeju Island. Thus, you may need to fly from either Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, or Taiwan.

Getting Around Jeju Island

If you’re visiting Jeju Island, here are the different modes of transportation that you can use when exploring the island:

Rental Car: The most convenient way to explore the island at your own pace. This is definitely the best option since most of the tourist attractions are quite far from each other, and also this is the best thing to do for you to maximize your time. On the other hand, it might be way more expensive, especially if you’re traveling alone.

In addition, please be advised that you need an international driving license when renting a car.

Public Bus: Budget-friendly, but routes can be limited. I would have to say that this is the cheapest way to get around Jeju Island. On the other hand, please be mindful of the bus times and timetables because, as mentioned, tourist attractions are quite far apart from each other. Thus, you need to further strategize your trip to Jeju Island if you’re planning to commute only.

For instance, I only stayed in Seogwipo during my 5-day trip and was able to visit all the tourist attractions within the Seogwipo area.

Taxis: Readily available but can be expensive for long distances. I don’t highly recommend this as this is very expensive.

Essential Travel Guide & Tips

Pack comfortable hiking shoes if you plan to explore Hallasan or Seongsan Ilchulbong.
Try to visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, especially at popular tourist spots.
You can use your T-money card from Seoul to Jeju Island.
Always make sure to check bus times and timetables.
Be sure to check the weather forecast before planning hikes or beach visits.
Make sure to have your Naver Maps and Kakao Maps on your phone, as these will guide you during your entire trip! They are very helpful in maximizing your time, especially when commuting by bus.

Best Time to Visit Jeju Island

Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms and canola flowers create breathtaking scenery.
Summer (June–August): Perfect for beach lovers, though it can be hot and humid.
Autumn (September–November): Pleasant weather with colorful foliage.
Winter (December–February): Mild winters with occasional snow on Hallasan Mountain.

Top Places to Visit in Jeju Island

To give you an idea, here are some of the best places to visit in Jeju Island. But please take note that apart from these places, there are still other hidden gems on the island that are yet to be explored.

Hallasan National Park

The tallest mountain in South Korea, Hallasan, is a dormant volcano that offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the island. The most popular routes are the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails.

Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this volcanic crater is famous for its sunrise views. The short hike to the peak rewards visitors with stunning coastal scenery.

Manjanggul Lava Tube

One of the world’s longest lava tubes, this natural wonder showcases unique rock formations, lava stalactites, and a massive lava column.

Jeju’s Beaches

Hyeopjae Beach: Known for its white sand and emerald waters.
Jungmun Saekdal Beach: A hotspot for surfing and scenic cliffs.
Hamdeok Beach: Family-friendly with shallow turquoise waters.

Jeju Folk Village & Osulloc Tea Museum

For cultural enthusiasts, the Jeju Folk Village offers insight into traditional island life, while the Osulloc Tea Museum showcases Korea’s rich tea culture and green tea fields.

Jeongbang Waterfall & Cheonjiyeon Waterfall

These breathtaking waterfalls are among Jeju’s most iconic natural attractions, perfect for photography and relaxation.

Loveland

A unique, adults-only theme park featuring erotic sculptures, adding a quirky and unexpected twist to Jeju’s attractions.

Must-Try Jeju Food

Jeju Black Pork BBQ: A specialty pork grilled over charcoal, known for its rich flavor.
Haemultang (Seafood Stew): A spicy soup packed with fresh seafood.
Jeonbokjuk (Abalone Porridge): A nutritious local delicacy made with Jeju’s fresh abalone.
Hallabong Oranges: A sweet and juicy citrus fruit unique to Jeju.