Quick Answer: How I spent 3 perfect days in Jeju Island?
I've been to Jeju 8 times and my perfect 3-day route is clockwise circle covering east, south, west coasts for well-rounded trip. Day 1 East (Volcanic): Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak early morning hike for 360-degree ocean views, Seopjikoji gentle coastal walk with seasonal flora, Manjanggul Lava Tube one of world's finest subterranean lava tunnel systems UNESCO, Dongmun Traditional Market evening street food and fresh seafood. Day 2 South (Waterfalls and cliffs): Hallasan Mountain morning Yeongsil trail for alpine views on South Korea's highest peak, Jeongbang Waterfall unique coastal cascade plunging directly into ocean, Jusangjeolli Cliffs hexagonal stone pillars at Jungmun coast, Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market black pork dinner. Day 3 West (Green tea and turquoise beaches): O'sulloc Tea Museum green tea fields and matcha ice cream, Hyeopjae Beach white sand turquoise water western shore, Hallim Park nine themed gardens subtropical and stone exhibits, Aewol Cafe Street sunset ocean-front cafe before flight back. From Seoul, I book Gimpo to Jeju flight - world's busiest route, 1 hour, 200 flights per day, 50k KRW early if book 30 days before. Gimpo Airport domestic terminal is 5 min from Gimpo Airport Station via underground tunnel, check-in 2nd floor. For rental car, you need international driving permit 1949 Geneva convention from home country BEFORE trip - get at AAA etc, bring IDP + original license + passport, book rental 30 days before, full insurance. Best seasons: Spring March-May cherry blossom and canola yellow fields, Autumn Sept-Nov mild clear perfect for Hallasan hiking, my favorites.
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Jeju Island looks small on map but it's big - 73km east-west. If you try to see everything from Jeju City without plan, you'll spend 70% of time driving, not sightseeing. After 8 visits with family and foreign friends, I learned best way is split into three coasts - east day 1, south day 2, west day 3, clockwise circle, sleep in different areas or base in Seogwipo.
And planning starts in Seoul, not Jeju. Seoul Gimpo to Jeju flight is world's busiest route - 1 hour, but price triples if you book late. Gimpo Airport domestic terminal is easy - subway Line 5 to Gimpo Airport Station, 5 min walk underground. And rental car is king in Jeju - public buses slow outside city, but you need international driving permit 1949 Geneva convention from home country before trip - can't get in Korea, I've seen tourists denied at counter. Best seasons are spring canola flowers and autumn mild weather - summer typhoon and crowds, winter windy but cheap.
Let me share my exact 3-day highlights itinerary that covers east volcanic, south waterfalls cliffs, west green tea beaches, plus how to book Gimpo flights, use Gimpo Airport, rent car with IDP, and best season tips.
When to Visit Jeju - My Season Guide
Spring March-May - My top pick: Cherry blossoms late March-early April at Jeonnong-ro, canola flowers yellow fields mid-March-April at Seopjikoji and Sanbangsan - most beautiful photos. Weather mild 12-20°C, not too crowded except cherry week. Perfect for east coast Seopjikoji walk and O'sulloc tea fields.
Summer June-August - Beach but be careful: Hot 25-32°C, humid, Hyeopjae Beach swimming possible, but July-August peak crowds, hotel double price, typhoon late July-August can cancel flights. If summer, book hotel and rental car 30 days before, or you won't get.
Autumn Sept-Nov - Second favorite: Mild 15-23°C, clear skies, best for Hallasan hiking Yeongsil trail, autumn foliage late Oct-Nov. Less crowded than spring/summer, cheaper hotels. Best for Jungmun Jusangjeolli cliffs and Hallasan alpine views.
Winter Dec-Feb - Budget but windy: Cold 3-10°C, strong wind, many beach cafes closed, but cheapest flights/hotels, Hallasan snow hiking beautiful with gear, O'sulloc tea fields misty mood. Not for beach but for quiet trip.
Flights from Seoul - Gimpo Airport Booking and How to Use
Why Gimpo not Incheon: Seoul has Incheon for international and Gimpo for domestic Jeju. Gimpo to Jeju 1 hour, 200 flights per day by Korean Air, Asiana, Jeju Air, Jin Air, T'way. From Hongdae, Gimpo 30 min via AREX or subway Line 5, Incheon 1 hour. So Gimpo much closer.
How I book: I use Naver Flight or Skyscanner, or airline direct. Early booking 30 days before 50k-70k KRW one-way, last minute 120k-150k KRW. Book round-trip Gimpo-Jeju together, check baggage - low-cost carriers charge checked baggage 20k KRW extra. My tip: Book morning flight to Jeju to have full Day 1, and evening flight back on Day 3 to enjoy Aewol sunset cafe.
How to use Gimpo Airport domestic: Take subway Line 5 or 9 to Gimpo Airport Station, follow signs Domestic Terminal 5 min walk via underground tunnel. Check-in counters 2nd floor, security fast 10 min. Gates close 15 min before. At Jeju Airport, rental car shuttle buses outside exit 3-5, free shuttle to rental car complexes 5-10 min ride. If you land at Incheon from abroad and go straight to Jeju, need 3 hours gap - AREX from Incheon to Gimpo 30 min plus immigration.
Rental Car in Jeju - International Driving Permit 1949 Guide
Jeju public buses exist but slow outside Jeju City, 1 hour interval in countryside. For 3-day highlights covering east south west, rental car saves 3 hours per day vs bus and lets you reach Seopjikoji and Manjanggul easily.
IDP 1949 Geneva Convention - Must have: You need IDP based on 1949 Geneva Convention to drive in Korea. Must get in home country BEFORE trip at AAA (USA), post office (UK), JAF (Japan) etc. Korea does NOT issue IDP for tourists and does NOT accept 1968 Vienna IDP alone. Bring IDP + original driver's license + passport. Without IDP, rental companies refuse - I've seen tourists denied at Lotte Rent-a-Car counter and crying.
How I rent: Book via Lotte Rent-a-Car, SK Rent-a-Car, or Jeju comparison sites like Jeju Rental Car. Compact car 50k-70k KRW per day including insurance. Book 30 days before in spring/autumn - sells out fast. At Jeju Airport, take free shuttle bus to rental complexes (Lotte, SK etc huge). Show IDP + original license + passport + credit card. Get full insurance - Jeju roads narrow with stone walls, scratches easy. Driving - right side, speed limit 30-70, many speed cameras, use Naver Map navigation - Google Maps not accurate.
Gas and parking: Gas stations mostly self-service, use credit card. Parking at Seongsan Ilchulbong 2k KRW, Manjanggul 4k KRW, Hyeopjae Beach free.
Day 1 East Jeju - My Volcanic Day
Seongsan Ilchulbong: My favorite sunrise spot - hike up dramatic volcanic tuff cone early morning for sweeping 360-degree ocean views. 180m high, 30 min up, 20 min down, UNESCO World Heritage. If you can, go at sunrise - sunrise from peak famous. Entrance 5k KRW. Parking 2k KRW.
Seopjikoji: 10 min drive from Sunrise Peak, gentle coastal walk to enjoy open sea views and seasonal coastal flora - canola yellow in spring, silver grass in autumn. Lighthouse and glass house, drama filming location. Free, 40 min walk, best photo with ocean.
Manjanggul Lava Tube: One of world's finest subterranean lava tunnel systems, UNESCO World Heritage, 1km walkable out of 7km total, 11°C inside year-round so bring jacket. 4k KRW, 1 hour, need reservation sometimes.
Dongmun Traditional Market: Finish evening in Jeju City sampling local street food and fresh seafood - black pork skewers, abalone kimbap, hallabong orange juice. Best for dinner and souvenirs like Jeju chocolate.
Day 2 South Jeju - Waterfalls and Cliffs Day
Hallasan Mountain Yeongsil trail: South Korea's highest peak 1950m, I recommend Yeongsil trail for accessible alpine views - 3-4 hours round trip, not too hard, 1280m elevation, azalea in spring, snow in winter. Need reservation for some trails via Hallasan National Park website, start early morning.
Jeongbang Waterfall: Unique coastal cascade that plunges directly into ocean - only waterfall in Korea that falls into ocean, 23m high, stairs down slippery so wear sneakers, 2k KRW, 30 min.
Jusangjeolli Cliffs: Admire striking hexagonal stone pillars carved by ancient volcanic lava along Jungmun coast - like Giant's Causeway Ireland, waves crash at high tide best. Free viewpoint, 30 min, near Jungmun Beach.
Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market: Dine on local specialties like black pork or fresh grilled seafood for dinner, less touristy than Dongmun, local vibe, cheaper.
Day 3 West Jeju - Green Tea and Beach Sunset Day
O'sulloc Tea Museum: Walk through lush green tea fields and stop for signature matcha ice cream and pastries, museum free, tea fields free, Innisfree Jeju House nearby for cosmetics. Best photo spot green tea rows with Hallasan background, 1 hour.
Hyeopjae Beach: Relax on fine white sand next to striking turquoise waters on western shore, shallow water good for swimming summer, view of Biyangdo Island, near Hallim Park. Free, 1-2 hours swimming.
Hallim Park: Stroll through nine themed garden zones including subtropical botanical areas and local stone exhibits, palm trees, bonsai, folk village, 12k KRW, 1.5 hours, good for kids.
Aewol Cafe Street: Watch sunset from trendy ocean-front cafe before heading back to airport - many cafes with ocean view, GD Cafe, Bomnal Cafe famous for sunset. Best sunset spot in Jeju, 1 hour before flight, airport 30 min drive, perfect ending.
🗼 3 Must-Know Korean Phrases for You
1. Where is the rental car pickup?
렌터카 픽업은 어디예요?
Renteoka pigeobeun eodiyeyo?
2. How long does it take to Seongsan Ilchulbong?
성산일출봉까지 얼마나 걸려요?
Seongsan Ilchulbong-kkaji eolmana geollyeoyo?
3. Where is Gimpo domestic terminal?
김포공항 국내선 어디예요?
Gimpogonghang guknaeseon eodiyeyo?
Conclusion & Summary
My perfect 3-day Jeju itinerary covers east volcanic cones and lava tubes, south waterfalls and cliffs, west green tea fields and turquoise beaches clockwise circle. From Seoul, book Gimpo to Jeju flight early 30 days before - 1 hour, world's busiest route, 50k-70k KRW early vs 150k last minute. Gimpo domestic terminal easy via subway Line 5, 5 min walk. For rental car, need IDP 1949 Geneva convention from home country before trip + original license + passport, book 30 days before, full insurance, Naver Map navigation. Best seasons spring March-May canola cherry blossom and autumn Sept-Nov mild clear for hiking and photos. Day 1 east, Day 2 south, Day 3 west before sunset cafe and flight back.
https://minaleedaddy.tistory.com/51
How I Leave My Laptop on Cafe Table in Korea - Safety & Lost Wallet Miracle
This guide is for foreign tourists who discover Korea's trust-based safety culture - leaving phone and laptop on cafe table to save seat safe and lost items returning with cash intact.Quick Answer: How I leave my laptop on cafe table in Korea and still fee
minaleedaddy.tistory.com
Summary
1. 3-day Jeju clockwise: Day 1 East Seongsan Ilchulbong sunrise peak, Seopjikoji coastal walk, Manjanggul lava tube UNESCO, Dongmun Market; Day 2 South Hallasan Yeongsil trail, Jeongbang waterfall into ocean, Jusangjeolli hexagonal pillars, Olle Market; Day 3 West O'sulloc tea fields, Hyeopjae turquoise beach, Hallim Park 9 gardens, Aewol sunset cafe.
2. Flights: Seoul Gimpo to Jeju 1 hour world's busiest route, book 30 days before 50k-70k KRW early vs 150k last minute, Gimpo domestic via subway Line 5, rental shuttle at Jeju Airport exit 3-5, 5-10 min.
3. Rental car: Need IDP 1949 Geneva from home country BEFORE trip + original license + passport, book 30 days before, full insurance, Naver Map, best seasons spring March-May canola/cherry and autumn Sept-Nov mild clear.
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Sources & References: VisitJeju Official 3-Day Itinerary, Gimpo Airport Official Flight Guide, Korea Tourism Organization Jeju Driving Guide.
Legal Basis: IDP 1949 Geneva Convention required per Korean Road Traffic Act Article 96, must be obtained in home country before trip.
Compliance Note: No paid promotion. Rental companies and airlines mentioned as examples only, personally tested.
Price Note: Flight and rental car prices as of early 2026, may vary by season - book 30 days before for best price.
If you need translation, in Chrome right-click and choose Translate to your language.
如果您需要中文，请在Chrome中右键点击并选择翻译成中文。
Chromeで右クリックして日本語に翻訳を選択してください。
Jeju Tour Guide Map:https://buly.kr/Ga0KrpM
Visit Jeju : Guide & Maps
Jeju Tour Guide Map You can download the Jeju Tour Map throuth the website or the mobile page. Online Map Download Guide
www.visitjeju.net
https://minaleedaddy.tistory.com/51
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