Road Tripping Through Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Island Road Trip Itinerary

The Manjanggul Cave

Jeju Island is bursting with geological wonders formed by volcanic activity 2 million years ago. Your first port of call and unmissable attraction are the network of astonishing lava tubes and caves – which are officially the largest and most spectacular in the world. They're part of Jeju's several natural UNESCO heritage sites and can be located all over the island.

Perhaps the most famous is the Manjanggul Cave, which can be found in Gimnyeong-ri, about 30 minutes' drive from Jeju City as you travel clockwise around the island, off highway 1132. It's one to tick off the bucket list for sure – so don't miss it. Entrance fees are 2,000 Won for adults and 1,000 Won for children.

Seongsan Ilchulbong

Continue following the coast road, and you'll soon come to another natural wonder – known to non-locals as Sunrise Peak. As you might have guessed, this is a beautiful spot to watch the sun come up on your day – a stunning volcanic mass that rises from the sea and yet another UNESCO site on Jeju.

The crater-style formation is open one hour before the famed sunrise and will cost 2,000 Won for adults and 1,000 Won for children.

Folk Village Museum

Holding onto the coast road once again, you'll pass some of Jeju's best beaches where locals and foreigners alike will catch the rays. But it's time to take in a bit of culture, so visit the Jeju Folk Village Museum for an educational and informative experience in a hands-on environment, located in Minsokhaean-ro.

Jeongbang Waterfall

Just one of several stunning waterfalls and features on the island, Jeongbang is a nice stop before heading home. Its location right on the ocean ensures that it is arguably the most famous on Jeju, and it is the go-to waterfall for many visitors here.

Mount Hallasan

Hiking lovers, look no further! A day spent in the Mount Hallasan National Park is a must when visiting these shores, and it's located in the very heart of the island. A dormant shield volcano, the mountain itself is begging to be climbed, and it's one of the country's most famous and iconic landmarks.

Turn north and cut the country in half to take yourself to the edge of the park, where you can enjoy some dramatic and beautiful scenery shaped over the course of millions of years. Entrance to the park is free.

Loveland

To finish with something alternative (and more than a little risqué), visit the (in)famous Loveland – South Korea’s artistic (and controversial) homage to love and sex. You will have never seen anything quite like it, and it just so happens to be on your way back to Jeju City off Highway 1139. Not suitable for youngsters or those easily offended!

A Whistle-Stop Tour

This is just a small selection of the delights you can experience during your Jeju Island itinerary with Etramping. Needless to say, you'll be back for more – just like the countless numbers of locals and foreigners who return year after year. From quirky museums to spectacular waterfalls and everything in between, Jeju packs a big tourism punch. Make sure to book plenty of time to see it all!

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When to Go to Jeju Island?

Jeju Island enjoys a humid, subtropical climate with temperatures that rarely fall below zero in winter (32 °F). It's much warmer then than the rest of the country, which might explain why so many people flee here to escape the cold. November to February is ideal to avoid most of the heavy rain and thunderstorms. Springtime is pleasant from March until May, but the summer can get unbearably hot due to the humid, close conditions.

In autumn, the colors of the island explode, and with the mercury easing a little, it makes for a more enjoyable visit. Flip a coin between spring and autumn, and you won't be disappointed.

How to Get Around the Jeju Island?

You might need to jump through a few hoops before you get these.

First of all, a word on hiring a car. Unless you're bringing one with you or buying one (both unlikely), you're going to need to get hold of a vehicle for your road trip adventure. Thankfully, car hire is readily available, particularly in the main cities. A good place to start is in Jeju City itself – as this will be the jumping-off point for most visitors. There are plenty of options available, like in any modern city – ask at your accommodation or do some research online. Prices are comparatively similar.

You're going to need a valid driver's license AND an international driver's license. You're not allowed to drive in Korea solely with your own foreign license. Most car hire places will ask for both when you're going through the paperwork – so make sure you have valid documentation before you embark on your trip. You'll need to be over 21, have been driving for a year or more, and have a valid passport and credit card. Hire companies won't take debit cards for bookings – so don't get caught out and stranded!

Which tourist SIM card is best for South Korea?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Jeju Island, South Korea without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Jeju Island, South Korea:

Hey – you’re in South Korea. It's the home of the world's fastest internet, and Jeju Island is pretty much Wi-Fi heaven. It's everywhere, but if you really need access round-the-clock, you can pick up an inexpensive dongle to turn your device into a hotspot. Basically – don't worry about it. South Korea has got you covered.

One downside, however, is that Google Maps is restricted in South Korea. Obtaining driving directions isn't possible - so you'll have to do it the old-fashioned way!

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Jeju Island, South Korea?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Jeju Island, South Korea:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Agness and Cez are best friends - and they would need to be after traveling around the world since 2011. Originally from Poland, they set up a popular travel blog called eTramping to inform, inspire, and encourage people to pursue similar adventures. Follow their Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to stay up to date with their wanderings.