Jeju Island
Island Volcanic island with lava tubes and scenic coastlines
Off Korea’s southern coast, Jeju Island presents volcanic cones, lava tubes, waterfalls and Hallasan-Korea’s tallest mountain; tourists hike, explore caves, sample seafood and tangerines, and drive coastal roads.
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Jeju Island is a volcanic island province at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula known for its volcanic landscapes, coastlines and distinctive local culture. The island’s central feature is Hallasan, a shield volcano that rises to 1,947 metres and dominates the island’s interior.
Jeju’s geological heritage includes extensive lava tubes, several of which are protected as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and scenic coastal formations such as the tuff cone of Seongsan Ilchulbong. Popular visitor activities include hiking Hallasan, exploring lava caves, coastal drives and visiting seaside villages.
The island formed through volcanic activity and has a long local history including unique traditions such as the haenyeo female divers. In the modern era Jeju developed into a major domestic and international tourist destination with infrastructure for trekking, sightseeing and cultural visits.
Jeju lies off Korea’s southern coast and is served by regular flights and ferries from the mainland; internal roads and a network of trails and parks provide access to the island’s main natural and cultural attractions.
- Hallasan summit: Hallasan reaches 1,947 metres and provides the island's principal long-distance hikes; weather and trail conditions change rapidly, so check local guidance before starting a summit walk.
What to See #
- Hallasan (summit): Hallasan - the island's central shield volcano and South Korea's highest peak at 1,947 metres, offering multiple summit trails and alpine habitats.
- Manjanggul Lava Tube: Manjanggul Lava Tube - a long, accessible lava tube cave with preserved flow structures and a section open to the public as part of the UNESCO listing for Jeju's lava systems.
- Seongsan Ilchulbong: Seongsan Ilchulbong - a tuff cone formed by hydrovolcanic activity, famous for its sunrise views and a popular short hike along its rim.
How to Get to Jeju Island #
Jeju Island is most commonly reached by air - frequent flights operate from Seoul (Gimpo/Incheon), Busan and other Korean cities to Jeju International Airport (Jeju City). Ferries also run from mainland ports (Mokpo, Wando and Busan) but are much slower.
From Jeju Airport it’s about 5 km to Jeju City centre (10-15 minutes by car) and roughly 40-50 km to Seogwipo (about 1 hour). Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the island’s attractions.
Tips for Visiting Jeju Island #
- Rent a car or book day tours in advance: Jeju's highlights are widely spread and public transport can be slow, so driving is the most time-efficient way to see multiple sites in one day.
- Avoid major Korean holiday weekends (Seollal, Chuseok) when flights, ferries and accommodation sell out and local sites are extremely crowded; if you must travel then, book everything well ahead.
- Plan sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong or sunset at the western cliffs (e.g., Oedolgae/Seogwipo) for the island's most memorable coastal light, and expect peak crowds at those times.
- Structure your itinerary geographically (east, south or west loops) so you minimize repeated driving across the island and can fit in specialty stops such as Haenyeo museums, lava tubes and local markets.
Best Time to Visit Jeju Island #
Late spring or early autumn offers the best balance of good weather and smaller crowds.
Weather & Climate near Jeju Island #
Jeju Island's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1982 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (200 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Heavy rain (287 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (332 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (287 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
