Discover Jeju-Do

Jeju Haenyeo dive to depths of around 10 meters without oxygen masks to gather shellfish and other seafood, such as abalone and sea urchins. This cultural practice offers a unique perspective on Jeju-Do; volcanic landscapes, coastal trails, and forests also provide other starting points for planning your trip. You can shape your stay around a variety of interests, with culture, local food, and nature all taking their place alongside one another.

Haenyeo Culture, Stone Culture, and Market History

Knowledge of the Jeju Haenyeo is passed down through families, schools, and fisheries cooperatives with local fishing rights. Haenyeo associations, the Haenyeo School, and the Haenyeo Museum also contribute to this tradition. Its transmission through these different communities and institutions shows that the culture is not just about a single technique, but also about preserving knowledge and passing it on.

Jeju Stone Park is a historical and cultural site rooted in Jeju’s stone culture and the myth of Seolmundae Halmang. Jeju-Do is therefore home to a variety of cultural themes: the Haenyeo diving practice, the passing down of their knowledge, and the mythological significance of stone.

Dongmun Traditional Market also connects local food culture with a historical landmark: it was established shortly after Korea’s liberation in August 1945. Its offerings include fresh seafood, including sliced raw hairtail. The selection may vary from vendor to vendor. Those interested in food culture will find a specific range of market offerings here, distinct from the cultural themes of Jeju Stone Park and the Haenyeo.

Volcanic Landscapes and Prominent Heights

The tuff cone of Seongsan Ilchulbong was formed by hydrovolcanic activity: magma erupted in shallow seawater. Since 2007, it has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes. Its formation explains the geological character of the site; the UNESCO inscription identifies its place within this World Heritage property.

At 1,950 meters, Hallasan is South Korea’s highest mountain. Advance reservations are required to hike to the summit; check the current reservation rules before your trip.

Olle Trails and Routes Through Forests and Coastal Landscapes

The Jeju Olle Trails form a large network of hiking paths along Jeju’s coastline. The routes pass through more than 135 villages and also include trails on three of Jeju’s smaller islands. Their markers include blue Ganse signs, blue and orange ribbons, arrows, and other prominent waymarks. These markers provide a practical point of reference for anyone exploring the Olle routes.

Course A in Bijarim Forest offers a different kind of route planning: it is about 2.2 kilometers long and usually takes 40 minutes to an hour. The forest is home to naturally growing Bija trees estimated to be 500 to 800 years old. The approximate distance and typical duration provide a planning guide for this course; check conditions before your trip.

Getting Around and Planning Your Hotel Stay

For getting around the east coast, city bus No. 201 runs between Jeju City Bus Terminal and Seogwipo City Bus Terminal. Along the way, it stops at almost every bus stop. Check the timetable and route information before traveling so that your plans match the details for your travel date.

The specific information about Course A, the bus route, and the reservation requirement for Hallasan addresses different planning needs. Search for a hotel based on the priorities of your stay, and check the relevant timetable and reservation details for each of your plans.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Jeju-si, Seogwipo, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeonggi-do, Jeollabuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Jeollanam-do.

Return to the main travel overview: South Korea.