For Singaporeans seeking a destination that features breathtaking natural wonders, rich cultural depth and unique adventures, Jeju Island in South Korea is an excellent choice, even if you are not into the K-pop wave. The volcanic island is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, offering a dramatic landscape of craters, lush forests, and coastlines that are simply unparalleled.
There are direct flights available from both T’way and Scoot airlines from Singapore to Jeju, making it convenient to travel to for your next long weekend.
This curated guide, based on an earlier familiarisation trip we went on, delves deep beyond the postcard images to provide a factual and informative roadmap for an unforgettable 4-day Jeju adventure, providing you with resources to experience some of the very best and newest attractions the island has to offer.
Our journey begins with a convenient overnight flight from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 aboard Scoot TR812, departing at 0015 and landing in Jeju International Airport at 0715, perfectly timed to maximise the first day.
Day 1: Haenyeo Museum, Woljeongri Beach, Stone Park
After meeting our local guide, our first immersion into Jeju’s unique culture is at the Jeju Haenyeo Museum, developed as a tribute to the island’s legendary female free-divers that Jeju is best known for. Recognised by UNESCO, the haenyeo represent a matriarchal society and a resilient way of life that has defied the ocean’s dangers for centuries.
The museum, filled with items donated by the divers themselves, offers an intimate look into their rituals, food culture, and even features a recreated traditional haenyeo house. This is highly recommended as a first stop to learn about Jeju’s rich culture and history.
After soaking in the history, a short transfer brings us to Vegan Table Baram for a lunch of Jeju-style vegan bibimbap. This iconic Korean mixed rice dish, served with an array of fresh vegetables and a spicy gochujang sauce, is a flavourful and energising start to the trip.
The first true taste of Jeju’s natural beauty comes at Woljeongri Beach on the island’s east coast. It was drizzling when we arrive, but that did not dampen the beauty, though we missed out on a kayaking experience on transparent kayaks. Known for its fine white sand and stunning, almost translucent emerald waters, the beach has a laid-back, artistic vibe with numerous chic cafes and quirky gift shops lining the shore.
The afternoon continues with a visit to Jeju Stone Park. The name is deceiving – this is not a simple park but a vast cultural complex themed around the island’s founding myth of Seolmundae Halmang and the Five Hundred Generals. Jeju’s identity is intrinsically linked to its basalt stone, used for walls, statues, and traditional dwellings called dol hareubang. The park explores this connection, allowing visitors to wander among stone sculptures and installations that narrate the island’s geological and cultural history, set against a serene and contemplative landscape.
Lots of photo spots are available in this park. It is also a popular spot for wedding photography for locals.
As the day winds down, dinner is served at Indian Kitchen, a halal option for those craving familiar, robust flavours with a variety of chicken and vegan curries that cater to diverse palates.
For the first night, we checked into Maison Glad Jeju for the next four nights. With over 40 years of history, this luxurious hotel in the heart of Jeju-si provides a refined and comfortable base from which to explore, with easy access to the shopping district and popular eateries.
Day 2: Horseriding, HARIBO Happy World, 9.81 Theme Park
Day two unveils Jeju’s equestrian spirit at the Jeju Equestrian Park. Nestled in mid-mountain meadows, the park boasts the longest trekking course in Korea, stretching an impressive 100 kilometres.
Whether you are a novice or an experienced rider, the well-trained instructors ensure a safe and comfortable experience as you traverse forest trails on horseback, immersed in the island’s pristine natural beauty. It is a peaceful and majestic way to see a different side of Jeju.
Lunch at Jeju Yechan introduces us to another of the island’s culinary staples: heukdwaeji galbijim (black pork rib stew). Jeju black pork is renowned for its rich, savoury flavour and tender texture, a must-try for any meat lover.
The afternoon shifts to wholesome fun at HARIBO Happy World. This family-friendly attraction is an immersive, colourful exhibition dedicated to the beloved gummy bear brand.
It features vibrant zones like Jelly Island, an underwater tunnel, and numerous interactive installations and photo spots. It is a sugary-sweet delight for the young and young at heart, complete with a HARIBO café and exclusive merchandise.
With some time to spare in between, we then headed to Jejudang Bakery Café, a massive, picture-worthy café with unique treats like tangerine bread and basalt matcha buns.
It is pet-friendly, great for families, and packed with local flavours. Worth visiting and their bread are delicious.
The adrenaline kicks into high gear next at 9.81 Park, the nation’s first non-motorised racing theme park. The name derives from the gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²), which is the only force propelling you downhill on their gravity racers. It is an eco-friendly yet thrilling experience where you control your own speed down a track offering breathtaking views of the Jeju sea, followed by a relaxing automated ride back up facing the majestic Hallasan Mountain.
Aside from its star attraction, the park also features other gaming activities like bumper car rides, digital archery, laser tags and more.
Dinner at Acorns of the Forest Restaurant offers a truly local taste with a variety of dishes made from acorns, a traditional Korean ingredient, alongside jangban guksu (spicy platter noodles), before returning to Maison Glad Jeju.
Day 3: Magicial Forest, Tangerine Jam Making, Hiking, Yacht Tour
Day three delves into Jeju’s mystical ecological side.
The morning begins at Hwansang Gotjawal Forest. A gotjawal is a unique forest growing on a rocky base of lava, and this particular one is so enchanting it was chosen as a filming location for K-pop giants BTS and f(x). The terrain, created by intertwined ferns and massive tree roots, feels otherworldly.
We took our time to navigate the primeval ecosystem, where the flora and fauna thrive on lava rock instead of soil, offering a cool, shaded walk that feels miles away from everything. This was one of our favourites stops for this trip. Stepping into the forest is like entering into a Studio Ghibi film set, whisking you into a natural wonderland. A must-visit.
Next up, we went for a hands-on cultural experience at Murung Farm in a quiet agricultural village where we got to make our own tangerine jam.
Jeju is famous for its hallabong tangerine and other citrus fruits, and this activity connects us directly to the island’s agrarian traditions in a warm, intimate setting. Best of all, we get to bring home our own customised and hand-made tangerine jam.
Lunch next was at Dongbaek Noodles, where we tried gogiguksu, a local specialty of wheat noodle soup with sliced pork, a simple yet deeply satisfying dish.
The afternoon is then dedicated to coastal exploration, starting with a short, easy hike up Songaksan Mountain. This tuff cone volcano, formed by underwater eruptions, offers one of the most accessible and rewarding hikes on the island.
The well-maintained trail along the crater rim provides breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline, Hyeongjeseom Island, Gapado Island, and the distant Marado Island.
The adventure continues on the water with a yacht tour to Chagwido Island.
This small island group off the coast is famous for its fantastic fishing grounds and legendary sunset views. The boat ride itself is a refreshing way to appreciate Jeju’s maritime beauty.
The day concludes with a comforting dinner at Sunsuhan Dumebee, specialising in a full Jeju-style sundubu (soft tofu) meal, a healthy and delicious end to an active day.
Day 4: Colour Hunting, Buckwheat Festival
On our final day, we started off with something natural and colourful. The morning activity at Tutti Colori is a unique and meditative experience called Colour Hunting.
This immersive art program involves exploring nature to identify personal resonant colours, creating your own unique pigment using natural materials, and naming it based on the emotions and memories it evokes. Nature and art lovers will find this experience particularly therapeutic.
Lunch was at Jeju Eomyeong Tonggalchi, where we savoured tonggalchigui (grilled whole cutlassfish), a celebratory and flavorful Jeju seafood dish.
Next, we headed to Waheul Buckwheat Village to witness the fields in full bloom, presenting a picturesque view. Pure white buckwheat blossoms, fragrant roses, vibrant poppies, and lush green forest paths create a breathtaking scene.
It’s harvest season when we were there, so lots of locals were there for photoshoots too. Romantic, peaceful, and perfect for a quiet walk or dreamy photos.
We went to relax at a scenic cafe next. Located at Hamdeok Beach in Jeju, Cafe Delmoondo is right by the ocean, famous for items like their fresh crab croquettes and peanut lattes.
Perfect sunset spot. Stitch would approve!
The trip’s official itinerary culminates in a farewell dinner at Neulbom Heukdwaeji, a grilled beef and pork restaurant with over 30 years of tradition, before we head back to Maison Glad Jeju for one last night.
The next morning, an early transfer to Jeju International Airport to continue on the next leg of our adventure in Korea in Gyeongnam, via a short domestic flight to Busan. Stay tuned for our next travel post!
List of All Jeju Attractions, Meals & Hotels with Details:
Attractions:
Jeju Haenyeo Museum (제주해녀박물관): 26 Haenyeo-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do. +82 64-782-9898.
Woljeongri Beach (월정리해변): Woljeong-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.
Jeju Stone Park (제주돌문화공원): 2023 Namjo-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do. +82 64-710-7731.
Jeju Equestrian Park (제주승마공원): 880 Yusuam-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do. +82 64-799-1114.
HARIBO Happy World (하리보 해피월드): 880 Yusuam-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do. +82 64-799-1114.
9.81 Park (9.81파크): 880 Yusuam-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do. +82 64-799-1114.
Hwansang Gotjawal Forest (환상의곶자왈공원): 155-1 Beonyeong-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do. +82 64-732-3114.
Murung Farm (무릉농장): 39 Murung 1-gil, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.
Songaksan Mountain (송악산): Saekdal-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.
Chagwido Island Yacht Tour (자귀도): Departs from Jagunae Port, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.
Tutti Colori (뚜띠콜로리): 109-12 Jangjeon-ro, Aewol-eup, Cheju, Jeju-do.
Waheul Buckwheat Village: 2455 Namjo-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.
Meals:
Vegan Table Baram (비건테이블 바람): 18-16, Nabeupdong 1-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.
Indian Kitchen (인디언키친): 191 Aewon-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.
Jeju Yechan (제주애찬): Address not fully specified in document.
Jejudang Bakery Café (제주당 베이커리 카페): 927, Wolgak-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.
Acorns of the Forest Restaurant (숨속의도토리): Dogeunnae-gil 18, Jeju City.
Dongbaek Noodles (동백국수 서귀포점): 774-4 Sangchang-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.
Sunsuhan Dumebee (순수한둥비 연동점): 34, Yeonhwa-ro 2-gil, Jeju-si (Yeon-dong 1520).
Jeju Eomyeong Tonggalchi (제주어명통갈치): 372, Seohaean-ro, Jeju-si.
Cafe Delmoondo: 519-10 Johamhaean-ro, Jocheon-eup, 특별자치도, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.
Neulbom Heukdwaeji (늘봄흑돼지): 12, Halladaehak-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.
Hotel:
Maison Glad Jeju (메종글래드 제주): 80 Noyeon-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, 63132. +82 64-747-5000.
