jeju in 4 days, 3 nights

Black pork in Jeju City on arrival, Seongsan Ilchulbong and Udo on the east coast, Hallasan and Seogwipo's waterfalls in the south, and a drive back to the airport for the flight home via Seoul.

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Jeju

    Morning
    Fly from KL to Seoul, about 6.5 hours; Korea is an hour ahead of Malaysia. Most flights on to Jeju leave from Gimpo, about an hour from Incheon, so allow time to transfer.
    Afternoon
    Fly to Jeju, about an hour, pick up your rental car and check in in Jeju City.
    Evening
    Black pork BBQ: Jeju's heuk dwaeji, cut thick, grilled at the table and dipped in anchovy sauce.
  2. Day 2

    Seongsan and Udo

    Morning
    Drive about an hour east to Seongsan Ilchulbong, the volcanic crater rising out of the sea, and climb to the top. Haenyeo divers often come ashore with their catch at the beach below.
    Lunch
    Jeonbok-juk, abalone rice porridge, near Seongsan.
    Afternoon
    Take the short ferry to Udo and explore by bike or scooter. Try the peanut ice cream.
    Evening
    Drive about an hour to Seogwipo on the south coast. Galchi for dinner, silver hairtail fish grilled or braised in a spicy sauce.
  3. Day 3

    Hallasan and the waterfalls

    Morning
    Start early on Hallasan. The summit trails need a reservation, but the Eorimok trail makes a good half-day hike.
    Lunch
    Lunch back in Seogwipo.
    Afternoon
    Jeongbang Falls, which drops straight into the sea.
    Evening
    An easy walk to Cheonjiyeon Falls, then dinner in Seogwipo.
  4. Day 4

    Home

    Morning
    Drive back over the island to Jeju City, about an hour, and pick up hallabong juice and snacks to take home.
    Lunch
    A last bowl of jeonbok-juk near the airport.
    Afternoon
    Return the car and fly to Seoul, then home.

Good to know

  • Rent a car to get around. Korea drives on the right, and you'll need an International Driving Permit.
  • Weather changes fast on Hallasan. Bring layers on Day 3 and start early.
  • You enter Korea in Seoul, so mainland entry rules apply. Check whether you need a K-ETA before you fly.
The Jeju guide