🏔️ Nature in Jeju

A three-tier waterfall in a wooded gorge in the Jungmun resort area, its name meaning 'pond of the emperor of heaven'. Paths and stairs lead down to each tier, and the arched Seonimgyo bridge, decorated with the Seven Nymphs of legend, spans the valley above. The pools are fullest after rain; there's a small entry fee.

📍Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

South Korea's highest mountain at 1,950m, a dormant volcano at the centre of Jeju and part of its UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Only the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails reach the summit crater lake, Baengnokdam, and both need a free advance reservation; other trails such as Eorimok and Yeongsil climb to scenic ridges without one.

📍Hallasan National Park, Jeju-do, South Korea

A shallow, turquoise-water beach on the north-east coast, about 30 minutes from Jeju City, next to the small volcanic hill of Seoubong. The water stays calm and shallow a long way out, which makes it good for easy swimming, and cafés such as Café Delmoondo line the shore. Lovely at sunset, when you can walk up Seoubong.

📍Johamhaean-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

A west-coast beach of white sand mixed with crushed shells and very clear turquoise water, looking out to the little island of Biyangdo. The water is shallow and calm in summer, and a pine grove behind the beach gives shade. Neighbouring Geumneung Beach is quieter, and the Hallim Park gardens are right next door.

📍Hyeopjae-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Jeju Olle is a network of long-distance walking routes around the island, and Route 7 is one of the best loved: about 17km along Seogwipo's south coast past Oedolgae rock, cliffs, pebble coves and small harbours to Wolpyeong. It's well marked with blue and orange ribbons, and you can walk any section as a shorter solo hike.

📍Oedolgae, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

One of the few waterfalls in Asia that falls directly into the sea, dropping about 23m off the cliffs in Seogwipo. A short path and stairs lead down to the rocky shore, where you can stand close to the spray. There's a small entry fee; combine it with a walk along Seogwipo's coast or a section of Olle Route 6.

📍Donghong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

A stretch of coast in the Jungmun area lined with tall hexagonal basalt columns, formed when lava cooled rapidly as it met the sea. A boardwalk and viewing platforms look down on waves crashing against the pillars, most dramatic on a windy day. It's a short stop with a small entry fee, close to the Jungmun resort hotels.

📍Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

One of the world's finest lava tubes and part of Jeju's UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. About 1km is open to visitors, ending at a 7.6m lava column. It reopened on 30 May 2026 after a long closure, with new walkways; it's cool and damp inside year-round, so bring a layer. It's closed on the first Wednesday of each month.

📍Gimnyeong-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

A tuff cone that rose from the sea about 5,000 years ago and part of Jeju's UNESCO natural heritage, with a steep stairway up to a vast grassy crater rim at 182m. Known as 'Sunrise Peak', it opens early for dawn climbs. At its base you may catch Jeju's haenyeo, the island's women divers, performing and selling fresh seafood.

📍Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

A windswept headland on the east coast near Seongsan, with a path along the cliffs to a small lighthouse and views back to Sunrise Peak. In spring the fields turn yellow with canola flowers. It's an easy, scenic walk of about an hour and pairs well with an early climb of Seongsan Ilchulbong the same morning.

📍Goseong-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

A small island off the east coast, reached by a roughly 15-minute ferry from Seongsan Port. Rent a bike, e-bike or scooter to loop the coast road past the white coral-sand beach of Seobin Baeksa, stone walls, fields and cafés, and try the island's peanut ice cream. Check the time of the last ferry back; crossings stop in rough weather.

📍Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea