DEBORAH IN KOREA

Category: Jeju Island

  • Jeju Cruise Port Guide: Jeju City vs Seogwipo

    Jeju Island (often called “Jeju-do”) is one of my personal favorite places to visit in South Korea. With beautiful coast lines and a slower, quieter pace than Seoul – there’s plenty to do that you just can’t find in other parts of the country. If you’re stopping on a cruise, then you’ll want to make the absolute most of your trip to Jeju Island, all while making sure you don’t miss the top attractions on the island. This guide includes my best tips on what to expect on your port day, in addition to my favorite recommendations for both of the main cruise ports on Jeju Island.

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    What to Expect When Porting on Jeju Island

    There are two main ports in Jeju Island, South Korea. The most popular is on the Northern end of the island, in Jeju City. Here, on the Northern end of Jeju-do, you’ll find the largest and most populated city on the island. There’s plenty of cafes, lots of restaurants to try Jeju’s famous “black pork” (Korean BBQ style), and many fun activities to head towards that are right out of town.

    If you’re porting here, chances are you’ll have to take a short bus ride into the city center (much shorter than the bus ride you’ll have to take from Jeju’s southern port), however it’s not quite as walkable as Seogwipo area. So, if you’re looking to visit some of the top attractions, you’ll either have to take the public bus system or organize a tour.

    The port on the Southern end of the island, at Seogwipo (also called Seogwipo Gangjeong), is personally my favorite of the two. On this end of the island, the views and coastlines are much more accessible, and you can easily make your way to one of the many waterfalls on the island via the public bus system.

    Once you arrive at the port in Seogwipo, you’ll be guided through the gigantic cruise terminal. We had to have our passports “stamped” with a one day tourism visa sticker that they put on the outside of our passports, and the greeters were absolutely adorable with traditional paper fans for everyone! They also had a few photo opportunities with local women dressed up in their hanboks. Although it depends which cruise company you’re coming in on, my cruise with MSC bused us into town, conveniently right next to the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market – so even if you just want to walk around and explore it’s perfect.

    My Favorite Tours on Jeju Island :

    -> Jeju One Day Top Sights Tour

    -> Jeju 9.81 Adventure Park Admission

    Top Attractions in Jeju City vs. Seogwipo

    If you’re porting at the Northern end of the island, at Jeju City, there’s still lots to do, just make sure to read up on the best ways to get around on Jeju Island.
    Jeju City :
    ​1. Jeju Stone Park
    Located about 1.5 hours from Jeju City, you’ll either need to organize a tour to get here or take the public bus system. Entrance to the Stone Park is 5,000 Won (about $4 USD), and you can choose to add on a shuttle ticket to explore the park or choose to walk. Personally, this is one of my favorite attractions on Jeju Island. You can learn all about the “Dol Hareubanag”, traditional stories about how they were created, a traditional village, and even see these real stone statues up close. In recent years, they’ve even added on an entire museum where you can learn even more about the area & local myths.

    2. Jeju Love Land
    If you’re looking for something unique and quirky, then Jeju’s viral sensation of “Love Land” is the spot for you. Considered a “modern art exhibit” this theme park celebrates the art of doing the deed…let’s just say you might want to leave any littles that are traveling with you out of this one.

    3. Dongmun Traditional Market
    If you have time during your port day, then I highly recommend visiting one of the local markets! Dongmun Traditional Market is a tourist friendly (meaning some English signs & conversational skills) to explore. There’s plenty of fun foods, and lots of quirky shops that have been viral on social media – including raw octopus. Don’t worry, if that’s not up your alley there’s plenty of other things to try as well – like some of Jeju Island’s famous oranges! This is also an excellent spot to do some souvenir shopping!

    Seogwipo :

    And if by chance you’re lucky enough to port on the Southern end of Jeju, then you’ll be able to experience first hand some of my favorite things to do on the island! Depending on how many hours you have, you’ll be able to choose 2-3 of these activities to include in your port day.

    1. Waterfalls
    Jeju Island is known for their waterfalls, and luckily there’s multiple to explore near Seogwipo. Each waterfall costs a small admission fee, and have bus stops within walking distance. Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is a set of 3, and the most popular of the ones on the island – so expect lots of tour buses and groups. If you want, you can choose to only visit the first, but in my personal opinion the best one is the 2nd one along the trail. There’s also a beautiful bridge you can cross for some epic views!

    Jeongbang Waterfall is another popular one for cruise guests, and there can sometimes be a line to the base of the falls. If you head out on the rocks though you can get some more unobstructed views of the falls, just be prepared for all the steps on the way back up! Sojeongbang Waterfall is the most hidden on this short list, and you’ll have to follow a back roads trail to the falls – on the way it might feel like you’re in people’s backyards – but it’s another one that’s 100% worth it and it has the shortest hike of the 3!

    2. Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market
    This is one of my “must stops” while is Seogwipo. Although booths and storefronts can change fairly quickly in these traditional markets, on my last visit I found my favorites were Shwinmeongga (the one with the giant orange out front) for their orange juice & coffee drink and Beodeul Restaurant (a traditional, sit-on-the-floor restaurant). If you aren’t able to find these, you’ll still be able to find plenty of souvenirs and yummy foods to try!

    3. Hallasan National Park
    If you’re wanting to spend your port day exploring the outdoors of Jeju, then Hallasan is your best bet. With incredible views and plenty of hiking, you’ll need to budget for at least 1 hour of travel time to and from the park. 

    4. Hello Kitty Island
    This unique cafe is perfect for anyone who’s ever fallen head over heels for the adorable Sanrio characters. Although it’s geared towards a younger audience, there’s still plenty to do and enjoy if you’re visiting for the day. My personal favorite is the Hello Kitty Cafe upstairs, where you can purchase Hello Kitty Lattes and Chocolate Mousse Cakes!

    5. Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff
    One of the most beautiful views in Jeju are right outside of Seogwipo. These stone pillars are made from volcanic rock, and bear an incredible resemblance to the coastlines of Hawaii – the best part is they’re only about 20 minutes from the Seogwipo City Center.

    6. Jeju World Cup Stadium
    Although there isn’t much to do at the stadium itself, you can at least check off seeing the Jeju World Cup Stadium as you drive by, a stadium that held the 2002 World Championships. If you’re lucky enough to port on a day when there’s a game in town, you might even want to get tickets and enjoy the atmosphere of the home of Jeju United (they’re super cheap)!

    Watch My Jeju Port Day Here!

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  • How to Get Around Jeju Island (Bus, Taxi & Rental Car Guide)

    If you’re planning to visit Jeju Island on your trip to South Korea, then one of your leading questions might be exactly how to get around the island. Luckily, public transportation in Jeju, and the rest of Korea, is very straightforward and quite easy to use with the help of local apps. Generally speaking, you have 3 options when visiting Jeju – the public bus system, KakaoT (Korea’s “Uber”), and private cars or tours.

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    What to Expect When Visiting Jeju Island

    Jeju Island is the hidden oasis of South Korea, and is often referred to as the Hawaii of Asia. If you’re lucky enough to spend a few days here, then luckily there’s plenty to do on the island, even if you’re just visiting on a cruise port day.

    If you’ve spent the rest of your time in Korea on the mainland near Seoul, then you can expect a much quieter pace of life, views of the horizon and coastlines, and delicious unique foods like Jeju’s famous “black pork.” If this is your first time on Jejudo, or if you’re porting for the day via a cruise, then here’s a short list of a few things you won’t want to miss :

    ​Hello Kitty Island – Another unique option for anyone who loves Sanrio and Hello Kitty. Although it’s geared toward younger visitors, this interactive museum has a fun cafe inside where you can order Hello Kitty themed drinks and foods.

    The Coastline – Jeju’s coastlines are often compared to Hawaii’s, there’s plenty of short hikes that’ll lead you to some incredible views!

    The Waterfalls – Especially if you’re visiting the South of the island, there’s plenty of waterfalls that are just a short hike, my personal favorites are the Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls and Sojeongbang Waterfall!

    Jeju Stone Park – A local museum with incredible insight into Korea’s traditional stories and lore. Here, you can learn all about the Dol Hareubang you’ll see spotted all around the island

    Jeju “Black Pork” – A unique option for trying Korean BBQ, this pork isn’t actually black. It’s simply named for the type of pig – Jeju Black Pigs.

    My Favorite Tours on Jeju Island :

    -> Jeju Island One Day Tour

    -> Jeju Island 9.81 Adventure Park Admission

    Getting Around on Jeju Island

    There are 3 main ways to get around Jejudo, or Jeju Island – all of them are fairly straightforward.

    Tourist Buses – Since I last visited, Jeju has also implemented Tourist Buses. An easy way to navigate different areas of the island with different routes that go towards the east and to the west. If you get a day pass, you can hop on and off and they conveniently stop at most major attractions on the island. However, it’s worth noting that the narrated tour is only in Korea, but they have TV’s onboard that highlight each next stop in Korean and English.

    Public Bus System – In order to take the public bus, you can either use your credit/debit card to tap on and off each time you ride the bus, or you can purchase a T-Money Card or Bee Card at pretty much any local convenience store. You can then use these pre-loaded cards on any public transportation in South Korea – so if you purchased one in Seoul it will also work in Jeju! Because the buses only stop at so many places, this is the most difficult to plan ahead for specific stops – luckily most major attractions on Jeju have a bus stop within walking distance. If you’re traveling with a group, you can also let the bus driver know how many are in your group before you tap your card to get onto the bus! Kakao Map and Naver Maps are excellent apps to download on your phone to see the exact bus schedules and routes.​

    KakaoT – As long as you have downloaded the KakaoT app and created an account, you can easily order a Kakao Taxi and pay through either cash, credit/debit card, or your T-Money Card. These “KakaoT” cards work just like Uber. (Note, there is no Uber in Korea.)

    Private Car – If you’re only visiting for a short time, you might want to just book a private tour! This way you can avoid any hassle of getting around the island. There are plenty you can find on Viator that offer full day tours around Jeju. On the other hand, if you have a few days on the island, the easiest option might just be to rent your own car! You’ll need your International Drivers Permit, and parking might be difficult in the large cities – but at most attractions on Jeju there’s plenty of parking for visitors.

    Watch My Jeju Adventures Here!

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  • Is Hello Kitty Island in Jeju Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

    If you’re a Hello Kitty or Sanrio fan, there’s one attraction on Jeju Island you won’t want to miss – the Hello Kitty Island. Although not really an island, this part museum, part interactive exhibit, and part themed cafe is filled with all kinds of colorful attractions, photo opportunities, and plenty of adorable souvenirs. Because there’s so much to do on Jeju Island you might be wondering if it’s worth adding to your Jeju itinerary. After visiting myself, here’s everything you need to know before you go, including ticket prices, what to expect, and whether I think it’s actually worth the visit.

    My Essential Korea Travel Resources :

    There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

    🚙 Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars – just make sure to have a copy of your international driver’s permit with you!

    🏨 I always use AGODA to compare hotels & prices in Asia.

    📶 To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

    📸 For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

    🦋 Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

    🧳 Lastly, my essential packing list when visiting Korea.

    Planning Your Visit to Hello Kitty Island

    Getting around Jeju Island can be pretty easy if you’ve already been exploring other areas of South Korea. The main difference between the mainland of South Korea and Jeju Island is that there’s no subway system on Jeju, meaning that unless you have a rental car you’ll need to use the public bus system (which covers most of the island) or a ride service like KakaoT or Uber. Because you’ll likely be navigating with maps on your phone, I highly recommend downloading NAVER Maps or Kakao Maps before your trip. Most public buses in Korea tend to avoid using cash now, so before you want to board your first bus I recommend stopping by a convenience store like GS25 and picking up a refillable T-money or Bee Card to use. They’re super easy to use, and they’re refillable – just tap on when you board the bus and tap off when you get off. One ride on the public bus ranges from 1,200₩ to 3,000₩ depending on how far you end up going.

    If you’re visiting for more than just the day then you’ll likely also need a place to stay. I recommend either choosing to stay on the North end of the island in Jeju City or on the South end of the island in Seogwipo. These are the two largest cities on the island and they’ll have the most options with easy access to public transportation. Personally, I recommend Seogwipo only because it’s closer to Hello Kitty Island and after visiting both areas, Seogwipo seemed to have more things to do – like visiting all the famous waterfalls. However, Jeju City is where the island’s main airport is, so it’s really up to your personal preferences. Either way, it takes about 2-3 hours to go between the two cities via public transportation. Some hotels on Jeju Island have two room types available – traditional Korean rooms that come with a mattress pad for sleeping on the floor, and westernized rooms that will have your typically elevated beds.

    📍 LocationJeju Island
    💰 AdmissionAdults: ₩14,000
    ⏱️ Visit Time2–3 hours
    ☕ IncludesMuseum, café, exhibits, gift shop
    👨‍👩‍👧 Best ForHello Kitty & Sanrio fans, families, rainy days

    Hello Kitty Island is located somewhat near the center of Jeju Island. Because there’s a lot to see inside with multiple interactive exhibits, I recommend planning to spend about 2-3 hours there. Currently adult admission tickets are 16,000₩, with extra charges inside if you want something from the cafe or gift shop. There’s lots of unique things to see inside, and even though there’s a lot of collectors pieces – there’s also lots of interactive exhibits that are perfect for families with kids. Think a movie room, outdoor area, playground, coloring stations, and playrooms. Personally, I think it’s perfect for couples, families with young kids, or any Sanrio/Hello Kitty fan – especially on a rainy day.

    My Must-Do Tours on Jeju Island :

    ->Jeju Full Day Private Tour

    -> Jeju 9.81 Amusement Park Tickets

    What to Expect at Hello Kitty Island

    Before you visit Hello Kitty Island, you’ll want to get your tickets first. Currently admission tickets for adults are 16,000₩, tickets for teens and students are 15,000₩ and tickets for young kids are 13,000₩. If you’re unable to get them ahead of time, you can usually get them right at the door without worrying too much about them selling out for the day.

    Inside you’ll find multiple floors in the museum, including an adorable Hello Kitty themed cafe, multiple interactive exhibits, a 3D theater where you can watch a short Hello Kitty & Friends film (in Korean), and of course a gift shop. Everything is so on theme that even inside the bathrooms you’ll see Hello Kitty shaped mirrors. As you walk through the various exhibits, you’ll see all kinds of Hello Kitty history, decor, and memorabilia – think Hello Kitty hanboks, an entire Hello Kitty bedroom, and even an outdoor Hello Kitty exhibit where you can take life size photos with different Sanrio characters. When you eventually make it to the Hello Kitty Cafe on the top floor, you can even find fun Hello Kitty themed drinks and cakes. They were incredibly cute, but I found them much sweeter than I expected – with most of the flavor coming from the overwhelming amount of frosting.

    So, after reading all that information you might still be wondering if a stop at Hello Kitty Island is actually worth it while you’re in Jeju. If you’re a huge Hello Kitty or Sanrio fan, then yes, I definitely think Hello Kitty Island is worth visiting. Between the interactive exhibits, themed photo spots, adorable café, and gift shop, it’s easy to spend a few hours exploring everything. It’s also a great choice for families with young children thanks to the interactive play areas, so don’t be surprised to see lots of little kids running around. That said, if you’re only visiting Jeju for a short time and aren’t particularly interested in Sanrio characters, I’d prioritize some of the island’s incredible natural attractions first – like the waterfalls and lava tubes. Personally, I think Hello Kitty Island makes for a great rainy day activity or a fun, unique addition to a slower day on your itinerary. Just be sure to leave enough time if you’re taking public transportation, and don’t forget to stop by the cafe for one of their adorable desserts before you leave.

    Watch My Hello Kitty Adventures Here!

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