Jeju Island is a feast of natural features. Waves crash on black-sand beaches, waterfalls plunge into emerald pools, green tea plantations unfurl in perfect symmetry, and Hallasan Mountain, Korea’s highest peak, towers over the island. But that’s not all when it comes to things to do on Jeju Island—it’s also home to UNESCO–listed underground lava tubes, the Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone that rises dramatically from the ocean, and the unapologetically erotic Love Land, where you'll find more than a hundred explicit sculptures.
Jeju Island enjoys a cool climate year-round, so there are advantages to visiting in all seasons. Spring (March–May) sees the island’s cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom, while fall (September–November) transforms foliage into a vibrant orange, red, and yellow carpet. During winter, there’s the least chance of rainfall, which makes hiking and exploring more enjoyable. However, in the summer, the ocean will be warm enough to swim in.
You can get to Jeju Island by plane or ferry. Flights depart regularly from the international airports in Busan and Seoul and take around an hour. (It’s worth upgrading to a window seat as the island looks spectacular from above.) You can also take the ferry from the Port of Incheon Coastal Passenger Terminal, which is around 30 minutes from central Seoul.
Jeju Island doesn’t just boast three physical UNESCO World Heritage sites—it can also claim a UNESCO Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The haenyeo (female free-divers) plunge to depths of up to 30 feet (10 meters) in just one breath to harvest abalone and other shellfish. You can watch the divers at Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) during two “shows” in the afternoon. If you head to Seobudu Myeongpum (Raw Fish Street), you can sample their freshly caught catch at one of the many restaurants.
