First-Timer's 3-Day Jeju Island Itinerary: Beaches, Volcano Views and Local Food

Jeju Island is South Korea's largest island and one of the most popular travel destinations for first-time visitors to the country. With dramatic volcanic landscapes, white sand beaches, fresh seafood, and unique local dishes, a well-planned three-day trip gives you enough time to see the highlights without rushing. This itinerary is designed for travelers who want a balanced mix of nature, culture, and food.

What You Need Before You Start

Most first-time visitors rent a car because public transport on Jeju is limited and many scenic spots are hard to reach without one. If you are not driving, consider booking day tours or using taxis for some legs of the trip. You will also need:

✅ Valid driver's license with international driving permit if renting a car.

✅ Offline maps app or rental car GPS set to English.

✅ Advance booking for Hallasan summit hike if you plan to reach the top.

✅ Comfortable walking shoes and layers, as Jeju weather can change quickly.

Day 1: Eastern Jeju – Sunrise Peak and Coastal Views

Morning: Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)

Start your trip on the eastern side of the island with Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Heritage volcanic crater that rises dramatically from the sea. The hike to the top takes about 20 to 30 minutes and offers sweeping views over the crater, the ocean, and on clear mornings, Hallasan in the distance.

If you are an early riser, hiking up for sunrise is unforgettable. If not, mid-morning is fine and much less crowded. The entrance fee is minimal and facilities including restrooms and small cafes are available at the base.

Lunch: Coastal Seafood Near Seongsan

After your hike, head to one of the many small seafood restaurants near the base of Seongsan. Look for places serving raw fish platters, grilled abalone, or sea urchin soup. Most restaurants display the day's catch in tanks out front, so you know everything is fresh.

Afternoon: Seopjikoji and Coastal Drive

Seopjikoji is a scenic coastal cliff just a short drive from Seongsan. The area features walking paths along the coastline, a classic red lighthouse, and wide open views of the sea. It is a popular spot for photos and appears in several Korean dramas and films.

From here, you can drive north along the coast toward Hamdeok Beach or continue exploring the eastern shoreline.

Evening: Hamdeok Beach

Hamdeok is one of Jeju's most famous beaches, known for its white sand, clear turquoise water, and palm trees. The beach is shallow and calm, making it ideal for a short swim or a sunset walk. There are cafes, convenience stores, and small restaurants lining the beachfront, so you can grab coffee or a light dinner while watching the water.

If you are staying overnight in the eastern area, look for accommodations near Hamdeok or Jocheon.

Day 2: Central and Western Jeju – Hallasan and Hyeopjae Beach

Morning: Hallasan National Park

Hallasan is South Korea's highest mountain and the heart of Jeju Island. There are multiple trails, but if you want to reach the summit and see the crater lake, you must hike either the Seongpanak Trail or the Gwaneumsa Trail. Both require a permit booked in advance, and the round trip takes 6 to 8 hours depending on your pace.

If a full summit hike feels too long, consider shorter trails like the Eorimok or Yeongsil trails, which take you partway up the mountain through beautiful forest and volcanic terrain without needing a summit permit.

Pack snacks, water, and sun protection. Weather near the summit can be much colder and windier than at sea level, even in summer.

Lunch: Simple Meal Near Trailhead or En Route

Most hikers bring packed lunches or buy kimbap and snacks from convenience stores before starting. If you finish your hike early, there are small restaurants near the trailheads serving basic Korean meals like bibimbap, doenjang‑jjigae, and gogi‑guksu.

Afternoon: Drive to Western Jeju

After your hike, drive west toward Hyeopjae Beach. The drive takes about 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. Along the way, you can stop at Hallim Park or other roadside attractions if you have extra time.

Late Afternoon: Hyeopjae Beach

Hyeopjae is a stunning beach with white sand mixed with tiny shells, clear shallow water, and a backdrop of black volcanic rock and green pine forest. The water is calm and great for wading, and the beach is less crowded than Hamdeok in the evenings.

There are several cafes and small restaurants nearby. If you are hungry, try a casual seafood spot or grab a bowl of ramyeon at one of the beachside shacks.

Evening: Stay in Western Jeju or Return to Jeju City

Depending on your accommodation, you can either stay near Hyeopjae or Hallim for the night, or drive back toward Jeju City if you prefer to be closer to shopping and nightlife.

Day 3: Jeju City and Seogwipo – Markets and Local Food

Morning: Dongmun Traditional Market (Jeju City)

Start your final day at Dongmun Market, Jeju's oldest and largest traditional market. The market is a sensory experience filled with fresh seafood, produce, dried fish, local snacks, and street food stalls.

Must-try items at the market:

✅ Omegi‑tteok, Jeju's signature chewy rice cake.

✅ Grilled mackerel and other fresh fish on skewers.

✅ Fresh tangerines and hallabong (a local citrus fruit).

✅ Black pork kimbap or pork skewers from vendors near the entrance.

The market opens early and is busiest in the morning, so arrive before 10 AM for the best selection and energy.

Mid-Morning: Drive South to Seogwipo

From Jeju City, drive south across the island toward Seogwipo. The drive takes about 40 to 50 minutes. Seogwipo is a quieter coastal city on the southern shore known for waterfalls, cliffs, and seafood.

Lunch: Black Pork or Hairtail in Seogwipo

Seogwipo has excellent restaurants for Jeju's two most famous dishes: black pork barbecue and hairtail stew. If you did not try black pork yet, now is the time. Look for restaurants with 흑돼지 signs and charcoal grills.

If you prefer seafood, order galchi‑jorim, the spicy braised hairtail stew that Seogwipo is known for.

Afternoon: Seogwipo Olle Market

After lunch, walk through Seogwipo Olle Market, a traditional market similar to Dongmun but smaller and more laid-back. You will find local produce, dried seafood, Jeju honey, and small food stalls. It is a great place to pick up snacks or souvenirs before leaving Jeju.

Late Afternoon: Optional Waterfall or Coastal Walk

If you have time before your flight, visit one of Seogwipo's waterfalls:

✅ Jeongbang Waterfall: One of the only waterfalls in Asia that falls directly into the ocean.

✅ Cheonjiyeon Waterfall: A beautiful spot surrounded by subtropical plants and walking paths.

Both are easy to visit and only require 30 to 45 minutes.

Evening: Return to Jeju Airport

Drive back north to Jeju International Airport. The drive from Seogwipo takes about 50 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Return your rental car at the airport and check in for your flight.

Practical Tips for Your First Jeju Trip

✅ Jeju has its own weather patterns. Even if Seoul is sunny, Jeju might be cloudy or rainy, especially near Hallasan.

✅ Gas stations are less common in rural areas, so fill up your tank when you see one.

✅ Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner or have irregular hours, so double-check opening times before driving out of your way.

✅ Learn basic Korean food names like 흑돼지, 갈치조림, 고기국수, 전복죽 to make ordering easier.

✅ Jeju tap water is drinkable and comes from natural volcanic springs, so you can refill bottles freely.

Information note: Prices, opening hours, and seasonal conditions may vary. Always check current information via maps, official websites, or recent reviews before visiting any location.