Overview:
So I just got back from an amazing 5 day/4 night adventure on Jeju Island. It was a mix of great food, good company, and amazing sights! As soon as we landed I felt it was different than anywhere I had been so far in South Korea, it felt very tropical. In many ways it reminded me of Taiwan just more cars and less scooters. High: The cave we went in, which has one of the longest lava tubes in the world. Low: Not being able to ride scooters, it would have saved time and probably money overall.
Things You Should Know If You Go:
- Get International Drivers License (It’ll make life so much easier)
- Learn Korean or bring a friends who can speak Korean (Helps ensure you won’t get ripped off, and also it helps explain to Taxi drivers where you want to go way easier.)
- Traveling to Jeju, Pretty cheap, Travelling in Jeju, without your own car or something, pretty expensive.
- Eat the pork, and fish (that is what they are known for)
- Bring beachwear (the beaches are awesome, or at least the one we went to was)
- Bring comfortable shoes and clothes (you’ll sweat where ever you go, and you’ll be walking many many places)
- Many of the attractions are spread across the island, it might be better to book more than one place or near where you will spend the most time. In other words, PLAN!
Day 1: Beaches and Waterfalls!
On our first full day there we decided to go to the beach then hit up all the waterfalls. At Jungmun Saekdak Beach (중문관광단지) you can rent floating tubes for 10,000 won and you can also rent a table with umbrella for 30,000 won. It also comes with four chairs. We decided to save our cash and just sit on the beach. It wasn’t normal sand though, it was more like tiny non-sharp pieces of shells. They have a place roped off to swim and another place that is for surfers. There were some surfers out there quite early because the waves were very small and since the waves broke at the drop off point I can imagine this beach might only be good for practicing swimming on surf borad or something. We also found a lightbulb full intact which was both strange and worrisome. In addition, I think somewhere nearby they sell pickles, since my friend “apparently” found a pickle (a sea pickle?). The beach does have public showers for use and a buffet nearby. Then we were off to the waterfalls, thankfully they were nearby! Of course along the way we found of the friendly (possibly hungry) stone people. We were going to go to the Botanical Garden but it was a 9000 won entrance fee which we felt was too much. Though, they might have a nice view of the city because of the greenhouse structure so it may be worth it if you get the chance to go.
You do need to pay admission to get in to the area for the waterfalls. But it is 2,000 or less depending on if you count as youth or not. Super cheap considering its three waterfalls and other great picture spots The first things we stopped by was the Seonim-gyo Bridge. Which is a very beautiful bridge which has a walkway made of stone that towers over the gorge below. The view from above is both windy and spectacular. It was quite a site from the top.The first of the Cheonjeyeon Falls we went to was pretty awesome, sadly I only have one picture. The falls was very misty and I didn’t want to get my camera lens all wet. It was the biggest one and you needed to walk down many stairs to get to it. The second waterfall was my favorite and the pictures I took turned out great. Then we went to the final waterfall, which was the most disappointing and tiring. So many stairs, it was crazy. When you go over the bridge go left and do that waterfall first. The other two are easier and way better, but you must still see all three.I forgot to mention there is a lady selling fruit once you cross over the bridge. The pineapple I bought from here was so amazing and sweet! Definitely recommend it after you the later falls.
Later on that evening we met up with some others in our group and went to eat Korean BBQ Pork. It was quite a famous place it seemed, since it was pretty packed. One of the nice things about this place is that they actually cooked it for you in front of you. Though I must say it does explain the prices. It was a about 21,000 won which is quite an expensive dinner considering locals say 10,000 is expensive. Nevertheless, it was a very very delicious meal and lots of sides were included!
