How to Spend THREE DAYS in Jeju, South Korea: 3-Day Itinerary

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Planning a short trip to Jeju Island? You’re in the right place.

This 3-day itinerary blends dramatic coastlines, volcanic wonders, peaceful beaches, and traditional village life, all at a pace that feels refreshing rather than rushed. You’ll explore both the east and west sides of the island, with time in between to slow down, enjoy local food, and experience Jeju City’s more relaxed charm.

From sunrise hikes to oceanfront cafés, this itinerary is perfect for first-timers who want to see the highlights without the stress of overplanning. We’ve also included tips on how to get around and where to eat, so you can focus on the good stuff—nature, culture, and views for days.

Ready to jump in? Let’s go!

Itinerary Overview

Jeju Island is a mix of dramatic natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and laid-back coastal towns, and this itinerary is designed to help you experience it all in just three days. We’ve included two full-day outings to explore the island’s eastern and western highlights, balanced with a more relaxed day in the middle for self-guided exploration and downtime in Jeju City.

While Jeju City itself is easy to navigate by taxi or rideshare, we highly recommend booking guided tours for your longer sightseeing days. It’s by far the most time-efficient way to visit the island’s must-see spots, without needing to rent a car or figure out the bus system, which can be slow and confusing, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.

This itinerary assumes you’re staying in or near Jeju City, either in the downtown area or in the southwest tourist hub near Jungmun. Both areas are well-connected and make a great base for exploring the island!

Day 1: Kick off your trip with a full-day East Jeju tour, exploring iconic natural sites like Seongsan Ilchulbong and Manjanggul Cave.

Day 2: Slow things down with a self-guided day that includes the Jeju Folk Village, Jeongbang Waterfall, and a relaxed afternoon in Jeju City.

Day 3: Wrap up your adventure with a West Jeju full-day tour, where you’ll visit Aewol Café Street, Gwakji Beach, and the dramatic cliffs of Yongmeori Coast.

Day 1

Morning/Afternoon – Volcanoes, lava tubes, and a taste of Jeju’s east coast

With so much to see on the island’s east side, from volcanic craters to lava caves and windswept cliffs, a full-day tour is the most efficient and stress-free way to cover it all. We joined this private day tour with John, a guide we picked specifically for his stellar reviews and personalized approach. 

Starting at 9 am and finishing around 5 pm, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so all you need to do is be ready by the lobby and let the day unfold.

There are plenty of similar day tours in Jeju, but John’s stood out for his warmth, flexibility, and thoughtful pacing. It felt more like being shown around by a local friend than following a set schedule, and that made all the difference.

The day begins with a scenic drive out to Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO-listed volcanic tuff cone known as Sunrise Peak. If you’re up for the short climb, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the coast and crater rim, one of Jeju’s most iconic vistas.

From there, you’ll head underground (literally) into Manjanggul Lava Tube, one of the longest lava tunnels in the world. Walking through the cool, otherworldly cave is a highlight in itself, massive, shadowy, and shaped by millennia of volcanic activity.

Later in the day, we enjoyed a breezy walk along Seopjikoji, a cliff-lined peninsula dotted with wildflowers and anchored by a lonely white lighthouse. The sound of crashing waves and the wide-open views make it such a peaceful stop!

One thing we appreciated most was the freedom to linger. John let us take our time at each stop and even offered optional detours, like a quiet beach or a roadside café for hallabong juice. It’s that kind of personal touch that makes us recommend this tour above all the others—just read the hundreds of five-star reviews here if you still need convincing!

Check availability and book the same private tour we took here!

Dinner – Your choice!

After a day of lava tubes, coastal hikes, and sea breezes, a satisfying dinner is definitely in order. One of Jeju’s most iconic dishes is heuk-dwaeji, locally raised black pork grilled over charcoal and served with a spread of banchan (Korean side dishes). If you eat meat, it’s a standout local experience worth trying at least once.

That said, if you’re vegetarian or prefer something lighter, many BBQ spots also offer delicious vegetable side dishes, rice sets, or doenjang jjigae (soybean stew) that can easily make a full meal.

Here are two excellent spots depending on where you’re staying:

Option 1: Gozip Dol Wooluck (Downtown Jeju)

Just a short ride from Jeju City center, Gozip Dol Wooluck is a stylish and well-reviewed BBQ restaurant known for its thick-cut black pork and excellent selection of banchan (side dishes). Open from 5 pm to 9:30 pm, the atmosphere is modern but warm, with friendly service and a polished yet casual feel that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy your meal.

It’s a great introduction to Jeju’s food scene, especially if it’s your first time trying charcoal-grilled heuk-dwaeji. That said, if you’re not eating meat, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy, including hearty stews, rice, and a generous spread of vegetarian side dishes.

This spot is especially convenient if you’re staying downtown, but it’s also worth the taxi ride if you’re based further south and don’t mind heading into the city for a top-tier dinner. We also recommend making a reservation ahead of time.

Option 2: Jung Jong Jeju Black Pork BBQ (Southwest Jeju) 

If your hotel is based in Southwest Jeju City, this relaxed spot near the Jungmun area is a fantastic alternative. Jung Jong is known for generous portions, charcoal-grilled black pork, and genuinely friendly service, a satisfying way to wrap up your day without making the trip back into the city.

Open until 10:30 pm, it’s casual, welcoming, and popular with locals, so expect a lively atmosphere and tables full of sizzling pork and soju. If you haven’t tried Jeju’s famous pork neck cuts, this is a great place to do it. And like many Korean BBQ restaurants, there are also soups, stews, and side dishes available if you’re after something lighter or meat-free.

Evening – Ease into your first night on Jeju Island 

After a full day of exploring Jeju’s east coast and indulging in black pork BBQ, your evening is all about slowing things down. Depending on where you’re staying, you can either take a peaceful walk by the sea or soak up the local buzz in one of the island’s liveliest café districts.

Option 1: Walk off your dinner with a seaside stroll

If you’re staying in downtown or northern Jeju City, head out for a gentle post-dinner stroll along the Tapdong Seaside Promenade. The path hugs the waterfront with views of fishing boats, soft waves, and the occasional street performer or local night fisher. Just a short walk inland, Yongyeon Pond glows softly under night lights, a quiet, picturesque spot to pause and breathe in the evening air.

Still have room for dessert? Pop into one of the cozy cafés near Nuwemaru Street for something sweet, or swing by Dongmun Market for late-night snacks and souvenirs. It’s a relaxed, easygoing way to end your first day.

Option 2: Explore the neon-lit Nuwemaru Street

If you’re staying in the southwestern part of Jeju, wrap up the night with a short taxi ride to Nuwemaru Street, a vibrant area filled with boutique shops, dessert cafés, and buzzing energy after dark. As the neon signs flicker on and the streets fill with locals and visitors, it’s the perfect place to wind down Jeju-style.

Grab a seat at one of the stylish cafés serving Jeju-inspired desserts (like hallabong bingsu or matcha lava cake), or simply enjoy a slow wander with a cup of tangerine tea in hand. It’s an easy, low-effort way to cap off the day,  and a fun contrast to the rugged coastlines and lava fields you explored earlier.

Related Read: If you still need a hotel, check out our where to stay on Jeju Island guide for our top picks and advice on which areas of the island are best!

Day 2

Breakfast – Cafe Muro 

Enjoy a little lie-in before heading to Cafe Muro, a calm and light-filled spot that’s perfect for a slow morning. Opening at 9 am, the menu features excellent coffee, fresh juices, and a mix of Western-style and Korean breakfasts. We recommend getting here when it opens so you have the most amount of time to explore later on!

What we especially love here is the peaceful start it offers before a day of exploring. You can sip your latte while looking out at the surrounding greenery, plan your route for the day, or simply enjoy a bit of quiet before diving into Jeju’s cultural and natural highlights.

Late morning – Step back in time at the Jeju Folk Village

We recommend pre-arranging a taxi for today’s sightseeing. Your hotel can usually organize this for you, or you can contact a local taxi company directly. If you share your planned stops, the driver can suggest the most efficient route and give you a total price. For a 4–5 hour trip covering the late morning and early afternoon, you can expect to pay between 60,000 and 90,000 KRW (around $45–70 USD).

Leaving Jeju City at 10 am, it takes about 50 minutes to reach the Jeju Folk Village, an expansive open-air museum that brings the island’s past to life. Spread across 45 acres, it contains more than 100 restored buildings, including thatched-roof homes, Confucian schools, traditional markets, and recreated shamanistic ritual sites. 

Exhibits also depict the daily lives of Jeju’s iconic haenyeo (female divers), whose free-diving skills have been passed down for generations.

Admission for adults is 15,000 KRW (around $11 USD), and a visit typically takes about 1.5 hours if you explore at a relaxed pace. The pathways are mostly flat and easy to navigate, making it an accessible stop for most travelers.

If you want to enjoy a quick dose of sea air before lunch, you can also ask your driver to detour to Pyoseon Beach, just 5 minutes away. Known for its wide, shallow tide pools and calm, family-friendly vibe, it’s a great spot for a short stroll or a few photos before continuing to your next stop.

Lunch – Jejugot Seogwipo Haemul Ramyeon 

Around 12:30 or 1 pm, hop back in your taxi for the 25-minute drive to Seogwipo-si, where you’ll make your next stop at Jeongbang Waterfall. Before heading down to the falls, we recommend pausing for lunch at Jejugot Seogwipo Haemul Ramyeon, conveniently located right in the parking area.

This casual yet beloved eatery is known for its haemul ramyeon, a steaming bowl of seafood ramen piled high with clams, mussels, shrimp, and squid in a rich, savory broth. It’s hearty without being heavy, making it an ideal midday fuel-up before you continue exploring. If the weather’s nice, grab a table on the terrace for sweeping ocean views that make this simple meal feel extra special.

Early afternoon – Jeongbang Waterfall and return to Jeju City

By 2:30 pm, it’s time to walk off lunch and make your way down to Jeongbang Waterfall. The entrance is just steps from the restaurant, and after paying the 2,000 KRW per person admission fee (about $1.50 USD), you’ll follow a short path and a few sets of stairs to reach the rocky shoreline.

Here, a 23-meter (75-foot) freshwater cascade plunges dramatically into the sea, one of the few waterfalls in Asia to do so. The combination of rushing water, salty ocean breeze, and rugged coastal views makes this a memorable stop. There’s plenty of space to sit and relax, so take your time soaking in the scene and snapping a few photos before heading back.

Afternoon – Back to Jeju City to explore

After your visit to Jeongbang Waterfall, aim to leave around 3 pm for the one-hour taxi ride back to Jeju City. It’s the perfect time to rest, scroll through your morning photos, or even catch a quick nap while the coastline drifts by your window. You’ll likely arrive back in the city or at your hotel by 4 pm, with the rest of the day free for some relaxed exploring.

At an easy pace, you can comfortably see both of these spots in the late afternoon.

Arario Museum Tapdong: Contemporary art in a vintage motel

If you’re curious about modern art or just want something cool and a little offbeat, the Arario Museum is a must. Set inside a converted mid-century motel right on the waterfront, the building’s moody, retro character makes it as interesting as the art inside. You’ll find sculptures, photography, installations, and thought-provoking pieces by both edgy Korean artists and big-name international creatives.

Entry is 20,000 KRW (about $15 USD) per person, and you can expect to spend 1–1.5 hours here. The museum is open until 7 pm (closed Mondays).

Dongmun Traditional Market: Street snacks & local flavor

A 5-minute taxi ride from the museum takes you to Dongmun Traditional Market, one of Jeju City’s busiest and most atmospheric spots. The covered lanes are a feast for the senses, filled with sizzling street food stalls, vendors selling fresh seafood, stacks of Jeju tangerines, and locally made treats like hallabong chocolate and rice cakes.

It’s perfect for a late-afternoon wander, whether you’re here to shop, snack, or simply soak in the buzz of local life. The market stays open until around 9 pm, so if something catches your eye (or your appetite), you could easily turn this into your dinner spot for the night.

Dinner – Dombedon

If you didn’t try black pork on day 1, or if you’re already craving it again, Dombedon is the place to go. This long-standing local favorite is all about thick-cut Jeju black pork grilled over charcoal, giving it that perfect balance of smokiness and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Each bite is rich and flavorful, especially with the bold dipping sauces and the colorful spread of banchan (side dishes) that come with it. The atmosphere is casual and lively, with locals and visitors gathered around tabletop grills. You can cook the meat yourself for the full Korean BBQ experience or let the friendly staff lend a hand.

No reservations needed, just come hungry and ready for a feast.

Evening – Soft lights and sea breezes to end the day

After dinner at Dombedon, wind down your evening with two serene stops that show off a quieter side of Jeju City. First, take a short taxi ride to Yongyeon Pond, where a softly glowing footbridge casts reflections over the emerald-green water. Locals come here to stroll under the trees, rest on the stone steps, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It’s an especially romantic spot for evening photos!

From here, it’s only a few minutes to Yongduam Rock (Dragon Head Rock). This jagged lava formation juts dramatically into the sea, and under the night lights, you can really see the dragon-like profile that inspired its name. The waves crash below, and the well-lit walking path above offers benches where you can pause, take in the sea breeze, and listen to the surf.

Neither stop takes much time, but together they make for a gentle end to your day before catching a taxi back to your hotel.

Day 3

Morning/Afternoon – Cafe culture, lava cliffs, and Jeju’s laid-back west

After a slower-paced day 2, you’ll be ready to explore again, and the western coastline of Jeju is full of surprises. We enjoyed our East Coast tour with John so much that booking him again on this full-day tour felt like a no-brainer! Running from 9 am to 5 pm again, this second tour brings a completely different side of the island into focus, from its café-lined shores to rugged coastal landscapes.

Your morning might start on Aewol Café Street, sipping hallabong tea or a latte with ocean views, before heading to Gwakji Beach for a stroll or quick paddle in its clear, calm waters.

Heading further south, the scenery becomes more dramatic as Sanbangsan Mountain comes into view, its volcanic slopes towering over the shoreline. Right next door is Yongmeori Coast, where you can walk along the base of the cliffs at low tide and see the unique rock formations carved by centuries of waves. 

Depending on timing and tides, John may also suggest smaller local stops along the way, whether that’s a quiet fishing village, a hidden viewpoint, or a family-run snack stall worth trying.

Like day 1, you won’t have to worry about navigation, parking, or timing. John keeps the day relaxed but efficient, ensuring you have time to soak in each place. And if you’d like, you can ask to be dropped off directly at your dinner spot downtown to skip the extra taxi ride.

This was the perfect way to experience the island’s west coast, and we aren’t the only ones who think so—check out the glowing five-star reviews here to see why this is the best way to tour Jeju Island!

Book your place on this unforgettable day tour with FREE cancellation here!

Dinner – The Universal Wave

To celebrate your final night on Jeju, head to The Universal Wave, a sleek coastal restaurant and café set just outside Aewol. With sweeping sea views, warm earthy interiors, and a modern-meets-island vibe, it’s the kind of place that feels like a hidden gem despite being a local favorite.

The menu leans toward Western-Korean fusion, offering beautifully plated pasta dishes, creamy risotto, juicy burgers, and a thoughtful selection of wines. It’s a refreshing change of pace if you’ve been deep in BBQ and seafood all week. The music is mellow, the staff are friendly, and if you time your dinner for golden hour, you’ll see the sunset turn the ocean into a glowing horizon right through the restaurant’s glass-fronted dining room.

Evening – Toast to your trip

No need to rush off after dinner, The Universal Wave is one of those places that invites you to stay awhile. After your meal, enjoy a drink, or even a locally inspired mocktail, and let the evening unfold slowly. The music stays soft, the lighting warm, and the ocean provides the best views!

You can choose a cozy spot indoors near the floor-to-ceiling glass or head out to the terrace if the weather is kind. It’s an ideal place to reflect on your time in Jeju, replaying the highlights of the trip with the sound of the waves in the background.

If you’re in the mood for one last stroll, Yongyeon Pond, which you might remember from last night, is close enough for a quiet return visit on foot.

Where to Stay in Jeju

Now that you’ve got your Jeju itinerary all planned out, it’s time to figure out where you’ll stay. Jeju Island has no shortage of great options—whether you want luxury, comfort, or something budget-friendly, there’s a hotel here to match your travel style.

To make it easy, we’ve rounded up our top picks so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the island’s beaches, volcanoes, and café-lined coastlines. If any of these properties have availability for your dates, book them sooner than later because places here fill up fast!

Grand Hyatt Jeju – $$$

The crown jewel of Shin-Jeju, Grand Hyatt Jeju is an upscale urban retreat that’s as sleek as it is spacious. Located just minutes from the airport and in the center of it all, this five-star resort blends modern luxury with jaw-dropping views from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools, an enormous fitness center, and a full-service spa—plus 11 restaurants and bars.

Standard rooms typically go for around $180 to $600 USD per night, with luxury suites also available from about $450 to $2,000 USD, depending on the season. Book your stay at Grand Hyatt Jeju on Booking.com.

LOTTE City Hotel Jeju – $$

With polished design and an unbeatable location, LOTTE City Hotel Jeju is one of the best-value stays in Shin-Jeju. Just a 7-minute drive from the airport and surrounded by shops, cafés, and duty-free stores, it’s ideal for quick trips or stress-free sightseeing days. The hotel has a rooftop pool with panoramic views, a fitness center, and even a sauna to unwind in after a long flight or hike.

Room rates range from $100 to $250 USD per night, with upgraded suites available for around $300+ USD per night. Check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.

Hotel Regent Marine The Blue – $

Right across from the waterfront at Tap-dong Square, Hotel Regent Marine The Blue is a laid-back but reliable pick in Old Jeju City. It’s just a 15-minute drive from the airport, and within easy reach of Dongmun Market, Yongduam Rock, and the ferry terminal. Rooms are soundproofed and comfortable, offering sea views, and guests love the seasonal outdoor pool, on-site convenience store, and business-friendly touches like meeting rooms and strong Wi-Fi.

Rooms generally vary from $60 to $140 USD per night, with some great sea-view options. Reserve your room here on Booking.com before spots fill up!

For more great options, check out all the hotels listed for Jeju here!

Thanks for reading!

We loved the mix of dramatic coastlines, volcanic wonders, and peaceful coastal moments this 3-day Jeju itinerary offered. It’s the perfect balance of guided adventures, downtime, and incredible food—giving you the best of the island without feeling rushed.

If you’re planning more time here, be sure to check out our other South Korea blogs here for inspiration on exploring Seoul, Busan, and beyond. Or, scroll down below for some of our top picks we think you’ll really love!

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Busan, South Korea: 3-Day Itinerary

Where to Stay in Busan, South Korea: 4 Areas & Hotels 

Where to Stay in Seoul, South Korea: 7 Best Areas and Hotels

How to Spend FIVE DAYS in Beijing, China: 5-Day Itinerary