1. Yeondong Shopping District
Priorities.. If you're wondering if you can buy Korean cosmetics in Jeju, the answer is a resounding Yes! if you know where to look. You can find brands like Etude House, Tony Moly, Innisfree, Aritaum (Laneige, Mamonde, Iope), Missha, Banila Co., The Face Shop, Clio, HolikaHolika and others in Yeondong Shopping district. It's like Myeong-dong of Jeju with a lot less crowd. Yeondong shopping district is near Sammu Park bus stop or just pin Trevi Hotel and start from there. I was a bit surprised when I saw Yeondong shopping district since it's where our hotel was located on our first night. I have always thought of Jeju as a laid back province type of place.
2. O'sulloc Tea House
This is just beside the Innisfree Jeju House so it's worth a look. They sell desserts like pastries and ice cream other than tea. You can also buy tea and green tea spread here for pasalubong.
3. Innisfree Jeju House
Innisfree is a korean cosmetic brand which specializes in natural and healthy beauty products.
They have special products here that are 'Jeju Island Exclusive' meaning you can't buy it from other innisfree stores.
One of their most popular product is the Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask which feels really good on the skin. You can also create a customized soap here. You can shape and design it the way you like.
4. Jusangjeolli Cliff
Is an awesome volcanic rock formation in Jeju. It's really beautiful and the waves are very relaxing to watch. Surprisingly, it's just a few minutes walk from the parking lot. I thought we needed to climb or trek or something to get here. Entrance Fee: 2000KRW.
5. Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls
Another easy access beauty. You need to walk a bit to get to the falls but it's like a walk in the park literally. The place reminds me of Cheonggyecheon stream in Seoul. Entrance Fee: 2000KRW.
6. Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
Also known as Sunrise Peak. It's a bit of a tough climb, around 30min. to reach the peak to watch the sunrise. Entrance Fee: 2000KRW.
Sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong
I'm not a sunrise kind of person, I honestly think sunsets are better but since it's called sunrise peak..
There are stairs to reach the peak but at 5am in the morning which is very cold during fall, I was sweating as we climbed the stairs.
Jeju City View at the Peak
It is also home to Jeju women divers, they have shows every 1:30pm and 3:00pm. We were supposed to watch the show but it got cancelled due to very strong waves.
7. Manjanggul Lava Caves
One of the few lava tubes that is open for public access. One of the finest and second longest lava tunnel in Jeju. A bit of a long walk and there's only one way in and out. Entrance Fee: 2000KRW.
At the end of the tunnel you'll find this lava column. Which is formed by lava rising up the surface.
8. Samyang Black Sand Beach
I don't know why but when I think of Jeju before, I think of beaches so I wanted to see how it compares to our beaches. Samyang Black Beach reminds me of Pagudpod in Ilocos, probably because of the windmills. The waves and winds were very strong when we came. The sand is not as black as I expected.
9. Hallasan Mountain
Our first glimpse of fall was at Hallasan Mountain. We took the Yeongsil Trail which is a 2.5hrs hike up. It is said to be the most scenic route during fall and it did not disappoint.
It was so cold here and the chilly wind was blowing I feel like my ears and nose were going to fall. For some reason we weren't prepared enough for the cold.
Sunrise at Mt. Hallasan
Some say your trip to Jeju won't be complete if you don't see Mt. Hallasan
'Legend of the 500 Generals'
Obaekjanggun
'The park’s main theme is based on the legend of Seolmundae Halmang, the giant goddess credited with creating Jeju Island, and her sons, known in local mythology as the 500 generals.
One legend of Seolmundae Halmang tells that when her sons were out hunting, she made a cauldron of soup for their return but accidentally fell into the pot and died. The sons, oblivious to this, returned hungry and ate the soup, only realizing when the youngest son saw her bones at the bottom of the pot that they had eaten their own mother.
He wept bitterly and went to the west of Jeju where he turned into a solitary stone just off the coast known as Oedeolgae, or the Lone Stone. The other brothers also turned to stone on Mt. Halla and formed rock columns on Halla’s Yeongsil Trail called the Obaekjanggun.'
This beach reminds me of Baler. There were a few surfers on the beach when we came considering the cold weather.
If you're pressed for time, skip the beaches. It's more fun in the Philippines. Jeju Island is a site to behold as well. Nature at it's best. The places were very well preserved. We were able to go to all these places in 3 days. We traveled around Jeju via car rental so we got the time in our hands and very hassle free. Check out my Car Rental Blog as well.
