Korea Travel, Top 7 Must-Visit Natural Wonders in Jeju Island

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Top 7 Must-Visit Natural Wonders in Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Island is breathtaking all year round. But when you start planning your trip, you might wonder, "Where are the absolute must-visit spots?" To help you out, I’ve put together a list of 7 "can’t-miss" natural attractions, backed by their immense popularity and visitor numbers. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to the ultimate Instagrammable spots, let’s dive right in!

Top 7 Must-Visit Natural Wonders in Jeju Island, South Korea
Top 7 Must-Visit Natural Wonders in Jeju Island, South Korea


[Table of Contents]

1. Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)

2. Hallasan National Park

3. Manjanggul Cave

4. Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff

5. Saryeoni Forest Path

6. Bijarim Forest

7. Sanbangsan Mountain & Yongmeori Coast

 


1. Seongsan Ilchulbong(Sunrise Peak)

"Jeju’s crown rising from the sea, the holy land of sunrises."

The true magic of Seongsan Ilchulbong reveals itself only when you reach the top. A massive, circular crater unfolds before your eyes, while the endless blue ocean stretches out beyond it to fill your vision. 

As you climb the stairs, be sure to look back—the widening coastline and the view of Udo Island make the hike itself a scenic experience. At sunrise, the sky glowing in crimson hues blends with the ridges of the crater to create Jeju’s most iconic scenery.

Seongsan Ilchulbong
Seongsan Ilchulbong / Source: pixabay

💡 Travel Tip

The hike is relatively short and manageable, yet the view from the summit far exceeds expectations, making it a must-visit for first-time travelers. It’s perfect for family trips with parents or anyone wanting to capture Jeju’s signature landscape in one go. If climbing to the top feels like too much, you can simply stroll along the seaside path. It still offers plenty of "Jeju-esque" views, allowing for a flexible schedule.



2. Hallasan National Park

"The roof of Jeju: The mystical four seasons of Baengnokdam Lake."

Hallasan Mountain shows a completely different side of itself with every changing season. In spring, royal azaleas tint the ridges pink, while summer brings the vibrant energy of lush, deep green forests. Autumn transforms the entire mountain into a sea of red and gold, and winter offers a spectacular landscape of pristine snow flowers. 

Upon reaching the summit, the sight of the crater and its tranquil lake creates an overwhelming scenery unique to Hallasan. The shifting vegetation as you gain altitude is another fascinating highlight of the hike.

Hallasan National Park
Hallasan National Park / Source: pixabay



💡 Travel Tip

One of the best things about Hallasan is that you can choose a trail that fits your fitness level, thanks to a variety of courses with different difficulties. From light trekking to a full-scale hike to Baengnokdam, the wide range of options makes it perfect for travelers who want to experience nature deeply. If you're looking for more than just a quick photo op and want to "truly feel Jeju with your whole body," Hallasan is a must-include in your itinerary.



3. Manjanggul Cave

"A mystical lava tunnel where the Earth's time stands still."

Entering Manjanggul Cave feels like stepping into another world. The long, stretching lava tube and the marks of hardened lava flowing from the ceiling vividly showcase the passage of nature's time. The highlight of the cave is the massive 7.6m-high lava column located at the end of the trail—its sheer scale is truly overwhelming in person. The constant cool temperature and the dark, mysterious atmosphere add to the cave's unforgettable charm.

Manjanggul Cave
Manjanggul Cave / Source: visitjeju


💡 Travel Tip

As an indoor natural attraction, it remains unaffected by the weather, making it easy to fit into your schedule—plus, it’s a perfect escape from the summer heat. It is an excellent destination for families, as it serves as a great outdoor classroom for geology. We highly recommend it for those who want to experience unique natural formations rarely seen elsewhere.



4. Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff

"Exquisite stone art carved by the waves and nature."

The Jusangjeolli Cliff is truly impressive, featuring hexagonal basalt columns that surround the coast like a folding screen. Though they look like perfectly symmetrical sculptures carved by a human hand, it is astonishing to realize they were formed entirely by the power of nature. The dynamic scene of rough waves crashing against the black columns and breaking into white sea foam creates a stark contrast with the deep blue ocean, instantly capturing your gaze.

Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff
Daepo Haean Jusangjeolli Cliff


💡 Travel Tip

The walking paths are flat and well-maintained, making them easily accessible for everyone. It’s a perfect spot for travelers on a tight schedule, as it leaves a powerful impression in a short amount of time. Since almost any angle yields a "magazine-worthy" shot, it’s highly satisfying for those looking to capture that perfect "photo of a lifetime."




5. Saryeoni Forest Path

"A mystical cedar tunnel filled with refreshing phytoncide."

The charm of Saryeoni Forest Path lies in its lush green tunnel formed by towering cedar trees that seem to touch the sky. As you walk under the soft sunlight filtering through the leaves, the hustle and bustle of daily life fade away, replaced by the deep scent of the trees and the forest's silence. On misty days, the entire forest transforms into a dreamlike landscape, making you feel as if you are wandering through a secret forest in a movie.

Saryeoni Forest Path
Saryeoni Forest Path / Source: visitjeju


💡 Travel Tip

Thanks to its gentle slopes and well-maintained paths, anyone—regardless of age—can enjoy a leisurely stroll here. It’s an ideal spot for walking with parents or children. If you want to escape the crowded tourist attractions and experience true rest and healing in Jeju, there is no place more perfect than this.



6. Bijarim Forest

"The world’s largest nutmeg forest where a thousand years of history breathe."

Bijarim Forest is a globally rare sanctuary home to over 2,800 nutmeg trees, aged between 500 and 800 years. 

Bijarim Forest
Bijarim Forest

The moment you step into the forest, the subtle, refreshing scent of the trees greets you. The contrast between the red volcanic scoria paths and the lush green moss creates a mystical palette of colors. Standing before the "New Millennium Nutmeg Tree"—the oldest in the woods—you’ll feel a profound sense of awe for a life that has endured for a millennium.

Bijarim Forest
Bijarim Forest

💡 Travel Tip

The entire trail is flat and covered with soft volcanic scoria, making it comfortable to walk even in light footwear. On rainy days, the earthy scent and the fragrance of the trees become even more intense, offering a poetic atmosphere. It is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a true "forest bath" and breathe in the purest air Jeju has to offer.



7. Sanbangsan Mountain & Yongmeori Coast

"An exotic coastline where you walk through millions of years of history."

Yongmeori Coast is a breathtaking panorama of geological layers built up over tens of millions of years. The mysterious cliffs carved by the waves and the winding coastline create an exotic atmosphere, making you feel as if you’ve landed on another planet. 

Standing majestically behind it, Sanbangsan Mountain adds a sense of grandeur to the scenery, allowing you to experience nature’s ancient masterpiece from up close.

Sanbangsan Mountain & Yongmeori Coast
Sanbangsan Mountain & Yongmeori Coast

💡 Travel Tip

This is where you’ll find some of the most unique and striking geological landscapes in Jeju. Planning a day trip that combines Sanbangsan with the nearby Songaksan Mountain will make for a very fulfilling itinerary. However, access is frequently restricted depending on weather conditions and the tides, so be sure to check if it's open before you visit!


Jeju Island Travel: The Top 7 Must-Visit Spots

Jeju’s nature holds a value that goes far beyond just being a "pretty landscape."

With its unique geological formations shaped by hundreds of thousands of years of volcanic activity, forests and mountains that change colors with every season, and coastal cliffs carved by the wind—the entire island of Jeju is one giant "living museum."

The Top 7 Jeju landmarks I’ve shared today will be a foolproof choice for first-time visitors and a chance for returning travelers to rediscover the island's charm. Perhaps what matters more than where you go is the mindset of slowing down your pace to fully take in the air and sounds of Jeju.

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