VISIT JEJU

When snow blankets Hallasan Mountain, it's a sure sign winter season has deepened. Jeju, usually mild and surrounded by the sea, gets a rare white makeover, especially at the mountain's peak. This transforms Hallasan into a winter trekking paradise, attracting crowds eager for the '"snowflower" trek. There are five main trails on Hallasan: Yeongsil, Eorimok, Seongpanak, Gwaneumsa, and Donnaeko. The Yeongsil trail is renowned for its expansive mountain ridges and breathtakingly steep cliffs, alongside the visually striking Byeongpung Rocks that line the path, offering a rich, three-dimensional scenic experience. The Yeongsil cliffs, renowned for their beauty, are designated as one of the top ten scenic views of Yeongju.

▶ Yeongsil Trail: From Yeongsil Rest Area to Byeongpung Rock, Witseoreum Shelter, ending at the South Wall Junction (3.6 miles)

On snowy days, Jeju locals love visiting the 1100 Highland. This spot, reachable by the 1100 Road—the highest-altitude road in Korea—offers a picturesque view of Hallasan covered in snow, right from your car. When winter arrives, the spot turns into a natural sled park, a hit for families and kids looking for some winter fun.

Even with the chilly winter winds nipping at your nose, taking a boat trip to explore islands will offer you a special kind of romantic adventure unique to winter. Biyangdo is a quaint little island, just a15-minute ferry ride from Hallim Port and right across from Hyeopjae Beach. It's an easy, leisurely two-hour stroll to circle this scenic island, following its coastline. You can rent a bike right at the port, a perfect way to soak in the island’s charm. 

▶ Hallim Port Ferry Terminal: 196 Hallimhaean-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si

Marado, the southernmost island in Korea, is just a 30-minute journey from Unjin Port. This island is a natural marvel, so rich in marine life and stunning vistas that it is designated as a national monument. The island is small enough for a casual winter walk, and nothing beats enjoying a hot bowl of ttot-jjamppong, a hearty local seafood soup, making your trip a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

▶ Gapado-Marado Regular Passenger Ferry Terminal: 120 Choenamdanhaean-ro, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si

▶ Ferry to Marado: 424 Songakgwangwang-ro, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Marado 

The historic downtown area is a culinary paradise, where every street corner promises an exciting experience. “Tasty Towntour” lights up the evenings here with its curated selection of eateries, perfect for solo travelers or those who enjoy dining alone. It's a treasure trove of Jeju's must-try foods, all located in one vibrant neighborhood. Discover the iconic Dongmun Market Night Market, the famous Black Pork Street, Seobudu Premium Sashimi Street with over 50 years of history, and other trendy local eateries leading the culinary scene in the old downtown.

For craft beer aficionados looking for a Jeju specialty, “Magpie Brewshop” is the go-to place. “Chori” is a Japanese restaurant with appetizers perfect for a solo diner. If you're into a solo dining bar experience, “Yume” is managed by a young director with a background in Dubai hotels. For whiskey lovers, “Monsieur Night” is a bar that seems to cater even to the most indecisive tourist, while “B.O.B” offers American Chinese cuisine that’s both high in quality and emotionally satisfying. With “Tasty Towntour,” you're not just dining alone; you're embarking on an enjoyable culinary journey.

Why not make your own pottery as a personal gift from your travels? Dive into a pottery-making session with Jeju's clay, embrace a healing moment, let go of your daily stresses, and focus on the creativity at your fingertips.

Nestled in Seongeup Folk Village in Pyoseon-myeon, “Seongji Pottery” is a studio run by Myeong-kwon Na, a potter with 25 years of experience in traditional pottery. Here, you can draw designs or paint on pre-baked clay and create your own cups, teapots, and plates. Don't worry if you're not naturally crafty – the joy and sense of achievement from creating your unique piece are what matter most. In Jeju City, you can visit “Damhwaheon,” a place led by Seung-chul Kang, an award-winning potter who clinched the grand prize at the 10th Korea Onggi Contest. Damhwaheon offers interactive classes where you can learn about traditional Korean earthenware, Jeju onggi, and get hands-on experience making functional onggi items like bowls, cups, and vases.

Embark on a journey to a quaint village that embodies the spirit of Jeju, offering a blend of relaxation, connection, and warmth. Discover the hidden gems of a village that harmonizes beautifully with winter, away from the crowded spots. Camellia Village in Shinheung 2-ri, Seogwipo is renowned for its native camellias. In winter, the village paths are full of red camellias. The combination of the vibrant camellia flowers and the village's peaceful ambiance creates an idyllic setting for a winter getaway. The residents of the village take great pride in caring for the camellias and offer unique hands-on programs for visitors.

Shinheung 2-ri Camellia Village, along with Sehwa-ri in Gujwa-eup, earned the prestigious title of the best tourist village at the 3rd UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) awards in 2023. Sehwa-ri is notable for its human intangible heritage, the Haenyeo (female divers), and its significant agricultural heritage of stone walls. The village hosts a Haenyeo experience school, where visitors can dive with Hanyeo Uncles and immerse themselves in their unique culture.

Embrace a vacation that combines relaxation with engaging learning programs through “Learning Holidays in Jeju.” Dive into traditional experiences that resonate with the unique winter vibe of Jeju and satisfy your intellectual curiosity with authentic Jeju experiences.

“Jeju Brewing House,” run by renowned Korean food master Hee-sook Kim, is the only place in Jeju where you can find the traditional Gosori drink. Here, you can learn to make “nuruk,” a crucial brewing ingredient (yeast), and try crafting barley “shindari,” a traditional Jeju fermented drink. At “Sawol's Pheasant,” managed by local food artisan Ju-nam Kang, you can participate in making “Kkot-yeot,” a traditional Jeju nourishing delicacy that's listed in the international slow food “Ark of Taste.” Over at “Ahn Bok-ja’s Jeju Sound,” immerse yourself in the rich tales of Jeju embedded in its folk songs. They offer classes where you can sing Jeju's folk music and explore the cultural depths and historical nuances of old Jeju.

Discover a unique architectural tour in Seogwipo that weaves the tales of Jeju's culture, history, and its people through the lens of architecture. This journey spans from traditional structures to modern buildings that not only stand out but also harmonize with the natural beauty and urban landscape of the city. Enrich your travel experience by exploring architecture that tells a story.

Experience the lush greenery and warmth of Jeju in winter with the “Green Tea Field Journey,” delving into the island's rich tea culture. Follow the “Lee Jung-Seop Street” to explore the legacy and artistic works of Jung-Seop Lee. The “Seogwipo Film Shooting Locations” tour is an ideal retreat for reflection while gazing at the winter sea. Join the “Jeju Folklore Exploration” to see traditional houses and the preserved ancient look of Jeonguihyeon from the Joseon Dynasty. On the “Ando & Itami” route, admire the works of world-famous architects that have left their mark in Jeju, offering an insightful look into the stories and lives embodied in architecture.

Indulge in the flavors of Jeju this winter with “Gwajeul,” a healthy snack crafted from the island's signature citrus fruits, much like a Korean-style confectionery. The snack is made by deep-frying dough mixed with citrus juice, then coating it with syrup and sprinkling puffed millet on top. You can try your hand at making Gwajeul at places like “Hahyo Salon Cooperative,” where the citrus twist makes it a popular choice for its fresh and clean taste. 

▶ Hahyo Salon Cooperative: 217-8 Hyodonsunhwan-ro, Seogwipo-si

At “Harye Gamgyuljeombbang Cooperative,” experience making “Hallabong Sangwetteok,” a traditional chewy rice cake that's a staple at Jeju's ceremonial and ancestral events. These rice cakes, infused with Hallabong citrus, boast a chewy texture and a subtly lingering sweet taste. Sweeten up your solo journey with these vibrant orange treats, offering a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. It's a perfect way to savor simple yet joyful moments.

▶ Harye Gamgyuljeombbang Cooperative: 272 Harye-ro, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo-si

Even if you're traveling solo, great food is always a highlight. Jeju offers a variety of hearty one-bowl dishes, perfect for enjoying alone, especially on those cold days when you need something to warm you up from the inside. Let’s dive into some of Jeju’s comforting, broth-based dishes. “Momguk” features gulfweed, a seaweed loaded with calcium and minerals, making it both tasty and nutritious.

gulfweed and buckwheat added to create a thick, fulfilling broth. A bowl of this rich soup is all you need to fight off the winter chill. “Pork Noodle Soup,” a classic Jeju dish, consists of noodles served in a savory pork broth topped with slices of tender pork. In Jeju, traditionally, pigs were slaughtered for significant events, and this soup originated from using the leftover bones and meat, boiled together and served with noodles. Throughout Jeju, especially near the Samseonghyeol area, you’ll find numerous restaurants specializing in this hearty, pork noodle soup.

The Seongsan Sunrise Festival is set to light up Seongsan Ilchulbong from December 30, 2023, to January 1, 2024. This three-day celebration begins with the Seongsan Sunrise Parade on December 31, featuring a Music Festa and a countdown laser show that goes on until the stroke of midnight. The early hours of January 1 offer a unique chance to climb Seongsan Ilchulbong, welcoming the first sunrise of the new year. It's a moment to gather strength for the year ahead, shedding burdens and concerns and infusing oneself with positivity.

And on New Year's Day, at Jungmun Saekdal Beach, the adventurous 'human penguins' take a daring leap into the winter sea, a vibrant tradition wishing for health and long life. The “Seogwipo Winter Sea International Penguin Swimming Contest” is more than just a cold dip – it's a thrilling event that embodies the strong spirit of those hopeful for a bright new year.