VISIT JEJU

Only three years ago, a small number of sellers gathered regularly at the small oceanfront area at Sehwa Beach. Slowly the culture and demographics of Jeju changed, leading to ever-larger market events. It used to open on the 5th and 20th of the month, but since those days sometimes overlap with work days, the Bellongjang began meeting on Saturdays. Since then, it has developed into a market popular with islanders and visitors alike.

Homemade snacks and food stuffs like jams, sandwiches and other favorites are lovingly prepared and sold. You can also find various items such as bracelets, rings, or postcards filled with Jeju scenery. Since you’re buying directly from the artisan him or herself, the Bellongjang, which means “light shining from afar,” is truly a heart-warming and personal experience. 

Note it’s only open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., so the food and handicrafts do sell out quickly. And since it’s outdoors, the weather will be a factor, too. Please check their Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest status of the week’s Bellongjang.

This seaside resort east of Jeju City is well known among travelers to Jeju. It boasts many new, vibrant cafes, restaurants and shops. And as you might expect with a spot popular with young travelers and locals, there’s a flea market. Mendorongjang is located on a large, public park area between Seoubong Peak and the beach. 

It’s open every Sunday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., so in autumn you’ll be doing your shopping with a backdrop of a spectacular sunset to the northwest. This is more of a bonus than a feature, though, as the area is already extremely photogenic and full of beautiful locales. All in all, it’s hard to think of a nicer place to spend a Sunday afternoon on Jeju Island than Hamdeok Beach and the Mendorongjang flea market.

Seogwipo Traditional Olle Market is open on the 4th and 9th days of the month. Within it is a flea market with its own look and feel. In addition to being open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on market days, it’s also open to all every Saturday and Sunday, from noon until 8 p.m. .

Here you might think that it’s blurring the lines a bit between the traditional market and flea market. You’ll find all sorts of fresh vegetables and fruit, fish, meat and more. But there are also many cultural performances and you can’t go wrong with the friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

Every Saturday and Sunday, the Seogwipo Culture and Arts Market is held along the Lee Joong-seop Cultural Street, a representative artistic spot in the center of Seogwipo City. It is located near the city’s largest traditional market — Seogwipo Traditional Olle Market — as well as being a popular tourist area. So with all the charm of an old section of the city, and its contingent of artists and trendy cafes and restaurants, you can add this flea market to your list of things to do while there. 

During the weekend the street is made even nicer by its being designated a car-free street, so you can bring your kids and let them safely roam the stalls, admiring all the art, handicrafts and snacks on display and for sale. It’s usually full of interesting characters, so you can people watch as you enjoy a nice coffee or tea in the cool autumn air. If you go a bit further afield, you can find many nearby sights like the Gidang Art Museum, Seobok Exhibition Hall, the Jaguri Coastal Path and Jeongbang Waterfall.