VisitJEJU

The massive popularity of the animated movie K-Pop Demon Hunters has led to a growing interest in traditional Korean culture, bringing renewed attention to Jeju Island’s museums. Choose the exhibit that best matches your personal interests, ranging from computer-graphics-based immersive media art, to massive whale skeletons, to collections of traditional hats, each offering glimpses into diverse facets of Jeju’s history, culture, and nature for an affordable entrance fee.

Jeju’s calm island vibes also make it perfect for a relaxed “book-cation,” one of the top travel trends for 2026. From a bookstore selected as one of the “150 Bookstores to Visit Before You Die,” to plenty of scenic spots to read while taking in the gorgeous views, Jeju has plenty to offer for book lovers. Independent bookstores provide a unique experience not found in typical chain stores, filled with carefully curated collections directly selected by their owners.

This winter in Jeju, spend some slow, leisurely days filled with the beauty of tradition and the freedom of imaginary worlds found in books.

- Bookstore Sori Somun: 8-31 Jeojidong-gil, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

- Sanbang Seorim: 75-5 Sanbang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

- Deer Bookstore: 1st floor, 698-73 Jungsangandong-ro, Jochon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

- Manchun Bookstore: 9, Hamdeok-ro, Jochon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, 1st and 2nd Dongho

When your body starts to tighten and hunch up from the cold, treat yourself to some warmth and relaxation. Let the comforting heat of hot springs and saunas melt away the day’s fatigue, feeling light and refreshed as your whole body loosens up. Add a therapeutic aroma oil massage using natural materials found right on the island, like basalt stones, tangerines, and seven types of plant-based oils. The soft fragrances seep gently throughout your entire body as all of your stress and tension seem to melt away.

When the cold winter winds make you long for the warmth of a hot cup of tea, head to one of Jeju’s many quaint, cozy tea houses. Try out a class to learn tea ceremony, or get some recommendations to find the perfect tea for you. Sipping on tea while ruminating over a letter you’re writing to someone special, or reading the words written for you by a loved one, are perfect ways to feel the warmth in both heart and body. Jeju’s beautiful nature and soothing island vibes combine with a fragrant cup of warm tea to gently blanket you in a feeling of comfort amidst the frigid winter air. Escape the cold of winter and enjoy a unique wellness journey filled with warmth on Jeju Island.

- Felicita Aroma : 1F, 542, Yeraehaean-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju

- Chaman Tea Jeju Main Branch : 3F, 254-17, Yeonbuk-ro, Jeju City, Jeju

- Erip Jeju : 2F, 82-10, Cheongsu-ro, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju City, Jeju

- Sancera : 3669, Jungsanganseo-ro, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju City, Jeju

Winter in Jeju is marked by the stunning contrast between two striking colors: vivid red and pure white. Brilliant camellia flowers are in full bloom, inviting you to visit gardens, forests, and aesthetic cafés across the island. The crimson of the camellias contrasts beautifully against the clear blue of the winter sky, creating gorgeous backdrops to capture unforgettable memories in photographic form. Bundle up and stroll along paths surrounded by flowers, forgetting about the cold as you find yourself captivated by the beauty of the blossoms.

Jeju Island’s other dominant winter color is the white of snow-covered Hallasan Mountain. The sight of the clean, soft snow resting on trees and paths brings with it a refreshing clarity, clearing your mind of all unnecessary distractions. The Yeongsil and Eorimok Trails can be used with no advance reservation, making them ideal choices to visit on snowy days. Climb up Utse Oreum Volcanic Cone to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of a dreamy, snow-covered winter wonderland. Please stay safe and keep in mind that crampons are essential for visiting Hallasan Mountain in the snow.

- Samdal Garden: 23, Samdal-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju

Stopping by a supermarket before heading to your lodgings adds a whole new facet to your trip to Jeju. “Hanaro Mart,” a chain of supermarkets frequented by locals, offers unique features depending on the region.

The Jeju City branch has the chain’s highest sales nationwide, offering a wide variety of special products. The Nohyeong branch hosts a local farmers’ market every Wednesday, selling freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. The bakery at the Andeok branch is well-known among bread and pastry lovers, while the Aewol, Hagwi, and Jungmun branches offer the freshest seafood for the lowest prices. The Wimi branch, located in a hotspot of tangerine production, sells different varieties of tangerines, and the Daejeong branch sells high-quality produce and special ingredients at reasonable prices. From fresh sashimi, meat, and other ingredients to unique Jeju souvenirs, these supermarkets are great places to enjoy some unique shopping experiences during your trip. With Hanaro Marts located all across the island, discovering the unique features of each branch can add an extra element of fun and exploration to your Jeju journey.

▽ Recommended Spots ▽

- Hanaro Mart Jeju City Branch (Highest Sales Nationwide): 206, Namgwang-ro, Jeju City, Jeju

-  Hanaro Mart Nohyeong Branch (Farmers’ Market): 77, Wolgwang-ro, Jeju City, Jeju

-  Hanaro Mart Hagwi Branch (Seafood): 7136, Iljuseo-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju City, Jeju

-  Hanaro Mart Andeok Branch (Bakery): 122, Hwasun-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju

One of Jeju’s most iconic local “soul foods” is gogi-guksu (pork noodle soup), so popular that it has even given birth to a “Noodle Culture Street.” Consisting of noodles in a clear broth created by simmering pork and pork bones and topped with sliced pork, the dish perfectly encapsulates a unique term from the Jeju dialect of Korean, “bejigeunhada,” meaning “a mouth-wateringly rich, savory broth.” Most gogi-guksu restaurants use noodles of a medium thickness, but certain devoted noodle maniacs travel to different shops seeking out slight differences in texture, such as those that use extra thick noodles. Traditionally, gogi-guksu is typically seasoned with rich pork broth, soy sauce, garlic, and pepper to create the distinctive savory flavor, but each region of the island offers its own twists, allowing you to choose the variation that best matches your own personal tastes: in Jeju City, vegetables like onion, green onion, and spinach are added for a cleaner taste, while in Seogwipo, the dish is made with seafood, resulting in a more complex, aromatic soup.

Rest stops located along the roads connecting Jeju and Seogwipo offer simple, yet special, foods. Warm up your body with some fish cakes, or fill up with gimbap or toast to recharge during a long drive. Some of the most famous gimbap spots on the island are found at rest stops, making them perfect for grabbing gimbap and enjoying a picnic before heading to Hallasan Mountain or setting off to Seogwipo. Let the unique flavors of Jeju Island bring warmth and fullness to your journey.

- Handam Guksu (Thin Noodles): 1F, 33, Aewol-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju City, Jeju

▶ Rest Stops

- Last Rest Stop Convenience Store: 2687, Pyeonghwa-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju City, Jeju

- Beonyeong-ro Rest Stop: 606-34, Beonyeong-ro, Jeju City, Jeju

- Wonmul Rest Stop: 257, Donggwang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju

- Dongbu Last Rest Stop: 710, Jocheonuhoe-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju City, Jeju

The falling snow in Jeju brings with it a new kind of excitement. There is a unique sort of enjoyment to hiking up a snow-covered oreum or Hallasan Mountain, with the crisp sensation of the snow crunching underfoot with each step adding a certain thrill to the vast white landscape. The appeal of hiking in winter lies in embracing the serenity of nature as you stroll along. Please be aware that hiking to Baengnokdam Lake at the summit of Hallasan Mountain requires advance reservation, and following safety guidelines is essential.

A number of forests in Jeju offer guided treks. Hearing the guide’s explanations and learning a little more about the island’s natural environment results in a more meaningful experience and a deeper connection to the forest than hiking alone. Guided trekking programs require advance reservation made through the relevant homepage.

Let go of the idea that the beach is no fun in winter. Despite the cold air, the ocean stays surprisingly warm, and surfing through the winter waves offers a special thrill not found in summer. The island is also home to several unique winter festivals, such as Beach Christmas and the Seogwipo Winter Sea International Penguin Swimming Festival; check the dates and choose whichever festival best matches your interests and itinerary. These winter Jeju activities make the season even more exciting, allowing you to stay active and have fun even in the coldest weather.

▶ MoonSurf: 1 Gwakji 7-gil, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju

▶ Festivals

- Beach Christmas 2025. 12.12~12.25 Hamdeok Beach

- Seogwipo Winter Sea International Penguin Swimming Festival 2026.1.1. Jungmun Saekdal Beach

※ For more details, please check “Festivals and Events” on the Visit Jeju website. (www.visitjeju.net/u/GJ4)

Even familiar Jeju landscapes feel new with the coming of winter. This year, as a number of locations across Jeju have gained increased recognition at national-level tourism awards, interest has been growing in exploring local villages.

Biyangdo and Jeju Olle Trail were both recognized by the “2025 Korea Tourism Awards.” Biyangdo is an island where peaceful villages sit amidst untouched nature; a leisurely stroll around the island allows you to experience the true essence of Jeju’s pristine natural environment. Jeju Olle Trail is the island’s signature walking route, connecting regions, people, and nature; the trail offers an even more profound experience in the calm of winter. “Gujwa-eup Sumbi Coastal Road” was recently designated as a National Tourist Road, quickly cementing its place on many travelers’ bucket lists. The open coastline, stone walls, and crisp landscapes bathed in cool winter sunlight make this road a perfect choice for a leisurely drive or ride.

Tangerine picking and workshops are popular winter pastimes offered by many villages in Jeju. From strolling between the trees in the orchard to pick your own tangerines, to using those tangerines to make traditional Jeju sangwetteok rice cakes and tangerine syrup, these programs offer one-of-a-kind opportunities to enjoy the subtle charm and unique vibe of Jeju Island. Jeju’s authentic villages have now become popular tourist destinations to linger in and observe locals going about their everyday lives. Experience some special moments as you embrace the calm and serenity of winter in Jeju.

▽ Recommended Spots ▽

▶ 2025 Korea Tourism Awards (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

- (Eco-Friendly Tourist Site) : Biyangdo, 146, Hallimhaean-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju City

- (Contributions to the Development of the Tourism Industry) : Jeju Olle Course 27, 437km (www.jejuolle.org)

▶ National Tourist Road (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport)

- Gujwa-eup Sumbi Coastal Road : Gimnyeong Beach ~ Jongdal Dumunpo Intersection 24.7km

▶ Tangerine Workshops

- Tamnane Farm Tangerine Experience Café: 1F, 88, Odangbille-gil, Aewol-eup, Jeju City, Jeju

- Goldong Farm Jeju Tangerine Experience: Hallasan Eorimok Route, Gwangnyeong-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju City, Jeju

- Harye Jeomppang (Harye Shop): 272, Harye-ro, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju