VISIT JEJU

Fall is the perfect season for outdoor adventures. Shake off the summer lethargy, stretch your limbs, and dive into nature. Take a calm stroll through forest paths while breathing in the fresh air, or run along the coastal road with views of the blue sea. Either way, you'll feel the summer's pent-up stress melt away, leaving you refreshed. And if you add the special memory of experiencing the life of a haenyeo (female diver), you'll feel Jeju's autumn become even more intimate, bringing you a step closer to the heart of the island!

How about taking a calm walk along the forest trails? Let's take a deep breath. Take time to recharge while breathing in the fresh air that nature provides. The chirping of birds and the sound of leaves rustling in the wind will soothe your troubled mind. Moreover, walking on hidden forest paths unknown to others will bring you an extra layer of joy.

▶ Sanyang Keun-Eonggot (956-6 Cheongsu-ri, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju-si)

▶ Hwasun Gotjawal Ecological Trail (2045 Hwasun-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si)

▶ Saemi Forest, Hoichun-dong (2390 Hoichun-dong, Jeju-si)

▶ Buso Oreum (San 2, Gyorae-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si)

If you want to move vigorously until you're out of breath, try running along the coastal roads with wide-open views of the sea. You can feel an exhilarating sensation of clarity as you face the cool breeze. Joining a Jeju running crew as a guest will make for a special experience.

▶ Running Groups in Jeju: Jeju RC (@jeju_runningcrew), Ddzen Running Crew (@ddzen_running_crew),  Cosat(@jeju_cosat)

▶ Running Routes: Yongdam to Iho Coastal Road, Suwolbong Coastal Road, Tapdong, Shinchang Windmill Coastal Road 

For a truly unique memory, challenge yourself to a real haenyeo stay where you can learn about the diving techniques and culture directly from the haenyeo. Unlike typical haenyeo experiences, you'll learn diving skills from the haenyeo 'samchun' (respectful term for older women) and catch seafood underwater alongside veteran haenyeo. You can even cook and eat the conch and octopus you've caught yourself, and experience wearing the traditional haenyeo diving suit 'mulsojungi' for photos. Enjoy Jeju's sea in a way that's different from regular swimming, immersing yourself fully in the ocean experience.

▶ Sehwa-ri Haenyeo Village Stay (https://picjeju.com/shop_view/?idx=128)

▶ Gimnyeong-ri Haenyeo Village Stay (https://picjeju.com/shop_view/?idx=139)

▶ Hado Fishing Village Haenyeo Diving Experience (Call 064-783-1996 or 010-6396-3075)

▶ Beophwan Haenyeo School and Experience Center (Call 064-739-7508) 

As the autumn breeze sweeps across the island, the silver grass sways in harmony. Climb one of Jeju’s iconic oreums (volcanic hills) on a clear day and take in the breathtaking view of silver grass. Saebyeol Oreum and Darabi Oreum are especially known for their lush fields of silver grass. For a truly magical experience, visit Dakmeoru Coast in Sinchon-ri at sunset. Here, you’ll find the setting sun casting a warm glow over the calm sea, with silver grass gently waving in the wind. Let's capture Jeju's autumn amidst the waves of silver grass.

▶ Dakmeoru Coast, Sinchon-ri (3403 Sinchon-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si)

▶ Eoeum-ri Silver Grass Fields (San 68-5, Eoeum-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si)

Pink muhly grass, known as 'Western silver grass', is another scenic view you can enjoy in autumn. Wandering through these vibrant pink fields feels like stepping into a dream, evoking a sense of childlike wonder. The soft, delicate touch of the grass adds a special charm to your day.

▶ Saebille (1529 Pyeonghwa-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si)

▶ Saemi Hill (133 Jonginnae-gil, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si)

In autumn, when the sky is high and the horses grow fat, why not immerse yourself in the especially enchanting flavors of Jeju? From perception-changing horse meat dishes to the spicy stir-fried pork 'duruchigi', along with nourishing fish soups and traditional ceremonial dishes (sikgae), these culinary delights will surely revive your appetite lost to the summer heat.

Curious about horse meat? Jeju does it best. Forget any preconceived notions —Jeju’s horse meat is tender, flavorful, and utterly delicious. Whether you enjoy it as raw yukhoe, grilled to perfection, or in a delicate shabu-shabu, you’ll be surprised by the depth of flavor. And for something truly unique, try a juicy horse meat burger—an unforgettable treat.

Jeju and Pork: A Perfect Pairing. The spicy duruchigi, stir-fried in a deliciously hot sauce that's sure to blow your stress away, is perfect for a satisfying meal. Let's try a bite wrapped in lettuce, generously filled with bean sprouts, green onion strips, and radish julienne, topped with appetite-stimulating salted anchovy sauce (meljeot). There’s nothing better than sharing this delicious dish with friends and family.

A hearty bowl of slow-cooked fish soup is also ideal as a restorative meal. For a true taste of Jeju, dive into a bowl of rich, hearty fish soup. Savor the thick galchi-guk made with plump hairtail, cabbage, and chunks of yellow pumpkin, or the clear yet hearty gakseji-guk with mackerel scad, and the mild yet flavorful mel-guk with anchovies. Don't miss out on the soul-warming okdom-jiri (tilefish soup) and jangdae-guk (spiny red gurnard soup), both rich and comforting broths that will cleanse your palate.

Experience Jeju’s Unique Ritual Feasts. Just as Andong is known for its heotjesatbap, Jeju has its own traditional sikgae dishes, a key part of the island’s cultural heritage. Celebrate Chuseok with a feast of Jeju’s ritual foods, including grilled okdom, savory meat skewers (featuring pork, beef, and even shark), crispy bingtteok (buckwheat pancakes), and golden-brown jeon (Korean pancakes). This is Jeju’s soul food, served up with a side of history.

Autumn in Jeju is more than just beautiful scenery—it’s also a time for vibrant cultural festivals. October kicks off with the island’s signature event, the Tamna Cultural Festival, which offers something for everyone, from traditional performances to modern art. In addition, a diverse array of artistic performances and events will be held every month until November.

For those who love the outdoors, Jeju’s festivals offer unique ways to experience the island’s natural beauty. Don’t miss the Jeju World Heritage Festival, where you can explore hidden sections of lava tubes that are normally off-limits to the public. And for a more leisurely experience, join the Jeju Olle Walking Festival from November 7th to 9th, where you can stroll along scenic trails surrounded by autumn’s splendor.

▶ Forest in Autumn (Sept 7-8) / 2024 Jeju Pet Fair (Oct 4-6) / Sinsan Light Festival (Oct 3-9)

▶ Jeju Haenyeo Festival (Sept 20-22) / Tamna Cultural Festival (Oct 5-9) / Seogwipo Chilsibli Festival (Oct 18-20)

▶ 2024 Culture Day - Culture Delivery to Every Corner, New Tamna Culture Day (Last Wednesday of every month and the corresponding week)

▶ For more details on these events, visit: https://www.visitjeju.net/u/EQN

This fall, why not take a nostalgic journey to some of Jeju’s unique cultural spaces and recharge your spirit? Old school buildings that once stood empty have been given a new lease on life, transformed into vibrant cafés, cultural hubs, and community centers. Eoeum School has been reimagined as a cozy café and guesthouse, complete with a sprawling lawn, trampoline, and playground—perfect for a family outing.

▶ Eoeum School 1963 (376 Eorimbi-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si) 

▶ Josu Elementary School Museum (1F, Ra Dong, 449 Yonggeum-ro, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju-si)

▶ Murung Farm (35-8 Jungsangansero 2881beon-gil, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si)

At the Kim Young-Gap Gallery Dumoak Museum, housed in the renovated Samdal Branch School, visitors can view the works of photographer Kim Young-Gap. His photographs, taken over a span of more than 20 years, beautifully capture Hallasan Mountain and the oreums (small volcanic cones) that characterize Jeju Island's unique landscape. The Natural History and Culture Museum features the work of Seojae-cheol, a photographer who has documented Jeju’s culture and daily life. His images offer a glimpse into the island’s past, preserving memories of Jeju’s disappearing scenery.

 ※ Note: Closed from July to October; please check opening hours before visiting.

▶ Natural History and Culture Museum (46 Gasi-ro 613beon-gil, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si)

▶ Art Space Sanyang (3181 Jungsangansero, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju-si)

There’s something magical about a good book or a favorite song while you’re on the road. Visit an LP café with an old-school vibe, where you can listen to music and reflect on your journey. Or pick up a book—whether it’s an essay, a novel, or a collection of poems—and let the words deepen your autumn experience.

This autumn, find serenity in Jeju’s beautiful natural landscapes. Escape the urban grind and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Jeju’s great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned camper with all your gear or prefer the convenience of a forest lodge, Jeju’s campgrounds offer the ideal retreat.

Set up your tent on a deck or opt for a comfortable stay in one of the forest lodges, where the crisp, clean air will help you unwind. As night falls, embrace the solitude of a peaceful evening, with the soft chirping of crickets and a blanket of stars overhead. Wake up refreshed and take a morning walk through the forest, breathing in the fresh air and starting your day on the right note. A day spent in nature’s embrace will leave you refreshed and recharged, offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.

▶ Seogwipo Natural Recreation Forest Campground (882 1100-ro, Seogwipo-si)

▶ Bulgeunoreum Natural Recreation Forest Campground (1487-73 Namjo-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si)

▶ Gyorae Natural Recreation Forest Campground (2023 Namjo-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si)

▶ Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest Campground (584 Myeongnim-ro, Jeju-si)

* Reservations are required through the Forest Trip website.

▶ Moguri Campground (260 Seseongil-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si) 

▶ Gwaneumsa District Campground (588 Sanrokbuk-ro, Jeju-si)

* Please call ahead or make a reservation before visiting.