Jeju Island Travel Guide 2025: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary, Best Beaches, Hallasan Hiking & Car Rental Tips
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From my first sunrise at Hamdeok Beach to the thrill of conquering Hallasan’s summit, Jeju’s blend of natural beauty and quirky island culture instantly won me over. In 2025, Jeju is breaking records for international US traveler searches—everyone wants a perfect itinerary, honest hiking advice, and those reef-blue beach pics. If you’re planning to explore South Korea’s volcanic gem, this is your all-in-one, no-fluff, ultra-detailed guide. Let’s dive in!
🗓️ 3-Day Jeju Island Itinerary: See the Best, Stress-Free
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The key? Organize Jeju into East, West, and Central so you’re never zigzagging across the island. Here’s my tried-and-true 3-day itinerary:
Pro tip: Adjust this order if your flight comes into Jeju City or Seogwipo.
🏖️ Best Beaches in Jeju Island (2025 Edition)
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With volcanic coasts, turquoise lagoons, and cafe-packed sands, Jeju’s beaches are a global search trend. Here’s your definitive guide:
🥾 Hiking Hallasan: Jeju’s Ultimate Adventure
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Hallasan is South Korea’s highest peak (1,947m) and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Hiking Hallasan is iconic but requires preparation—here’s all you need to know:
- Trails: The two summit trails are Seongpanak (9.6km, gradual, popular) and Gwaneumsa (8.7km, steeper, stunning). Both take 8–10 hours roundtrip. No roundtrip summit: you must descend by your ascent trail.
- Permits/Checkpoints: Trailheads have sign-ins. Summit access is closed after 12:30 pm—plan an early start (latest trailhead entry 9am in summer).
- What to Pack: Weatherproof layers (temps drop 10–15ºF on top), 2L+ water, snacks, trekking poles, power bank. No shops or restrooms after mid-mountain.
- Wildlife & Flora: In spring/summer, watch for azaleas and wild deer. In winter, expect snow and ice—crampons are highly recommended.
- Safety: Don’t hike alone. Check weather (frequent fog, fast rain). Bring offline navigation if you don’t speak Korean.
- Access: Park at Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa trailhead (no bus direct early AM), taxi/drive best. Entry is free, but parking is about $2–4/day.
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Pro Tip: The summit crater view can be foggy. If it’s clear at sunrise—race to the top!
🚗 Jeju Island Car Rental Tips for US Travelers
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Car rental is the secret ingredient for a perfect Jeju trip—public transit is slow, especially for sunrise and hiking missions.
- License Requirements: You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) + US driver’s license (passport required for pickup). No exceptions.
- Booking: Book at least 2 weeks in advance, especially in peak seasons (May–Oct). Major rental companies: Lotte, AJ, SK, Jeju Rent-a-Car. Many speak minimal English but use translation apps!
- Pickup Location: Most rentals are at Jeju airport. Free shuttle from arrivals zone to car lot (3–10 mins).
- Insurance: Basic coverage is standard, but upgrade to full coverage for 100% peace of mind (damage, glass, tires).
- Navigation: Use Naver Map or KakaoMap (Google Maps barely works in Korea). Download offline area for backup.
- Gas & Parking: Most cars use unleaded gas (휘발유). Gas stations are frequent, especially near towns. Parking is easy at main sights but trickier Jun–Aug.
- Road Rules: Right-hand drive, speed cameras everywhere, watch out for scooters and farm vehicles! No tolls on Jeju highways, but strict DUI enforcement.
- Child Seats: Required for under 6 years old—prebook with your car to avoid hassles.
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Pro Tip: Return your car with a full tank—many companies charge extra for refueling.
📝 Bonus: Jeju Island FAQ for US Travelers
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Quick answers to top-searched Jeju questions:
- When is the best time to visit? April–June (flowers, mild), September–October (clear air, best weather). Avoid July–August for crowds, typhoons.
- Can I travel without Korean? Yes—signs at airports and major sights are bilingual. But offline navigation and Google Translate are lifesavers!
- Is Jeju safe for solo travelers? Extremely safe. Crime is very low, but mountain safety rules always apply.
- What food should I try? Black pork BBQ, abalone porridge, fresh tangerines, seafood stew, Jeju green tea, peanut ice cream, horse-meat sashimi (for the adventurous).
- Where to stay? Jeju City (North) for quick trips/Hallasan, Seogwipo (South) for Jungmun resort/coastal sights. Guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnbs are plentiful.
- Can I swim at all beaches? Not all year—swimming is allowed May–Sept. Some beaches have jellyfish or strong rips; obey lifeguards!
- Can I bring drones? Limited use—no drones in Hallasan Park or near airports, and registration is required for most devices.
💡 Pro Tips & Winning Jeju Strategies (2025)
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- Check weather daily—Jeju is famous for “4-seasons-in-one-day” drama.
- Carry local cash (KRW) for parking, street food, and rural shops. Not everywhere takes cards/Apple Pay.
- Respect nature—don’t stray off trails, and take your trash! Fines for littering are steep.
- Early starts win: beat tour buses and enjoy empty trails/sandy beaches.
- No tipping required, but thank staff with a smile or thumbs up!
- Mask rules exist for indoor public spaces (check for updates).
- Bookmark this guide and plan/adjust your own 3–4 day Jeju adventure with maximum flexibility!
©️ 2025 | Jeju Island Travel Guide: For US Travelers, Beach Lovers & Adventure Seekers
