4-Day Jeju Island Guide for First-Time Travelers (Where to Stay & Eat)

Jeju Island is often described as Korea’s “Hawaii” — a stunning blend of volcanic landscapes, sea-side cafés, and local cuisine. This 4-day guide shows you where to stay, what to eat, and how to experience Jeju like a local.

Where to Stay

Jeju City (North): Ideal for arrivals and first-time travelers. Easy access to Dongmun Market and Black Pork Street.

Seogwipo (South): Perfect for slower travel — waterfalls, cliffs, and scenic drives await.

Aewol & Seongsan: Great for café lovers and ocean views, especially if you rent a car.

• Short trips (1–2 days): Stay in Jeju City for convenience.
• Longer stays (3+ days): Split between Jeju City and Seogwipo.
• Using public transport: Stay near Jeju City center or bus terminals.

Where to Eat

Jeju’s local cuisine is one of the best parts of the island experience. Don’t leave without trying these:

• Jeju Black Pork BBQ: Visit Donsadon or Hwaro Hyang along Black Pork Street in Jeju City.
• Seafood: Try Gogi Guksu (pork noodle soup) or Galchi-jorim (braised beltfish) in Seogwipo.
• Cafés: Bomnal Café and Paul & Mary in Aewol offer amazing ocean views and desserts.
• Markets: Dongmun Traditional Market in Jeju City for snacks and souvenirs.

Food Tips: Have one meal for BBQ, one for seafood, and spend an afternoon in a scenic café. Bring a translation app for easy ordering!

4-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & North Jeju

Arrive at Jeju Airport → Check-in at a Jeju City hotel → Explore Tapdong Plaza and Chilsung-ro → Lunch at Black Pork Street → Sunset at Hamdeok Beach → Night stroll through Dongmun Market.

Day 2 – East Jeju: Volcanic Landscapes

Sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong → Brunch near Sehwa Beach → Explore Manjanggul Cave → Dinner in Seogwipo at a local seafood spot.

Day 3 – South & West Jeju: Nature & Café Culture

Morning hike at Hallasan Mountain or visit Hyeopjae Beach → Lunch in Aewol café strip → Visit O’Sulloc Tea Museum → Sunset dinner at west coast seafood restaurant.

Day 4 – Relax & Departure

Café-hopping morning → Brunch and souvenir shopping (hallabong oranges, Jeju chocolates) → Return to Jeju City → Farewell meal → Fly out from Jeju Airport.

Traveler Tips

• Rent a car if possible for full freedom.
• Book accommodation near café streets for photos and convenience.
• Include at least one “local experience” like a market visit or temple stay.
• Save this post for your Jeju trip!

FAQ

Do I need a car to explore Jeju?
Public transport works, but a rental car gives freedom to visit hidden spots easily.

What food should I try in Jeju?
Jeju Black Pork BBQ and fresh seafood are essentials — try Donsadon or Seogwipo’s coastal restaurants.

Where’s the best place to stay?
Jeju City for convenience, Seogwipo for scenery, Aewol for ocean-view cafés.

Written by Inside Korea — Your local guide to authentic Korean travel and life.