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Jeju-si

Jeju-do's capital, Jeju-si (제주시) makes a convenient base to explore the island, with a few historic structures, plenty of shopping, the island's hippest bars and a large range of places to eat. Within sniffing distance of the sea, Tapdong-ro has an incredible number of seafood and pork restaurants, which continue along the coastal road at Yongduam Rock with nice seaside views and ample bars and pensions. Boutique sleeping and eating can be found in Shin Jeju. The most interesting sights, such as Jeju Stone Park and Jeju Loveland, are out of town, but easily accessed either by bus or taxi.

Although Seogwipo in the south is more atmospheric, Jeju-si is the main entry point to to the island, either by air or sea, with the city centre only 4km east of Jeju International Airport and even closer to its ferry ports, making for an easy stopover before or after any trip.

Explore Jeju-si

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Jeju-si.

  • Museum

    Arario Museum

    One of the island's most interesting art projects, Arario has four galleries in renovated buildings in and around the Tapdong area hosting permanent and…

  • Museum

    Jeju April 3 Peace Park

    Thoughtful and evocative, this museum chronicles the events that led up to and followed the ‘April 3 Incident’ – a series of island massacres between 1947…

  • Gallery

    Jeju Museum of Art

    View interesting permanent and temporary exhibits of contemporary visual art at this excellent gallery next to Jeju Loveland. The beautifully designed…

  • Historic Site

    Jeju Mokgwana

    Jeju's administrative centre under the Joseon dynasty, destroyed during Japanese rule, has been reconstructed. The cluster of historical buildings have an…

  • Museum

    Jeju Loveland

    This erotic outdoor theme park created by art students and graduates of Seoul’s Hongik University features hundreds of sexy and frequently comic…

  • Forest

    Saryeoni Forest

    On the eastern border of Hallasan National Park, this is a popular weekend walking destination with 15km of forest paths shaded by maples, oaks and cedars…

  • Beach

    Iho Tewoo Beach

    The nearest beach to Jeju-si is blessed with an unusual mixture of yellow and grey sand, which means you can build two-tone sandcastles. It's also…

  • Park

    Jeju Stone Park

    Creating a park dedicated to rocks on a rock-littered island might sound a snooze, but you’ll quickly reassess that opinion after touring this beguiling…

  • Waterfront

    Tapdong Promenade & Waterbreak

    Jeju-si itself doesn’t have a beach, but along the Tapdong seafront runs this pleasant promenade. At the eastern end, walk along the mosaic-decorated sea…

  • Beach

    Samyang Beach

    The first beach east along Hwy 1132 from Jeju-si is Samyang, which is jet black when wet. In summer join the locals and bury yourself in the iron-rich…

  • Viewpoint

    Yongduam Rock

    ‘Dragon Head Rock’ (so called because the volcanic rocks are supposed to resemble a dragon) attracts coachloads of tourists. Besides rock-watching, plane…

  • Museum

    Jeju Folklore & Natural History Museum

    Wide-ranging eco-museum with exhibits on Jeju-do’s varied geological features, including volcanic bombs, lava tubes and trace fossils. Other highlights…

  • Historic Building

    Gwandeok-jeong

    Outside the main gate of Jeju Mokgwana is the 15th-century pavilion Gwandeok-jeong, Jeju’s oldest building, once used as a training place for soldiers.

  • Landmark

    Jeju City Hall

    Apart from some murals on the exterior of Jeju-si's City Hall, it is unremarkable and referred to mostly as a landmark. Many local buses converge at the…