Making the most of Jeju
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The port is 2km from Jeju City; see the transport information below. Korean performers will greet you with a lively show.
A smaller shopping and restaurant area near the pier can be reached on foot in about 20 minutes.
Cheju Island is approximately 50 miles long and 20 miles wide.
Take a printable map along.
Just off the Korean peninsula’s southern tip, Jeju Island is a semi-tropical paradise of luxury hotels, genuine regional cuisine, striking natural scenery, beaches and a charming rural character. This historic Korean island has long been a popular holiday destination for Koreans and Japanese visitors, though it remains largely unknown to most North American travelers.
Cheonjaeyeon Waterfall is a spectacular sight surrounded by enchanted lore. According to legend, seven nymphs came down from heaven at midnight to bathe in its pool. See the waterfall tumble from a 72-foot (22-meter) cliff, explore the surrounding forest and cross the arched bridge decorated with carvings of the seven nymphs.
Getting around
Bus: Jeju City’s terminal has services to many island destinations. Most run circuits between the terminal and Seogwip’o or Jungmun Resort on the south coast, calling at various sights en route. Several local buses cross the city, including the main #100 service between the airport and Jeju cruise terminal, via the bus terminal and most major hotels. Major hotels and tourist agencies also offer 1- and 2-day island tours.
Nearby places
At Hallim Park, explore underground caves and Bonsai Gardens containing Bonsai trees more than 150 years old. The park also has Jae-Am Folk Village, a stone exhibit water garden and Botanic gardens.
Food and shopping
For authentic Jeju island products, go to the Jeju Folk Arts Complex, where craftsmen work and display their art. The Jeju Folk Village offers more traditional ware and a chance to walk through historic and re-created buildings, with mountain fishing and religious villages, agricultural displays and a marketplace.
Money
South Korea uses the won. 1 US$= approx 1000 won.
ATMs are everywhere, but most Korean machines accept only local cards; foreign cards work at special Global ATMs. These are found at airports, some subway stations in major cities and many Family Mart convenience stores, so stock up before travelling into the countryside. Credit-card acceptance is very good, with Visa and Mastercard taken by all but the cheapest restaurants and motels.
Staying connected
Korean is spoken. English is fairly well spoken, especially among younger people, who are keen to practise their skills with english-speaking tourists.
South Korea is the world’s most wired country, and Cafes offering customers free WiFi, known as PC bang, are ubiquitous nationwide.
Police emergencies: call 112.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are Mon-Sun 1030-2000.