Summer Escape to Jeju Island
Jeju has been a famous escape destination from the buzz of the busy streets in Seoul. It’s a great vacation spot especially in the summer. Breathtaking green panoramas and clear beaches combined with the blue sky and cool ocean breeze become the reason for Jeju to be a perfect dream getaway during the hot holiday season.
We’ll be introducing you to dessert cafes, beach recommendations, and must go places for a relaxing visit, hot photo spots, and also tips for an easier trip!
Hydrangeas are in full bloom during the end of June to early July so make sure to not miss them! A newly opened cafe called ManorBlanc provides you a huge backyard with full bloom hydrangeas and roses. The inner interior is also filled with Baroque-feel decorations, making it a fully Instagrammable cafe for you to take photos at. On the second floor you’re able to sit down while enjoying a cup of fresh Hallabong ade and see the full view of the garden harmonized with the beautiful landscape of Sanbangsan mountain.
If you’re traveling with your family, or simply want to meet lovely animals --including Alpacas--, Father’s Garden is the perfect place for you to reminisce your childhood. Enjoy a stroll around a whole complex of decorated gardens, take pictures with more hydrangeas, and finally greet your favorite animals.
Along the way, visit Bangju church just before sunset time to enjoy the golden hour at the majestic glass-wood picturesque architecture by renowned architect Jun Itami. Take a breath while going to a peaceful walk around the mini ponds and large green field behind the church building. Next to this Instagrammable spot, there’s also an antique-themed cafe with a refreshing view of the backyard and also hills of Seogwipo city.
Photo by Rebecca
Jeju has many beautiful clear beaches, some of them are Hyeopjae, Hamdeok, Gimnyeong, and Woljeongri beach. If you want to go for a nice swim, Hyeopjae beach would be the perfect place as it has calmer waves. There are many kids around with their parents and also adults hanging around. GROOV cafe located just in front of the beach is also a good spot to enjoy sweet desserts. Hamdeok beach is a fun place if you want a more thrilling swim between the waves with your friends while also enjoying the view of the stepped hills. Enjoy the famous Jeju fish full-course menu at a semi-formal restaurant called GOZIP DOLWOOLUCK (고집돌우럭) just a couple minutes away from the main beach. My favorite beach of all is the Gimnyeong beach because of it’s white, soft sand and clear, tranquil, turquoise waters. There are no seaweeds flying around on the beach like the others, making the whole view clear. There are also areas with rocks for you to take photos and also an area with bigger waves for those of you wanting to learn how to surf. Moreover, on the main street you’ll easily be able to see a row of pretty cafes for you to chill and enjoy the view. Tokkimun is one of the famous ones! They also have the photobooth in front of their cafe so make sure to stop by and have your memories printed. Lastly, visit Woljeongri beach for a nice swim and kayaking, or take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the smell of the sea and the cool breeze!
Hyeopjae Beach / GROOV cafe
Hamdeok Beach / GOZIP
Gimnyeong Beach / Tokkimun
Woljeongri Beach
Renting a car would be much more comfortable but buses also work just fine if you’re willing to wait! There’s no subways so either take the bus or taxi --or a combination of both--. To save budget and also time, take the bus to go to a certain area and then travel around from one spot to another with a taxi if the next connecting bus takes too long. The most you’ll have to wait for buses is around 20 minutes but it’ll be more effective for you to check the timetable at the bus stops or through the Kakao Bus app. From the city center (Jeju city - Airport area), it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to go to the areas above but don’t worry because the chairs are very comfortable. Just make sure you have the Taxi, Bus, and also the Map app for a more efficient trip.
P.S.: Don’t forget to visit the famous Jeju must-goes: O’Sulloc for Jeju-only green tea dessert menus, Umu for the sweet and silky cup pudding, and Dongmun market for Jeju street-food delicacies!
