Noah takes the world

If you plan to travel solo to Korea, you should take a solo trip to Jeju Island. This is the largest island in Korea and one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. Jeju Island is known as the “Hawaii” of Korea.

It has its own culture that is unique to the volcanic island. So, visiting Jeju Island is not only relaxing, but also, it is a great way to experience a different side of mainland Korea. 

This post may have affiliate links. I receive a small percentage if you book a hostel or attraction through my recommended links. This is at no extra cost to you and helps me reach my goal of becoming a full-time digital nomad.

Visiting Korea? Read more solo guides:

• 10 Things To Do During a Solo Trip to Seoul
• 8 Things To Do During a Solo Trip to Busan

One of the most notable sights on Jeju Island is Mt. Hallasan, the tallest mountain in Korea. However, that active volcano is just one of this island’s many natural wonders. 

There are plenty of things to do alone in Jeju. Here are my favorite activities to do during a solo trip to Jeju Island. Jeju’s robust bus network and friendly tourist industry make it an enjoyable place to take a solo trip. 

Is It Safe To Travel to Jeju Island?

It is safe to take a solo trip to Jeju Island. Because of social and cultural standards, South Korea frequently ranks as one of the safest places in the world. Remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings, but you should not worry about taking a solo trip to Jeju Island. 

The biggest safety concerns on the island do not even relate to crime. First, You need to be careful about swimming in rough currents. Also, you should read weather reports before your trip because Jeju Island is vulnerable to tsunamis and flooding. 

Overall, you will enjoy solo traveling to Jeju Island. Plenty of friendly people are here, eager to guide tourists who need extra help. 

Where Should You Stay During Your Jeju Island Solo Trip?

You will want to find a place to sleep during your solo trip to Jeju Island. You will need somewhere to rest your body after all the swimming and hiking!

Since Jeju Island is a relatively small place, there are fewer options for affordable accommodation than Seoul or Busan, but luckily there still are hostels on this tranquil island. 

Booking.com

READ: Why Should I Stay in a Hostel for My Solo Trip?

I recommend staying at Bed Radio Dongmoon Hostel because it is only 5 minutes from the bustling Dongmun Market and 12 minutes from the Jeju Ferry Terminal. 

Besides its ideal location, this hostel has beds with curtains, a free breakfast, and a simple check-in process. The island has cheaper guesthouses, but Bed Radio Dongmoon Hostel has some of the highest ratings. 

How Do You Get Around Jeju Island

The best way to get around Jeju Island is to take local buses. Jeju Island has a very robust local bus network. You do not need a car to get around the island. I visited all the sites listed below by walking and talking on the bus.

The bus begins at a base fare of 1,200 won and gets more expensive the further you go. Use the Naver Transportation App to access bus schedules and see bus fares. Use a T-money card to pay for your bus trip. You can buy these reloadable transportation cards at convenience stores in Korea. 

1. Hike the Highest Mountain in Korea

If you are an avid hiker, you should consider hiking Mt. Hallasan during your solo trip to Jeju Island. Hiking Hallasan is not a technical climb, meaning even amateur hikers can summit this peak.

The hardest part about climbing this volcano is its length. It will take over 10 miles to complete the trail round-trip. The elevation gain is nearly 4,000 feet, which is considerable and tiring. Also, dress warmly for this hike! Even though Jeju is tropical and humid, the summit can be chilly. 

The most popular way to reach the summit is the Seongpanak Trail, which has more frequent buses than the other trail to Hallasan, the Gwaneumsa Trail. However, I think the Gwaneumsa Trail is more scenic. Therefore,  I recommend taking the Seongpanak Trail up and the Gwaneumsa Trail down. This is the most scenic route you can access via public transportation. 

You will need a permit to hike to Hallasan. These permits sell out, so making a permit reservation a few months before your solo trip to Jeju Island is best. If you cannot get a reservation, there are other trails to reach Hallasan, but you will need a car to reach those trailheads. 

2. Eat at Dongmun Market

Although Jeju Island is a relatively small island, it has one of my favorite markets in the country. The Dongmun Market is compact but home to delicious, cheap food. 

It is one of the most lively places in Jeju, so it gets busy. Although it can get crowded, it is also a great place to meet fellow travelers and initiate conversations. 

The food vendors change daily, so you can enjoy a wide variety of food if you visit this market more than once during your solo trip to Jeju Island. I ate some unforgettable fried chicken and snacked on sweet hotteok (brown sugar pancakes). 

3. Picnic at Sanjicheon Park

Although I loved Dongmun Market so much that I ate there every night of my solo trip to Jeju Island, I did not love eating my food in its crowded alleyway. The downside to eating street food is having nowhere to sit to enjoy your meal.

A few minutes away from the market is Sanjicheon Park, which is a relaxing place to eat close to Dongmun Market. This urban nature preserve is not extremely exciting, but it is a nice urban oasis. 

Eating here is much more enjoyable than dining elbow-to-elbow in Dongmun Market. Solo trips are meant to be relaxing! This is a great space to reflect and mindfully eat your flavorful street food. 

4. Watch the Sunset 

No matter where I am solo traveling, I always try to watch the sunset during my solo trip. When you take a solo trip to Jeju Island, you must prioritize this. The sunsets on Jeju Island are particularly exquisite and unforgettable.

Although you can watch the sunset almost anywhere on the island, the best spots are on the Jeju City side of the island (the side of the island home to the airport). Although the Seogwipo City side of the island has gorgeous beaches and waterfalls, it is better for viewing the sunrise. 

For an incredible sunset experience, you can walk the Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road, a pedestrian-friendly trail along the sea, or go to the white sand Hyeopjae Beach. 

My favorite spot on the island for sunset viewing is Iho Tewoo Beach. Although the sand is not as white as Hyeopjae Beach, this beach is more accessible by bus and closer to central Jeju. If you arrive in Jeju in the late afternoon, you can reach this beach right before sunset because it is just minutes from the airport. 

5. See Two Horse-Shaped Lighthouses

Although Iho Tewoo Beach is a premiere spot to view the sunset, this beach has other notable qualities, specifically two horse-shaped lighthouses. 

The shape of the lighthouses may seem a little weird, but they actually resemble native Jeju horses. These lighthouses are eye-catching and fun to photograph. 

You will have to walk a few minutes from Iho Tewoo Beach to reach the edge of the lighthouses, but it is a very enjoyable walk. You will run into locals grilling on the beach and families flying kites. Iho Beach is a calming place to visit during a solo trip to Jeju Island. 

6. Photograph a Unique Crater

One of the most interesting geologic landmarks on Jeju Island is Seongsan Ilchulbong. This volcanic cone resembles a huge castle floating in the bay. It is one of the most photogenic spots on the island. It is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From March to October, you can climb to the top of this dormant volcano from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. From November to December, the hours are 7:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. It costs about 5,000 won (less than $4 USD) to climb.

For free, you can hike down the iconic landmark to a small beach on the side of the crater. Although this site is beautiful, it is also a historic spot because it is home to the Jeju Women Divers, known as Haenyeo. 

You can watch these women divers sing and possibly even dive during daily show times held at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. These women used to lead the Jeju economy. They would make a living collecting food from the ocean floor without relying on modern diving equipment. 

7. Visit a Rare Type of Waterfall

Near Seogwipo, the largest city on the south side of Jeju, you will find Jeongbang Waterfall. This waterfall is known as the only waterfall in Korea that directly falls from land to sea. 

This spot can get a little crowded, so try to come here early in the day or closer to sunset to avoid some of the crowds. A benefit of visiting Jeongbang Waterfall is that a visit to the smaller Sojeongbang Waterfall is also included in the 2,000 won ticket. 

After you visit the less crowded Sojeongbang Waterfall, turn right on the path instead of returning to the parking lot. Here, you can access the underrated Jeju Olle Trail 6. This trail is a great spot to escape the large crowds of tourists that sometimes occupy this area.

8. Relax at Woljeongri Beach

After a long day of hiking and exploring Jeju, it is nice to relax at the beach. One of my favorite beaches to visit during a solo trip to Jeju Island is Woljeongri Beach.

This beach is less “touristy” and feels more authentic than other beaches on the island. The sand here is white, and the water appears emerald. You can also enjoy the many cafes and restaurants surrounding the idyllic beach.