---
node: dest_jeju
type: destination
slug: jeju
title: "Jeju"
lead: "Jeju is South Korea's largest island, a volcanic holiday isle of beaches, waterfalls and the country's highest mountain. Warmer than the mainland, it is the favourite escape for Koreans and a UNESCO natural wonder."
published: 2026-08-10
updated: 2026-08-10
image_file: jeju.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seongsan_Ilchulbong_from_the_air.jpg"
image_author: "Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service"
image_license: "CC BY-SA 2.0"
---

## Overview

Formed by volcanic eruptions off the southern coast, Jeju is a green island of lava fields, craters and a mild climate, crowned by the dormant volcano of Hallasan at its centre. Long a place apart with its own dialect and traditions, including the haenyeo women who free-dive for shellfish, it is now Korea's leading beach and honeymoon destination. Its coast, mountains and lava caves earned it World Heritage status, and it is reached by a short flight from Seoul or Busan.

## Highlights

Hallasan, the volcano at the island's heart, offers day hikes to its crater lake, and the tuff cone of Seongsan Ilchulbong rises from the sea for a famous sunrise. Waterfalls, black-sand and white-sand beaches, and the lava-tube caves ring the coast, and the haenyeo still dive off the shore. Coastal drives, gardens and the island's fresh seafood and black pork fill an easy holiday.