Top 10 places to visit in Jeju during the winter
Jeju is one of the most beautiful and sensational places to visit in Korea, which accounts for its reputation as a top tourist destination in the country. Thankfully, even the cold chills that come with winter in Korea do nothing to dampen the magic that is found in Jeju. What is even more interesting is that there are specific places to visit and things to do that are particular to the winter season, to the point that it wouldn’t be weird to find that people have bucket lists for winter in Jeju. Some of these activities include picking mandarin oranges and devouring other Jeju winter fruits; going to see the beautiful flowers as they bloom with the winter season; playing in the snow; and hiking up the majestic and breathtaking Hallasan Mountain, amongst others.
Jeju is not as cold in winter as in other parts of Korea because of its coastal climate and the circulation of warm currents. The weather can be random, as there can be days where the temperature falls below 0 degrees and other days where it could be above 15 degrees. Hence, there is no need to worry so much about freezing all the time.
With that said, here are the top places to visit in Jeju to experience the charm and magic of the winter season:
- Hallasan Mountain
- Camellia Hill
- Jeju Aerospace Museum
- Maze Land
- Ecoland Theme Park
- Jeju Osulloc Tea Museum
- Dongmun Traditional Market
- Udo Island
- Jeju Folk Village
- Manjanggul Lava Tube
1. Hallasan Mountain
Location: 2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do.
Telephone: (+82) 064-713-9950
Website: https://www.jeju.go.kr/hallasan/index.htm
Hallasan Mountain is said to change colors and shape with each new season, making it one of Jeju’s most magical places to visit. During fall, this mountain is so breathtaking with colorful flowers and the bright red of the fall foliage. In the summer, it is a sight to behold with lush forests that glitter with the bright rays of the sun, and spring is sure to amaze you as the mountain blooms with royal azalea. All this cannot be compared to the majestic sight of the pure white, snow-covered mountain and surrounding flowers in the winter season.
Situated on the southernmost part of the Korean Peninsula, Hallasan Mountain is known as the tallest mountain in Korea, with an elevation of 1,950 m above sea level. It is home to various vegetation and stands as a majestic figure in Korea. Over the year, it has had different recognition both locally and internationally.
During winter, one can hike up the mountain to enjoy the natural beauty of Jeju and get to see the gorgeous snow flowers formed by the winter snow.
2. Camellia Hill
Location: 166 Byeongak-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Telephone: 064-792-0088
Opening hours: March-May (8:30am – 5:30pm)
June – August (8:30am – 6:00pm)
September-November (8:30am – 5:30pm)
December to February (8:30am – 5:00pm)
Entry fee: Adult (8,000 won), Teenagers (6,000 won), Children (5,000 won), and seniors (6,000 won)
Website: https://camelliahill4.wixsite.com/camelliahill01
Website (Korean only): https://www.camelliahill.co.kr
If you are in Jeju during the winter season, then I highly recommend a visit to the infamous Camellia Hill. It is a lovely 199,000-square-meter park that is home to 500 species of camellia flowers, represented by the 6,000 camellias found in the park. Although this location is beautiful all year, it is especially magical and romantic during the winter season when the flowers are in full bloom.
As the temperature drops in accordance with the winter season, the beauty of Camellia Hill takes on a more sensational glow. You can start by walking through the Camellia Wood, a breathtaking flower path filled with the sweet scent of camellias, then take a hike via the Olle Gil Trail and arrive at the Greenhouse, filled with different species of flowers. Then, there is the Garden of Mind and the Bosoonyeonji Pond, designed and built in style to embrace the natural environment and create a place for relaxation of the mind and body. After strolling through all this beauty, and taking enough wonderful pictures, you can relax with a cup of hot coffee.
3. Jeju Aerospace Museum
Location: 218, Nokchabunjae-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.
Telephone: +82 (0)64-800-2000
Website: https://www.jdc-jam.com/
Opening hours: daily (9:00 am – 6:00 pm). Closed third Monday of the month
A visit to the Jeju Aerospace Museum promises an escape from the cold chills of the winter season, a fun and interactive learning experience, and the chance to explore the explorations of mankind when it comes to space. So, it should be no surprise that it is on this list of the top places to visit in Jeju during the winter.
From educational tours to exhibitions, interactive displays, and other programs geared towards integrating learning and entertainment, the Jeju Aerospace Museum is committed to becoming a top educational and cultural institution for aerospace science. One can find different varieties of planes hanging from the ceiling of the building in the exhibition hall; which tells tales of aviation history and the Korean Air Force. Below them, there are gaming devices and aviation simulators to help you get a feel for the action. There are guided tours, such as the fun aerospace storytelling by the exhibition teachers and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s exposition on the 40 flight principles. In all, the Jeju Aerospace Museum excites the senses with historical exhibitions and stories, simulations of space travel and the like, and future space vision and technology.
4. Maze Land
Photo Credits: Seoul Travel Pass
Location: 2134-47, Bijarim-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Operating hours: Daily (9:00am – 6:00pm)
Website: www.mazeland.co.kr
If you are looking for a fun and exciting spot to enjoy the winter season in Jeju, then you must consider a visit to Maze Land. It is a theme park that is home to the world’s longest stone maze, which is about 5.3km long. This huge maze is made up of stones and wood from Jeju; said to symbolize the three things that are abundant – rocks, wind, and women. In Jeju culture, this is known as “Samda.”.
In Maze Land, there are three unique mazes with different difficulty levels, that are connected and can be traced using a map. Apart from the mazes, there is also the indoor museum, where one can choose from several maze games to play and learn about the history of mazes. Both adults and children would find the maze exciting and magical, as it has a very beautiful and mystical aura, and it doesn’t feel scary at all to be lost in the maze. The breathtaking scenery and amazing mazes are probably the reasons why it was featured in the romantic Korean drama Legend of the Blue Sea and used as a location for filming the Korean variety show Running Man.
Apart from the fun, you would have, there are also health benefits attached to the exercise of finding your way through the maze’s puzzle. Well, it is one place you definitely want to visit during the winter.
5. Ecoland Theme Park
Location: 1278-169, Beonyeong-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea
Opening hours: Daily (9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Telephone: +82 (0)64-802-8020
When winter comes, the forest in Jeju Eco Land Theme Park changes form to match the season, and white snow covers everything, making it feel like you stepped into a fairytale. You would certainly enjoy your visit to this place and have lovely moments, as this park promises an enriching time with nature and the opportunity to pamper your eyes with true natural beauty.
The highlight of your visit to the Ecoland Theme Park is the chance to explore the mystical Gotjawal Forest, aboard the old-fashioned Lincoln Locomotive. This tour through the forest gives you a closer look at the snow-covered trees, some creatures, and various native plants from over 200 species that can be found in the forest. You can make a stop at different other equally amazing sites, all of which contribute immensely to the charm of the Ecoland Theme Park.
The lake station, for example, balances the presence of a lake with the natural environment of trees and greenery. Then, you can also have a memorable picnic at the picnic station and just enjoy the day and the place where you have chosen to spend it. There is a snack bar nearby where you can delight in some pizza and the infamous Korean shaved ice dessert. You also get the chance to enjoy the beautiful flower paradise known as the Lavender, Green Tea, & Rose Garden Station, dine at the main station, and take loads of pictures in this shot-worthy environment. So, if you are looking for a spot to relax, heal, and enjoy the winter, then the Ecoland Theme Park is the place to visit.
6. Jeju Osulloc Tea Museum
Location: 15, Sinhwayeoksa-ro Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo city, Jeju-do
Telephone: 064-794-5312~3
Website: https://www.osulloc.com/kr/en
Opening hours: Daily, all year round (9:00am – 6:00pm) open all year around.
Nothing says winter like enjoying a delicious cup of hot tea in your favorite place. Well, this is exactly what the Jeju Osulloc Tea Museum offers, with a touch of elegance. The tea museum features a tea cup garden, a tea stone, an indoor garden, and a place to appreciate the view of the tea fields.
The tea stone stands as a symbol of the Koreans’ traditional tea culture and how it embraces the traditions of the present time. In the tea cup gallery, one can find invaluable tea wares that were used in different periods of Korean history. You can sign up and pay for classes where a professional tea master will roast the tea leaves that have been freshly harvested and extract the necessary ingredients from them. Finally, there is the tea store for purchasing tea products and settling down to enjoy a nice snack with a cup of fresh tea. Since its establishment in 2001, time and effort have been poured into making the Jeju Osulloc Tea Museum a fine tea museum and a top tourist attraction all year round. Needless to say, it is worth a visit, especially during the cold winter season, when you could do with a cup of steaming tea in a lovely place filled with Korean history, culture, and charm.
7. Dongmun Traditional Market
Location: 20, Gwandeok-ro 14-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Website: dm.market.jeju.kr
Opening hours: Regular Market (7:00 am – 8:00pm)
Night Market (6:00pm – 12:00am)
Established in 1945, Jeju Dongmun Traditional Market has become one of the largest and oldest markets in the country. It combines the features of a traditional market, a street market, and a seafood market; with lots of places to shop and enjoy a nice meal. It is no surprise that you would find it on the list of the top tourist spots in Jeju and the country at large. Whether you wish to buy affordable clothes, fresh seafood, beef, pork, fruits, or other general goods, you would certainly find a vendor among the 300 stalls located in this market.
During the winter, this place does not dull down at all. Many tourists find their way here to shop and stuff themselves with mouth-watering Korean street food such as the famous dol hareubang bread that is shaped like the famous statues found in Jeju or the abalone-wrapped gimbap. Apart from purchasing different things and enjoying the warmth of the market, there is also the nightlife to look forward to, when you can get a taste of tasty beers unique to Korea and enjoy some delicious seafood.
8. Udo Island
Address: 47, Udobong-gil, Udo-myeon,Jeju-si, Jeju
Udo Island is a lava plateau that was formed after several volcanic eruptions and is situated 2.2 miles off the coast of Jeju Island. It is also known as “Cow Island”, because it looks like a cow lying down. It is a lovely place to visit during the winter season, with several walking paths and mobiles to navigate through.
Although one would argue that being out in the open during the winter season is not so cool, exploring Udo Island in the mild Jeju winter chill is better than sweating profusely under the summer’s hot sun. From the delicious local delicacies such as the peanut ice cream and abalone dishes to the Udo Island submarine ride, and exploring the eight views of the island and other amazing sites situated there, there is so much to do, eat, and enjoy. You could decide to take a small walk or go around Udo Island using a rented electric bike, a scooter, or the designated bus. However you decide to explore the natural beauty of Udo Island, you will surely be glad you visited during the winter.
9. Jeju Folk Village
Photo Credits: Twenties Days Book
Location: 631-34, Minsokhaean-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Telephone: (+82) 064-787-4501
Website: www.jejufolk.com
The winter season does nothing to diminish the stunning traditional atmosphere and folklore beauty the Jeju Folk Village is known for. On the contrary, it illuminates it with an aura of mist and chills. So, it is definitely meant to be on this list of the top places to visit in Jeju during the winter season. You get to discover over 10 decades of Korean culture and tradition, immerse yourself in the natural environment, take a nice stroll and stop by spots where popular Korean dramas were filmed, and come to have a deeper appreciation of the folklore of the people.
The village was constructed with analysis and research from experts on history, which gives anyone who visits a feel of the way of life of the traditional Korean villagers. Aside from the displays and structures from the past, you can enjoy horseback riding, a nice tour through the facilities on ground, and even get to witness a mock traditional wedding. Of course, you also get to take lots of pictures and make beautiful memories here.
10. Manjanggul Lava Tube
Photo Credits: Amusing Planet
Address: 182, Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Cheju, Jeju-do.
Opening hours: Daily (9:00 am to 6:00 pm), but closes at 5:00 pm during winter. Closed every first Wednesday of the month.
For a nice time outdoors during winter, you should check out the Manjanggul Lava Tube. It is the 12th longest lava tunnel in the world and one of the top tourist destinations in Jeju. It takes about an hour on foot to explore the cave and marvel at all the features that make it charming, from the lava stalactites and stalagmites to the numerous rock samples, the onsite museum that gives insight into the origin and characteristics of the cave, and the relaxation area with trees and colorful rocks.
The Manjanggul Lava Tube is quite impressive, as it would feel like you have entered an underworld tunnel. Don’t be surprised to see a bat or a spider, as the Manjanggul Cave is home to some of these creatures that are naturally found in such an environment.
I hope this article has been quite helpful. Enjoy your winter time in Jeju!