If you’re a fan of K-dramas, you probably first heard of Jeju Island while watching shows like Boys Over Flowers and Princess Hours. Considered a popular holiday destination among Korean locals both on-screen and IRL, the island is known for its natural beauty—think pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, and unique flora. Here’s a quick guide on how to visit "The Island of the Gods" and where to get the best views.
How to Get There
Philippine passport holders don’t require visas to visit Jeju Island as long as they fly direct to Jeju International Airport. There are, however, no direct flights from any Philippine airport to CJU. Flights from the Philippines usually stop over in either Seoul or Busan, which will require Korean visas. There are two ways to fly to Jeju visa-free:
1. Stop over at Hong Kong. Turn your trip into a multi-city tour by planning a stopover in Hong Kong, which has nonstop flights to Jeju Island via Cathay Pacific, Asiana Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Air Busan, and Hong Kong Express.
2. Join a packaged tour with a travel agency that charters direct flights. Large travel agencies like Rakso Travel include chartered flights via Philippine Airlines between Manila and Jeju Island in their packages.
What to See
Cheonjeyeon Falls
Also called "The Pond of God," the three-section waterfall serves as the perfect backdrop for any Instagram photo. It’s also home to the Seonimgyo Bridge, which features carvings of seven nymphs that, according to Korean legend, descend from the heavens at night to bathe in the waterfall’s pond.
Don't forget to check out the Seonimgyo Bridge while you're there!
Woljeongri Beach
Known for its white sand and bright blue waters, Woljeongri Beach is a popular spot to chill while enjoying a drink at a beachside cafe.
Sangumburi Crater
If you’re looking for a spot to take couple photos in, consider Sangumburi Crater. Take inspo from Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff’s pre-nup photo among the pampas grass.
Jeju National University
You can find cherry blossoms all over the island in spring, but one of the more popular places to check them out in is at the entrance of Jeju National University. The cherry blossom-lined street is a popular venue for the annual Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival. That said, it's beautiful during the fall season, too!
Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
A product of a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak is known for its crown-like crater, grassy hillside, and bright yellow canola flowers in springtime.
Noksan-ro
If you want to see cherry blossoms and canola flowers in one place, head on over to Noksan-ro. The 10-kilometer road is considered one of the 100 most beautiful in Korea.
