Jeju Island 4-Day Road Trip: volcanic landscapes, beaches, and island life

1일차 — East Jeju — Sunrise Peak + Lava Tubes

Pick up rental car at Jeju Airport. Drive east (about 1 hour) to Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak, ₩5,000) — hike to the crater top (30 min). Stunning volcanic crater with ocean views. Drive to Manjanggul Cave (₩4,000) — one of the longest lava tubes in the world. Lunch: black pork BBQ near Seongsan. Afternoon: Seopjikoji — dramatic coastal cliff (famous from K-dramas). Check into Seogwipo accommodation.

2일차 — South Jeju — Waterfalls + Seogwipo

Morning at Jeongbang Waterfall (₩2,000) — the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the ocean. Walk to Cheonjiyeon Waterfall (₩2,500). Explore Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market for lunch. Afternoon: Jusangjeolli Cliff (₩2,000) — hexagonal basalt columns meeting the sea. Evening: Yakcheonsa Temple (free) — largest temple in Asia, beautiful at sunset.

3일차 — Hallasan Hike + West Jeju

Early start for Hallasan (1,950m) — Korea's highest mountain. Take the Eorimok trail (easy-moderate, 4.4km one way). The hike takes 4-8 hours round trip. Pack lunch and water. After descending, drive to Hallim on the west coast. Visit Hyeopjae Beach — Jeju's most beautiful white sand beach with turquoise water. Dinner: abalone porridge (₩13,000) in Hallim.

4일차 — North-West Jeju + Cafes + Departure

Morning in Aewol — visit Monsant Cafe (ocean views) or Cafe Delmoondo. Drive to Hallim Park (₩12,000) for lava caves and botanical gardens. Stop at Yongmeori Coast Trail (₩2,000) at the base of Sanbangsan Mountain. Drive to Jeju City for souvenir shopping at Dongmun Traditional Market — tangerines, dried seafood, hallabong chocolate. Return rental car at the airport.