Jeju Island: The Ultimate 3-Day Bus Adventure

Hello there, fellow travelers! I’m Min, your local guide living right here in beautiful South Korea. 🇰🇷

If you’re planning a trip to Korea, you’ve probably heard of Seoul and Busan, but let me tell you—Jeju Island is the place where even we Koreans go to escape and heal. It’s a volcanic wonderland filled with emerald waters, mystical waterfalls, and the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste.

As someone who holds professional certifications in Korean Cuisine and Baking, I don’t just look at a dish; I look at the soul of the ingredients! Today, I’ve crafted the perfect 3-day itinerary specifically for international visitors who want to see the best of Jeju using its efficient public bus system. No car? No problem! Let’s dive into the magic of Jeju. 🌊✨

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🚌 Smart Tips for the Jeju Bus Traveler

Before we start, grab a T-Money card (available at any convenience store) and download KakaoBus or Naver Maps. Jeju’s express buses (the red ones!) are surprisingly fast and connect major landmarks beautifully.

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📍 Day 1: The Golden West – Emerald Waves & Sunset Vibes

Focus: Jeju City & Aewol/Hyeopjae Coastline

1. Yongduam Rock & Yongyeon Pond

Just 15 minutes from the airport, Yongduam (Dragon Head Rock) is your “Welcome to Jeju” moment. It’s a majestic basalt formation that looks like a dragon roaring at the sea.

Min’s Tip: Walk over to the nearby Yongyeon Suspension Bridge. The turquoise freshwater meeting the salt ocean is a sight to behold!

2. Hallim Park & Hyeopjae Beach

Take the 102 or 202 bus westward. Hallim Park is a massive botanical paradise featuring palm tree avenues and even lava caves. Right across is Hyeopjae Beach, famous for its “Gatorade-blue” water and white crushed-shell sand. It’s the most Instagrammable spot on the west side!

3. Aewol Cafe Street (Sunset Perfection)

End your day at Aewol. This area is the heart of “Jeju Sensitivity” (Gamsung). Sit in a glass-walled cafe, sip a Hallabong tea, and watch the sun dip below the horizon. It’s pure magic.

🏠 Where to Stay: Aewol (for the vibes) or Jeju City (near Nohyeong-dong) for easy bus access the next morning.

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📍 Day 2: The Southside Soul – Waterfalls & Local Flavors

Focus: Seogwipo City & Traditional Markets

1. The Majestic Waterfalls (Cheonjiyeon & Jeongbang)

Jump on the 181 or 182 Express Bus to Seogwipo.

• Cheonjiyeon: A peaceful walk through a forest leads to a hidden veil of water.
• Jeongbang Waterfall: This is a “must-see”—it is the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the ocean. The mist on your face and the sound of crashing waves are invigorating!

2. Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market

Time for a food adventure! This market is a sensory explosion.

• Black Pork Skewers: Topped with gooey cheese and a spicy-sweet sauce.
• Hallabong Juice: Freshly squeezed Jeju citrus that tastes like bottled sunshine. 🍊

3. Lee Jung-seop Art Street

Named after a famous Korean painter, this street is lined with cute craft shops, galleries, and stationery stores. It’s the perfect place to pick up unique Jeju souvenirs.

🏠 Where to Stay: Seogwipo City Center. It’s the hub for all buses heading east tomorrow!

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📍 Day 3: The Mighty East – Sunrise Peak & Haenyeo Heritage

Focus: Seongsan Ilchulbong & Sea Women Culture

1. Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)

Take the 201 bus. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a giant tuff cone rising from the sea. The 20-minute hike to the top offers a panoramic view that will leave you breathless (both from the view and the stairs!).

2. Seopjikoji

A short hop from Seongsan, this coastal trail features a white lighthouse against deep blue cliffs. It’s a favorite filming location for Korean dramas.

3. Haenyeo’s House (Lunch with the Mermaids)

You cannot leave Jeju without meeting the Haenyeo (Women Divers). These legendary women dive without oxygen tanks to gather seafood.

Min’s Foodie Insight: At a Haenyeo Uidong, try the Abalone Porridge (Jeonbok-juk). Because the abalone is caught fresh that morning, the porridge has a deep, nutty, and briny flavor with a beautiful green hue from the abalone liver—the hallmark of true freshness!

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🍽️ Min’s “Must-Eat” Jeju Selection

As someone who obsesses over ingredients, here is what you must taste:

Dish	Why It’s Special
Jeju Black Pork BBQ	Unlike regular pork, Black Pork has a distinctively chewy skin and incredible marbling. Dip it in Meljeot (salted anchovy sauce) for a savory explosion!
Gogi-guksu (Pork Noodles)	A rich, milky broth made from pork bones, topped with thick slices of boiled pork. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
Grilled Hairtail(or Braised hairtail)	These long, shimmering fish are a Jeju specialty. The meat is incredibly flaky, sweet, and delicate.

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💡 Final Thought from your Local Expert

Jeju isn’t just a destination; it’s a feeling. While Seoul moves at 100mph, Jeju moves at the pace of the wind. Even if the bus takes a little longer than a taxi, look out the window—the stone walls and orange groves are part of the journey.