GWANDONG & JEJU
This region combines the rugged mountains and sunrises of the mainland’s east coast (Gwandong) with the unique volcanic beauty of Jeju Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore stunning national parks, pristine beaches, and a distinct island culture.
Why Visit Gwandong and Jeju?
Volcanic Wonders: Discover Jeju’s unique landscapes, including the majestic Hallasan peak, lava tubes, and coastal cliffs.
Stunning Coastline: Witness the famous East Sea sunrises and enjoy Gangwon-do’s popular beaches like Gyeongpo and Sokcho.
Adventure Hub: Hike South Korea’s most beautiful mountains in Seoraksan and Hallasan National Parks in all four seasons.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Best time to visit. Enjoy mild weather for hiking and sight-seeing in both regions, with beautiful cherry blossoms/canola fields (spring) or fall foliage (autumn).
Deep Off-Season (November-March): Ideal for winter sports in Gangwon-do, which is known for its ski resorts. Jeju has mild but often wet and windy winters; good for budget travel.
Peak Season (June-August): Hot, humid, and rainy monsoon season (especially July and August). Expect crowded beaches, higher prices, and the possibility of typhoons, particularly near Jeju.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Gwandong
The dramatic, mountainous east coast, home to national parks, temples, and coastal cities like Gangneung and Sokcho. It’s renowned for its fresh seafood and is a top winter sports destination.
Your Smart Tip: To truly experience the beautiful, rugged coastline, drive along the scenic National Route 7, linking several famous pavilions and beaches like Gyeongpo.
Seoraksan National Park
One of Korea’s most beautiful and rugged mountains, with spectacular granite peaks, deep valleys, and ancient temples. It is a major destination for hiking and fall foliage viewing.
Your Smart Tip: The park’s inner area can be reached by a cable car from the main entrance, allowing for incredible views without an extensive, strenuous hike.
Jeju Island
A subtropical volcanic island designated a UNESCO site, famous for its unique geology, black pork, and the iconic Haenyeo (female divers) culture. The capital is Jeju City.
Your Smart Tip: Rent a car to explore the island’s diverse landscapes easily, as public transport can be time-consuming for covering remote areas like the coastal roads and western beaches.
Hallasan National Park
Dominated by South Korea’s tallest mountain, an extinct shield volcano. Hiking to the summit (Baengnokdam crater lake) is a full-day commitment but rewards with breathtaking panoramic views.
Your Smart Tip: You must make an online reservation in advance for the popular Seongpanak and Gwanseumsa trails to hike to the summit (Baengnokdam). The shorter Eoseungsaengak trail does not require a reservation.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
Gwandong has cold, snowy winters due to mountain effects and hot, humid summers. Jeju Island has a temperate oceanic climate, meaning milder winters but high humidity, heavy rainfall, and the risk of typhoons in summer/early autumn.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: Korean is the official language. English is limited in rural Gangwon-do. On Jeju, the distinct local dialect is rarely understood by non-islanders, but standard Korean is universal.
Safety: The East Coast is often subject to very high winds and waves in winter. Jeju’s mountain weather can change rapidly—always check the forecast before hiking Hallasan.
Haenyeo: Show respect to the Haenyeo (Jeju female divers). They are an important cultural and historical symbol; do not interfere with their work or attempt to take up-close photos without permission.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($25–$50), mid-range hotels ($80–$150), luxury ($180+). Prices are higher on Jeju Island during peak summer and in Gangwon-do during ski season.
Food: Local market meal ($8–$15), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($20–$40 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Intercity bus ($20–$40), Car rental in Jeju ($40–$70/day, essential), Ski pass in Gangwon-do ($50–$90/day).
Activities: Hallasan/Seoraksan Park entry (free–$5), Haenyeo performance (free-donation).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$100 (guesthouses, street food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $110–$180 (hotels, local restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $200+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours/flights).
Getting Around
By Car: Highly recommended, especially for Jeju Island and exploring the coastal towns/parks of Gwandong. Driving gives the most flexibility.
By Express Bus: The primary way to travel between major cities in Gangwon-do (Sokcho, Gangneung). They are modern, comfortable, and efficient.
By Plane: Frequent, inexpensive domestic flights connect Seoul/Busan to Jeju International Airport (CJU), making it the fastest way to reach the island.
Must-Try Food
Jeju Black Pork (Heuk Dwaeji): Locally raised pork, famous for its tender meat and rich flavor, usually grilled samgyeopsal style.
Haemul Ttukbaegi: A spicy, hearty stew with fresh seafood like clams, prawns, and abalone, served bubbling hot in an earthenware pot.
Mulhoe: A cold, tangy-spicy seafood soup/stew with raw fish and various vegetables, especially popular in Gangwon-do’s coastal cities.
Dakgalbi: A Chuncheon (Gangwon-do city) specialty of chicken, cabbage, sweet potatoes, and rice cakes marinated in a spicy gochujang sauce, stir-fried on a large plate.
Chodang Sundubu (Soft Tofu): A uniquely soft, savory tofu made with seawater in Gangneung (Gwandong) and often served in a plain or spicy soup.
Godeungeo Jorim: Mackerel braised in a spicy, sweet, and savory sauce with radish and kimchi, often served in Jeju.
Memil Makguksu: Buckwheat noodles in a cold, flavorful broth, a refreshing specialty of Gangwon-do.
Hallabong (Hall-la-bong): A large, sweet, and seedless citrus fruit, a Jeju Island specialty known for its distinctive top knot.
Udo Peanut Ice Cream: A creamy dessert with locally-grown, flavorful Udo Island peanuts.
Ggultarae (Kkul-tae): A traditional Korean court dessert, a sweet, taffy-like creation made from strands of honey, twisted around various nut fillings, popular in Jeju markets.
Must-Try Drinks
Soju (Jeju & Gangwon-do Varieties): The local spirits. Jeju has its own unique brands, often made with island water.
Makgeolli (Rice Wine): A milky, lightly carbonated traditional rice wine, popular in both regions.
O’sulloc Green Tea (Jeju): High-quality green tea harvested from the famous tea fields, especially popular as a latte or as a dessert flavor.
Local Fruit Juices: Especially Hallabong (citrus) and Omegi (Korean millet) juices, often sold at roadside stands on Jeju.
Beer (Jeju Craft): Local craft breweries are gaining popularity on Jeju, offering unique brews not found on the mainland.
Sikhye: A sweet, traditional Korean rice beverage, often served cold after a meal or from street vendors.