Our journey across the Jeju South and West Coast was the perfect continuation of our time on this beautiful island. After exploring the north and east, we set off to discover Jeju’s southern coastline, famous for its waterfalls, volcanic cliffs, hidden beaches, and even wild dolphins. This part of the island offered a more relaxed, nature-rich escape — and surprised us with some of the most memorable moments of our entire Jeju adventure.

Tip: Read our first part of Exploring Jeju Island: the North and the South Coast to get more information on arriving on the island and more highlights.

Like most visitors to Jeju, we began our time in the South in Seogwipo City, which had the highest concentration of hotels — perfect for a few days of affordable, convenient exploring. Our plan included the Seogwipo Olle Market, Jeongbang and Sojeongbang Waterfalls, the Saeyeongyo Bridge, a rocky beach known for fossils, and the scenic Soesokkak Estuary, famous for its black sand beach.

We checked into our hotel, Jeju the M, and didn’t waste a minute. Before heading out to explore, we treated ourselves to coffee at Liquid Coffee (aka Youdong Coffee) — and wow, what a start! The coffee was absolutely delicious, and we were in awe of the countless awards won by barista Jo You-Dong, which decorated every wall and even the ceiling. If you’re a coffee lover visiting Seogwipo, this place is a must.

Whenever we travel, visiting a local market is a must — and in Seogwipo, we found exactly what we love. We walked to the Olle Market, which wasn’t far from our hotel, and instantly fell under its spell. The atmosphere was lively and colorful, and Jeju’s famous mandarins dominated the stalls, lined up in glowing shades of orange. Everywhere we turned, we found souvenirs inspired by the citrus fruit — from umbrellas to hair clips and hats.

Between the fruit stalls were irresistible desserts. We picked up a red bean bun for later and devoured some mochi on the spot. We skipped the meat and fish sections and found a quiet spot in the fruit-and-veggie area, where we sat and simply watched the market world go by. It was vibrant, local, and absolutely worth visiting.

All those scents made us hungry, so we wandered the nearby streets in search of a vegetarian breakfast. After a few side alleys (and with some help from Google), we struck gold: a flavorful falafel bowl at My Poke.

That evening, we headed to the Saeyeongyo Bridge. The views were stunning — a small island in the distance, the sea shimmering beneath us, and the bridge itself glowing with changing lights. A path led to Saeseom Island, but with the sun setting and mosquitoes circling, we passed on the walk and instead visited a small fossil-filled bay nearby before calling it a night.

The next morning, we visited two nearby waterfalls. From the parking lot, a short walk brought us to Sojeongbang Waterfall — smaller and quieter than its famous neighbor and completely free to visit.

Next, we went to Jeongbang Waterfall, one of Jeju’s most popular sights. While it does have an entrance fee, the view made it worthwhile. A set of stairs led down to the rocky shoreline, where visitors were climbing over stones for the perfect shot. I stayed back, preferring to watch the scene from a distance. I didn’t need the perfect photo — just watching the falls and the people for a perfect memory instead.

Info: Entrance fee is KRW 2,000. The site closes at 5:40 PM.

Hungry again, we drove to the vegan restaurant Loving Hut. It took a moment to find, since we didn’t expect it to be directly on the main road, or that it wouldn’t have any parking. Like the locals, we parked on the sidewalk and headed inside for a satisfying meal.

Our final stop that day was the Soesokkak Estuary, known for its black sand beach and striking natural beauty. We strolled along the wooden boardwalks by the shore, admiring the unique volcanic rock formations.

We had hoped to take one of the traditional boat rides, but unfortunately, they were booked out well into the evening. Even so, the peaceful walk and dramatic scenery made the visit worthwhile.

Back at the hotel, we learned that My Poke — the only vegetarian spot nearby — was already closed. Tired and not in the mood to drive again, we grabbed some convenience store ramen from the building’s ground floor. A hot, simple meal that hit the spot. Satisfied, we curled up for the night, excited for what tomorrow would bring.

Before setting off for the southwest, we decided on a short morning walk to Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, which was only a few minutes from our hotel. But once we got there, we changed our minds. The day ahead was packed, and we wanted to conserve our energy for the bigger sights.

Info: Entrance is KRW 2,000 per person. The loop to the waterfall and back is approximately 1.5 km.

The Jungmun Daepo Columnar Joints were absolutely breathtaking. We were lucky with the weather — the sea glowed in shades of blue, and the sharp contrast to the black basalt formations looked straight out of a storybook.

Years ago, visitors could walk down to the rocks, but since the site was declared a Natural Monument, that’s no longer allowed — and honestly, we were glad it’s protected. The towering hexagonal columns, formed by cooling lava, stretched along the coast like an artwork of nature. It was hard to look away.

We took our time here, soaking up the sun and the views. The area was well-maintained and full of perfect spots for photos.

Info: Entrance is KRW 2,000 — absolutely worth it for this incredible coastal sight.

The Jungmun Daepo Columnar Joints were absolutely one of our favorite places on Jeju.

Our next stop was Sanbangsan Mountain, a dramatic volcanic dome that rises steeply from the landscape. The climb was a bit of a workout, but short breaks along the way gave us time to take in the sweeping sea views.

Near the top, we reached the Sanbanggulsa Grotto, a small temple set inside a cave. Inside, incense burned gently, and candles flickered — a peaceful, spiritual space. In front of the grotto, we watched a local woman offering massages on a yoga mat, where she literally walked on people’s backs! We didn’t try it ourselves, but it was fascinating to watch.

A bit farther down, we visited Sanbangsa Temple, home to a striking golden Buddha. The atmosphere here was calm and reflective, and we lingered, admiring the temple details and the landscape all around.

We had assumed it was possible to hike around the mountain, but learned that wasn’t allowed. Still, the views from the base were spectacular, and we found a peaceful bench to rest before moving on.

Just around the corner from Sanbangsan lies the Yeongmeori Coast, known for its dramatic cliffs and rock formations shaped by centuries of ocean wind and volcanic eruptions. The name translates to “Dragon Head Coast” — and standing there, you can see why.

Unfortunately, the entrance was closed when we arrived, so we couldn’t walk along the coastal path. Still, we admired the powerful landscape from afar, letting the salty breeze and crashing waves fill our senses. Even without stepping onto the trail, the beauty of Yeongmeori left a strong impression.

If we’d had a little more time, we would’ve loved to check out these places too. They were already saved on our map, just waiting for a future trip:

• Lunafall – A peaceful waterfall in a quiet area.
• Baksugijeong Beach – A rugged beach surrounded by cliffs.
• Yakcheonsa Temple – One of Jeju’s grandest temples.
• Haye Jinhawang Lighthouse – Windy views and coastal vibes.
• Keunkoji – A quiet seaside spot, off the beaten path.
• Gaekgat Columnar Jointing – Similar to Jungmun but less visited.
• Yeomiji Botanical Garden – Great for a calm or rainy afternoon.
• Santosha (Vegan Restaurant) – Had excellent reviews!
• Osulloc Tea Museum – A must for green tea fans.

Hopefully, you’ll get to visit a few of these on your own Jeju adventure!

With just one day left before heading back to Jeju City, we drove west and checked into Hotel J Raum, a small and simple hotel right by the sea. We chose it for one reason: we’d heard dolphins could often be seen from the shore.

We crossed the road and stood by the water — and just like that, it happened. A pod of dolphins appeared, gliding through the waves. It was one of those rare, perfect travel moments. And later that evening, they returned again.

We spent the entire day at the coast, completely mesmerized. That night, with the sound of the ocean in our ears, we fell asleep deeply grateful for the experience.

Before returning the rental car, we made one final stop: Café 901. And what a stop it was — the food was incredible and turned out to be our favorite meal of the whole trip.

For our last night, we checked into Hi Residences, a spotless, cozy studio with a kitchenette, washing machine, and everything else we needed. It was the perfect base for wrapping up our journey.

We spent our final afternoon with a gentle walk along Iho Tewoo Beach, home to Jeju’s quirky Red and White Horse Lighthouses. We found a shady spot, sat down, and watched the waves, feeling content and calm as the sun dipped lower.

We feel incredibly grateful to have explored Jeju Island, often called “the Hawaii of Korea.” From the moment we arrived, the fresh ocean air, the striking volcanic rock formations, and the dazzling turquoise waters captivated our hearts. Jeju’s lush and varied landscapes revealed a rich natural beauty that goes far beyond the typical tourist sights.

Our journey through the south and west of the island was truly unforgettable. Vibrant markets in Seogwipo, majestic waterfalls, and the dramatic basalt columns of Jungmun Daepo Columnar Joints each offered their own unique charm and left us with lasting impressions.

Sanbangsan Mountain stood out as a spiritual highlight, with its peaceful grotto and golden Buddha temple. We also watched a local woman perform a traditional back-walking massage — a fascinating glimpse into local culture.

Although we couldn’t fully explore Yeongmeori Coast due to the entrance closure, the view alone left a lasting impression. Jeju’s powerful and diverse nature continued to surprise us, moment after moment.

More than just beautiful sights, Jeju gave us unforgettable experiences, like dolphin sightings and hidden spots that felt like our own. The warmth of the island’s people made the trip even more special.

We left Jeju with full hearts and a strong wish to return one day and continue the journey.

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