Jeju, the largest island in South Korea, was born from an undersea volcano about two million years ago: at the center, Mount Hallasan, the country’s highest peak; along the coasts, lava cliffs, beaches and volcanic cones. The volcanic island and its lava tubes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This guide to Jeju covers what to see, how to get there, where to stay and what weather to expect month by month, based on the official normals of the Korea Meteorological Administration.
To combine Jeju with the mainland, see our South Korea guide, the best time to visit South Korea calendar, the map of South Korea, and our guides to Seoul and Busan.
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Jeju at a glance
- Time zone UTC+9 all year (no daylight saving in Korea): London is 9 hours behind in winter and 8 in summer, New York 14 hours behind in winter and 13 in summer
- Climate 8.6 °C (47 °F) average high in January, 30.1 °C (86 °F) in August (KMA 1991–2020 normals, Jeju city)
- Best times April–May and October; the typhoon season normally runs from June to November (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 14 May 2026)
- Entry visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business; UK citizens are temporarily exempt from the K-ETA until December 31, 2026 (travel.state.gov, GOV.UK)
- Sights Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchulbong, lava tubes, Olle trails, volcanic coasts
What to see in Jeju
Mount Hallasan
A shield volcano that occupies the center of the island, Hallasan is the highest peak in South Korea. Its slopes are climbed on foot along marked trails within the national park. The weather changes quickly and it is much colder than at the coast: check access conditions and hours on the park’s official website before you go.
Seongsan Ilchulbong, the « sunrise peak »
At the eastern tip of the island, this tuff cone rising from the sea forms a circular crater. It is one of the sites of the UNESCO property and a classic sunrise viewpoint. The wind is often strong: bring a windproof layer.
The lava tubes
The « Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes » property also protects a network of caves formed by ancient lava flows. Some sections are set up for visits; the others are closed to the public. Find out which sections are open and their hours.
The coasts and the Olle trails
The island measures 73 km (45 mi) from east to west and 31 km (19 mi) from north to south, with 258 km (160 mi) of coastline. The Olle coastal trails circle it in stages, between basalt cliffs, beaches (such as Gimnyeong, in the north) and small harbors. In the south, the Seogwipo area is the mildest, with its waterfalls.
Jeju culture: haenyeo, shamanism and language
Jeju has its own identity: the Jeju language is rated critically endangered by UNESCO, and the island is one of the regions of Korea where shamanism remains most alive. The free-diving women divers, the haenyeo, and the volcanic stone statues known as dol hareubang are its most visible symbols.
Jeju in 3 or 4 days
- Day 1: Jeju city, the north coast and Gimnyeong beach.
- Day 2: sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong, then the east coast and a lava tube open to visitors.
- Day 3: a climb of Hallasan (early start, following the park’s rules).
- Day 4: Seogwipo and a stage of the Olle trails on the south coast.
Where to stay in Jeju
Two bases share most of the accommodation: Jeju city, in the north, convenient for the airport and late arrivals; and Seogwipo, in the south, closer to the waterfalls and the coastal trails. For a stay of several days with a car, alternating one night in the north and one in the south limits back-and-forth. Book early for Korean holidays and the spring blossom.
Getting to Jeju and getting around
The island lies 82.8 km (51 mi) south of the nearest point of the peninsula. Most travelers arrive on a domestic flight from Seoul or Busan to Jeju International Airport; ferries also link the island to the mainland. Check routes and schedules on the websites of the airport, airlines and ferry operators: in typhoon season, flights and ferries can be canceled.
Car, bus or excursions?
A car is the most flexible way to link the scattered sites around the island; buses also serve the main towns. If you rent, note that the UK FCDO says UK drivers need both the 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and their UK licence in the car, and that the IDP cannot be bought outside the UK (GOV.UK, updated 14 May 2026); check the requirements for your own licence with the rental company before you leave. It also notes that police take the position that drivers are at fault in accidents involving cyclists or pedestrians. Compare the rental company’s website and resellers: insurance, deductible, cancellation conditions.
When to go to Jeju: climate month by month
Jeju has the mildest winter in the country, but it is also the wettest region in summer.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Day/night gap | Sunrise / sunset on the 15th | Day length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.6 °C (47 °F) | 3.7 °C (39 °F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 4.9 °C (9 °F) | 7:38 am / 5:48 pm | 10 h 10 min |
| February | 9.9 °C (50 °F) | 4.0 °C (39 °F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 5.9 °C (11 °F) | 7:18 am / 6:17 pm | 10 h 59 min |
| March | 13.3 °C (56 °F) | 6.6 °C (44 °F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 6.7 °C (12 °F) | 6:45 am / 6:41 pm | 11 h 56 min |
| April | 18.0 °C (64 °F) | 10.8 °C (51 °F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7.2 °C (13 °F) | 6:04 am / 7:04 pm | 13 h 00 min |
| May | 22.1 °C (72 °F) | 15.0 °C (59 °F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 7.1 °C (13 °F) | 5:34 am / 7:26 pm | 13 h 53 min |
| June | 24.9 °C (77 °F) | 19.1 °C (66 °F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 5.8 °C (10 °F) | 5:23 am / 7:45 pm | 14 h 22 min |
| July | 29.3 °C (85 °F) | 23.7 °C (75 °F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 5.6 °C (10 °F) | 5:34 am / 7:44 pm | 14 h 10 min |
| August | 30.1 °C (86 °F) | 24.8 °C (77 °F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 5.3 °C (10 °F) | 5:55 am / 7:20 pm | 13 h 25 min |
| September | 26.1 °C (79 °F) | 20.9 °C (70 °F) | 228 mm (9.0 in) | 5.2 °C (9 °F) | 6:16 am / 6:41 pm | 12 h 24 min |
| October | 21.6 °C (71 °F) | 15.7 °C (60 °F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 5.9 °C (11 °F) | 6:37 am / 6:01 pm | 11 h 23 min |
| November | 16.4 °C (62 °F) | 10.4 °C (51 °F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 6.0 °C (11 °F) | 7:04 am / 5:31 pm | 10 h 27 min |
| December | 11.0 °C (52 °F) | 5.6 °C (42 °F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 5.4 °C (10 °F) | 7:30 am / 5:27 pm | 9 h 57 min |
Reading the table: in January the average low stays above freezing (3.7 °C (39 °F)). From June to September more than 170 mm (6.7 in) falls each month, peaking in August (272 mm (10.7 in)), at the heart of the typhoon period. April and May combine mild temperatures (18.0 and 22.1 °C (64 and 72 °F) highs) and moderate rain; May is the sunniest month (212 hours of sunshine, KMA). October (21.6 °C (71 °F), 95 mm (3.7 in)) is the other ideal window. These normals are for Jeju city, by the sea: it is much colder on Hallasan.
Safety and entry requirements
We read the South Korea advice of the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 14 May 2026) and of the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, South Korea page last updated August 11, 2025; Level 1, « Exercise Normal Precautions », advisory updated May 27, 2025). For the island, the key point is the weather:
- Typhoons: the FCDO says the season normally runs from June to November; monitor approaching storms with the Korea Meteorological Administration or call 131 in Korea for an English-language forecast. The State Department mentions heavy rain and flooding during the June–August monsoon season and the May–November typhoon season.
- Flooding: the FCDO says heavy summer rainfall, usually in June and July, may cause flooding, and flash floods are common in some areas.
- Earthquakes: strong earthquakes are unusual in South Korea but do happen (FCDO).
- Emergencies: police 112, ambulance and fire 119; the Korea Tourism Organization hotline, 1330, offers multilingual help (FCDO).
- UK citizens: you can enter for up to 90 days for short-term business or tourism with an onward or return ticket. British nationals traveling visa-free are temporarily exempt from the K-ETA until December 31, 2026; if you need one, apply only through the official K-ETA website (GOV.UK, updated 14 May 2026). You may submit the free e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival.
- US citizens: you need a valid US passport, and a visa for stays over 90 days or for work or study (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025). That page gives the K-ETA exemption only until December 31, 2024, so it is out of date on this point: check the official K-ETA website (k-eta.go.kr) and the Korean embassy before you travel for the rule that applies on your dates.
- See also our guide to travel entry requirements.
Staying connected
An eSIM installed before departure lets you use maps and transport apps as soon as you arrive. Check that your phone is compatible: see our travel eSIM guide.
If you… then…
| If you… | Then… |
|---|---|
| Want to hike Hallasan | April–May or October, start early, check the park’s rules |
| Are looking for beaches | July–August, accepting rain and typhoon risk |
| Travel in winter | Jeju is the mildest region of the country (3.7 °C (39 °F) average low in January) |
| Have only 2 days | Jeju city and Seongsan Ilchulbong |
| Travel from July to September | Leave some margin: flights and ferries can be canceled |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Jeju?
April–May and October: mild temperatures and moderate rain. The UK FCDO says the typhoon season normally runs from June to November, and August is the wettest month.
How do you get to Jeju?
Usually on a domestic flight from Seoul or Busan; ferries also link the island to the mainland. Check schedules with the operators.
Do you need a car in Jeju?
It is the most practical way to link the sites; buses serve the main towns. Check with the rental company which licence or permit is required.
Do US and UK citizens need a visa for Jeju?
No visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business. UK citizens are temporarily exempt from the K-ETA until December 31, 2026 (GOV.UK, updated 14 May 2026); US citizens should check the official K-ETA website, as the State Department page is out of date on this point.
How many days should you spend in Jeju?
Three to four days allow you to see Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchulbong, a lava tube and part of the south coast.
Our sources
- Entry and safety information: U.S. Department of State, South Korea country information (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025) and travel advisory (updated May 27, 2025); UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for South Korea (GOV.UK, updated 14 May 2026)
- World Meteorological Organization, 1991–2020 climate normals, Jeju station (47184), Korea Meteorological Administration (NOAA/NCEI archive)
- Wikipedia article « Jeju Island » (EN)
- Astronomical calculations: NOAA solar algorithm, applied by Destination de Voyage to the coordinates of Jeju city (15th of each month, year 2027)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
