7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Jeju Island

Jeju Island, a gem off the southern coast of South Korea, is a haven for digital nomads seeking a blend of serene nature and vibrant culture. While the island itself offers plenty to explore, the surrounding region also presents a variety of weekend getaways that cater to all tastes. From popular tourist spots to hidden locales off the beaten path, here are seven destinations that promise to enrich your stay on Jeju Island.

Seogwipo City

As the second-largest city on Jeju Island, Seogwipo is a bustling hub of activity and a perfect weekend escape for those looking to experience urban life amidst natural beauty. The city is known for its stunning waterfalls, such as Cheonjiyeon and Jeongbang Falls, and the Olle Market, where you can indulge in local street food. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking trails and the nearby Oedolgae Rock, while art lovers can visit the Lee Jung Seop Art Street for galleries and craft shops.

How to Get There: Seogwipo is easily accessible by bus from Jeju City, with the journey taking approximately an hour.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market for a taste of local Jeju delicacies like black pork and fresh seafood.

Where to Stay: The Kensington Hotel Jeju offers luxurious accommodations with ocean views, while the Jeju Hana Hotel provides a more budget-friendly option with comfortable amenities.

Where to Eat: Visit the Olle Traditional Tea House for a relaxing atmosphere and a selection of fine Korean teas, or head to the Sikdorak restaurant to savor the famous Jeju black pork barbecue.

Udo Island

Just a short ferry ride from Jeju, Udo Island is a popular destination known for its pristine beaches, such as Seobin Baeksa, and the unique coral sand of Hagosudong Beach. Rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the island's scenic roads, visit the Udo Maritime Park, or take a submarine tour to discover the underwater world. The island's peanut ice cream is a must-try treat for visitors.

How to Get There: Take a ferry from Jeju's Seongsan Port to Udo Island, which runs frequently throughout the day and takes about 15 minutes.

Travel Tip: Climb to the top of Udobong Peak for a panoramic view of the island and the surrounding ocean.

Where to Stay: Udo Prince Hotel offers comfortable rooms with sea views, while the Udo Guesthouse provides a cozy and affordable stay.

Where to Eat: The Udo Peanut Restaurant is famous for its peanut ice cream and other peanut-based dishes, a local specialty of the island.

Yongmeori Coast

For a truly unique experience, visit the Yongmeori Coast, where the dramatic cliffs and rock formations create a landscape that resembles a dragon's head diving into the sea. This geological wonder is best explored on foot, with a coastal walk that offers breathtaking views. The nearby Sanbangsan Mountain, with its temple and hot springs, is also worth a visit.

How to Get There: Yongmeori Coast is accessible by car or bus from Jeju City, with the journey taking approximately 45 minutes.

Travel Tip: Check the tide schedule before visiting, as the coast is only accessible during low tide.

Where to Stay: The Sanbangsan Garden Villa offers a tranquil retreat near the coast, while the Dragon Head Rock Glamping site provides a unique outdoor experience.

Where to Eat: The Sanbangsan Mountain Carbonate Hot Springs has a café where you can enjoy light refreshments with a view of the mountain.

Gapado Island

Gapado Island is a lesser-known gem that offers a peaceful escape from the more touristy areas of Jeju. The island is characterized by its green barley fields, which are especially beautiful in the spring. Visitors can rent bicycles to explore the island, visit the Gapado Marine Park, or simply relax on the quiet beaches. The island's modest size makes it possible to see much of it in a single day.

How to Get There: Take a ferry from Jeju's Moseulpo Port to Gapado Island, which takes about 20 minutes.

Travel Tip: Visit during the Gapado Green Barley Festival in April to experience the island's vibrant culture and natural beauty at its peak.

Where to Stay: There are a few guesthouses on Gapado Island, such as the Gapado Green Guesthouse, offering a comfortable and intimate stay.

Where to Eat: The island has several small restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes, with the Gapado Seafood Restaurant being a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Chuja Island

Chuja Island is an archipelago of small islands between Jeju and the Korean mainland, offering a tranquil getaway for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. The islands are a hotspot for fishing and scuba diving, with clear waters and abundant marine life. Hiking trails and the picturesque lighthouses provide stunning views of the surrounding sea.

How to Get There: Ferries to Chuja Island depart from Jeju City's ferry terminal and take approximately 1.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Participate in the Chuja Island Fishing Festival, held annually, to experience the local fishing culture and enjoy a variety of seafood.

Where to Stay: Accommodations are limited, but the Chuja Hanwha Resort offers comfortable rooms and amenities.

Where to Eat: The local eateries on Chuja Island specialize in freshly caught fish and seafood, with Chuja Fish Restaurant being a standout for its grilled mackerel.

Marado Island

Marado Island, the southernmost point of South Korea, is a small but captivating destination known for its rugged cliffs, clear waters, and the iconic Marado Lighthouse. The island's walking path allows visitors to explore its perimeter, offering views of the ocean and Jeju Island in the distance. Marado is also famous for its fresh seafood, particularly the spiny lobster.

How to Get There: Ferries to Marado depart from Jeju's Moseulpo Port and take about 30 minutes.

Travel Tip: Try to visit on a clear day for the best views and an opportunity to see Tsushima Island of Japan on the horizon.

Where to Stay: There are no hotels on Marado, but day-trippers can find accommodation back on Jeju Island, such as the Moseulpo Olle Resort near the port.

Where to Eat: The small restaurants on Marado serve up the local specialty, spiny lobster, in various dishes, with Marado Lobster Restaurant being a popular choice.

Biyangdo Island

Biyangdo Island is an off-the-beaten-path destination that offers a quiet retreat and a chance to experience Jeju's untouched natural beauty. The island is home to a small fishing community, and visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and exploring the volcanic landscape. The Biyangdo Lighthouse provides a panoramic view of the surrounding sea and Jeju Island.

How to Get There: Take a ferry from Jeju's Hyeopjae Beach, which operates several times a day and takes about 30 minutes.

Travel Tip: Visit the Biyangdo Haenyeo Museum to learn about the island's female divers and their unique culture.

Where to Stay: There are a few guesthouses on Biyangdo, such as the Biyangdo Guesthouse, offering a cozy and authentic island experience.

Where to Eat: The local restaurants on Biyangdo are known for their fresh seafood, with the Biyangdo Seafood Restaurant being a favorite for its grilled fish and octopus dishes.

Whether you're looking for a bustling cityscape, serene nature, or hidden cultural gems, these weekend getaways from Jeju Island offer a diverse range of experiences for digital nomads seeking to explore the beauty of Korea's southern coast.