Seogwipo Travel Guide

Seogwipo sits on the southern coast of Jeju Island, facing the open ocean across a coastline of lava rock cliffs, waterfalls, and subtropical forest. It is the second city of Jeju Island with a population of around 165,000 and has a distinctly different feel from Jeju City — quieter, more focused on natural scenery, and with a slower pace that makes it the preferred base for travellers wanting to explore the island’s landscapes rather than its urban infrastructure.

The southern slopes of Hallasan, the dormant volcano at the island’s centre, descend toward Seogwipo, placing it within easy reach of the mountain’s main hiking trails.

Getting to Seogwipo

From Jeju City: Direct buses connect Jeju City’s airport and city centre to Seogwipo in around 1 hour. The scenic coastal road (Route 1132) between the two cities is one of the island’s most pleasant drives. Taxis take around 45 minutes.

From Jeju Airport: Airport buses serve Seogwipo directly. The journey takes about 1 hour on the expressway.

Getting around: Car hire gives maximum flexibility for exploring the southern coast and Hallasan’s trails. The island bus system covers the main sites, but a car makes the rural eastern sections of Seogwipo’s coast far more accessible.

What to See

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall — a 22-metre waterfall in subtropical forest, a short walk from the Seogwipo city centre. The pool at its base is popular with visitors in summer. The park surrounding the falls has walking trails along a forested gorge. Evening visits can be atmospheric. Paid admission.

Jeongbang Waterfall — a 23-metre waterfall that falls directly onto a black lava rock beach and into the sea — one of the few such falls in Asia. Located about 2 km east of Seogwipo city centre along the coastal path. Paid admission.

Olle Trail sections — Jeju Olle is a network of 26 coastal walking routes totalling around 437 km, which circumnavigates and crisscrosses the island. Several sections run through or near Seogwipo’s coastline, including sections along dramatic lava cliffs with good views of the offshore island Beom Island (Beomseom). The trails are well-signposted and suitable for all levels.

Jusangjeolli Cliff — a stretch of coastline near Jungmun about 10 km west of central Seogwipo where hexagonal basalt columns form a cliff face dropping into the sea. The geometric regularity of the columns — formed by rapid cooling of lava — gives the cliff an almost constructed appearance. One of the most photogenic natural sites on Jeju.

Jungmun Resort Complex — a purpose-built resort area west of Seogwipo containing multiple large hotels, a marine park (Pacific Land), the Jeju World Cup Stadium, and Jungmun Saekdal Beach — one of the best swimming beaches on the island, with facilities and lifeguards in season. The beach operates from late June through August.

Seopjikoji — a coastal headland of open fields and volcanic rock about 25 km east of central Seogwipo, extending into the sea. The wide grassy area backed by Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) in the distance is considered one of the most photogenic spots on Jeju. The yellow canola flowers in spring (March–April) are a draw for domestic visitors.

Hallasan National Park

The summit of Hallasan (1,950 metres) is accessible via several trails, all departing from trailheads reachable from roads crossing the island. The Seongpanak trail on the eastern slope is the most popular route to the crater lake (Baeknoktam) at the summit; it takes 4.5–5 hours return. Summit access requires starting before the cut-off time (usually 12:00 from the trailhead for a same-day return).

The Yeongsil trail on the southern slope is a shorter but steeper option ending at a ridge below the summit — suitable for those not attempting the full ascent.

Where to Stay

Jungmun has the highest concentration of large resort hotels on the island. The central Seogwipo area has mid-range hotels and guesthouses. The eastern Seogwipo coast (Pyoseon and Seopjikoji area) has smaller guesthouses with a more rural character.

Food and Drink

Seogwipo’s restaurants reflect the wider Jeju food culture — black pig grills, raw fish, and abalone dishes are the staples. The city’s port area has seafood restaurants supplied directly by the local fishing fleet. The Maeil Olle Market near the pier is a good compact food market for lunch or early dinner.

For guided hikes on Hallasan and tours around southern Jeju, booking ahead is essential for the summit trail during peak season.

Explore Seogwipo in Detail

• Things to do in Seogwipo — Cheonjiyeon and Jeongbang waterfalls, Olle Trail, Jusangjeolli Cliff, and submarine tours with entry fees
• Where to stay in Seogwipo — city centre, Jungmun resort complex, Daepodong, and trail-area pensions compared
• Best hotels in Seogwipo — Hyatt Regency Jeju to waterfall-area pensions across every budget
• Seogwipo food guide — black pork BBQ, abalone juk, haemul ttukbaegi, Olle Market street food, and tangerine ice cream