Free things to do in Jeju
Jeju's open secret: the best things here -- the oreums, the beaches, the coastal roads, the markets -- cost nothing. This is the full free hit list plus a free-day itinerary that needs no apology.
Jeju's best things are mostly free
This is the island's open secret: the volcanoes, the beaches, the coastal roads and the markets cost nothing, and they're better than most things you'd pay for. A full free day in Jeju City is not a compromise itinerary -- it's arguably the best itinerary.
The free hit list
Saebyeol Oreum
The 20-30 minute climb, the 360-degree ranch-and-sea panorama, the autumn silver grass, the sunset. Free, always, and the single best free hour on the island.
Iho Tewoo Beach
Horse lighthouses, sunset, planes landing overhead, locals swimming. Free.
Yongduam + Rainbow Coastal Road
The dragon-head rock and the rainbow seawall in one coastal walk. Free.
Sarabong
The night-view hill -- drive or walk up, look at the city lights, free.
Dongmun Market (window shopping)
Entry is free; the tasting is the danger. The morning seafood hall at full noise costs nothing to watch.
Olle Trail sections
The coastal walking is free -- walk as much of routes 17/18 as your legs allow.
Hamdeok Beach
The east-coast swim -- free beach, and the cafe strip is for looking unless you buy.
Gwandeokjeong Pavilion
Nearly free at around a thousand won -- Jeju's oldest building for the price of a bus ticket.
The free-day itinerary
Morning: Dongmun Market (8am, seafood hall, hallabong juice). Midday: Gwandeokjeong and Mokgwana in the old downtown. Afternoon: the coastal walk -- Yongduam to the Rainbow Coastal Road. Sunset: Iho Tewoo Beach and the horse lighthouses. Night: Sarabong for the city lights. Total cost: market snacks and bus fare. Total value: the whole island.
Common questions
What can I do for free in Jeju?
Saebyeol Oreum, Iho Tewoo Beach, Yongduam, the Rainbow Coastal Road, Sarabong, Hamdeok Beach, Dongmun Market, and the Olle Trail -- the island's best experiences are overwhelmingly free.
Is Hallasan free to hike?
Entry and the reservation are free -- the only optional cost is 1,000 won for a summit certificate. Eorimok needs no reservation at all.
Are Jeju's beaches free?
Yes -- Iho Tewoo, Hamdeok and the other public beaches have no entry fee. You'll pay for parking, rentals and the cafe after, but the sand and water are free.
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