Seongsan Ilchulbong & Seopjikoji Walk

Welcome to Seongsan Ilchulbong, one of Jeju Island's most iconic natural landmarks! This dramatic volcanic crater, also known as "Sunrise Peak," erupted from the sea roughly 100,000 years ago and has been a protected UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 2007. For centuries, local residents have gathered here to welcome the new year at dawn, making sunrise viewing a deeply rooted cultural tradition on the island. What makes this place truly special for foreign visitors is the combination of raw natural beauty and living culture. You can witness haenyeo, Jeju's legendary female divers, performing traditional breath-hold diving demonstrations along the rocky shoreline below the peak. The panoramic view from the top of the 182-meter crater offers a breathtaking sweep of the coastline and surrounding green fields that feels unlike anywhere else in Asia. A few etiquette tips to keep in mind. The hiking trail opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, so plan your timing carefully and avoid rushing past slower hikers on the narrow path. Please stay strictly on marked trails and never pick plants or disturb the volcanic rock formations, as violations carry real fines. Also bring cash, as the entrance fee must be paid on-site and card readers can be unreliable during busy periods. For the best photos, position yourself on the eastern observation deck around 30 minutes before sunrise when the golden light hits the crater rim dramatically. A lesser-known gem is the grassy slope on the western side of the base, which gives you an unobstructed full view of the entire peak reflected in the tidal flats during low tide. After your visit, head to the nearby Seongsan Fishing Village market for a bowl of fresh haemul ramyeon or try grilled abalone caught that very morning by the haenyeo themselves. Truly unforgettable.

Seongsan Port sits at the foot of the iconic Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a UNESCO-listed volcanic crater that has shaped this fishing village's identity for centuries. The port has long been the heart of the local haenyeo (female divers) culture, where women have harvested seafood by freediving for over a thousand years. This living tradition was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. For foreign visitors, the magic of Seongsan Port lies in its authenticity. Unlike touristy seafood markets elsewhere, this small harbor still feels genuinely alive with working fisherwomen, fresh catches, and the salty rhythm of everyday Jeju life. You can watch haenyeo demonstrate their diving skills at the nearby performance area and even purchase seafood directly from them. A few etiquette tips to keep in mind. Most haenyeo stalls and small seafood restaurants operate on cash only, so bring Korean won before you arrive. When watching haenyeo performances or buying from their stalls, avoid haggling as their work is deeply respected and the prices reflect both skill and tradition. If you visit a small local restaurant, it is polite to wait to be seated rather than choosing your own table. For the best photos, head to the haenyeo market area early in the morning when the women return with fresh catches, the light is golden, and the scene feels wonderfully candid. The stone wall path along the port edge also offers lovely framed views of fishing boats against Ilchulbong. For food nearby, do not leave without trying jeonbok juk, a creamy abalone porridge served at several small restaurants just steps from the port. It is warm, deeply savory, and considered the ultimate Jeju comfort food. Haenyeo-caught seafood platters featuring sea urchin and octopus are equally unmissable.

Goseong-ri Rapeseed Fields Cultural Guide Jeju Island has a long tradition of farming rapeseed, a crop that has sustained local communities for generations while painting the island in brilliant yellow each spring. The Goseong-ri area, located in the northern part of Jeju near Hallim, reflects this agricultural heritage beautifully. Today the fields have become a beloved seasonal destination where nature and Jeju folk culture come together naturally. What makes this spot truly special for foreign visitors is the sheer scale and accessibility of the yellow blooms set against Jeju's volcanic stone walls and open sky. Unlike manicured tourist gardens, Goseong-ri feels authentic and unhurried, giving you a genuine sense of rural Jeju life. The backdrop of dark basalt fences called "batdam," which are a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage, adds a uniquely Korean visual element you simply cannot find anywhere else. A few etiquette tips to keep in mind. Please stay on designated paths and avoid stepping into the flower fields for photos, as this damages crops that local farmers still rely on. If there is a small entry or donation fee collected by the village community, please pay it respectfully as this directly supports local residents. Speak and move quietly around the area since this is an active farming community, not just a tourist attraction. For the best photos, arrive early in the morning when soft light falls across the fields and crowds are thin. Look for spots where the yellow flowers frame a traditional stone wall with Mount Hallasan visible in the distance on clear days. A small windmill near the main field area also makes for a charming composition. Nearby, stop by a local restaurant in Hallim town to try haemul pajeon, a crispy seafood and green onion pancake, paired with warm barley tea for a satisfying and authentically Jeju experience.

Welcome to Seopjikoji, one of Jeju Island's most breathtaking coastal destinations. This dramatic cape on the eastern tip of Jeju has long held cultural significance for locals, appearing in Korean folklore and serving as a beloved filming location for popular Korean dramas and films, including the classic "All In." The name roughly translates to "narrow land protruding into the sea," perfectly describing its striking geography shaped by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. What makes Seopjikoji truly special for foreign visitors is the rare combination of natural wonder and cinematic beauty. Walking along the coastal trail, you'll encounter volcanic rock formations, a historic lighthouse, sweeping canola flower fields in spring, and the iconic red Seongeup Folk Village windmill. The views of Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) rising dramatically across the water are simply unforgettable. A few tips to enjoy your visit respectfully. Stay on marked trails, as the coastal cliffs can be dangerous and wandering off paths damages the fragile volcanic ecosystem. Be mindful of noise levels, especially near the lighthouse and open fields where locals often come for quiet reflection. If you visit during peak season, arrive early morning to avoid crowds and secure the best views. For photos, head to the red lighthouse at the very tip of the cape for panoramic ocean shots. The canola fields between February and April create stunning yellow carpets perfect for portraits. A lesser-known gem is the small rocky beach just below the main trail where volcanic columns meet turquoise water. After your walk, stop at the nearby Glashouse restaurant within the Agrobio Park area for a meal with ocean views, or grab freshly grilled seafood and Jeju black pork skewers from the small vendors near the main entrance parking area. Cash is helpful at local stalls, so keep some Korean won handy.

Seopjikoji Lighthouse, Cultural Guide for Foreign Visitors Seopjikoji Cape on the eastern tip of Jeju Island has been a beloved natural landmark for centuries, serving as a navigational guide for fishing boats along the rugged coastline. The area gained wider cultural fame after the 1990s Korean drama "All In" was filmed here, drawing visitors from across Asia. The lighthouse itself stands as a quiet symbol of Jeju's deep connection to the sea and its haenyeo diving culture. What makes this spot truly special is the breathtaking combination of volcanic black rock cliffs, the open East China Sea, and sweeping fields of canola flowers in spring or silver grass in autumn. Unlike busier Jeju attractions, Seopjikoji feels unhurried and naturally beautiful, offering foreign visitors a genuine sense of the island's wild coastal character. A few etiquette tips to keep in mind: please stay on designated paths around the lighthouse and cliff edges, as the volcanic rock can be unstable and safety barriers exist for good reason. Avoid littering along the coastal trail, as locals take great pride in preserving this environment. Speak softly near the lighthouse residential area, since some staff and caretakers live nearby and appreciate a peaceful atmosphere. For the best photos, head to the red lighthouse perched on the rocky cliff point during golden hour for stunning sunset shots with the sea behind you. The rapeseed flower fields stretching toward the lighthouse in April are equally iconic and incredibly photogenic. Just a short drive away, stop by a local seafood restaurant near Seopjikoji entrance for fresh haemul pajeon, a savory seafood pancake, or try grilled abalone, a Jeju specialty. Many of these small eateries are cash only, so carry Korean won before you visit.

Sinyang Seopjikoji Beach Cultural Guide for Foreign Visitors Sinyang Seopjikoji Beach, located on the eastern coast of Jeju Island, sits near the famous Seopjikoji cape, a landscape shaped by volcanic activity over thousands of years. The area holds cultural significance as a backdrop for Korean dramas and films, most notably the beloved series "All In," which drew enormous attention to this scenic coastline. The surrounding land reflects Jeju's haenyeo diving tradition, where generations of female divers harvested seafood from these very waters. What makes this beach truly special for foreign visitors is its unique combination of black volcanic rock formations, soft sandy shores, and sweeping views of Seongsan Ilchulbong, the iconic UNESCO-listed sunrise peak. Unlike busier beaches on the island, Sinyang offers a quieter, more authentic Jeju experience, especially outside peak summer season. A few etiquette tips to keep in mind: During summer swimming season, please stay within designated swimming zones marked by buoys, as currents can be unpredictable and lifeguard coverage has limits. Avoid collecting or removing volcanic rocks, as this is considered disrespectful to the natural environment and is actually prohibited. If you visit during early morning hours, keep noise levels low, as local residents live nearby and the peaceful atmosphere is something everyone treasures here. For photos, walk toward the rocky cape area on the southern end of the beach where the contrast between dark lava rocks and turquoise water creates stunning compositions, especially at golden hour. The view toward Seongsan Ilchulbong from the shoreline is arguably one of the best on the island. For food nearby, stop by one of the small local restaurants in Sinyang village serving haemul ttukbaegi, a spicy seafood hotpot using freshly caught Jeju ingredients. It is warming, affordable, and deeply local.