Siti NurfatinHome to the breathtaking Hallasan mountain, the awe-inspiring haenyo or powerful sea women, and historically-infused harubangs or grandfather statues at Jeju Stone Park, Jeju Island is also renowned for its picturesque beaches. Sun’s out, fun’s out! What better way to enjoy summer and soak up the sun than to partake in water activities?
Young or old, experienced or amateur, here’s a list of the top 10 water activities to do in Jeju to kickstart your summer plans!
1. Kayaking
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization
What’s more fun than kayaking? Kayaking in a transparent boat! Kayak in the emerald ocean of Jeju at Woljeongri Beach, also known as the “place where the moon rests”. The beach boasts silvery white sand complemented by flaring hues of the sun. Breathe in the ocean air and repose while the see-through kayak brings you even closer to the marine life and ocean floors. This activity is suitable for all ages. Bask in the summer heat and kayak on!
More information on Woljeongri Kayak:
Address: 1400-4, Woljeong-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Operating hours: 0900 – 1800
Fees: 10,000 KRW (~S$12) for adults / 5,000 KRW (~S$6) for children
How to get there: Take bus No. 701 from Seogwipo, Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal. Alight at Gujwajungang Elementary School and walk for about 7 minutes before arriving at your destination.
2. Kitesurfing
Image credit: Albert Torelló
Kitesurfing or kiteboarding is the next activity on your checklist! With a combination of surfing, sailing and paragliding, this water activity is a relatively new leisure sport. At Jeju Kitesurfing, a kitesurfing school that provides rental services and lessons, you will assuredly be in good hands. Jeju Kitesurfing instructors, Kiri Hwang and Lydia, are both IKO International Certified Trainers (Level 3) with fifteen years of experience . You are sure to be well-equipped with the instruction and equipment required for an indelible kitesurfing experience.
More information on Jeju Kitesurfing:
Address: 112-15, Bukheul-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Island
Operating hours: Operating hours and locations depend on the wind and wind direction.
Fees: One hour of rental with instruction starts from 70,000 KRW (~S$87). Rental for beginners is available at Jongdal, Sinyang and Pyesoen Beach.
How to Get there: Take bus No. 201 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal to Bukchon-ri in about 53 minutes. Then walk another 1km to Jeju Kitesurfing.
3. Stand-up paddleboarding
Image credit: William Murphy
Paddling while standing up on a surfboard? That’s right! Originating from Hawaii, stand-up paddleboarding is a relatively new sport that has just been introduced to the island in recent years. This activity is also beginner friendly as lessons are provided. All you have to pay for is the board rental!
Not to worry, the instructors are equipped with the ISA SUP instructor certification and can communicate in English. Opt for the Jeju SUP Surfing Club guided tour to learn the basics of paddle boarding and embark on a unique tour of Jeju Island’s caves.
More information on stand-up paddleboarding at Jeju SUP Surfing Club:
Address: 1967 Samyangi-dong, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea
Operating hours: 1000 – 1800
Fees: 50,000 KRW (~S$62) for 1 hour, 80,000 KRW (~S$99) for 2 hours and 100,000 KRW (~S$124) for 3 hours.
How to get there: Take bus no. 201 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal and alight at Samyang Elementary School in about 20 minutes. Walk about 500 metres to 1967 Samyangi-dong.
4. Snorkelling
Image credit: Aaron Hawkins
Calling all marine life lovers! This one’s for you. Located 14 kilometres east of Jeju, Hamdeok Beach is a tropical gem that boasts clean and shallow waters perfect for snorkelling. The marine life of Hamdeok Beach are sure to entrance you with colourful glimpses of yellow-striped butterfly fish, triggerfish and little schooling fish, amongst others.
More information on Hamdeok Beach:
Address: Johamhaean-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Fees: Admission to the beach is free.
How to get there: Take bus no. 701 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal to Hamdeok Beach bus stop.
5. Scuba diving
Image credit: Jihye Choi
The deeper you go, the cooler it gets. Try scuba diving at the Southern coast of Jeju and revel in the vibrant marine life! The Jeju Island Diving Service conducts their dives at small rocky outlets off Sogwipo city. Opt for a dive at Supseom Island to witness the large schools of squid and you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins if you’re lucky. Come on and dive right in!
More information on Jeju Island Diving Service:
Address: Jeju Island Diving Service, Sogwi-Dong 65-13, Sogwipo City 697-810, Republic of Korea
Operating hours: 0900 – 1800
Fees: 2 tank islet dive (including boat ride, guide, tank, lunch and water) for 90,000 KRW (~S$111), scuba gear for 30,000 KRW (~S$37)
How to get there: Take bus no. 231 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal and alight at Dongmun Rotary. Walk about 500 metres to Jeju Island Diving Service.
6. Surfing
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization
Surf beaches, not browsers. This summer holiday, pick up surfing at Iho Tewoo Beach which is conveniently located near Jeju City. With an English speaking instructor and reasonably priced lessons, it is surely a steal! Sea, sand and surf – that’s what the summer beach life is all about, isn’t it?
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization
More information on surfing at Iho Tewoo Beach:
Address: Dori-ro, Jeju-si- Jeju-do
Operating hours: Surfboard rental is available from 0900 – 1800
Fees: Admission to the beach is free. However, you can choose to surf for 60,000 KRW (~S$74) for 2 hours, including the use of surfboard for 3 hours; rental is only at 30,000 KRW (~S$37) for 3 hours or 50,000 KRW (~S$62) for an entire day
How to get there: Take bus no. 7 from Jeju City hall to Iho Tewoo Beach which will take about 40 minutes.
7. Submarine tour
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization
When else will you get a chance to get on board a submarine? The Seogwipo Submarine conducts safe undersea tours along the 40-metre deep sea bed which allows you to observe the brightly-coloured fish and beautiful coral reefs. A passenger ferry at Seogwipo Port will take you to Munseom to board the submarine. After the deep sea tour, there will also be a tour of Munseom Island itself.
This activity is perfect for families with children and those who still wish to get up close and personal with Jeju marine life without having to get their feet wet.
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization
More information on Seogwipo Submarine:
Address: 40, Namseongjung-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating hours: 0720 – 1840 (departs every 40 minutes)
Fees: 50, 000 KRW (~S$62) for adults, 40, 000 KRW (~S$49) for teenagers, 30, 000 KRW (~S$37) for children
How to get there: Take buses 355, 358, 360, 3001 or 3008 from the Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal to Halla General Hospital. Take bus no. 600 from Paradise Hotel Entrance and alight at Seogwipo Port. Walk about 550 metres to Seogwipo Submarine.
8. Fishing
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Experience deep sea fishing at Chagwido while enjoying the island scenery. For those who think fishing is a passive and boring summer activity, think again! There’s just something about being in the vast water-body that exudes openness and tranquility as you breathe the fresh sea air and unwind. Once you reel the fish in, ah, the excitement and satisfaction! You never know – you might just catch yourself a red seabream or a kelp grouper!
More information on fishing at Chagwido:
Address: 3616-14 Gosan-ri, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju-do, South Korea
Operating hours: Everyday at 1000, 1200, 1400, 1600
Fees: 13,000 KRW (~S$16) for day time fishing (1 hour 40 mins); 23,000 KRW (~S$28) for sunset fishing (2 hours)
How to get there: Take bus no. 702 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal and get off at the final stop (Gosan 1-ri). The bus ride will take approximately 1.5 hours. Walk 350m to Gosan-ro 1-gil road then walk to the end of the road. Turn right, walk 200m and you will get to the Chagwido Dallae Boat Fishing.
9. Go on a cruise
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization
Embark on a sightseeing tour in Jeju, but on water of course! Get on board a cruise on the Seogwipo New Paradise to experience the scenic Jeju seascapes which features the Supseom, Jeongbang and Munseom islands.
More information on Seogwipo New Paradise cruise:
Address: 40, Namseongjung-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating hours: 1100 / 1400 / 1520 / 1630
Fees: 17,500 KRW (~S$21) for adults, 11,800 KRW (~S$14) for teens, 10,000 KRW (~S$12) for children
How to get there: Take buses 355, 358, 360, 3001 or 3008 from the Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal to Halla General Hospital. Take bus no. 600 from Paradise Hotel Entrance and alight at Seogwipo Port. Walk about 550 metres to Seogwipo New Paradise Cruise.
10. Parasailing
Image credit: Fergal Carr
Want to try parasailing but never had the chance to? Jeju’s the place for you. Pop by Jeju Jet and relish in aerial views of the beautiful coastlines in Seogwipo as you glide through the breezy Jeju air!
More information on Jeju Jet:
Address: 2181 Daepo-dong, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, South Korea
Operating hours: 0900 – 1700
Fees: 55,000 KRW (~S$68) per person
How to get there: Take buses 355, 358, 360, 3001 or 3008 from the Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal to Halla General Hospital. Take bus no. 600 from Paradise Hotel Entrance and alight at Daepo Port. Walk about 210 metres to Jeju Jet.
If you’re still undecided on your summer plans or what to include in your Jeju travel itinerary, these top 10 water activities in our list are a good place to start. A gem yet to be discovered by many, Jeju is without a doubt the ‘Hawaii of South Korea’. Jeju (did you) forget about Jeju on your bucket list? Give this island a chance and you’re in for a good time this summer!
