By tight travellers, June 2026
Thinking ’bout exploring further afield in South Korea? Get yoursen to Jeju Island; known as the ‘Hawaii of Korea’, (I don’t know if I’d got that far- but then again, I’ve never been to Hawaii). Jeju is the popular holiday destination for South Koreans, and we can definitely see why! Home to South Korea’s largest peak, more walking trails than you can shake a stick at, waterfalls, and a lot of oranges – what’s not to like?
Us tight travellers just spent 6 weeks exploring Jeju, basically locals at this point! So ‘av a ponder through what we think is worth adding to your itinerary and what ain’t.
Best Hotels in the Area
Ventimo Hotel & Residence Jeju
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Get your E-sim here
Compare Car Hire Prices here
Best Activities in the Area-
Use code ‘TIGHTTRAVELLERS5’
Jeju: East UNESCO Tour Seongsan, Haenyeo Show, Lava Tube
Jeju: Western and Southern Sightseeing Day Tour
Jeju: Tangerine Makgeolli Brewing Class with Tasting
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Where to Stay in Jeju
Nah then, there is a lot of big luxury resorts ‘ere in Jeju, nay good for us tight travellers. We found a more budget friendly hostel in Seogwipo (on the South of the island); and it is the best place to explore, relax and meet new friends. Book Here!
If you’re a proper tight traveller like us, chances are you’ll ‘av heard of Worldpackers; and it you ain’t it’s a platform that connects cheapskates like us to hosts that offer work exchange opportunities. Worth ‘aving a gander at, this is what helped us stay on the island for so long!
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Things to do in Jeju
Honestly, where to even start. If you ain’t a fan or nature: firstly, what’s wrong wi’ ya? Secondly, Jeju ain’t the place for you. Jeju is paradise for nature lovers and budget travellers. There are over 400km of marked trails around the island!
From the recently re-opened Manjanggul Lava Tube to volcanic beaches and surrounding islands waiting to be cycled around! There is so much to do. Here are our top 5.
- Udo Island
Ultimate Guide to Udo Island: Budget Travel in South Korea
Udo Island, also known as cow island, and famous for its peanut ice cream. This is the perfect day trip from Jeju Island. Here’s our tight traveller guide to exploring the island: where to stay, favourite eats, and things to do!
- Olle Trail Route 6
- Jungmun beach – for swimming and surfing.
- Gapado
- Go Karting
Where to Eat in Jeju
Tried an tested by yours truly. Although we were on the island for 6 weeks, we skimped and definitely don’t have 6 weeks worth of restaurants to share! But here are some of our absolute favourites!
- 천일만두 – Chinese Restaurant. Make sure to try the dumplings, and the sweet and sour chicken.
- Curry House – Japanese Curry. Enough said.
- Seogwipo Chinatown – Chinese Restaurant. Make sure to try Ganjjajang (black bean sauce noodles)
- 놈삐뼈국 – Korean Restaurant. The pork bone broth was bloody good.
Good to Know
Make sure to check out our Everything you NEED to know before you visit South Korea blog!
When to Visit Jeju
Lucky for yoursen, we just compared each month: weather, price, and festivals you can join in with on the island.
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Jeju Island: Best Times and Festivals
This guide highlights the best times to visit Jeju Island, South Korea, detailing weather conditions and festivals throughout the year. It recommends January for budget-friendly travel, while April and October are ideal for pleasant weather and vibrant autumn foliage. Festivals span various months, showcasing local culture and nature.
