Jeju Island is a must-visit for anyone heading to South Korea for the first time. The island is pretty all year round, with each season having a different side to it. If you’re heading to Jeju during Dec to Feb, here are some things to do in Jeju during winter apart from climbing Hallasan!
Must-Do Things in Jeju During Winter
Picking Tangerines in Jeju
Tangerines are in season during winter, and Jeju is filled with places where you can experience picking tangerines. Lots of them even have instaworthy props and decorations for you to take as many photos as you want.
We visited Analog Tangerine Farm (아날로그감귤밭) which is around a 20mins car ride from the airport.
The experience is priced at 7,000won per pax and you’re allowed to eat as many tangerines as you want during the picking experience. They’ll pass you a metal bucket where you can keep the tangerines you want to bring back.
Do note that only the first 1kg will be free, and if you exceed that weight, there’ll be additional costs. Don’t worry, there are weighing machines for you to see how much you’ve collected!
Once you’ve collected your pruning shears, you can explore the grounds and start picking your tangerines! All you have to do is hold the tangerine while you cut the twig holding it and then cut any leaves off the stalk.
Analog Tangerine Farm (아날로그감귤밭)
46 Haeanmaeul 8-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju
제주 제주시 해안마을8길 46
Mon-Sun, 10am-6pm, Closed on Tuesdays
See Camellia Flowers in Full Bloom
Most flowers bloom in spring, but the bright red/pink Camellia flower blooms amidst the cold winter, brightening up the winter landscape.
In Jeju, Camellia Hill is one of the most famous places to view them in full bloom. The place makes a great photo spot and is a magnificent sight to behold. The best time to visit is an hour before sunset, so you get that beautiful golden glow.
Camellia Hill (카멜리아힐)
166 Byeongang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
제주 서귀포시 안덕면 병악로 166
Mon-Sun, 8:30am-6pm (during Nov-Feb)
Visit Cute Cafes in Jeju
A trip to Jeju is not complete without visiting some of the most photogenic cafes! If you like the ocean, head over to Hallasan Cafe, which ironically isn’t located near Hallasan.
The cafe is just a stone’s throw away from Sehwa Beach, which is a great spot to view the winter ocean. There’s a saying that the ocean is the prettiest during winter, and we think it’s true! Experience clear, glistening waters against the unique black, lava rocks.
If not, head over to Cafe Umu, which is popular for its cup puddings and cute mascot!
Cafe Umu (우무)
542-1 Hallim-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si
제주 제주시 한림읍 한림로 542-1
Mon-Sun, 10am-7pm
Go On A Drive To Nowhere
The roads on Jeju island are completely different from Seoul. Embark on a drive to nowhere in Jeju and you might just come across some of the most beautiful, unexpected sights!
We managed to pass by a farm filled with horses, and a random reed field with these wind turbines in the background. If you’re driving on a snowy day, you might just come across some of the prettiest sights (do be careful when driving!)
Climb Up An Oreum
An ‘Oreum’ is a volcanic cone in the Jeju dialect, and they are spread all over Jeju Island. Chances are, there’s an Oreum not far away from you.
If climbing Hallasan is too challenging for you, these Oreums are a great way to experience hiking in Jeju quickly! They usually take less than an hour to go up and some have pretty gentle slopes for beginners.
We visited Saebyeol Oreum, which is one of the most famous Oreums in Jeju.
During autumn/winter, you’ll find yourself in an endless field of reeds, which make for pretty photos against a blue sky.
Saebyeol Oreum (새별오름)
59-8 San, Bongseong-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si
제주 제주시 애월읍 봉성리 산59-8
Stay in A Pension
For the best experience in Jeju, opt for a pension instead of your usual hotels! These places usually come with a BBQ rental option, so you can grill your meats outside in cold weather, something you can’t experience in Singapore.
Our pension came with a skylight roof which allowed us to view the stars at night.
Visit A Night Market in Jeju
Located near the Halla Arboretum in Jeju is the Arboretum Night Market! Initially, the market was only temporary, but it seems like it’s here to stay for now!
Giving completely different vibes from your traditional markets, the Arboretum Night Market in Jeju is held in an area with decorated trees and food trucks.
One of the food trucks there is known as Surf Side Grill, and they serve a Grilled Chicken Burger that’s huge and juicy!
Arboretum Night Market Jeju (수목원길 야시장)
69 Eunsu-gil, Jeju-si
제주 제주시 은수길 69
Mon-Sun, 6pm-10pm
Where To Go In Jeju During Winter
If you’re planning for a trip to Jeju during Winter, why not add some of these spots to your itinerary? Escape the city life and enjoy the countryside in Jeju!
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