Jeju Do
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Positives
- Powerful typhoon waves
- Beaches and lava reefs
- World Heritage island
- Great tourism facilities
Negatives
- Inconsistent swells
- Short surf season
- Unpredictable typhoon tracks
- Over-protective lifeguards
Jeju Do surf travel guide
Lying off the southwest coast of the Republic of Korea, volcanic Jeju Island (Jejudo) is dominated by the lofty central peak of Halla mountain, which slopes steeply down to the north and south coasts, surrounded by 368 smaller volcanoes. The rocky coastline is short on sandy beaches so Jungmun in the south is the centre of surf culture on the island, where beach, reef and pointbreaks can be ridden. Koreans rarely swim in the sea, even when it's flat, so most lifeguards are over-cautious, particularly when there is typhoon swell, but a nucleus of local surfers are slowly altering these attitudes and loads more Koreans are learning to surf.
Surf spots in Jeju Do
Research the 14 surf breaks in Jeju Do and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 14 breaks in Jeju Do.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Jeju Do
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Jeju Do.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 1,703,495
- Population
- 51,269,185
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- KRW
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +82
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Korean
Visas
Most nationalities can visit South Korea visa free for stays of up to 90 days.
Getting There
From Gimpo airport (SEL), (60km from Seoul) Jeju (CJU) is 1h flight ($70) with Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. Ferry from Pusan, Inchon, Wando, and Mokpo. Wando - Jeju is 3h by Hanil Car Ferry.
Getting Around
There is a good road system encircled by the 182km (113mi) coast road. Rental cars: Elantra 1.5 cost $75/d at Grand Rent Car. Most of the road signs are in western alphabet. Best to stay in Jungmun (if you can afford it!) and drive from there or stay in Seogwipo.
Accommodation
Shilla Cheju Hotel super deluxe dbl room with ocean view is $470/night. In Seogwipo City, Daemyung Green Ville, New Kyongnam, Kal Seogwipo or Paradise Hotel are cheaper at $70-150/n. Jeju Guest-house, 25min N of Jungmun is $30/day. Meals are cheap: $7-12 for a full meal. Try kimchi, pickled fermented cabbage.
Activities
Visit the longest lava cave in the world. Women divers (Haenyeo) in ancient wetsuit and goggles, collect seaweed, shellfish and sea urchins, then sell them on the roadside. Sungsan`s Sunrise Peak is the main tourist site. Many trails (Yongshil, Orimok) and waterfalls.
Hazards & hassles
Lifeguards and police may stop you from entering the water during typhoon swells. Some lava reefs can be pretty nasty.
Handy Hints
Vigor Surf camp in Sage-ri has rentals and lessons. More shops on the mainland with expensive imported equipment at Busan and YangYang. North coast surf schools open in summer, but it's usually flat.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.