Jeju Island Coastal Loop

The route

Jeju (제주도) is Korea's southernmost province, a volcanic island ~85 km off the mainland with a distinct climate, geology, and culture. Driving is the canonical way to see it — there is no rail, bus is comprehensive but slow, and the round-island coastal road circumnavigates the island in roughly 180 km.

The standard loop runs counter-clockwise from Jeju City (north): east coast along Highway 1132 through Seongsan (sunrise volcano), south coast through Seogwipo and the waterfalls, west coast back through Hyeopjae and Aewol. The full loop can be driven in a single long day, but 2–3 days is much better — Jeju's appeal is in the stops, not the driving.

The island's volcanic geology gives it the cliff coasts, lava-tube caves, and the central Hallasan stratovolcano. The interior is mountainous; the loop stays on the coast and offers turnouts at every notable beach, cliff, and viewpoint.

We recommend 3 days: arrival + east coast (Seongsan sunrise volcano), south coast (Jusangjeolli columnar joints, Jeongbang Falls), west coast back (Hyeopjae beach, Aewol cafe district). Many travellers add a 4th day for Hallasan summit hike.

Highlights

• Seongsan Ilchulbong (성산일출봉) — UNESCO crater volcano on the east coast; sunrise hike.
• Manjanggul Lava Tube (만장굴) — UNESCO; walk inside a 7.4 km lava cave.
• Jeongbang Falls (정방폭포) — rare waterfall that drops directly into the sea.
• Jusangjeolli columnar basalt cliffs — postcard volcanic geometry on the south coast.
• Hyeopjae Beach — turquoise water, white sand, view of Biyangdo island.
• Aewol cafe district — modern Jeju "third-wave" coffee scene.
• Hallasan summit hike — 1,950 m; weather-dependent.

Vehicle notes

Standard rental works. Jeju has very limited highway driving — the loop is a sequence of two-lane coastal roads (1132, 1136). Most Jeju rentals are economy cars or kei-equivalents.

Waypoints

1. 0 km
   Jeju City (international airport)

   Rental pickup; most flights land here.

2. 30 km
   Manjanggul Lava Tube

   Side road inland; UNESCO geological site.

3. 60 km
   Seongsan Ilchulbong

   Crater-rim hike; sunrise is the standard ritual.

4. 75 km
   Sehwa Beach

   Black-sand contrast; lunch stop.

5. 90 km
   Seopjikoji

   Coastal cape with rapeseed fields in spring.

6. 120 km
   Seogwipo

   Second city; Jeongbang Falls; lunch.

7. 130 km
   Jusangjeolli cliffs

   Columnar basalt geometry.

8. 140 km
   Cheonjeyeon Falls

   Three-tiered waterfall; trails through subtropical forest.

9. 155 km
   Sanbangsan

   Solitary volcanic plug; temple at the base.

10. 175 km
    Hyeopjae Beach

    Last beach stop on the west coast.

11. 195 km
    Aewol

    Optional coffee/dinner stop before returning to Jeju City.

12. 210 km
    Jeju City (return)

    Loop close.

Seasonality

Mar–May

Spring; cherry blossoms, rapeseed fields in bloom. Mild.

Jun–Aug

Hot, humid, occasional typhoons (Jul–Sep).

Sep–Nov

Excellent driving conditions; some autumn foliage at Hallasan.

Dec–Feb

Mild compared to mainland Korea but mountain interior can snow. Hallasan summit may close.

Practical notes

• Speed limits: 60 km/h on the coastal Highway 1132 in most sections; 40 km/h in villages; 80 km/h on parts of the inland 1131.
• Toll roads: none on Jeju (no expressways).
• Fuel: stations are plentiful around the loop.
• Parking: many beach lots are free; some popular sites (Seongsan, Jusangjeolli) charge a small fee.
• IDP required for foreign drivers; an Apostille-translated home licence is also accepted in some cases.
• Cell coverage: excellent everywhere on the loop.

Related pages on this site

• Korea customs & border
• Korean STOP sign
• Korean speed limit
• School zone (Min-sik Law)

Sources

1. [1]MOLIT — Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport — MOLIT · accessed 2026-04-23
2. [2]KoROAD — Road Traffic Authority — KoROAD · accessed 2026-04-23