What to Do in Jeju for Free: 10 Budget-Friendly Ideas for All Travellers

Jeju is known for its scenery: winding coastal roads, quiet forest trails, black rock beaches, and the occasional lone oreum rising out of nowhere. It’s the kind of place where you can set out without a plan and still find something worth stopping for.

What makes it even better is how much of the island is free to explore. Many of its most beautiful spots are open to the public, well-maintained, and easily accessible. Whether you’re here for a few days or a longer stay, Jeju is a perfect place to let your mind and body wander.

Also read: Autumn in Korea: Reasons Why Fall is the Best Season to Visit Jeju, Busan, and More

1. Catch the sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong

Seongsan Ilchulbong, or Sunrise Peak, is one of Jeju’s most recognisable landmarks. Formed by a volcanic eruption over 5,000 years ago, this cratered tuff cone rises sharply from the sea on the island’s eastern tip. The hike to the top takes about 20 to 30 minutes, mostly up stairs. It’s a popular spot for sunrise, when the sky turns soft shades of orange and pink. Entry is free if you go before operating hours, which makes early mornings the best time to visit, both for the view and the quiet.

2. Dip your toes at Hyeopjae Beach

Located on the island’s northwest coast, Hyeopjae Beach is known for its white sand, calm waters, and clear views of Biyangdo Island. It’s a popular swimming spot in the summer, but even in cooler months, the beach is worth a visit for a quiet walk or a place to sit with a coffee. The surrounding area has a few cafés and convenience stores, making it an easy stop during a coastal drive.

3. Walk along the cliff edges at Yongmeori Coast

Yongmeori Coast is one of the most striking coastal walks on the island. The name means “dragon’s head,” and the layered rock formations do look like something from a myth. The path hugs the base of Sanbangsan Mountain and winds along wave-carved cliffs that have been shaped by centuries of erosion.

During low tide, you can walk right along the edge, where the sea meets the stone. There’s no entry fee if the tide and weather conditions are safe, though the trail may close without warning, so check before you go. It’s a short walk, but the views stay with you.

Also read: 20 Awesome Attractions in Jeju Island You Shouldn’t Miss

4. Spend a quiet afternoon in Jeju Stone Park

This park is part outdoor sculpture garden, part cultural museum. It’s built around Jeju’s creation myths and the island’s deep connection to stone, from lava rocks to dol hareubangs. The walking paths are peaceful, and the installations are often shaped by local folklore. It’s a good place to slow down and learn something without needing a guide.

5. Hike the trails at Hallasan National Park

Hallasan, South Korea’s tallest mountain, sits right at the centre of Jeju. The national park has several trails, ranging from short, family-friendly routes to full-day summit climbs. All are free to enter, though you’ll need to register in advance if you plan to reach the peak. The views change with the seasons, but the sense of stillness and scale stays the same.

6. Take in the view at Seopjikoji

Seopjikoji is a coastal headland on the eastern shore of Jeju, and it’s one of Jeju’s most photographed spots. The walk takes you past wildflowers, wave-carved rocks, and a small lighthouse that looks out to sea. On clear days, you’ll get a wide view that stretches all the way to Sunrise Peak. It’s not a long trail, but it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to pause often.

7. Feel gravity play tricks on you at Mysterious Road

Also known as Dokkaebi Road, this short, uphill-looking stretch on Jeju has been messing with visitors’ brains for decades. Drive along it and you’ll feel your car mysteriously rolling uphill, even though it looks like you’re going downhill. In truth, it’s all an optical illusion: the way the trees and road are angled tricks your eyes into thinking the slope is reversed. The effect is surreal, and it’s earned this humble roadside its status as one of Jeju’s quirkiest attractions. You don’t need long here, but it’s a fun, gravity-defying pit stop that leaves most people doing a double-take.

8. Breathe in the quiet at Saryeoni Forest Path

This forest trail winds through dense cedar and cypress trees, with soft light filtering through the branches. It’s popular with locals for a reason. The path is wide and mostly flat, making it accessible for all ages. Whether you’re out for a walk or just need a breather, this is one of the easiest places on the island to feel restored.

9. Walk the Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road

Just a short drive from Jeju Airport, this coastal stretch is lined with colourful wave breakers and wide views of the sea. It’s an easy place to walk, especially around sunset when the light hits just right. The path is flat and open to everyone, with cafes nearby if you feel like staying longer. It makes for a calming walk with great photo ops if that’s what you’re feeling.

10. Visit Gwaneumsa Temple

Tucked into the base of Hallasan, Gwaneumsa is one of the oldest and most peaceful temples on the island. The grounds are open to visitors, and the serene setting (c’mon…a temple surrounded by forest and mountain views?) adds to the quiet. It’s a good place to stop before or after a nearby hike, or simply to sit and take in the stillness.

Also read: Jeju Island Restaurants: Where & What to Eat in Jeju, South Korea

Final thoughts

You don’t need to spend much to see what makes Jeju worth visiting. The island’s landscapes are easy to reach, and many of its most memorable spots are free to explore. From forest trails to coastal paths, these places offer a simple way to experience the island without overplanning or overspending.

Sometimes all it takes is time, a good pair of shoes, and a healthy dose of curiosity.