Places Similar to Jeju Island – Without Having to Fly from Seoul

Jeju Island remains one of South Korea’s best-loved escapes, drawing travellers with its volcanic landscapes, clear waters and laid-back coastal atmosphere. Its popularity also means flights, beaches and major attractions can become especially busy during peak travel periods, particularly in summer.

If you’re starting in Seoul and would rather skip the flight — or simply want to discover more of South Korea beyond its best-known island — several mainland destinations offer similarly rewarding beaches, mountain views, resort stays and seafood. From Yeosu’s black-sand coast to Tongyeong’s island-dotted panoramas and Gyeongju’s lakeside attractions, these alternatives are well worth adding to your itinerary.

Alternative to Jeju’s beaches: Yeosu Mangseongri Beach

Image credit: Wonders of Jeju

Hyeopjae Beach, on Jeju’s northwest coast, is one of the island’s most popular stretches of sand. Its clear, shallow water gradually shifts from blue to emerald, while its pale shore is made up partly of finely crushed seashells. Views of nearby Biyangdo Island complete the scenery, although the beach can become particularly busy during the summer swimming season.

For a different kind of coastline, head to Manseong-ri Black Sand Beach in Yeosu. Located around three kilometres north of Yeosu EXPO Station, the beach is known for its dark sand and relaxed seaside setting. It may not have Hyeopjae’s pale shoreline or turquoise colour palette, but it offers an unusual coastal landscape within easy reach of the city.

Nearby, the Yeosu Ocean Railbike follows a former railway beside the coast, carrying riders through a tunnel and past open sea views. Seafood restaurants around Manseong-ri also make it easy to stay for a meal after relaxing at the beach or completing your railbike ride.

Image credit: Sabor a Korea

Alternative to Hallasan: Mireuksan (Tongyeong)

Image credit: Republic of Korea

Hallasan is South Korea’s highest mountain, rising 1,947 metres above sea level at the centre of Jeju Island. Its summit overlooks the volcanic crater of Baengnokdam, although reaching it requires a demanding hike along either the Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa trail. Advance reservations are required for both summit routes, and hikers should set aside most of the day for the journey.

If a full-day mountain climb is not your thing, consider visiting Mireuksan in Tongyeong instead. The mountain offers sweeping views over Tongyeong and the surrounding islands, but its upper reaches are considerably easier to access. The 1,975-metre-long Tongyeong Cable Car takes around nine minutes to reach the upper station, followed by a short uphill walk towards the summit viewpoints.

You can still hike up Mireuksan if you prefer to reach the top on foot. Several trails lead through the forested slopes, with temples and rest areas providing places to pause along the way.

Alternative to Jungmun Tourist Complex: Gyeongju Bomun Resort

Image credit: Celden Margarico

Jungmun Tourist Complex is a comprehensive resort area on the southern coast of Jeju Island. It brings together luxury accommodation such as Lotte Hotel Jeju and The Shilla Jeju, along with convention, shopping, cultural and leisure facilities. Nearby attractions include Jungmun Saekdal Beach, Yeomiji Botanic Garden and Cheonjeyeon Waterfall.

Image credit: nzj

Another resort area worth considering is Bomun Tourist Complex in Gyeongju. Located around 10 kilometres east of downtown Gyeongju, the development is centred around Bomun Lake and features hotels, resorts, walking paths, golf facilities and family-friendly attractions. Its lakeside setting provides a peaceful base while keeping Gyeongju’s historical sights within reach by bus or taxi.

Image credit: Christophe95

One of its biggest attractions is Gyeongju World, an amusement park featuring thrill rides and family-friendly attractions. During summer, visitors can also cool off at California Beach, its seasonal water park. Elsewhere in the complex, Gyeongju East Palace Garden, also known as Donggungwon, combines botanical gardens, agricultural experience facilities and Gyeongju Bird Park.

Seafood: Marinated Crabs (Yeosu), Squid Kimbap (Tongyeong)

Image credit: Republic of Korea

Surrounded by the sea, Jeju Island is naturally associated with freshly caught seafood. However, travellers can also enjoy excellent regional seafood throughout South Korea’s southern coast.

Yeosu and Tongyeong are two seaside cities closely connected to Korea’s maritime history, particularly the legacy of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Today, both destinations are known for their distinctive local dishes. Here is one speciality to try in each city.

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Yeosu is especially known for gejang, raw crab marinated either in soy sauce or a spicy seasoning. It is commonly served with rice and an assortment of Korean side dishes. One popular way to enjoy soy-marinated crab is to spoon rice into the shell and mix it with the remaining crab meat and marinade. Serving sizes and set-menu requirements vary between restaurants, so check the menu beforehand if you are dining alone.

Tongyeong’s signature dish is Chungmu gimbap, named after Chungmu, the former name of present-day Tongyeong. Unlike standard gimbap, the small seaweed rice rolls contain no fillings and are served alongside seasoned squid and radish kimchi. The dish is traditionally linked to sailors and fishers, who packed the rice and side dishes separately to help them stay fresh for longer at sea.

Conclusion

Jeju Island remains well worth visiting for its distinctive landscapes, culture and natural attractions. However, travellers can also find beautiful coastlines, panoramic mountain views, lakeside resorts and memorable seafood experiences elsewhere in South Korea. If you have already explored Jeju — or simply want to avoid taking another flight from Seoul — consider heading south and discovering a different side of the country.