Jeju Island Is Korea’s Great Outdoor Playground for Kids

Jeju is a volcanic island off the south coast of Korea, a quick flight from Seoul or Busan, and it is where Korean families go for nature, beaches, and a slower pace. For kids who need to run and climb and swim, it is a dream.

Start with Seongsan Ilchulbong, Sunrise Peak, a dramatic volcanic crater that juts up out of the sea. The hike to the rim is steep but short, maybe twenty minutes up, and the view over the crater and the ocean is the payoff. Go early to beat the heat.

Jeju’s beaches are the real draw. Hyeopjae and Hamdeok have soft sand and clear, shallow turquoise water that is calm enough for little ones. Bring swimsuits.

The island is covered in waterfalls too. Cheonjiyeon and Jeongbang are easy walks to big falls, and Jeongbang tumbles straight into the sea, which is rare.

You will want a rental car on Jeju. The sights are spread around the island and public transit is limited, so a car makes the whole trip easier with kids and car seats.

Full Jeju with kids guide: Jeju With Kids. Want Korea planned for you? Work with me.