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Seogwipo

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Seogwipo

Seogwipo is the second largest city on Jeju Island, located along the rocky volcanic coastline in the southern part of Jeju Province, South Korea. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seogwipo offers a variety of natural, historical, and cultural attractions that will make you want to return to this region.

Some of Seogwipo’s best charms are its waterfalls. Jeongbang Waterfall is a monumental 23-meter-high waterfall flowing down the seaside cliff. To get the best views, you can climb to the top or visit the wooden observation deck across the cliff. Legend has it that this waterfall was once the home of a sacred dragon, and its water can cure diseases.

Additionally, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall presents a spectacular view of three connected falls spilling into each other. Here, you can find pools serving as habitats for mottled eels and beautiful Chinese lemon trees.

When visiting Seogwipo, you cannot miss the Seogwipo Tourist Port, filled with fishing boats and towering palm trees. Here, you can take a boat from the port for fishing or squid-catching in the open sea. Additionally, you can order seafood at many restaurants and witness the sunset behind Seasom Island. The island is filled with trees and conservation zones with walking routes. You can reach Seasom Island via the Saeyeongyo Bridge.

Travel Tips for Seogwipo

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Seogwipo

A guide to Seogwipo's local transportation

City Bus

Express Bus

Tourist Shuttle Bus

Electric Scooter

Bicycles

Using the city bus is one of the optimal choices for getting around Seogwipo. These buses operate between the intercity bus terminal in Jeju City and Seogwipo, covering various routes. The basic fare for these buses is KRW1,200, with additional charges depending on your specific destination.

Practical Tips for Seogwipo

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What to do in Seogwipo?

In Seogwipo, you can find Aqua Planet Jeju, featuring four main attractions: the marine stage, aquarium, central venue, and marine science. Here, you can witness nearly 50,000 animals, including dolphins, whale sharks, large sharks, and 10,000 damselfish. This tourist destination offers an extraordinary experience to learn about marine animals and interact with nurse sharks and starfish.

Culinary exploration is a must when visiting Seogwipo. Therefore, you can visit The Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market, a traditional Korean market selling various local Jeju foods. The market offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, such as octopus, mackerel, abalone, hairtail fish, and other live shellfish. Besides culinary adventures, you can even shop for various clothing and souvenirs in the hundreds of available stores.

If you’re looking for a more unique destination, visiting the Teddy Bear Museum is recommended. The museum showcases a century-old teddy bear culture and a collection of limited-edition teddy bears from around the world. Here, you'll learn about significant historical events of teddy bears from centuries ago, and you can even see some iconic scenes, like the Titanic, which is made up of teddy bears.

What are the best places to visit in Seogwipo?

Natural attractions you should explore while in Seogwipo include the Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff. This cliff is composed of thousands of hexagonal stone pillars, creating an impressive sight. You can head to the wooden walkway near the cliff, take a speedboat from Jungmun Tourist Complex, or follow the hiking trail Olle Trail 8 to experience various breathtaking views from different perspectives.

Seongsan Ilchulbong is a rare volcanic formation that emerged from the sea between craters on Jeju Island hundreds of thousands of years ago. Here, you'll witness the best sunrise views from Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. Hike to the summit for the optimal vantage point, where you'll also encounter various fascinating plants and animals.

A visit to The Yeomiji Botanical Garden is a must in Seogwipo. This garden offers various international plants and greenhouse attractions that make you feel like you're entering a forest.

In addition to various natural attractions, Seogwipo is home to The Lee Jung-Seop Art Gallery, which showcases various works by Lee Jung-Seop inspired by the Seogwipo landscape. Moreover, you can discover various collections of landscapes, abstract, and calligraphy works by contemporary Korean painters. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Osulloc Tea Museum to learn about traditional Korean tea culture.

Where to eat in Seogwipo?

When visiting Seogwipo, you'll undoubtedly want to indulge in its seafood culinary delights. Head to Twin Sashimi Restaurant near Seogwipo Port, offering a variety of fresh sashimi, sushi, and hearty portions of side dishes. It's advisable to arrive early, as the restaurant tends to be busy with visitors during both high and low seasons.

Additionally, make a stop at Negeori Restaurant, known for its diverse menu, including its signature hairtail fish. You can order various Korean dishes prepared by grilling, boiling, or turning them into soup. Exploring the food here will help you understand why this place is consistently bustling with visitors.

For those craving beef dishes, Seogwipo, Jeju Island Grill Point could be your go-to choice. The restaurant is renowned for its Jeju black pork, which you can enjoy with an array of side dishes and sauces according to your preferences. Moreover, the friendly English-speaking staff here is particularly helpful for international tourists.

What is the best time to visit Seogwipo?

If you are planning a trip to Seogwipo, the best time to visit is from April to November, with the warmest months being July and August.

How many days should I stay in Seogwipo?

For those looking to spend their vacation in Seogwipo, 3 days would be an ideal duration to gain various tourist experiences in the area. However, if you plan to fully explore Jeju Island, you might extend your holiday to 5 days or a week for a more memorable experience.