Jeju West : Ultimate Guide to Korea’s Paradise 🌅

Jeju West 🌅

” 🌿 Wishing you a day full of happiness. _ J “

Jeju West is the core region of Jeju travel, where Korea’s highest peak Hallasan harmoniously blends with the fantastic west coast.

From Hallasan’s grandeur to Hyeopjae Beach’s cobalt blue sea, and the romantic sunset along Aewol Coastal Road,
Jeju West is a special place showcasing nature’s pinnacle.

With 25 years of guiding Jeju Island as a premium tour guide, I’ll provide detailed guidance on everything about Jeju West travel.

From each attraction’s key points to practical travel information, everything for a perfect western trip is included.

“Must Read: Please check more detailed information before traveling,
and use this content for reference purposes.”

1. Hallasan 🏔️ – The majesty and beauty of
South Korea’s highest peak

1-1. Hallasan’s Overwhelming Charm and Uniqueness

Hallasan is the absolute highlight of Jeju West travel, Korea’s highest mountain (1,947m above sea level).
The entire national park is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its value.

🌟 Hallasan’s Amazing Attractions:

• Four seasons’ different scenery: Spring azaleas, summer green forests, autumn foliage, winter snow scenes each offer different emotions.
• Baengnokdam: The volcanic lake at Hallasan’s summit, a mysterious view only visible on clear days
• Various climbing courses: Seongpanak Course, Gwaneumsa Course, Eorimok Course, Yeongsil Course – choose according to your stamina
• Alpine plant treasure trove: Meet special alpine plants only found on Hallasan.
• Free climbing: No entrance fee, anyone can challenge without burden.
  
  

1-2. Essential Checklist for Hallasan Climbing

⚠️ Must-check items before climbing:

• Reservation required: Since January 2021, the exploration reservation system requires advance booking for Baengnokdam summit climbing.
  Seongpanak trail is limited to 1000 people daily, Gwaneumsa trail to 500 people, so advance reservation is essential
• Weather dependency: Climbing is restricted during bad weather, so weather checking is important.
• Physical stamina: Round trip takes about 8 hours 30 minutes, requiring considerable stamina
• Preparation items: No stores on Hallasan trails, so thoroughly prepare crampons, sufficient water, raincoat, snacks, basic climbing equipment in advance.
• Safety caution: Avoid solo hiking and recommend group hiking when possible.
  
  

1-3. Hallasan Climbing Preparation and Reservation Method

Reservation System:

🎯 Smart Hallasan Climbing:

• Official reservation site: Use Jeju Hallasan National Park official website (visithalla.jeju.go.kr) or exploration reservation system
• Reservation inquiry: Hallasan National Park (Eorimok main office) 064-713-9950~1, Seongpanak office 064-725-9950, Gwaneumsa office 064-756-9950,
  Yeongsil office 064-747-9950
  

⚠️ Important Update: From May 2025, if not going to Baengnokdam (only to Seongpanak Winseoeum Shelter, Gwaneumsa Tamla Valley Shelter), climbing is possible without reservation
Decide reservation based on your purpose

Optimal Climbing Season:

• Spring (April-May): Azalea blooming season, stable weather
• Autumn (September-November): Autumn foliage season, many clear days
• Winter: Beautiful snow scenery but crampons and winter gear essential
  
  
  

2. Hyeopjae Beach 🏖️
– Spectacular Cobalt Blue Sea

2-1. Hyeopjae Beach’s Fantastic Beauty

Hyeopjae Beach is one of the best beaches representing Jeju West, definitely ranking 1st or 2nd among recommended beaches on Jeju’s west side.

🌊 Hyeopjae Beach’s Charm Points:

• Emerald sea: Sea color like emerald paint slowly dissolved in transparent water provides healing just by looking.
• White sand beach: During low tide, silver sand beach mixed with many seashells extends endlessly.
• Biyangdo view: In front of the sea is ‘Biyangdo’ shaped like the elephant swallowing a boa constrictor from The Little Prince, creating spectacular views with sunset.
• Night opening: Summer night operations let you enjoy Jeju’s blue nights under palm trees.
• Free use: No entrance fee, freely enjoyable by anyone.
  
  

2-2. Things to Know When Using Hyeopjae Beach

🏄‍♀️ Beach usage information:

• Family-friendly: Shallow depth and gentle slope make it suitable for family beach activities.
• Parking guidance: During summer peak season (July-August), Hyeopjae Beach public parking and Hallim Park front public parking operate with fees. (8:00-20:00)
• Convenience facilities: Hot water changing/shower rooms are fully equipped.
• Accessibility: Adjacent to Hallim Park, good for visiting together.
  
  

2-3. Hyeopjae Beach Area Connected Tourism

🌅 Nearby attractions:

• Geumneung Beach: Southwest coast connects with Geumneung Beach, enjoyable together.
• Hallim Park: Comprehensive theme park located nearby
• Biyangdo: Beautiful island silhouette viewed from the beach.
  
  
  

3. Geumneung Beach 🏝️
– Quiet and Beautiful Hidden Gem

3-1. Geumneung Beach’s Special Charm

Geumneung Beach neighbors Hyeopjae Beach but is a quieter, more leisurely hidden gem of Jeju West.

💎 Geumneung Beach’s Uniqueness:

• Family-friendly environment: Transparent water showing the bottom clearly and shallow depth with lapping seawater provide optimal conditions for trips with children.
• Quiet atmosphere: Has similar scenery to Hyeopjae Beach but is less crowded, offering leisurely charm.
• Convenient access: Parking lot directly connects to beach, no burden when moving luggage.
• Hot water shower: Newly built shower rooms enable hot water showers, convenient for beach use.
• Free use: Freely usable without entrance fee.
  
  

3-2. Geumneung Beach vs Hyeopjae Beach Selection Guide

🤔 Which beach to choose:

• Hyeopjae Beach: More famous and lively atmosphere, various convenience facilities
• Geumneung Beach: Quieter and more secluded, optimal for family trips
• Both places: These neighboring beaches are located within short walking distance, so you can enjoy both in one day.
  
  

4. Hallim Park 🌺 – Meeting of Subtropical Botanical Garden and Mysterious Caves

4-1. Hallim Park’s Diverse Attractions

Hallim Park is a fantastic theme park spread over 100,000 pyeong land, an essential comprehensive tourist destination in Jeju West travel.

🌴 Hallim Park’s Specialness:

• Subtropical botanical garden: Meet various subtropical plants only visible in Jeju.
• Hyeopjaegul and Ssangyonggul: Mysterious lava cave exploration located inside the park
• Various theme gardens: Rich attractions like palm tree paths, cactus gardens, bonsai gardens.
• Four seasons tourism: Different flowers and plants bloom each season, beautiful whenever you visit.
  
  

4-2. Hallim Park Visit Information

🎫 Entrance fee and operating hours:

• Please check entrance fees and operating hours on the official website.
• Parking: Free parking lot operation
• Location: Directly adjacent to Hyeopjae Beach
  
  
  

5. Suwolbong 🌋 – Natural Museum Created by Volcanic Ash Strata

5-1. Suwolbong’s Geological Value and Beauty

Suwolbong is a unique geological attraction in Jeju West, a natural artwork created by volcanic ash strata.

🌋 Suwolbong’s Special Charm:

• Volcanic ash strata: Volcanic ash strata formed by volcanic eruptions 100,000 years ago are completely exposed on cliffs.
• Geological value: Natural museum where you can see Jeju’s volcanic activity history at a glance
• Open view: Spectacular view overlooking Chagwido and the west coast at once
• Trekking course: Gentle walking path easily accessible by people of all ages
• Free viewing: Freely viewable without entrance fee.
  
  

5-2. Precautions When Visiting Suwolbong

⚠️ Safety precautions:

• Wind caution: Be especially careful on windy days as it’s a coastal cliff.
• Photography: Be careful about safety when taking photos at cliff edges.
• Weather check: Views may be limited when raining or foggy.
  
  
  

6. Chagwido 🏛️
– Small Island Where Myths Live

6-1. Chagwido’s Mythical Meaning and Beauty

Chagwido is an uninhabited island visible from the Jeju West coast, a special island steeped in Jeju myths and legends.

🏝️ Chagwido’s Mystery:

• Jeju mythology: Legends related to General Choi Yeong from Goryeo period are passed down.
• Beautiful silhouette: Chagwido’s appearance viewed from Suwolbong is especially beautiful.
• Uninhabited island mystery: Maintains pristine natural appearance with no human habitation.
• Photo spot: Photos of Chagwido with sunset will be the best shot of your Jeju West travel.
  
  
  

7. Gotjawal 🌿
– Jeju’s Unique Mysterious Primeval Forest

7-1. Gotjawal’s Unique Ecosystem

Gotjawal is Jeju’s unique natural environment found in Jeju West, a Jeju dialect combining ‘got (forest)’ and ‘jawal (thorny bushes)’.

🌲 Gotjawal’s Specialness:

• Unique topography: Primeval forest formed on volcanic rocks, a special ecosystem only found in Jeju
• Natural air conditioner: Maintains constant temperature year-round, cool in summer and warm in winter.
• Ecological treasure: Treasure trove of natural ecosystem where various flora and fauna inhabit
• Healing space: Experience natural healing in forests full of phytoncides.
  
  

7-2. Gotjawal Exploration Information

🚶‍♀️ Reference for exploration:

• Clothing: Long pants and sneakers recommended (beware of thorny bushes)
• Trail: Move safely along well-maintained trails.
• Photography: Many good photo zones to capture mysterious forest scenes.
  
  
  

8. Aewol Coastal Road 🌅 – Paradise of Cafe Street and Beautiful Sunset

8-1. Aewol Coastal Road’s Romantic Charm

Aewol Coastal Road is the most romantic driving course and sunset spot in 
Jeju West.

🚗 Aewol Coastal Road Highlights:

• Fantastic sunset: Considered Jeju’s best sunset viewing spot.
• Cafe street: Unique cafes lined along the coast offer special experiences.
• Driving course: Driving the coastal road overlooking the sea is healing in itself
• Photo spot: You can capture life shots with sea and sunset backgrounds.
• Free viewing: Natural scenery viewable for free.
  
  

8-2. Aewol Coastal Road Best Time

⏰ Optimal visit time:

• Sunset time: Golden time from 30 minutes before sunset until the sun sets
• Cafe time: Good for leisurely time at cafes around 2-6 PM
• Weekend peak time: Weekday visits recommended as weekends are very crowded
  
  
  

9. Complete Jeju West Travel Guide Summary ✈️

9-1. Optimal Travel Course and Schedule

🗺️ 2 nights 3 days West complete course:

Day 1: Hallasan climbing (Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa course) → Rest

Day 2: Hyeopjae Beach → Geumneung Beach → Hallim Park → Suwolbong → Chagwido view

Day 3: Gotjawal exploration → Aewol Coastal Road → Sunset viewing

Day trip course: Hyeopjae Beach → Hallim Park → Suwolbong → Aewol Coastal Road

9-2. Budget Guide and Practical Information

💰 Budget guide (per person, excluding meals):

• Entrance fees: Hallasan (free) + Hallim Park (check official website)
• Parking fees: Summer (July-August) Hyeopjae Beach, Hallim Park front parking paid, other times and places mostly free
• Transportation: Rental car recommended (many places difficult to access by public transport)
  

🚨 Important advance preparations:

• Hallasan reservation: Advance reservation absolutely essential
• Weather check: Both Hallasan climbing and coastal tourism heavily affected by weather
• Rental car: Strongly recommended as Jeju West is difficult to access by public transport
  
  

9-3. Seasonal West Travel Points

🌸 Spring (March-May):
Hallasan azaleas, optimal climbing season with mild weather

☀️ Summer (June-August):
Beach peak season, Hyeopjae·Geumneung Beach night operations

🍂 Autumn (September-November):
Hallasan autumn foliage, clear weather with good views

❄️ Winter (December-February):
Hallasan snow scenery, most beautiful sunset season

Jeju West is where all natural beauty is concentrated, from Korea’s highest peak Hallasan to the fantastic west coast.

Create unforgettable memories in this place where majestic mountain energy meets warm sea embrace!

Hope you experience Jeju West‘s special charm with your whole body and enjoy nature’s greatest gifts! 🌊🏔️✨

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