[Itinerary 2] Feel-good hormones OUT TO PLAY!
Highlights
🔖 Geumneung Beach & Hyeojae Beach
I prefer Geumneung Beach, a quieter alternative to the more popular Hyeopjae Beach right next to it. I enjoy walking between the two and usually stay or park my rental car near Geumneung for its relaxed vibe. From here, you can see both Biyangdo Island and Hallasan Mountain in the distance.
There are plenty of food options and accommodations nearby, with Olive Young, Starbucks, and Paris Baguette located on the Hyeopjae side.
Geumneung Beach’s shallow, clear water and white sand make it perfect for a peaceful walk and the picturesque views of Biyangdo and Hallasan create a beautiful backdrop.
There’s also ample space to relax, along with public camping areas that have toilet and shower facilities.
Maps :
Guemneung Beach Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
Hyeojae Beach Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 Go Karting @ 9.81 PARK
I recently learned—or rather, re-learned—a fun science fact. We all had an “oooohhh” moment when a student casually mentioned that "9.81" refers to the acceleration (in meters per second squared) at which objects fall due to Earth's gravity. LOL.
Anyway, 9.81 Park is an adventure park, with its main attraction being the go-karting experience. The karts use automatic acceleration, so all you have to manage are the brakes—everything else is left to gravity. The park offers four tracks:
🏁 Course 1 & 2: Standard tracks with a max speed of 30 km/h.
🏁 Course 3: A beginner-friendly track with smoother curves.
🏁 Course X: The master course, where speeds can hit 50 km/h.
💡Tips:
Book early: Reserve the early bird package on Klook and arrive 30 minutes in advance.
Hope for luck: Cross your fingers that no large student groups show up.
Maximize fun: Start with a practice run, then head straight to Course X.
Adrenaline junkies: Avoid braking to hit top speeds. Don’t worry—the karts have side wheels to glide off curbs safely, and each track accommodates one driver at a time, so crashes are rare.
💡💡Pro tip:
1. Download the 9.81 PARK app before your visit. It tracks your speed and time for each course, syncs with the kart's GoPro, and lets you replay and download race videos.
2. There are lockers available, though I can’t remember if they’re free.
3. Besides go-karting, the park has arcade games like basketball, shooting, skiing, and bumper cars. There’s also Laser Tag, but you need a minimum of nine players to play—though I haven’t tried it myself.
Maps:
9.81 Park Jeju Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 Osulloc Tea Museum & Innisfree Jeju House
They are side by side. I won’t go too deep into this place—there’s already plenty of info out there. No hate. If it’s your first time on the island, it’s worth a visit just because it’s the #1 must-see tourist spot in Jeju. The experience is pleasant, though it leans more toward being a gift shop and café than an actual museum. I’ve been there more times than I’d like.
Whenever visitors come, I usually just camp out at the Innisfree café. They’ve got free Wi-Fi, but no power outlets— a big deal for me, especially in Jeju where many cafes have that.
And don’t forget to grab some photos in the green tea fields outside the café!
Personally I prefer Jejugreem cafe or Picture Cafe which is about 5-minute drive away.
Maps :
Osulloc Tea Museum Google Map Kakaomap Naver Map
Jejugreemcafe Google Map Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 Choi 초이 (Korean Chinese Restaurant in Jeju)
This is a good Korean Chinese restaurant we went between Osulluc and on our way to Yongmeori Coast.
Jajangmyeon (자장면 / 짜장면) is a Korean-Chinese noodle dish topped with a thick black sauce made from chunjang (춘장), diced pork, and vegetables. It traces its origins to Incheon, where Chinese migrant workers from Shandong introduced zhajiangmian in the late 19th century. The Korean version differs with its darker, sweeter sauce. Variants of the dish feature seafood or other meats.
Jjamppong (짬뽕)
Jjamppong is a spicy, Chinese-style Korean noodle soup made with a seafood- or pork-based broth flavored with gochugaru (고추가루).
Typical ingredients include onions, garlic, zucchini, carrots, cabbage, squid, mussels, and pork. Though inspired by Chinese cuisine, it has evolved uniquely in Korea.
Jeonbok-jjamppong (전복짬뽕): Jjamppong with abalone
Hanchi-jjamppong (한치짬뽕): Jjamppong with squid
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Yangjangpi (양장피 / 兩張皮)
Yangjangpi is a Korean-Chinese dish combining vegetables, seafood, and mustard sauce, served with starch sheets resembling jellyfish.
Types of Jajangmyeon (자장면 종류)
Standard Jajangmyeon (일반 자장면)
The most common version, often labeled simply as "jajangmyeon (자장면)" in restaurants. The sauce is made in bulk by thickening with starch and water, resulting in a mild, smooth taste. Prepared ahead of time and kept warm, it offers an affordable option.Ganjjajang (간짜장)
This variation uses chunjang (춘장) and vegetables fried in oil, with the sauce served separately from the noodles. Originating from Incheon’s Chinatown in 1905, it is richer and oilier than the standard version. Some modern variations add broth and starch to meet changing tastes.Jangban Jajang (쟁반짜장)
Served on a large tray, this dish uses leftover noodles stir-fried with jajang sauce, similar to spaghetti. Often ordered for two or more, it maintains a smoky flavor and doesn’t become soggy thanks to the stir-frying process.Old-Fashioned Jajang (옛날 자장면 / 옛날 짜장면)
There’s debate over what makes a jajang "old-fashioned." Some say it involves large chunks of ingredients or frying with pork fat, while others emphasize the absence of caramel. Traditionally, this version includes potatoes and is topped with a fried egg, reflecting how jajangmyeon was once served.Uni Jajang (유니 짜장)
Finely ground ingredients are stir-fried with chunjang (춘장) to create a smooth texture. The name "uni (유니)" comes from the Chinese word for minced pork. Often marketed to children, this version avoids added water, offering a mild taste. In upscale restaurants, uni jajang can replace the standard version.Samseon Jajang (삼선 짜장)
A seafood-rich take on ganjjajang (간짜장), "samseon (삼선)" traditionally refers to shrimp, abalone, and sea cucumber, though cuttlefish and scallops are now common due to cost. Many places use "samseon" to refer to any seafood-enhanced jajangmyeon.Sichuan Jajang (사천 짜장)
This spicy red version replaces chunjang (춘장) with doubanjiang (두반장). While some variations resemble the standard jajangmyeon (자장면), others include seafood, making the price range wide. Despite its name, it isn’t authentically Sichuan but became popular after being introduced by a food company.
Maps :
Choi 초이 Google Map Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 Sanbangsan
If Sanbangsan is in my morning activity, I would usually start from One&Only Cafe first, before it gets crowded and the window seats all taken, then heading to Sanbangsan for a bird's-eye view of Yeongmori Coastal Trail before walking the trail itself. This 3-stop course should take up about 3 to 4 hours.
Sanbangsan (山房山): 산 (mountain) 방 (room) 산 (mountain)
Sanbangsan, "the mountain with a room," gets its name from the unique cave-like hollow in its center, resembling a room where Sanbangsan Temple is located. The mountain was formed as a result of violent volcanic activity about 800,000 years ago, along with Yongmeori Tuff Ring, it is one of Jeju’s oldest volcanic formations and is visible from almost anywhere in Seogwipo.
At 395 meters, Sanbangsan resembles a bell or a peak from afar. According to legend, Seolmundae Halmang’s eldest son angered the Jade Emperor, who retaliated by throwing the top of Hallasan, creating Baengnokdam Crater and forming Sanbangsan. Interestingly, the circumferences of Baengnokdam and Sanbangsan are quite similar which adds to the legend’s lore.
There are two temples on Sanbangsan: Bomunsa Temple (보문사) and Sanbanggulsa Temple (산방굴사).
Bomunsa Temple (보문사)
As you ascend the mountain, your first stop will be Bomunsa Temple, which offers a stunning view of the sea and surrounding areas.
Sanbanggulsa Temple (산방굴사)
Further up the stairs lies the entrance to Sanbanggulsa Temple, where admission is 1,000 won. After climbing more stairs, you'll reach the small cave temple. Some might wonder if the effort is worth it, but whenever I mention it resembles more of a statue than a traditional temple, the common response is, "Since we’re here, why not?" And honestly, I've always gone all the way up.
At 200 meters above sea level, Sanbanggulsa Temple offers breathtaking views of Seogwipo’s coastline, Yongmeori Coast, Hamel’s exhibition hall, and Marado Island. This Buddhist site has served as a place of worship for centuries. Inside the cave temple, clear water drips from the ceiling, known as the tears of Sanbangsan, which are believed to have healing properties.
Fees and Parking
There’s a free public parking lot to the right of the entrance stairs leading up to the temple. The lot on the left is private, and someone will approach you to collect 2,000 won and place the receipt on your windshield.
Admission fee for Sanbanggulsa Temple is 1,000 won. Bomunsa Temple is free to visit, though donations are welcome.
Maps :
One&Only Cafe Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
Sanbangsan Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 Yongmeori Coastal Trail
One of the seven sites that earned Jeju its UNESCO Global Geopark status, Yongmeori Coast is located at the foot of Sanbangsan Mountain (산방산). The name “Yongmeori” (용머리) translates to "Dragon’s Head," inspired by the way the coastline resembles a dragon dipping into the sea. It predates Hallasan (한라산) and Jeju’s lava plateau, making it the oldest volcanic formation on the island, formed through underwater eruptions.
In 2011, Yongmeori Coast was designated a geological monument and a natural monument (No. 526). Its sandstone cliffs—formed by submarine explosions—date back 1.8 million years and reveal layers of Jeju’s volcanic history. The rugged terrain is marked by:
Tuff (응회암) and basalt rock formations
Horizontal bedding (수평층리)
Potholes (포트홀) and sea caves (해식 동굴)
Vertical joints (수직 절리) and small faults (단층)
Due to the rising sea levels from global warming, access to the coast is restricted during high tides. The weather conditions significantly affect the site, so it is recommended to check with the visitor center before planning a visit. At high tide, submerged areas reveal fascinating marine vegetation.
Hamel Ship Exhibition Hall (하멜기념관)
The coast used to serve as the home of the Hamel Ship Exhibition Hall, which commemorated the Dutch sailor Hendrick Hamel. Hamel was the first Westerner to provide an account of Korea. In 1653, his ship, the Sperwer, wrecked near Jeju during a storm en route to Japan. Hamel and his crew were detained in Joseon (조선) for 13 years before escaping to Japan and eventually returning to the Netherlands. His writings, collectively known as the "Hamel Journal," introduced Korea to Europe.
Demolition of the Exhibition Hall
The Hamel Ship Exhibition Hall stood in front of the Yongmeori Coast ticket office was demolished in 2021 after 20 years. A safety inspection found significant corrosion in the steel masts and external stairs. Frequent typhoon damage made maintenance costly, and after consultations with local residents of Sagye-ri (사계리) and experts, the hall was dismantled for safety.
Though its removal brought a sense of nostalgia for many, the demolition also opened up clearer views of the Brother Islands (형제섬) and the scenic Sanbangsan Mountain. Visitors still pass by the site, wondering about the missing ship, which had undergone numerous repairs over the years due to storm damage.
Even without the exhibition hall, Yongmeori Coast continues to attract visitors with its breathtaking geological formations and historical significance. The combination of natural beauty, volcanic heritage, and fascinating maritime history ensures its place as a must-see location in Jeju.
Maps:
Yongmeori Coast Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 Jungmun Beach & Yeondon - Celebrity Chef Baek Jongwon - approved Pork Cutlets
This is more about Yeondon than Jungmun Beach.
We ended up at Jungmun Beach since it was close to Yeondon, a restaurant we were curious to try, and a nearby Starbucks, where one of us wanted to hunt for a limited edition item.
Our time at the beach was brief, so I can’t say much about it, but I was surprised by how many people were surfing—more than I’d ever seen in Jeju. Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to come back for a proper visit.
The donkatsu place we went to gained popularity after famous Chef Baek Jongwon featured it on Alley Restaurant Food. In Seoul, Baek praised it as one of the best pork cutlets he’d had in a long time, but the restaurant struggled because the owner had an overly complicated menu and only made 10 cheese donkatsus per day. On top of that, half the profits were spent on high-quality ingredients, making it hard to stay afloat.
When the episode aired, crowds overwhelmed the tiny space, and the noise became unmanageable. Baek recommended relocating to Jeju—and that’s how we found ourselves at Jungmun, grabbing takeaway since dine-in requires arriving early in the day to get a queue number, which sells out daily.
The donkatsu itself was basically a giant fried meatball. The crust was crispy and satisfying, but the meat could’ve used more flavor. Would I recommend it? Sure, if you’re in the Seogwipo area and curious about what the hype is all about!
Maps :
Jungmun Beach : Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
Yeondon : Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
