8 Best Sights in Jeju-do, South Korea

Korean travelers regard Geumneung Beach as Jeju's most "exotic," largely owing to its row of palm trees. It also gets some of Jeju's finest sunsets, when the descending sun turns the seascape around Biyangdo (Biyang Island) into a canvas of red, orange, and violet. The beach's shallow depth and concentration of volcanic rocks make it an ideal place for snorkeling. The shallow water also makes the beach popular with family vacationers, especially in summer. The beach has a free camping ground that's open year-round. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; lifeguards; showers. Best for: walking; swimming; sunsets; snorkeling.

This stretch of black sand near Seongsan is best known for its views of Seongsan Ilchulbong, especially at sunrise. In fact, many of the promotional shots of the peak are taken from here. If you're lucky, sunrise will coincide with low tide, when the sunlight will glisten off the beach's moss-covered volcanic rocks. Aside from the views, there are some good restaurants near the beach, as well as horse riding facilities and canola flower fields in spring. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: sunrise, walking.

Like most of the beaches on Jeju's northern coast, you'll find plenty of white sand sloping gently into crystal clear water, along with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and other amenities. What really sets Hamdeok Beach apart, though, is that it's right next to a sizable volcanic cone, Seoubong. It's a short hike to the top, where you'll find great views over the coast. The hill is covered in bright yellow canola blossoms in spring and golden cosmos flowers in autumn, too. The beach is just 30 minutes from Jeju International Airport, making it one of the island's most accessible seaside destinations. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.

One of the most popular beaches on Jeju's northwest coast is also one of its most picturesque thanks to its white sands, black volcanic rock, emerald sea, and the small volcanic island Biyangdo just off the coast. Gently sloping into shallow seas, the beach makes for a perfect family getaway. The sunsets from here (and nearby Geumneung Beach) are inspiring. The beach is lined with plenty of charming cafes and restaurants, as is the nearby town of Hallim. Also nearby is Hallim Park, an arboretum and one of the island's most popular tourist destinations. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; lifeguards; showers. Best for: walking; swimming; sunsets.

This sandy stretch of beach in the sprawling Jungmun Tourist Complex stretches from Cheonjiyeon Waterfall to the stunning basalt cliffs of Daepo Jusangjeolli. More than one million people visit the beach a year, so it can be something of a sea of parasols in summer. However, it also gets relatively high waves, making it a favorite of Korea's surfer community. Typhoon swells are common in summer. Even if you're not a beach person, the nearby Jungmun Tourist Complex is full of things to see, including the impressive Yeomiji Botanical Garden. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; lifeguards; showers. Best for: swimming; surfing.

Like Jeju's other beaches, Sehwa Beach is a captivating medley of white sand, black rock, and jewel-toned water. What it lacks, however, are crowds—and here lies its charm. Still relatively untouristed, this is as tranquil a stretch of coast as you will find anywhere on the island. Sehwa has also attracted its share of hipsters from the mainland, as its trendy cafes and popular Bellongjang artisan market will attest. On the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, and 30th of the month, the beach area also hosts one of northeast Jeju's biggest open air markets, where you'll find locally harvested seafood, carrots, and other produce. Nearby is the Jeju Haenyeo Museum, where visitors can learn about the lives of Jeju's famous female divers, or haenyeo. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: sunsets; sunrises; walking; solitude.

Though this beach's proper name is Udo Sanho Beach, it's popularly known as Seobinbaeksa, which means "beautiful white sand beach in the west." As the name would suggest, this strip of white sand on the western side of Udo is quite stunning, as are the views it provides of the Jeju mainland. The sand is actually made from coral, or more precisely, red algal nodules called rhodoliths. For this reason, the beach has been designated a natural monument by the Korean government. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; showers. Best for: sunsets; swimming; walking; snorkeling.

Not so long ago, the Woljeong Coast was a beautiful and relatively quiet stretch of white sand and emerald sea on the road to Seongsan in northeast Jeju. Nothing can remain secret forever, though, and the area is now a bit overrun with cafes, restaurants, and bed-and-breakfasts such as the Lunamar Pool Resort. That said, there are worse ways to spend an afternoon than taking in the captivating seaside scenery over an artisanal cold brew or craft beer. Try the carrot cake at the cafe Gujwa Sanghoe, a beautifully renovated traditional Jeju home with walls of volcanic rock. Some of the cafes have placed colorful wooden chairs on the beach boardwalk; these have become popular photo spots. Woljeong Coast's water is pretty shallow, making it ideal for children. At the same time, the area gets consistent waves, drawing plenty of surfers. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; lifeguards; showers. Best for: sunsets; sunrises; surfing; swimming.