6 Best Sights in Jeju-do, South Korea

Jeju's dominant topographical feature is Hallasan, an extinct shield volcano that looms 1,950 meters (6,397 feet) over the island. The mountain's lower slopes are covered in dense woods, fields, pastures, and citrus groves that give way to grassy meadows, azalea fields, and forests of dead yew trees at higher elevations. More than 360 parasitic cones cover the volcano's flanks. There are seven hiking trails up the mountain, though the two most popular—the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails—now require reservations. Both take about 10 hours, and while the hike to the crater at the peak can be a slog, no technical climbing is required and the views over the island are well worth the effort. Beware of the strong winds and sudden change in temperature as altitude increases. Hallasan has camping sites, parking, a visitors center, and bathrooms.

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.

Opened by Korean cosmetic giant AmorePacific in 2001, Osulloc Tea Museum is an architecturally stunning complex located amid sublime scenery at the entrance of the sprawling Seogwang Green Tea Plantation. The museum's exhibits focus on the history and traditions of Korean tea, while the popular cafe offers a wide range of tea-based beverages and desserts, including green tea ice cream and green tea roll cakes. For a real treat, though, take a 55-minute tour and green tea class at the museum's Tea Stone annex, which embraces its setting amid a thick forest grove with transparent glass walls. Tours require reservations, and a Korean translator is a good idea. Even if you don't enter the museum itself, you can stroll around in the photogenic green tea fields nearby and gaze upon rolling hills and volcanic cones in the distance.

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.