Jeju Fantasy Bike Path: The Perfect 1 Week Itinerary

Jeju Island, South Korea’s own volcanic island paradise, is better known as a prime honeymoon spot than a cycling destination. However, with the opening of the Jeju Fantasy Bike Path, that’s all set to change. Although Jeju Island has always been widely regarded as a great spot for cyclists among the cycling community in Korea, the new bike path is bound to put it on the map even more.

This Summer, Veeran and I decided to make our summer vacation a cycling holiday! We were originally going to do the Seoul to Busan route but, with soaring temperatures throughout the country and cheap ferry tickets to Jeju, we decided to opt for the island life instead. I’ve already written about why I think the best way to explore Jeju is by bike. So, if you want to know how to do it, here’s the itinerary that we followed!

Before I start I should add, I know that a lot of people cycle around Jeju in just a day, but we decided to give ourselves time to explore the island as well. This itinerary is best suited for people who want to take it fairly easy and squeeze in a few sights along the way, too.

Day 1: Jeju City to Hyeopjae Beach 40km

Regardless of whether you come to Jeju by ferry or plane, you’ll start your journey in Jeju City. Most people recommend heading anti-clockwise around the island which is what we did.

Sights To See Along the Way:

• Yongduam Rock
• Hyeopjae Beach
• Hallim Park

Hyeopjae Beach was actually probably our favourite beach on the island. We loved the main street area- it wasn’t super touristy like Jungman Beach, but still had a buzzing beachy vibe. The water here was turquoise and calm, while the water was crystal blue- it actually reminded me of the beaches in The Philippines!

This is a great place to catch a sunset with a beer. Craft beer lovers will be pleased to know that there’s an awesome bottle shop on the main street- I was chuffed to see Brew Dog, my favourite Scottish beer on the shelves!

Where to Stay : H3 Hostel Jeju, Jeju, South Korea 

Double Room: 50,000 KRW (Check the link for up to date prices)

Although this place is advertised as a hostel, I’d say it’s more similar to a guesthouse. The rooms are spacious and clean- similar to an upmarket love motel. The convenient location is just a 5-minute bike ride away from the Hyeopjae Beach main strip.

Day 2: Hyeopjae Beach to Seogwipo City 75km

This is the longest day of cycling on the trip, so get up early- you’ll want to take a lot of pictures along the way. The areas around Jungmun Beach and Seogwipo are home to some of Jeju’s best attractions. However, with resorts lining the coast and congested traffic, it’s best to dedicate a whole day (sans bikes!) to seeing them so I suggest taking a rest day on day 3 to explore this part of the island.

Sights To See Along the Way:

• Sangbangulsa Temple
• Songaksan Mountain (One of the loveliest olle paths that we passed!)

Where to Stay:  Kkodak Kkodak Guesthouse, Seogwipo, South Korea

Double Room: .30,000 KRW (Check the link for up to date prices)

Cheap, cheerful and conveniently located in the heart of Seogwipo City. Don’t expect ay extra frills here. Rooms were spacious enough to fit 2 bikes which is something to look out for in big city areas where you might not want to leave your bike outside. A simple breakfast of toast, jam and coffee is included in the price. Fine for a night or two, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

Day 3: Rest Day! Seogwipo and Jungmun

Jungmun beach is, without a doubt, the tourist epicentre of Jeju Island. This is where you’ll find all the big resorts often frequented by honeymooners and Korean celebrities. If you’re like me and that doesn’t really sound like your scene, don’t worry! This area actually attracts a lot of tourists for a good reason- your within easily commutable distance of all the natural beauty that Jeju is famous for.

Sights to See Here:

• Waterfalls (Cheonjiyeon and Cheonjaeyeon)
• Jusangjeolli Cliffs
• Jungmun Beach
• A whole variety of cheesy but fun museums!
• Lee Jung Seop Art Street

Where to Stay:  Kkodak Kkodak Guesthouse, Seogwipo, South Korea

(See above for more hotel details)

Day 4: Seogwipo City to Seongsan Ilchulbong 64km

The trip from Seogwipo City to Seongsan Ilchulbong is full of picturesque spots with few tourists so make sure you’re camera is fully charged! This is one of the main areas frequented by “haenyo”, also known as sea women. If you’re into seafood you’ll be spoiled for choice, with restaurants selling the freshest catch of the day every few kilometres!

Sights to See Along the Way:

• Oedolgae
• Jeongbang Waterfall
• Seossak Estuary
• Jeju Folk Museum
• Pyoseon Beach (Huge beach, not many tourists, great place for seafood- highly recommended!)

Where to Stay:  Sungsan Beach Hotel, Seogwipo, South Korea

Double Room: 55,000 KRW (Check the link for up to date prices)

Since we wanted to hike Seongsan Ilchulbong at sunrise, we decided to stay within walking distance of the peak. Our hotel was excellent value for money- really clean with a great view of the peak itself. We were both really pleased with it.

Day 5: Seongsan Ilchulbong to Gimnyeong Beach 29km

A short day of cycling but a long day of sightseeing. Get up early to see the famous sunrise from Seongsan Ilchulbong- Trip Advisor’s no 1 thing to do in Jeju. Then catch a ferry over to Udo Island to see the Scotland of Korea! Haha I usually hate those comparisons made by the Korean tourism board but Udo does actually look pretty Scottish. (And that’s coming from a Scottish person, so you know it’s true!)

Don’t forget to try the famous peanut ice cream and peanut makgeolli while you’re there! You can hire bikes and scooters on the island, or take your own over with you. We left ours and got an E-Tandem Bike when we got there. Put your relationship to the test!

Sights to See Along the Way:

• Seongsan Ilchulbong
• Udo Island
• Woljeongri Beach
• Gimnyeong Beach

Where to Stay:  Art Guest House Jeju, Jeju, South Korea

Double Room: 45,000 KRW (Check the link for up to date prices)

We absolutely loved this little place! You can choose to stay in a double room in the main house or outside in a private chalet. All the furnishings were wooden and had a really scandinavian feeling! The young women who worked there made us an amazing breakfast in the morning with kimbab and tasty side dishes. We wished we could have stayed here longer because it was so quaint, cute and peaceful.

Day 6: Gimnyeong Beach to Jeju City 29km

The final day, and only 22 km to left to cycle! Before setting off, take a local bus to see the main sights in this area- Gimnyeong Maze Park and Majangul Caves. We, unfortunately, had to skip this as I got a flat and our pump broke which was a real shame. These sights are quite far in land and would require you to cycle uphill on the motorway which I wouldn’t really recommend. Bus is best in this case.

Sights to See Along the Way:

• Gimnyeong Maze Park
• Majaangul Cave
• Hamdeok Beach

Where to Stay:  Hotel W Top-Dong, Jeju, South Korea

Deluxe Double: 65,000 KRW (Check the link for up to date prices)

At the end of such a long cycle, you’ll be desperate for a nice soft mattress and fluffy duvet- this hotel will not disappoint! For 65,000 won, this is great value for money. It’s rare to find such amazing beds for this price in Korea and, to be honest, it felt like 5 star quality. (Well, what I imagine 5 star to be like, ha!) Plus, it’s a short cycle away from the airport and ferry terminal, and a short walk away from E-Mart. There’s also a street dedicated to black pork barbeque just around the corner!

Day 7: Jeju City

Congratulations, you made it around the Jeju Fantasy Bike Path! Now, it’s time to celebrate. Get yourself some soju- you deserve it!

Jeju City is actually the perfect transit point for hiking Hallasan- this is what we decided to do on our final day. If you want to be a bit kinder to your legs (and I don’t blame you) there is always the ever popular Loveland! Jeju City is also home to some great restaurants and even a brewery. The perfect place to chill before heading back to the mainland.

I hope you guys have enjoyed this post and it’s helped you plan your ideal bike trip to Jeju Island! Still not convinced about cycling? Let me twist your arm!

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Click here to find more hotels on Jeju Island.