VISIT JEJU

Jeju Island grows only more delightful in winter, with a wide range of activities on offer to delight the senses. Gaze on the red camellias blooming amidst the chilled breezes, savor the sweetness of the harvest in tangerine orchards ripened to gold, taste the rich and savory seasonal Jeju giant bangeo (yellowtail), and drive through the winter wonderland of 1100 Highland’s pure white snowy scenery. This preview of winter in Jeju Island has options to awaken all five of your senses.

As the cold Jeju winter wind brushes your collar, the brilliant red of the blooming camellias creates a striking contrast to the green of the trees, standing out more vividly than any other seasonal flowers. The camellias make their presence known even more strongly on snowy days, as crimson blossoms fall upon sheets of pure white. As other flowers wither and shy away from the cold, camellias reach their peak in the bleak midwinter, dying the island a gorgeous deep red.

Admiring the red camellias bloom against the backdrop of the blue sea, black basalt stones, and white snowflakes is the romantic highlight of any winter trip to Jeju. Feel the warm energy that the vibrant red flowers bring to this quiet winter island in your heart and soul.  

▶ Recommended Camellia Viewing Spots

In winter, Jeju transforms into a gold-tinted land of tangerines. Picking tangerines offers a special opportunity to feel the true lifeblood of the island firsthand, in orchards redolent with the aroma of fresh citrus. Selecting and picking the ripest tangerines provides a fun learning experience for children and a sense of simple accomplishment for adults.

Tasting the exceptional freshness and sweetness of tangerines freshly harvested from the orchard is a great way to forget the chill of winter. The tangerines you pick can also be packed up and taken home with you, serving as sweet souvenirs of your journey. Create sweet and tangy memories with your loved ones as you stroll through the fragrant tangerine orchards, enjoying winter’s bounty on Jeju Island.

▶ Recommended Tangerine Harvesting Locations

Winter yellowtail is extremely rich and savory, with a delightfully chewy texture. Yellowtail caught in the cold winter waters off Jeju Island is especially firm and boasts a deep, complex flavor, making it a favorite of fish connoisseurs. Different cuts offer subtle changes in flavor and texture, adding to the enjoyment of the experience.

The best place to try out Jeju giant yellowtail is Bangeo (Yellowtail) Festival Street, located near Moseulpo Port. The street is filled with sashimi restaurants specializing in fresh yellowtail, serving top-quality freshly caught fish at reasonable prices.

The “Southernmost Bangeo (Yellowtail) Festival” is also held here every November. One of Korea’s largest maritime festivals, it celebrates yellowtail caught in the waters near Jeju’s southernmost islands of Gapado and Marado, featuring an array of hands-on activities and cultural programs. Events include catching yellowtail by hand, yellowtail fishing, auctions, and local performances.

Bangeo (Yellowtail) Festival Street

▶ Address: 14, Sinyeong-ro 72beon-gil, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju

The highlight of a winter trip to Jeju Island is the snowy landscape of 1100 Highland, located midway up Hallasan Mountain. When snow begins to fall here, the entire area transforms into a picture-perfect winter wonderland. Enjoy breathtaking winter scenery as you drive past trees rimed with frost and a tunnel of wind-blown snowflakes. A brief stop at the 1100 Highland rest area offers the perfect chance to breathe in the crisp, refreshing air. Across from the rest area is the 1100 Highland Trail Information Center, the starting point for paths leading into the wetlands. We recommend circling the wetlands along the deck trail if snow is not too deep. 1100 Highland is the ideal spot to feast your eye on the serene and beautiful scenery of snow-covered Hallasan Mountain.

* The road to 1100 Highland is often closed in winter due to weather conditions, and tire chains may be required. Be sure to check Jeju Island traffic control updates before your visit.

▶ Address: 1555, 1100-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju