The Ultimate East Jeju Itinerary: Hidden Gems & Local Eats

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I'm currently exploring the beautiful Jeju Island!

This time, I focused on the eastern side of Jeju

and put together a truly unforgettable one-day itinerary. :)

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With a seamless driving route, incredible photo spots,

and mouth-watering local food,

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this East Jeju itinerary

is definitely one you'll want to bookmark for your trip.

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What I loved most about this route is the natural flow:

👉 Sunrise + Volcanic Cone Hike + Aesthetic Cafe + Takeout Dinner

It transitions perfectly from morning to night.

Jeju Escapes

Words & Photos by Global Explorer

Recommended East Jeju Itinerary

The Perfect 1-Day Route for Your Spring Getaway

1. Sunrise at Hamdeok Seoubong Beach

📍 Hamdeok Beach
525 Johamhae-an-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

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To be completely honest, it was a bit too cloudy

to catch a clear sunrise this morning. ㅠㅠ

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Still, taking a slow stroll along the Hamdeok coastline

while breathing in the crisp morning ocean air

was incredibly refreshing.

I can't even remember the last time I woke up this early... haha.

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There are two parking lots for Seoubong,

but I recommend parking near 250-2 Hamdeok-ri, Jocheon-eup.

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Starting from here, the trail is very beginner-friendly.

After just a 10-minute leisurely walk up,

you'll reach a beautiful traditional pavilion.

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The watercolor-like shades of the Hamdeok ocean

from this vantage point are absolutely stunning. :)

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It's not a strenuous hike to the top,

making it the perfect light morning walk.

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It felt a bit chilly at first in the early hours,

but once I started moving, the temperature was just right.

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By the way, Hamdeok Seoubong is equally famous for its sunsets,

so visiting in the evening is also highly recommended! :)

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2. Sunpung Haejangguk (Hamdeok Branch)

📍 Jeju Sunpung Haejangguk (Hamdeok Branch)
1F, 604 Sinbuk-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

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Honestly, I think I only woke up for the sunrise

so I could justify eating a hearty bowl of Haejangguk (hangover soup)...?

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There are so many fantastic Haejangguk restaurants

clustered around Hamdeok Beach.

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After debating where to go,

I settled on the Hamdeok branch of Sunpung Haejangguk.

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It's a well-known local chain,

so I knew it wouldn't disappoint.

Plus, they open at 6:00 AM,

making it the perfect stop right after sunrise.

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I'm not a fan of congealed ox blood (seonji),

so I ordered mine without it.

The broth was incredibly deep, spicy, and satisfying.

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Maybe it was because of the chilly sea breeze,

but I polished off this boiling hot stone bowl in minutes. :)

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Even though it was super early,

the place was filled with local elders.

That's how you know it's an authentic local gem!

If the local grandpas eat there, you know it's legit. haha.

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3. Gaeoreum Volcanic Cone

📍 Gaeoreum
162 Seongeupiri-ro 57beon-gil, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

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The main event of our East Jeju itinerary.

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Gaeoreum (an 'oreum' is a parasitic volcanic cone) has an entry fee of

~$4 per person, which you can pay via bank transfer or cash.

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Once you enter, you'll find horses roaming freely right next to you.

They are surprisingly gentle, so there's no need to be scared. :)

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Even though the sky wasn't perfectly clear that day

and the clouds were rolling in,

the photos turned out with that moody, iconic Jeju vibe.

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The combination of lush green fields and grazing horses

really makes you feel the raw nature of the island.

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However, there is one crucial thing to note:

There is a LOT of horse manure in the fields...

Way more than you'd expect! haha.

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If you're walking backward while taking photos

or just staring at the scenery, you might step in something.

Always keep an eye on the ground!!!!

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There were quite a few people doing wedding or self-portraits here,

but the area is vast enough that it never felt crowded,

and taking photos was completely hassle-free.

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4. Ramane Uisikju Cafe

📍 Ramane Uisikju
1F, 2117 Jungsangandong-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

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We stopped by this cafe for a quick rest on our way back to our accommodation,

and the atmosphere was absolutely incredible. :)

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The weather cleared up nicely,

so we grabbed a table outside.

Feeling the gentle Jeju breeze while sipping coffee was pure bliss.

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My top recommendations here are:

The Ham & Cheese Sandwich,

Ramane Latte, and Cold Brew Americano.

(A lot of their sandwiches were sold out since we arrived in the late afternoon ㅠㅠ)

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While the flavor profile isn't overly complicated,

the texture of their homemade squid ink ciabatta

was phenomenally chewy and delicious.

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The owner was incredibly sweet and welcoming.

I noticed a plant in the yard that looked a bit like perilla leaves,

and when I asked what it was,

she told me they were hydrangeas.

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Apparently, when summer hits,

this cafe becomes a famous hotspot for hydrangea viewing!

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I got lucky and didn't have to wait for a table,

but since the seating is somewhat limited,

expect a waitlist during peak tourist seasons.

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If I'm ever driving through this area again,

I'd definitely return to try their other sandwiches! ^^

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5. Yeogi Gossine (Gujwa Woljeongri Branch)

📍 Yeogi Gossine Jeju Gujwa Woljeongri Branch
1F, 1-dong, 820 Haemajihae-an-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

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After two full days of exploring non-stop,

I just wanted a cozy, relaxed dinner, so I opted for takeout.

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The menu of choice? Fresh Mackerel Sashimi!

You haven't truly experienced Jeju Island

until you've had a bite of local mackerel sashimi, right?

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I picked it up from Yeogi Gossine in Gujwa,

which was conveniently close to my accommodation.

It exceeded my expectations—absolutely delicious! haha.

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There was virtually zero fishy taste,

and the packaging was neat and perfectly portioned

for eating comfortably back at the hotel.

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If you're staying on the eastern side of Jeju

and looking for a late-night snack or something to pair with drinks,

definitely give this place a try.

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They are open until midnight,

which is a huge plus for late dinners.

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East Jeju 1-Day Itinerary Summary

✔️ Sunrise at Hamdeok Seoubong

✔️ Breakfast at Sunpung Haejangguk

✔️ Morning Walk at Gaeoreum

✔️ Coffee Break at Ramane Uisikju

✔️ Takeout Dinner: Mackerel Sashimi

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This East Jeju itinerary lets you soak in

the authentic, tranquil vibes of the island.

Did any of these spots catch your eye?

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Rather than rushing to check off a massive bucket list,

this route is designed for you to slowly savor Jeju.

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If you're struggling to plan your days,

feel free to copy this East Jeju route exactly

for a guaranteed great time.

Because the distances between spots are a bit spread out,

relying on public transit can be tough.

I rented a car for this trip, and it made everything seamless! :)

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Rental car prices in Jeju can fluctuate wildly

depending on your travel dates,

so I highly recommend comparing prices before your trip.

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Here is the platform I used to book mine▼

Compare & Book Rental Cars Worldwide! - Klook Car Rental

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