Jeju Island: Full-Day SouthWest Bus Tour with Entry Fees

Thinking about visiting Jeju Island? This highly-rated full-day bus tour offers a comprehensive taste of the island’s natural beauty, geological marvels, and cultural highlights. With a stellar 4.9 out of 5 from 224 reviews and a very competitive price of just $55 per person, it’s a tempting option for those wanting to maximize their time without breaking the bank.

What we love about this tour: first, the diverse range of sights—from beaches to volcanic cliffs—that truly showcase Jeju’s unique landscape. Second, the expert guides who bring the experience to life with stories, local tips, and engaging explanations.

A potential drawback? The tour bus moves quickly—it can’t stop for more than a minute at each stop—so you’ll want to be ready to hop off and on quickly. This isn’t a leisurely stroll, but rather a fast-paced, packed day.

This tour suits travelers who want a guided overview of Jeju’s highlights, appreciate well-organized day trips, and enjoy learning about local culture along the way.

Key Points

• Comprehensive sightseeing covering beaches, volcanic formations, mountains, and cultural spots
• Expert guides who share insightful stories and local tips
• Great value—entry fees, lunch, and transport included for a reasonable price
• Active but accessible—walks at each stop are manageable, suitable for most travelers
• Time-efficient—packed itinerary maximizes your day on the island
• Flexible drop-offs available within Jeju Downtown area for added convenience

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose This Jeju Full-Day Tour?

Jeju Island is often called the “Hawaii of Korea” for its volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and beautiful beaches. But with so many sights spread out, it can be overwhelming to navigate solo. This guided tour offers a well-organized way to see the highlights without the stress of planning transportation or worrying about missing key sites.

The $55 price covers transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, tickets to several geological sites, and a local buffet lunch. The tour’s high ratings—averaging 4.9—are a testament to its quality, especially the praise for guides like Angella and Elin, who add local flavor with engaging stories and helpful tips. Many reviews mention how much they appreciated the knowledgeable guides who explained Jeju’s culture, history, and natural features in an accessible way.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Start with Convenience: Pickup Locations and Timing

The tour kicks off early with pick-up options at Ocean Suites Jeju Hotel, Jeju International Airport, or Lotte Duty Free. Departure times vary, generally around 8:40-9:10 a.m., so arriving a bit early ensures you won’t miss the bus. The bus is strictly timed—please be ready 10 minutes early—as it cannot pause longer than a minute at each stop.

Hyeopjae and Gumneung Beaches: Emerald Waters and Silver Shells

The first stop is at Hyeopjae Beach, famous for its fine, white sand and bright emerald waters. Here, you can walk along the beach, soak your feet, and admire the view of nearby Biyangdo Island. The sand is sprinkled with tiny, shiny shells, adding to the visual appeal. Many visitors comment on the beauty of the beaches and the clear waters that are perfect for photos or a quick paddle.

More Great Tours Nearby

Hwansang Forest and Gotjawal: Jeju’s Unique Forests

Next, you’ll visit the Hwansang Forest, where you can stroll and appreciate the lush greenery. More unique is the Gotjawal Forest—a type of forest found only in Jeju, characterized by moss-covered rocks and volcanic soil. This spot is often praised for its mysterious beauty and the chance to see a rare ecosystem. One reviewer noted, “We saw the fantastic Gotjawal, which can only be found in Jeju Island,” highlighting its exclusivity.

O’sulloc Green Tea Museum: Sip and Snap

A highlight for many travelers is the O’sulloc Green Tea Museum, where you learn about Korea’s traditional tea culture and enjoy the endless green tea fields. You’ll have free time to take photos, sample green tea snacks like ice cream and bread, and appreciate Korea’s tea craftsmanship. It’s a refreshing break that combines education and delicious treats. Visitors often remark on the beautiful photo opportunities and the chance to taste authentic green tea.

Songaksan Mountain and Hallasan: Mountain Views and Volcanic Wonders

From here, the tour moves to Songaksan Mountain, offering sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. Many describe this as “impressive enough to be forever in your memory,” and the walk up isn’t strenuous. You’ll get to see columnar joints—geological formations created by volcanic activity—and take in the scenic vistas.

The climax of the day is a visit to Hallasan, South Korea’s highest mountain. You’ll visit the lower slopes, enjoy the majestic scenery of the mountain, and can choose to walk a bit further if you desire. While climbing to the 1100-meter peak is optional, many find the views from below satisfying enough to feel like they’ve truly experienced Hallasan’s grandeur.

Jusangjeolli Hexagon Lava Cliffs and Bomunsa Temple: Geological and Spiritual Gems

The Jusangjeolli cliffs feature hexagonal volcanic rock formations carved by lava cooling rapidly. The sight is both geologically fascinating and visually striking; many reviews mention how impressive these cliffs are.

A quick stop at Bomunsa Temple, a serene Buddhist site, offers a peaceful moment and photo opportunities. The short visit provides a glimpse into Jeju’s spiritual side without taking up too much time.

Final Stop: Yeongju or Downtown Drop-offs

The tour concludes with drop-offs at your chosen location, including Jeju International Airport, Lotte Duty Free, or a downtown hotel. The flexibility makes it convenient, especially after a long day of sightseeing.

The Real Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable, friendly guides who bring the destinations to life. Alicia Zamit noted how guide Angella “shared very good tips and locations for trying the best cuisine in Jeju,” emphasizing the value of local insights.

Many appreciate the beautiful views at beaches, mountain peaks, and volcanic cliffs, describing each stop as “magnificent,” “impressive,” or “breathtaking.” A common thread is the positive experience of learning about Jeju’s geology and culture, often through engaging stories from guides like Elin.

On the practical side, travelers mention the smooth organization, the comfortable transportation, and the delicious included lunch. The $55 price delivers a surprisingly rich experience when you consider the entry fees, transportation, and meal are included.

Some note the fast pace—the bus doesn’t stop long at each site—so those preferring a leisurely pace might find it a bit rushed. However, for most, it’s perfect to see a wide swath of Jeju in one day.

Is This Tour for You?

If you’re looking for an efficient, well-guided day trip that hits the highlights of Jeju Island, this tour offers excellent value. It suits travelers who want to see diverse natural landscapes—from beaches to volcanic formations—and enjoy some cultural exposure without the hassle of independent planning.

It’s especially good for first-time visitors or those short on time who want a rundown in one day. The guides’ enthusiasm and storytelling are often praised, making the experience not just about sights but also about understanding Jeju’s soul.

However, travelers who prefer a slow pace, more time at each site, or have mobility challenges should consider that the tour is quite fast-moving and involves some walking at each stop. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with mobility impairments.

Practical Tips for the Day

Bring comfortable shoes—the walks are manageable but involve some uneven terrain. A light jacket is recommended, even in summer, because weather can change quickly, especially around the mountains. Since the tour is in a dedicated vehicle, you’ll be comfortable and on schedule, but be prepared to hop off and on swiftly—timing is tight.

A camera or smartphone is essential to capture the stunning scenery. Many reviews mention the great photos taken at each stop, especially at beaches and mountain viewpoints.

The Sum Up

This Jeju Island full-day tour provides a fantastic introduction to the island’s most photogenic, geological, and cultural sites—all for around $55. The combination of beautiful landscapes, engaging guides, and well-organized logistics makes it a great pick for travelers wanting a comprehensive sightseeing experience without the hassle of self-driving or extensive planning.

While the pace is brisk, most visitors find it worthwhile for the opportunity to see Jeju’s highlights in one packed, fun-filled day. Perfect for first-timers or those with limited time, this tour promises a balanced blend of nature, geology, and local culture—and plenty of opportunities for memorable photos and stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $55 price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees for Gotjawal Forest and Jusangjeolli cliffs, a buffet lunch (if selected), and a knowledgeable guide.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting around 8:40-9:10 a.m. and ending with drop-offs in the late afternoon or early evening.

Are there any restrictions or special considerations?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility challenges, or wheelchair users. The bus cannot stop for more than a minute at each site, so punctuality and readiness are important.

Can I customize the drop-off location?
Drop-offs are available at Jeju International Airport, Lotte Duty Free, or within Jeju Downtown area. You can tell the guide your preferred location on the day of the tour.

Is food included?
Yes, a local buffet lunch is provided if you select that option. The tour also includes snacks like green tea bread and ice cream at the museum.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended. Bring your camera, sunglasses, and sunscreen to make the most of the outdoor stops.

How do guides make the experience special?
Guides like Angella and Elin are praised for their storytelling, local insights, and friendliness. They often share tips on Korean culture and cuisine, making the tour more than just sightseeing.

In essence, this tour is a smart choice for anyone eager to see the best of Jeju in one day, with a knowledgeable guide to connect the dots and bring the landscapes to life.

You can check availability for your dates here: