Jeju Province lies on the Korea Strait and is known for housing the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seongsan Ilchulbong and the highest mountain in South Korea, the Hallasan Mountain.
Do you know that the busiest air route on Earth occurs between Seoul and Jeju? More than 26 million passengers fly to Jeju each year! That says a lot about Jeju as a popular travel destination.
Thanks to Jeju Tourism Organisation, we had the chance to explore Jeju-si(Northern part of the island) before heading to Seogwipo-si(Southern part of the island).
If you’re looking for where to eat, pray and have fun during winter in Jeju, we have put together a 5-day Muslim-friendly itinerary just for you.
Why You Should Visit Seongsan Ilchulbong In Jeju
Depending on where you’re coming from, there are several ways to get to Jeju. Several destinations such as China, Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia fly directly to Jeju International Airport.
If you’re already in South Korea, you can travel to Jeju via domestic flight or ferry. Domestic flights within Korea tend to have a lower checked baggage allowance (usually 15kg). Make sure you’ve not shopped too much in other cities before getting to Jeju!
Less than a 10-minute drive away from the airport, you’ll find Badapunggyeong. “Bada” means sea and “punggyeong” means scenery. You’ll be feasting on seafood dishes, with a beautiful sea view for you to admire.
While taking in this breath-taking view, we were enjoying their delicious food that include assorted tempura, grilled mackerel, sea urchin seaweed soup and soy-marinated crab. Prayer rooms are also available at this restaurant!
Simply ask the restaurant owners for directions and they will politely show you the way. However, you would need to bring your own prayer garments.
Address: 654, Seohaean-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 9AM to 11PM
*Disclaimer: This restaurant serves alcohol
After lunch, we checked-in to our home for 2 nights – the Maison Glad Jeju. Although it’s a luxurious option for accommodation, it’s worth a stay for a night or two.
When you exit the hotel, you’ll be surrounded by shopping streets filled with familiar brands such as Fila, National Geographic and Adidas. For Korean beauty junkies, you’ll be spoilt for choice – Innisfree, Etude House, Aritaum, Banila Co and more!
Address: 80, Noyeon-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Website: OraResort
When you have freshened up and ready to explore the city, head over to Playbox VR for a fun gaming experience. Playbox VR offers various 4D games including a roller coaster experience if you’re not a fan of the real one.
On the first floor of the building, there’s an ice museum where you’ll find amazing ice sculptures and even an ice hill where you can go sledding with a tube!
When you’re ready to escape the -5 degrees ice museum, head outside to Sumokwon-gil where you’ll find colourful LED displays and decorations.
These displays change seasonally, so it might not be the same when you return here some other time. Unleash your photography skills and capture some beautiful moments with your loved ones.
Address: 2F/3F Sumokwon Theme Park, 69 Eunsu-gil, Yeon-dong, Cheju, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 9AM to 9PM
Website: Playboxvr
To end your first day in Jeju, indulge in a Korean shabu-shabu buffet! That’s right, you can find Halal shabu-shabu in Jeju.
Cheonhaecheon offers an all-you-can-eat buffet with an extensive selection of Halal beef, seafood, fishcakes, vegetables and cooked food such as tteokbokki and pizza.
After a satisfying dinner, head over to the second floor for a dedicated prayer room. It’s well-equipped with prayer garments and slippers for you to perform ablution comfortably.
If you have a small stomach, drop by Cheonhaecheon during lunch time instead where you can opt for an a la carte option such as the Abalone bibimbap that’s served in a sizzling hot stone bowl.
Address: 25, Halladaehak-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 11AM to 10.50PM
Website: Shabu1000
*Disclaimer: This restaurant serves alcohol
For a morning workout, hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak – one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This popular attraction among both locals and tourists was formed by a volcanic eruption that happened about 5,000 years ago.
After a 20-minute hike up the 180-metre trail, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful bird’s eye view of the area surrounding Seongsan Ilchulbong.
Address: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 7.10AM to 7PM(Summer)
7:30AM to 6PM(Winter)
Website: VisitKorea
Photo credit: VisitKorea
When you’ve taken enough fresh air at the peak, hike back down and take a short walk to Uribong Sikdang for a well-deserved lunch.
We’d recommend you to try their specialty dishes such as seafood hotpot, grilled mackerel and abalone porridge – a fool-proof choice for a hearty meal after a tiring hike. Prayer rooms are available at this restaurant.
Address: 273, Ilchul-ro Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 8AM to 8PM (Closed on the 1st Wednesday of the month)
*Disclaimer: This restaurant serves alcohol
Have a relaxing afternoon at Jeju Pureonbada Candle and attend their candle-making class in a cute little shed.
Design your own seabed using seashells, flowers and stones, then choose from a few scents including blue lavender and pink camellia for the candle wax. It could be a great souvenir for yourself or you could design it with your loved ones in mind.
Website: Jejubada_s
Another famous spot you must visit while in Jeju is the Maze Land, which you would have probably seen in Korean variety shows such as Running Man and dramas such as Legend of the Blue Sea.
There are three mazes for you to explore – the Whinstone Maze, Woman Maze and Wind Maze.
They were created to reflect the three things you can easily find in Jeju – rocks, women and wind. It's A-maze-ing! Plan your routes well, else you might be trapped in the maze for hours!
Address: 2134-47, Bijarim-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 9AM to 5.30PM (November to January)
9AM to 6PM (February to March)
9AM to 6.30PM (April to May)
9AM to 7PM (June to September)
9AM to 6PM (October)
Website: VisitKorea
If you’re still looking to have fun, head over to the Drone Park located at Jeju Best Hill. You can split yourself into two teams and compete to see who has better control.
Jeju Best Hill also offers accommodation. Go glamping with them and have a Korean barbeque under the starry night. Drop them an email to request for Halal meat a few weeks in advance and they’ll import it from Australia or Seoul just for you!
They also offer other activities such as hot air balloon rides and forest trails for you to have an all-round experience while you’re there. A prayer room is also being built and it will be completed in a month or two.
Address: 2109-36, Namjo-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si
Website: JejuBestHill
For dinner, you can find Halal authentic Indian food at Bagdad. Chicken soup, tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, naan, briyani and fruit yogurt – the perfect way to end the day!
Complete your meal with a mango lassi to wash down all the flavoursome food. Then you’re ready for a good night sleep.
Address: 38, Seogwang-ro 32-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 11AM to 11PM (Closed on Mondays)
Website: Jeju_BagdadCafe
*Disclaimer: This restaurant serves alcohol
After spending two days in Jeju-si, it was time to explore the Southern part of the island – Seogwipo-si.
After a 1-hour scenic drive, we arrived at Bayhill Pool & Villa. It’s a hidden gem located away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They offer various rooms and villas that can accommodate up to 10 people.
Breakfast is offered at the NARNIA Restaurant where Jeju-do dishes are created with fresh seasonal ingredients. If you’re looking to stay here, drop them an email in advance and they’ll make special arrangements to import Halal meat for you.
Address: 424, Yerae-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Website: BayHill
Make your own soap at the Innisfree Jeju House! Innisfree sources many of its product ingredients from Jeju and is known for being South Korea’s first all-natural brand.
Choose from three kits – Volcanic Pore, Tangerine and Green Tea – and unleash your crafting skills. It’s definitely a fun experience for both adults and young children.
Address: 424, Yerae-ro, Seogwipo, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 9AM to 7PM (Summer)
9AM to 6PM (Winter)
Website: Innisfree, VisitKorea
Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find Osulloc Tea Museum, the first ever tea museum in South Korea. Learn more about Korea’s tea culture and its rich history.
While you’re there, be sure to drop by their Tea House which offers a green tea galore! Tea, latte, cakes, ice-cream, bingsu – almost every possible green tea-flavored item.
Address: 15 Sinhwayeoksa-ro Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju-do
Operating hours: 9AM to 6PM
Website: Osulloc
Drop by The WE Hotel, a health resort that is equipped with treatment and relaxation facilities. We tried out their 1-hour mind therapy, which is aimed to reduce stress, improve blood circulation and refresh your body.
It was a much-needed session for us as our bodies were not used to the cold winter winds in Korea. We’d highly recommend you trying at least one of their programmes!
After feeling rejuvenated, we headed to their restaurant for a Halal lunch where we were served marinated abalone bibimbap, beef skewer and sea urchin seaweed soup.
Drop them an email requesting for a Halal meal and they will make the necessary arrangements for you. Prayer rooms can be located at the 3rd (women) and 5th floor (men).
Address: 453-95 1100 Ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 9AM to 6PM
Website: WeHotel
K-pop fans, listen up! Combining new media technology and k-pop music, Play K-Pop allows you to show off your dance skills, try out K-pop idols’ makeup, snap pictures with them and more!
You must not miss out on the Live Holo Concert where you can enjoy a hologram concert of your beloved idols including G-dragon, Bigbang, 2NE1 and CNBLUE. You can find prayer rooms located on the third floor of this building.
Address: 15, Jungmungwangwang-ro 110beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 9AM to 7PM (Closed on the first Tues of Mar & Dec)
Website: PlayKPop
After being starstruck and drained of your energy, you’ll find the Yellow café just across the road. If you love banana, this is the place to visit. Banana ice-cream, milk, americano, toast, and the list goes on.
You might go bananas if we listed every banana-flavoured item on the menu for you.
Address: 90 Jungmungwangwang-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 9AM to 9PM
Website: YellowCafe
*Disclaimer: Although Binggrae’s milk is Halal-certified in some countries, we’re unable to confirm the Halal status of this café. We’d highly advise you to ask the employees if they use any animal-derivatives in their food before purchasing.
A great way to end your day is to treat yourself to a sizzling pot of braised cutlassfish and crispy grilled cutlassfish. Warm and packed with spices, the braised cutlassfish was reminiscent of our asam pedas back at home.
To accompany the main dishes, you’ll be served various banchan including kimchi, fried anchovies, japchae, pajeon and salad.
Address: 16, Changcheonjungang-ro 24beon-gil Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 10AM to 8PM
Website: Choonsim
Start your morning right by visiting the beautiful Camellia Hill during winter.
Stroll along the picturesque trails and be enamoured by the stunning walkways filled with palm trees, wildflowers, ecological pond and an astonishing number of camellia trees (6,000 to be exact!).
Lucky us, the first Jeju snow in 2018 happened while we were there! We made sure to capture some beautiful shots for us to look back on this wonderful trip.
Address: 166, Byeongak-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 8.30AM to 5PM (December to February)
8.30AM to 5.30PM (March to May and September to November)
8:30AM to 6PM (June to August)
Website: CamelliaHill
We needed some food to warm us up as the temperature dropped drastically due to the snowfall. Just a 10-minute drive down, you’ll spot Jungmun Oppa’s Seafood Ramen!
You’ll never go wrong with ramyeon wherever you are in the world. Indulge in a big bowl of ramyeon filled with crab, abalone, prawns and clams, and the broth was heavenly infused with their flavours.
Address: 115 Cheonjeyeon-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 9AM to 9PM
Website: Jejulamen
*Disclaimer: This restaurant serves alcohol
Tangerines are in season so we had to go tangerine-picking at Jeju E-in Tangerine Farm. We have a tip for you! Pick smaller tangerines that have a deep orange colour as they tend to be sweeter.
We’d also advise you not to wear your favourite pair of shoes as the place might be muddy during the snowy season.
Once you’re done picking, drop by their café and try out their homemade tangerine drinks and jam. With a sweet and sour refreshing taste, they are perfect to quench your thirst.
Address: 693 Hogeun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 10AM to 6PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Website: Jejue_In_Farm
Visit the Jeju Folk Village to get an insight into the structure of Korean villages in the 1980s and how their day-to-day life was like. The scenes of some old villages such as the Mountain Village and Fishing Village were restored across a 40-acre land.
Take a wander and explore the various villages and extensive range of folk item displays such as woodenware, bamboo ware and ironware.
To get a better understanding, you can rent the audio guide that is available in English, Japanese and Chinese for only 2,000 won (2.50 SGD).
Address: 631-34, Minsokhaean-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 8.30AM to 5PM (October to February)
8.30AM to 5.30PM (March)
8.30AM to 6PM (April to 15th July)
8.30AM to 6.30PM (16th July to August)
8.30AM to 6PM (September)
Website: JejuFolk
Get a relaxing aroma foot spa at Jeju Herb Dongsan, located less than a 10-minute drive away from the Folk Village. The foot spa is aimed to relax your muscles and provide you with skin generation, anti-aging and anti-bacterial effect.
Soak your feet in warm water that has been spiced up with a few drops of peppermint extract. Then, exfoliate your feet with rose salt that is provided.
To end off your session, a therapist will apply peppermint oil on the back of your neck and give your face a mist of rosemary facial spray.
If you have cracked dry skin or open wounds on your feet, do take caution as you might feel a burning sensation from the peppermint essential oil.
Address: 170 Don-ohreum-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 9AM to 10.30PM
Website: herbdongsan
For dinner, we decided to give convenience store food a go! Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and GS25 are everywhere along Korean streets and are a great place for a quick lunch or supper.
We highly recommend you trying the samgak gimbap (triangle-shaped gimbap). They are offered in various fillings such as tuna and kimchi. Other packaged food such as cup noodles, dosirak and tteokbokki are also popular.
For drinks, our personal favourite is the Binggrae’s banana milk! Binggrae has also launched new flavours such as coffee, strawberry, melon and tangerine.
*Disclaimer: Some food or drinks may contain alcohol or meat derivatives. We’d highly advise you to ask the employees for help or use a translation app to find out the ingredients before purchasing.
Our last day has arrived (cries internally). Our driver took us on a scenic drive back to the city. Along the way, we spotted the beautiful snow-capped Hallasan Mountain – the highest mountain in South Korea!
We took some time playing in the snow and capturing some picture-perfect moments before moving on to our next stop.
An itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a shopping destination, yes? If you’re looking to score good deals, Dongmun Traditional Market is the place to go! Clothing, socks, household items, kitchenware, food and many more – all under one roof.
Spend at least an hour or two exploring this huge market that houses over 300 stalls!
A Muslim-friendly local delicacy that we would highly recommend you trying is hotteok – a fried Korean pancake that is filled with brown sugar and chopped peanuts.
You can also find other fillings such as honey, vegetable and even Nutella! And the best part – it costs only 500 won (0.60 SGD) for a palm-sized snack.
Address: 20, Gwandeok-ro 14-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: Varies for different stalls
Just a 10-minute drive away from Jeju International Airport, stop by Daewonga for a hearty lunch before you fly back home.
Enjoy a boiling pot of abalone stew filled with abalone, crab, octopus, enoki mushroom and more. End your meal by adding ramyeon into the seafood-infused soup!
Address: 15, Donam-ro 16-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 9AM to 9PM (Closed on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month)
Website: 대원가
*Disclaimer: This restaurant serves alcohol
There you have it! Our recommended Muslim-friendly-itinerary for a 5-day holiday in Jeju! Before you fly, here are some things you should take note of.
In terms of food, Jeju(as compared to Seoul) is relatively new in catering to the Muslim market. However, with its proximity to the sea, you can find an abundance of seafood restaurants for you to dine at.
Alcohol is however served in nearly all restaurants as soju is a huge part of their eating culture. Refer to our Busan article for more information!
You can perform your prayers at Jeju International Airport and several locations mentioned in this article such as Cheonhaecheon and Play K-pop.
We’d advise you to bring your prayer garments while you’re out and about. Kindly ask the restaurant owners if they have an empty room for you to perform your prayers.
A huge thanks to Jeju Tourism Organisation for introducing to us the beautiful city of Jeju filled with great Muslim-friendly food, beautiful culture and fun attractions.
Now it’s time to pack your bags and explore Jeju with your loved ones!
2-Day Itinerary To Busan During The Winter
