Plan a CruiseJeju Cruise Port Guide
Jeju Island, a semi-tropical paradise, is located off the southern tip of the Korean peninsula. While long a popular vacation spot for Koreans and Japanese, it remains less known to many North American travelers. Upon arrival at the cruise terminal, you will likely be greeted by Korean performers. The port itself is situated 2 km from Jeju City center. Jeju Island is approximately 50 miles long and 20 miles wide, offering diverse natural scenery, beautiful beaches, and a charming rural quality.
Getting Around from the Port
The port is 2 km from Jeju City. You can walk to a smaller shopping and restaurant area near the pier in about 20 minutes. For wider exploration, local buses are available. The main Jeju City bus is #100, which runs between the airport and the cruise terminal, passing the city's main bus terminal and most major hotels. From the main bus terminal, you can find buses connecting to various island destinations, including Seogwip'o and Jungmun Resort on the south coast, with stops at points of interest. Taxis are also an option for direct travel to specific attractions.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, consider these independent options:
- Jeju City Exploration: Walk into the smaller shopping and restaurant area near the pier (20 minutes walk) for local experiences. For the main city center, a short taxi or bus ride (#100) will take you there, where you can connect to other parts of the island.
- Jeju Folk Arts Complex / Jeju Folk Village: These locations offer insights into traditional Jeju culture. The Folk Arts Complex showcases local craftsmen and their art. The Jeju Folk Village features traditional wares, historic and re-created buildings, mountain fishing, religious villages, agricultural displays, and a marketplace. Travel time and cost will vary depending on your chosen transport (bus or taxi) from Jeju City.
- Hallim Park: Located on the western side of the island, Hallim Park offers diverse attractions including underground caves, Bonsai Gardens with trees over 150 years old, Jae-Am Folk Village, a stone exhibit, water gardens, and botanic gardens. This excursion requires a bus trip from Jeju City's main bus terminal or a taxi, and will take a significant portion of your time due to travel.
- Cheonjaeyeon Waterfall: Explore this breathtaking 72-foot (22-meter) waterfall, known for its legend of seven nymphs. You can also walk across the arched bridge featuring carvings of these nymphs. This attraction is located on the south coast, requiring travel via bus from Jeju City (e.g., towards Seogwip'o or Jungmun Resort) or a taxi. Given the island's size, plan your travel time carefully to ensure you return to the ship on schedule.
Dining & Shopping
Near the pier, within a 20-minute walk, you'll find a smaller area with shops and restaurants. For authentic Jeju island goods, consider visiting the Jeju Folk Arts Complex, where local craftsmen display their work and art. The Jeju Folk Village also features a marketplace with traditional wares. Shopping hours are generally Monday through Sunday from 10:30 to 20:00. Local specialties include regional cuisine unique to Jeju. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in most restaurants and shops, though very cheap establishments might be cash-only.
Safety
The emergency number for police is 112. While generally safe, be aware of ATM limitations. Many Korean ATMs do not accept foreign cards. Look for "Global ATMs" which are found in airports, some subway stations in major cities, and many Family Mart convenience stores. It is advisable to stock up on local currency before heading to more rural areas, as Global ATMs may be scarcer outside major centers.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the South Korean Won (KRW). The reference guide states an approximate exchange rate of 1 US$ to 1000 won (Note: This exchange rate may be outdated; check current rates before your trip). Credit card acceptance is very good, with Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in most places, except for the very cheapest restaurants and motels. While ATMs are common, most Korean ATMs do not accept foreign cards; seek out "Global ATMs" to withdraw cash. The official language is Korean. English is fairly well spoken, especially by the younger generation, who often enjoy practicing their skills with English-speaking tourists. South Korea is known for its connectivity, and "PC bang" (internet cafes offering free WiFi for customers) are ubiquitous across the country.