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🚗 Jeju Coastal Drive Itinerary — Scenic Ocean Roads, Hidden Cafés & Sunrise Magic
Few experiences capture Jeju Island’s spirit better than a coastal drive. Route 1132 — Jeju’s most scenic highway — wraps around turquoise waters, lava cliffs, and wind-carved oreum hills. This drive combines freedom and discovery: from the quiet sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong to coffee by the sea at Aewol Café Street, every turn feels cinematic. It’s not just a route — it’s Jeju’s heartbeat in motion. Here’s your full-day itinerary filled with secret lookouts, drone-worthy beaches, and local charm.
1️⃣ Sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong (성산일출봉)
Start your journey at dawn from Jeju City toward Seongsan Ilchulbong, the UNESCO-listed tuff cone formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Locals call it “Ilchulbong” — the Sunrise Peak — and watching the sun break through the sea mist from its 182-meter summit is a soul-stirring moment. Arrive by 5:30 a.m. in summer or 6:30 a.m. in winter. The hike is short (about 25 minutes), but wear sneakers; the volcanic stairs can be slippery. Nearby, small cafés open early for hot Americano and tangerine pie — a perfect Jeju-style breakfast. After sunrise, explore the fishing village below, where Haenyeo (female divers) serve fresh abalone stew near the shore.
- ⏰ Best Time: 30 minutes before sunrise
- 📍 Location: Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si
- 🎟️ Entry Fee: ₩2,000 adults / ₩1,000 children
2️⃣ Driving Route 1132 — Jeju’s Scenic Ocean Road
Route 1132 circles the entire island, but the eastern coastal section offers the most breathtaking views. You’ll pass emerald beaches, basalt cliffs, and open fields of canola flowers in spring. The speed limit averages 60 km/h — slow enough to enjoy sea breezes. Between Seongsan and Aewol, stop by the Gimnyeong Lighthouse for drone shots or picnic breaks. Every few kilometers, roadside stalls sell Hallabong oranges and handmade tangerine juice. Locals often call this “Jeju’s Route 66” — a road of healing and horizon.
| Section | Highlight | Suggested Stop |
|---|---|---|
| Seongsan → Gimnyeong | Coastal cliffs & sunrise view | Gimnyeong Lighthouse |
| Gimnyeong → Hyeopjae | Open sea & windmills | Handam Beach Walk |
| Hyeopjae → Aewol | Ocean cafés & surf spots | Aewol Café Street |
3️⃣ Hyeopjae Beach — Jeju’s Emerald Paradise
Midway through the drive lies Hyeopjae Beach, one of Jeju’s most photogenic coastal gems. The water glows in layered shades of turquoise and emerald, reflecting the white shell sand unique to this area. It’s ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or just strolling with a cone of tangerine ice cream. Local tip: visit in late afternoon when the sunlight turns the ocean pastel pink — a photographer’s dream. Families will find food stalls, lockers, and rental umbrellas nearby, while solo travelers can relax at seaside cafés like *Bomnal Café* or *Nolman Jeju*.
- 🏖️ Activity Tip: Swim, paddleboard, or sunset picnic
- 🍦 Must-Try: Tangerine gelato from local vendor
- 📸 Best Angle: Left side of beach near Biyangdo Island view
4️⃣ Aewol Café Street — Coffee with an Ocean View
No Jeju road trip is complete without a stop at Aewol Café Street. Once a quiet fishing road, it’s now a stylish coastal strip lined with design cafés, brunch bars, and concept stores. Top picks include *Monsant de Aewol* (famously visited by G-Dragon) and *Cafe Bomnal*, known for its rooftop sunsets. Sip locally roasted coffee as waves crash beneath — it’s the definition of slow travel. Many cafés use volcanic stone for architecture, blending Jeju’s wild nature with minimal modern aesthetics. Don’t miss the walking trail behind the cafés — it connects to a secret black-sand cove few tourists find.
| Café | Specialty | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Monsant de Aewol | Espresso & brunch | Glass-wall ocean view |
| Café Bomnal | Hallabong tea | Sunset terrace |
| Blue Whale | Cold brew | Black-sand path access |
5️⃣ Hidden Spots & Photo Points Along the Drive
Between major stops are Jeju’s quiet treasures: small roadside shrines, lava fields, and secret beaches with no signs. Pull over near *Yongnuni Oreum* for panoramic photos or explore the tiny fishing docks at *Gwakji*. Travelers seeking Instagram-worthy scenes should visit the basalt cliff viewpoint near *Handam Coastal Walk*. Drone flyers — check local regulations, as Jeju protects its airspace near heritage sites. Remember: Jeju’s beauty lies not only in landmarks but in its spontaneous roadside discoveries.
- 📷 Top Photo Zones: Handam Walk, Biyangdo View, Yongnuni Oreum
- 🚫 Drone Tip: No-fly zones near Seongsan Ilchulbong
- 💬 Local Advice: Pull over only at designated scenic spots
6️⃣ Driving Tips & Safety for Foreign Travelers
Driving in Jeju is convenient — roads are well-marked in English, and GPS (KakaoMap or Naver Map) provides real-time navigation. International visitors can rent cars with an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Always keep headlights on, even during the day, for safety. Watch for strong coastal winds that can affect steering, especially near western routes. Parking is generally free at beaches and cafés, but avoid overnight parking at public lots. Gas stations accept global credit cards, and EV charging stations are increasing rapidly across the island.
- 🚗 Apps: KakaoMap (Navigation), T Map (Traffic), Naver Map (English UI)
- 🅿️ Tip: Use Naver keyword “무료주차” (free parking) when searching
- 📱 Emergency: Dial 1330 (Korea Travel Hotline, English support)
7️⃣ Ending the Day — Sunset Drive Back to Jeju City
As daylight fades, return north toward Jeju City along Route 1132. Stop at *Iho Tewoo Beach* to watch the iconic horse-shaped lighthouses glow against the horizon. Grab dinner at a seaside restaurant serving grilled black pork and abalone stew — the perfect way to end your coastal day. Jeju’s road at night feels cinematic, with soft neon signs reflecting on the sea and wind gently swaying palm trees. It’s the kind of moment that stays with you long after you’ve left the island — the feeling of freedom, ocean air, and the simple joy of driving where the sky meets the sea.
🎯 Expert Travel Insight — Why This Drive Defines Jeju
The Jeju coastal drive isn’t just transportation — it’s an experience of rhythm and calm. It captures Korea’s island philosophy: harmony with nature, quiet beauty, and personal reflection. For travelers, it’s where culture, landscape, and slow living intersect. Each kilometer tells a story — of Haenyeo divers, basalt cliffs, and cafés built from dreams. If Seoul represents Korea’s energy, Jeju represents its soul. And a drive along its coast is the simplest way to feel that soul move with you.
