10 Things to Do in Seogwipo on a Small Budget

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is a thundering waterfall that cascades down a 22-metre cliff that's 12 metres wide, before landing in a serene, unspoiled and crystal clear pool. The name roughly translates to 'sky connected with land', and that's truly the sense you get when you view these stunning falls. This spot is also a designated South Korean National Monument, and you'll discover breathtaking natural beauty and a variety of local plant life ranging from camellias to Siebold's chinquapin.

The pool is also the natural habitat for giant mottled eels, which come out at night. The park is a mere 25-minute bus ride from the city centre.

Seongsan Sunrise Peak, or Seongsan Ilchulbong, is renowned as one of the most beautiful spots on Jeju Island, with a crown-shaped peak offering stunning sunrise views. The peak was formed from an ancient volcano and sits in the heart of a thick, verdant valley. Well-maintained hiking trails lead up the steep slope, and it looks kind of like a gigantic green pie. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Signs at the base of the hill will educate you about its history and legacy.

The peak is about 2 hours by bus northeast of the city centre. It's about a 40-minute hike total to get up and down.

Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market is among the largest traditional markets in Seogwipo, offering 620 metres of covered market and hundreds of shops and street vendors. All in all, this market that opened in 1964 showcases 200 permanent shops and around 140 street vendors that rotate on a regular basis. Some of the products you can find here are fresh produce, seafood, kimchi and locally made souvenirs, arts and crafts. It's open all year long and offers an outdoor stage for live entertainment as well as a playground area for the kids.

The market also hosts regular workshops and cultural programmes. It's located in the heart of Seogwipo's city centre.

Oedolgae Rock is a site of stunning natural beauty along Route 7 of the Jeju Olle Trail, where it rises from the water to stand alone, jutting out 20 metres into the air. The name means 'lone rock pillar', and it was formed from a volcanic eruption about 150,000 years ago. It's a popular fishing spot as well as a famous filming location for the Korean television drama 'Lady Dae Jang Geum'.

You can visit this rock pillar any time you like, but sunset is considered the best time to see it, when the brilliant colours of the fading light frame it from behind. It's just 15 minutes by bus from the city centre.

Saeseom Island Saeyeongyo Bridge is among South Korea's longest pedestrian overpasses. It offers gorgeous panoramic views of the city and surrounding natural habitat as it connects Seogwipo Port and Birds Island. The bridge opened in September 2009, and its design is inspired by the traditional log boat of Jeju, called a Tewu. The bridge also features a brilliantly lit tower with LED lights in the evenings and is inspired by the idea of a wind-caught sail.

The bridge offers great photo opportunities but also is a means to walk to Birds Island, where you can see an unspoiled wilderness conservation area with convenience and leisure facilities. It's just 25 minutes by bus from the city centre.

Hallasan National Park is the home of Mount Hallasan, the tallest mountain in South Korea, and is a UNESCO heritage site covering more than 153 square kilometres of untamed wilderness. It's a national park dominated by the volcanic mountain for which it is named, which stands over 1,947 metres high and features a serene crater lake. Locals say Jeju Island is Hallasan and Hallasan is Jeju. You can see more than 4,000 species of plant life here, at least 400 of which are endangered, ranging from subtropical to alpine.

Animal life can also be seen here, including roe and Formosan deer, gazelles, badgers and weasels, as well as 364 known species of birds. It's about 45 minutes north of Seogwipo.

Yakcheonsa Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Asia and offers stunning art and architecture, elevated gardens and panoramic views of the island's coast. Inside the temple, you'll be stunned by the statue of Vairocana, which stands 5 metres high and is surrounded by altar portraits of Buddha. The temple is also built into natural rock caves, and the main hall features 18,000 Buddhas. Outside the temple, you can witness a gigantic bell that weighs 18 tonnes.

After you have finished exploring and meditating to connect with the spirit of Jeju, you can grab a bite to eat, as the temple serves full meals. It's also only about 25 minutes west of the city centre.

Songaksan Mountain is an extinct volcanic cinder cone that has great historic significance and is a popular visitor attraction for its ruins and photo opportunities. This mountain has maintained its original form from when it was an active volcano, and its crater reaches a depth of 69 metres. It was used as the forward operating base for Japan during its invasion of China, and as a last line of defence at the end of World War II. You can see ruined airfields, anti-aircraft batteries, hangars, coastal trenches and other war remnants.

The trenches, in particular, offer spectacular views of the ocean, and the island is covered with pine forests. It's about a 2-hour bus ride west of the city centre.

Sanbangsan Bomunsa Temple is partway up a mountain on the southern end of Jeju Island and offers stunning coastal views, enormous statuary and stunning artworks. This temple has been referred to as the temple of a thousand statues because you can witness rows upon rows of Buddhas scattered throughout the temple and its surrounding grounds. In the prayer hall, three towering golden Buddhas sit under prayer lanterns, welcoming all visitors to this peaceful place.

This is a spot with breathtaking architecture and equally stunning oceanic views. It's a peaceful and tranquil spot where the ocean breeze will take your cares away. It's also an ideal spot to learn about local culture and spiritual sites.

Getting around by public bus is a reliable, efficient and budget-friendly way to travel. Jeju Island, and Seogwipo specifically, has a fantastic public transport system that is not only inexpensive but is often the most efficient transport possible here. Anywhere you need to go in Seogwipo, you can get there by bus, and it's incredibly affordable.

The Airport Limousine bus is your choice for getting to and from the airport. The City Bus will get you between Jeju City and Seogwipo, while the Tourist Shuttle Bus goes to all the major attractions. You can pick up a T-money card to make it even less expensive.