Jeju: East of Jeju Island Bus Tour from Seogwipo City

If you’re planning a trip to Jeju and want to explore beyond the typical city sights, this full-day East Jeju bus tour offers a fantastic way to experience some of the island’s most striking natural wonders and cultural highlights. Starting from Seogwipo, a charming harbor town, the tour takes you to places like Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Seongeup Folk Village, and Seopjikoji, with a focus on authentic experiences and scenic beauty. Priced at around $92 per person, it’s a well-rounded package that combines history, nature, and local culture, all guided by knowledgeable English-speaking guides like Fabio, whose passion clearly shines through in reviews.

What we love most about this experience is its careful balance: you get to see Jeju’s iconic volcanic formations and traditional villages while enjoying the comfort of a small-group atmosphere. The tour’s flexibility and personal touch shine through, with guides offering insights and extra recommendations. Another highlight is the chance to witness the womendiver’s diving performance, an authentic display of Jeju’s unique culture.

A potential consideration is that Manjanggul Cave is temporarily closed until August 2025 due to safety repairs, but the tour smartly replaces this with a visit to Hamdeok Beach, one of Jeju’s most stunning beaches, which is perfect for relaxing and taking in the views. This tour is best suited for those who appreciate scenic landscapes, cultural insights, and small-group intimacy—ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive yet relaxed day on Jeju.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Visit Seongeup Folk Village and learn about Jeju’s traditional ways.
• Stunning Natural Landmarks: Trek to the crater at Sunrise Peak and walk along Seopjikoji cliffside.
• Local Culture: Watch the women divers perform and explore the Haenyeo Museum.
• Flexible and Small Group: Private van options with a maximum of 18 travelers for a more personalized experience.
• Beautiful Coastal Scenery: Drive along scenic routes, including Jongdal-ri coast, and relax at Hamdeok Beach.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides like Fabio enrich the trip with stories and tips.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

This Jeju East Coast tour begins in Seogwipo, a lively town famous for its waterfalls and seaside charm. The meeting point at Casaloma Hotel feels convenient, especially for those staying nearby. After a short briefing, you’ll hop into a comfortable vehicle—ranging from family-sized vans to larger buses, depending on your group—and set off.

Seongeup Folk Village: A Living Cultural Treasure

The first stop is Seongeup Folk Village, a place where traditional Jeju architecture and lifestyle are preserved. It’s about 50 minutes away from Seogwipo, and we loved the way this stop offers a glimpse into Jeju’s past. We appreciated how guides like Fabio shared stories about the local houses, the stone walls, and how families have kept this village alive. It’s a perfect introduction to Jeju’s intangible cultural heritage, giving you a sense of the living traditions that still shape local life.

Coastal Drive & Seopjikoji Cliffside

Next, the journey involves a scenic 30-minute drive along the coast to Seopjikoji. The walk here is quite picturesque—cliffs overlooking the sea and fields of bright yellow canola flowers dominate the views. Many scenes from popular K-Dramas have been filmed here, making it a famous drama backdrop. While walking the trail, you’ll feel the ocean breeze and gaze at the vast horizon, perfect for a few memorable photos.

Sunrise Peak: Volcanic Wonder and Cultural Highlight

The next leg takes us to Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Jeju’s most iconic volcanic craters. This tuff cone emerged from a volcanic eruption over 5,000 years ago and offers a manageable trek with breathtaking views. We loved the way the guide explained how the wave and wind sculpted the landscape, creating visual masterpieces.

Here, we also had the rare chance to catch the women divers’ diving performance—a special cultural showcase. Although this isn’t always available, reviews note that when it does happen, it’s a fascinating display of traditional diving skills and cultural pride.

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Learning about Jeju’s Women Divers at the Haenyeo Museum

After the Sunrise Peak experience, the tour drives along the Jongdal-ri coast to visit the Haenyeo Museum. This museum honors the Haenyeo, Jeju’s legendary women divers recognized as an intangible cultural heritage. We found this visit profoundly moving, as guides shared stories about the divers’ independent spirit and life on the sea. Many travelers, including those in reviews, praised Fabio’s storytelling and the museum’s insights, which help visitors understand why these women are national treasures.

Alternative Stop: Hamdeok Beach

Originally, the plan included a visit to Manjanggul Cave, another UNESCO site. However, due to safety repairs until August 2025, the tour replaces this stop with a visit to Hamdeok Beach. This beach is renowned for its white sand and crystal-clear water, making it the perfect spot to unwind. The sunset views here are said to be among the best in Jeju, and many reviews highlight the beauty and tranquility of the area.

Relaxing Break and Free Time

After the beach, you’ll have some free time for a coffee break or to stroll along the shoreline. Seogwipo’s local cafes and shops offer a chance to soak up the relaxed ambiance before heading back.

End of the Tour & Return

The tour wraps up at the Casaloma Hotel, conveniently located in downtown Seogwipo. For those flying out or heading to Jeju City, a stop at a bus terminal nearby makes this a practical end point.

Practical Details and Value

The price of $92 includes all transportation, guide services, park admission fees, and insurance—quite reasonable for a full day of guided sightseeing. The transportation options are diverse, from small vans to larger buses, ensuring comfort and flexibility for different group sizes. The guides, especially Fabio, receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to adapt to group needs—reviews describe Fabio as passionate and helpful, making the day feel personalized rather than just a scripted tour.

While the itinerary is packed, it’s designed to balance sightseeing with downtime. The tour’s duration and stops are carefully curated, giving travelers a thorough sense of the east coast without feeling rushed. If you’re concerned about walking or stairs, it’s advisable to communicate with the guide beforehand, as some stops involve walking along trails or climbing stairs at Sunrise Peak.

The tour is also flexible in terms of weather and seasonal considerations, with guides like Fabio adjusting plans in response to conditions—something many reviews positively note.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an immersive, cultural, and scenic experience of Jeju’s east side without the hassle of planning individual excursions. It suits those keen on learning about local traditions, like the women divers and folk villages, as well as nature lovers eager to see volcanic landscapes and coastal vistas. The small-group format ensures more personal interaction, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere.

If you’re short on time but want to see some of Jeju’s most photogenic and meaningful sites, this tour offers great value—especially with reviews praising the expert guidance and beautiful landscapes. It’s perfect if you enjoy a mix of walking, sightseeing, and storytelling, and if you’re eager to get a well-rounded sense of Jeju’s east coast in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is included in the tour price?
  The tour fee covers transportation (car or bus), a licensed English-speaking guide, driver, gas, parking, and all park admission fees.

• Is lunch included?
  No, lunch is not included. The tour provides free time for a meal, and the guide can recommend local spots.

• What should I bring?
  A wind jacket is recommended because Jeju is often windy. Comfortable shoes for walking and some water are also advisable.

• Is the tour suitable for seniors or those with mobility issues?
  The tour involves walking and some stairs, especially at Sunrise Peak, so it may not be suitable for people over 95 or with significant mobility concerns. It’s best to communicate specific needs with the guide.

• Can I join solo?
  Yes, solo travelers are welcome. Many reviews mention enjoying the small group size, which fosters camaraderie.

• What happens if Manjanggul Cave is closed?
  The tour replaces the cave visit with a trip to Hamdeok Beach, allowing travelers to enjoy its famous sunset and relax by the sea.

• How flexible is the schedule?
  Guides like Fabio are praised for their ability to adjust timing and activities based on weather or group preferences.

• What language is the tour conducted in?
  The tour is primarily in English, with Korean support as needed.

Final thoughts

This East Jeju Island Bus Tour from Seogwipo is a wonderful way to explore some of the most photogenic and culturally significant spots on Jeju’s eastern coast. With engaging guides, beautiful landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences, it’s a trip that offers both education and relaxation. The small-group setting and flexible itinerary make it perfect for travelers seeking a personalized and memorable day on Jeju.

You’ll love the way this tour balances nature and culture, giving you a deeper understanding of Jeju’s unique identity—especially if you appreciate stories of local traditions like the women divers or enjoy wandering scenic coasts. Whether you’re an island newcomer or a repeat visitor, this experience provides enough variety to keep you inspired and well-informed.

In short, this tour suits those who want a stress-free, well-organized day with plenty of opportunity for photos, cultural insights, and quiet moments of reflection. It’s a smart choice for travelers eager to see Jeju’s highlights without the hassle of self-guided planning or crowded large tours.

You can check availability for your dates here: