Jeju Travel Guide Winter Edition: Self-Guided Tips for First-Timers
Jeju in winter is a different picture: pine forests covered in white snow, blue sea contrasting with white sandy beaches and quiet roads. If you are planning a self-guided Jeju winter trip for the upcoming Lunar New Year, this is the detailed guide for you. I will share from real experience, especially how to cope with harsh weather for the safest and most complete trip.
Preparation Before the Trip: Cannot Be Skipped
- Documents & Mandatory Procedures
Visa: Remember, with the B-2-2 visa exemption policy, you must fly direct from Vietnam to Jeju International Airport (CJU). If transiting through Seoul/Incheon, you need a regular South Korean visa.
Register e-Arrival Card: Don't wait until the airport to frantically fill out the paper form! Register the Electronic Arrival Card (e-Arrival Card) in advance at the official site: www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr. This saves you a lot of time queuing at immigration.
- "Essential" Apps on Your Phone
Before boarding the plane, make sure your phone has these apps installed:
KakaoMap (카카오맵): MORE IMPORTANT THAN GOOGLE MAPS in Korea. This app shows detailed locations, bus routes, and especially integrates real-time traffic cameras (CCTV) and weather. You can see directly if snow is falling heavily or roads are slippery before setting off.
Kakao T (카카오T) or Uber: To call taxis. Booking via app is clear on price, location and can pay by international credit card, avoiding communication issues.
Papago (파파고): Extremely useful Korean-Vietnamese translation app, supports translating photos of menus, signs.
Tips to Cope with Jeju Winter Weather
Jeju winter can be very unpredictable: strong winds, sudden snow and low temperatures. This is the most important part you need to note.
- Monitor Real-Time Traffic & Weather Conditions
Jeju Police Traffic Information Page (JJ Police):
Link: https://www.jjpolice.go.kr/jjpolice/notice/traffic.htm
How to use: This page updates road conditions in real time. Red roads mean closed/completely restricted, yellow means caution needed. Before setting off each morning, check this page to see if your planned route is closed due to snow.
Real-Time Weather Camera - Hallasan Mountain:
Link: https://www.jeju.go.kr/tool/halla/cctv_05.html
How to use: This is the camera at the famous 1100 GS25 rest stop on the way up Hallasan Mountain. If you plan to hike or visit this area, check directly if snow is falling heavily, what the visibility is like to decide.
- Official & Tourism Information Pages
Jeju Province Official Website: https://www.jeju.go.kr/ - Provides general information, disaster warnings.
Jeju Tourism Information Center: https://www.visitjeju.net/ - Go to "News" or "Notices" section to update on events, winter festivals and especially temporary closures of attractions due to bad weather.
Safe Transportation & Sightseeing Experience
Renting a Self-Drive Car: If you rent a car, ABSOLUTELY ask the company thoroughly about installing snow tires (winter tire) and check the car carefully. Driving on slippery roads requires calmness, keep double the normal safe distance.
Using Buses & Taxis: Buses in Jeju are very convenient. Use KakaoMap to check accurate schedules. On bad weather days, prioritize taxis for safety and warmth.
Flexible Planning: Don't overload with a packed schedule. Reserve 1-2 "backup" days in the plan to adapt if encountering snowstorms. Activities like visiting museums, cultural villages, onsen spa (hot springs) will be perfect choices for harsh weather days.
Clothing: Bring windproof, waterproof jacket, non-slip shoes (important!), gloves, beanie. Temperature can differ greatly between day and night.
Suggested Memorable Winter Experiences in Jeju
Admire White Snow on Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak: The sight of the snow-covered crater from above is truly spectacular.
Stroll in Bijarim Pine Forest: Fresh air and movie-like snow-covered pine forest scenery.
Enjoy Hot Cuisine: A pot of Heukdwaeji (grilled black pork) or hot Jeonbokjuk (abalone porridge) will chase away the cold immediately.
Wishing you a safe, warm self-guided Jeju winter trip full of memorable experiences! Always prioritize safety and monitor weather information closely.
