Seogwipo
Jeju's second city, known for Cheonjiyeon and Jeongbang waterfalls and a rocky volcanic coast small enough to explore on foot.
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Seogwipo is a resort city covering the southern half of Jeju Island, South Korea. It is the island's second city after Jeju City, built on a rocky volcanic coastline. The town is small enough to cross on foot, and its waterfalls are the main sights to plan around. Cheonjiyeon Falls is about 22 m high, with a pool roughly 20 m deep and subtropical evergreens and ferns growing thickly in the gorge. Jeongbang Waterfall is the only waterfall in Asia that drops straight into the sea.
The Jungmun Tourism Complex, Jeju's best-known tourist hub, was designated an international resort area in 1971. It holds the Yeomiji Botanical Garden and several museums. Seongeup Folk Village, with traditional hanok houses, has been inhabited since at least the 15th century. The climate is warm, humid and temperate, with the highest annual average temperature in South Korea, though winter can bring snow. Most travelers fly into Jeju City airport, and there is no rail service in Seogwipo.
Seogwipo in five
- See Cheonjiyeon Falls after darkVisit Jeju lists Cheonjiyeon Falls as open 09:00 to 22:00, with last admission at 21:20, so it can be seen lit at night. The waterfall is about 22 m high and 12 m wide.Cheonjiyeon on Visit Jeju
- Reach Jeongbang Falls before 17:30Viewing hours are 09:00 to 17:50 with last admission at 17:30, and access can be restricted in bad weather or by sunset. It is described as Korea's only coastal waterfall dropping directly into the sea.Jeongbang on Visit Jeju
- Take bus 281 along the 5.16 roadThe bus links the Jeju and Seogwipo bus terminals, roughly 06:00 to 22:00, and stops near the Seongpanak trailhead for Hallasan. Allow about 45 to 50 minutes between the two terminals.Hallasan reservation guide
- Combine the falls with a coast walkJeongbang is near central Seogwipo, with a pine-lined stairway of about five minutes down to the waterfall after buying a ticket. Plan the two waterfalls on one half day.
- Decide between this base and Jeju CitySeogwipo is quieter at night and closer to the south coast and the falls; Jeju City has the airport and more rooms. Compare the bases before you book.Where to stay in Jeju
Things to do in Seogwipo
See all attractions in Seogwipo
Need to know
- Airport
- Jeju International (CJU), reached by bus 181 or 281
- Getting there
- Bus 281 from Jeju bus terminal, about 45 to 50 min
- Getting around
- Walk the center; taxis or car for the coast
- Best base
- Near the center for dinner and bus links
- Time needed
- 1 night, or 2 with the falls and a coast walk
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryMild, windy
- FebruaryCool
- MarchCanola flowers
- AprilMild
- MayGreen, mild
- JuneRainy season
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustHot, typhoons
- SeptemberTyphoon risk
- OctoberClear
- NovemberCool
- DecemberCool, windy
Right now in Seogwipo
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
13
- Feels like
- 10°
- Humidity
- 54%
- Wind
- 10 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Seogwipo
05:41 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today18°16°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed21°17°50%Wednesday: Rain. High 21°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 50%.
- Thu23°18°97%Thursday: Rain. High 23°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 97%.
- Fri18°9°4%Friday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Sat14°8°0%Saturday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun15°8°7%Sunday: Drizzle. High 15°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 7%.
- Mon15°5°10%Monday: Drizzle. High 15°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 10%.
Updated 02:48 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1,333 KRW
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Jeju Citybus 281 about 45 to 50 minutesAirport, bus hub and the north coast.Read the guide
- Hallasan trailheadsbus 281 stops on the 5.16 roadThe summit trails are on reservation; start before dawn.Read the guide
- Seongsan Ilchulbongeast coast; a car helpsSunrise peak and the Udo ferry in a long day.Read the guide
Before you go to Seogwipo
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Plan around Seogwipo
Hallasan, coasts and bases
Read the guideJeju-si travel guideAirport city and bus hub
Read the guideWhere to stay in JejuFour bases compared
Read the guideHallasan reservation guideTrails, slots and cut-off times
Read the guideJeju island overviewA shorter island guide
Read the guideAll of South KoreaCities, KTX routes and entry rules
Read the guideSeogwipo FAQ
Is Seogwipo worth visiting?
Yes for two waterfalls close to town, a smaller pace than Jeju City and an easy Hallasan bus corridor. Skip a base here if you land late or leave early and need the airport close.
What are the opening hours of Cheonjiyeon Falls?
Visit Jeju lists 09:00 to 22:00, with last admission at 21:20, so evening visits are possible. Check on the day, since access can change with weather.
Do you need a ticket for Jeongbang Falls?
Yes. Visit Jeju says you buy a ticket at the entrance; an adult individual ticket is listed at 2,000 won, with lower prices for teenagers and children. Viewing hours are 09:00 to 17:50.
How far is Seogwipo from Jeju Airport?
Bus 181 runs from the airport along the 5.16 road toward Seogwipo World Cup Stadium, and bus 281 links the two bus terminals in about 45 to 50 minutes. A taxi or rental car is faster with luggage.
Is Seogwipo a good base for Hallasan?
It is workable. Bus 281 stops near the Seongpanak trailhead, but the trail opens at 05:00, so a day hike usually needs a taxi, a rental car or a night closer to the mountain.