Jeju East Day Tour: Haenyeo Divers, Seongsan Ilchulbong & Folk Village

Summary

Jeju’s east coast in a day—divers, sunrise peak, village life

You’ll step into Jeju’s daily rhythm—walking Hamdeok Beach sands, learning about legendary haenyeo divers at their museum and live show, climbing Seongsan Ilchulbong for wild ocean views, then wandering through folk villages where tradition lingers in every gesture. This tour lets you feel both sides of Jeju: raw nature and warm community.

What’s the experience like?

We were already brushing sand off our shoes by the time the van left Hamdeok Beach. The water really is that clear blue you see in pictures, but what I remember most is the smell—salty, a little sweet from someone grilling corn nearby. Our guide Minji handed out tangerines (she said Jeju ones are special) and told us stories about her childhood on the island as we drove. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed just watching waves and locals setting up umbrellas for the day.

The Haenyeo Museum was next, and honestly, I’d never heard of these women before. Inside it’s quiet except for old recordings of haenyeo singing—haunting in a way that sticks with you. Minji explained how these divers still go out without tanks, even in their sixties or seventies. There were old wetsuits you could touch—rougher than I thought—and photos of women laughing on the rocks with baskets full of shellfish. She tried to teach us one of their songs; I mumbled along and probably got it all wrong.

Climbing up Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) was sweaty but worth it. The wind picks up near the top and suddenly you can see everything—the ocean on both sides, green fields below. Lunch after felt like a reward; we wandered around little places near the peak and ended up with hot seafood stew that tasted like the sea itself (and maybe a bit too much chili). At 2pm we watched the real haenyeo dive right off the rocks—no fuss, just slipping into cold water while tourists clapped. One woman waved at us as she surfaced with an octopus in hand. It made me think about courage in small daily ways.

Later at Seopjikoji Cape, everyone seemed to slow down—maybe from lunch or maybe just from walking along those windy cliffs. There’s this lighthouse at the end that looks like something out of a K-drama (Minji pointed out which show but I forgot). Last stop was Seongeup Folk Village where elders sat outside their stone houses chatting in dialect I couldn’t catch. Someone offered us barley tea and smiled like we were neighbors instead of visitors from far away. It felt honest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore eastern Jeju's nature and culture

• Relax at Hamdeok Beach
• Visit Jeju Haenyeo Museum
• Hike Seongsan Ilchulbong
• Have lunch near Seongsan Ilchulbong
• Watch Haenyeo Diver Show
• Walk Cape Seopjikoji coastal path
• Explore Seongeup Folk Village

Top questions

How long does the Jeju Eastern Cultural Exploration Day Tour last?

This is a one-day tour covering several eastern Jeju highlights with pickup and drop-off included.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

You’ll have free time to buy lunch near Seongsan Ilchulbong after hiking Sunrise Peak.

Are entrance fees covered?

Yes, admission to all attractions listed in the itinerary is included in your booking.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join; they may ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What’s special about seeing the haenyeo divers?

You’ll watch a live haenyeo performance at Seongsan Ilchulbong—a rare chance to see this tradition up close.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

The tour includes round-trip transfer; hotel pickup is provided within designated areas.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfer by van or minibus, entry tickets for all sites on the itinerary including Haenyeo Museum and Seongsan Ilchulbong, an English-speaking guide throughout, plus plenty of time to buy your own lunch near Sunrise Peak before heading back across Jeju’s east coast landscapes.