Jeju East: UNESCO Sites Day Tour & Haenyeo Dive Show

Summary

Jeju’s sunrise peak, haenyeo divers and folk village in one day

You’ll walk barefoot on Hamdeok Beach, learn about Jeju’s legendary haenyeo divers at their museum and watch them dive at Seongsan Ilchulbong. Hike up Sunrise Peak with a local guide, wander through Seongeup Folk Village, and end your day tasting street food at Jeju’s bustling market. You might leave with sand in your shoes—or just a new story stuck in your head.

What’s the experience like?

“If you listen, you can hear them sing underwater,” our guide Minji said as we stood near the edge of Seongsan Ilchulbong. I wasn’t sure if she meant literally or just in spirit, but either way, it made me pay attention to the hush before the haenyeo surfaced. The morning started at Hamdeok Beach—sand so pale it almost glowed under the clouds, and that salty air that clings to your skin. We wandered a bit barefoot before heading back to the van, sand stuck between my toes (still found some hours later).

The Haenyeo Museum was next. I’d read about these women divers before, but seeing their old wetsuits and hearing recordings of their laughter—it felt different in person. Minji told us her grandmother used to dive for abalone too; she pointed out a photo on the wall and grinned. I tried saying “haenyeo” properly—Li laughed when I tried it in Mandarin too, so maybe I’ll just stick to English. There’s something about how everyone on Jeju seems connected by these stories.

Climbing up Seongsan Ilchulbong was windier than expected—my hat nearly flew off twice—and the view from the top really did make me pause (I still think about that crater rim). Lunch nearby was simple but good: grilled mackerel and kimchi stew, nothing fancy but exactly what I wanted after hiking. Then came the part I didn’t expect to love: watching the haenyeo dive live at 2pm. They sang as they worked, voices carrying over the water while tourists watched from shore. It felt respectful somehow—not like a show, more like being let in on something old.

Later we walked along Seopjikoji’s rocky coast (the lighthouse is smaller than it looks on TV), then wandered through Seongeup Folk Village where an old man showed us how he dries tangerine peels for tea. The last stop was Jeju’s market—crowded and noisy, with tangerines piled high and steam rising from food stalls. I bought skewered fish cakes for dinner and ate them standing up outside; my hands still smelled faintly of seaweed when we got back on the bus. Not everything went smoothly—I lost my umbrella somewhere—but honestly, it just felt like part of being here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Jeju Eastern UNESCO Sites

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

Top questions

How long is the Jeju eastern UNESCO sites day tour?

The tour lasts one full day with multiple stops around eastern Jeju.

Is hotel pickup included for this Jeju day trip?

Yes, round-trip transfer with pickup is included.

Do you see real haenyeo divers during this tour?

Yes, you watch a live haenyeo diving performance at Seongsan Ilchulbong at 2pm.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

You have free time for lunch near Seongsan Ilchulbong; lunch cost is not included.

Are entrance fees covered?

Yes, all admissions to attractions are included in the tour price.

Can infants join this Jeju UNESCO sites tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap; prams or strollers are allowed.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional guide speaks English.

Is there much walking or hiking involved?

You should have moderate fitness; there is some hiking at Seongsan Ilchulbong and walking at other sites.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation with pickup and drop-off, entry fees to all listed attractions like Seongsan Ilchulbong and Haenyeo Museum, plus guidance from an English-speaking local expert throughout your journey across eastern Jeju Island.