Day 5: Journey to (Jeju’s) West
- wanderingazuki
- 5 days ago
- 12 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Table of Content:
🌺 Introduction 🫘
"Sometimes, the best part of travel isn’t where you go, but who you meet along the way." – Anonymous
A good friend once told me that Jeju’s West Course tour was a must-do, so when I found it on Trazy, I didn’t hesitate to book. At £57.80 per person, it covered transport, a full-day itinerary, and a buffet lunch—seemed like a solid deal. Though, I did notice the price dropped closer to the date, so if you're feeling lucky, you might want to wait and snag a discount.
This 9 AM to 7 PM tour promised a jam-packed adventure, taking us through beaches, forests, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tea museum. It was the perfect way to cover Jeju’s western gems without worrying about logistics. But, as with all guided tours, there were trade-offs—some places I wished we could stay longer, while others flew by in a blur.
🚐 Morning Meet-Up: A Gathering of Wandering Souls🚶♀️
Our meeting point was Lotte Duty-Free Jeju, just a 10–15 minute walk from our hotel. The tour offered three pickup locations, so you could choose whichever was most convenient. We arrived around 8:45 AM to find a small crowd already gathered. A staff member had been there since 8:30 AM, checking people in and making sure everything was in order.
I was a little nervous to strike up any conversations, so I settled for offering a few quiet morning greetings. It was actually quite nice to just wait and people-watch. One thing that stood out right away? The number of solo travellers. If you're exploring Jeju on your own and hoping to meet like-minded wanderers, this tour is a great place to start. I admired how confidently some of them approached other guests and, just like that, sparked new connections. Seeing that gave me hope—it made me feel a bit more at ease about the idea of going on my own solo trip one day, knowing I could join a group tour like this and still feel included.
Our coach bus arrived on time and was spacious and comfortable. I especially appreciated that the tour guide and driver took the time to learn our names. It was such a small gesture, but it made the experience feel far more personal—like we were part of a shared journey, rather than just another group being herded around the island.
🏖️ First Stop: A Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-It Beach🩴
Our first destination was Hyeopjae Beach, one of Jeju’s most famous coastal spots. With its powdery white sand and crystal-clear blue water, it looked like something straight out of a travel brochure. The contrast between the turquoise ocean and the black volcanic rocks made the scenery even more striking.
I would have loved to walk along the shore, dip my feet in the water, or just sit and soak in the view, but unfortunately, we were only given 20 minutes here. Just enough time for a few rushed photos, a longing glance at the sea, and back to the bus we went. If I were to return to Jeju, I’d definitely carve out a few hours for this beach alone.
🌳Into the Woods: Navigating Hallim Park and Gotjawal Forest🪨
Next, we made our way to Hallim Park—a sprawling garden paradise that felt like a peaceful escape from the busier parts of Jeju. Hallim Park was like stepping into a living postcard, with something new to discover around every corner. We wandered through the cool, dark depths of the lava cave, marvelled at the calm beauty of the Water Garden, and took our time soaking in the lush greenery of the Subtropical Botanical Garden. The Stone and Bonsai Garden offered a serene contrast, with intricately shaped trees and volcanic rock formations adding a quiet elegance to the space. We explored at our own pace, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, though we found ourselves wishing we had more background or stories to bring the scenery to life. Still, it was a gentle and refreshing stroll—an easy escape into nature’s many faces.
Next, we headed inland to Gotjawal Forest—a unique ecological wonder in Jeju. Unlike typical forests, Gotjawal is formed on ancient lava terrain, creating an uneven landscape tangled with roots and jagged rocks. Walking through it required careful footing; it was breathtaking, but definitely not the easiest terrain to navigate.
The dense greenery, crisp air, and dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy made it feel like stepping into another world. Considered sacred by many on the island, Gotjawal is home to rare plant species found only in this environment.
I loved the tranquility of the forest. That said, I found myself wishing we’d been given more background during the visit. It felt like the kind of place that would come alive with a guide—someone to share stories, cultural significance, and local folklore.
Admittedly, it was hard to stay fully present by the end of the walk. Hunger was starting to kick in, and many of us were ready for lunch.
🍚Lunch Break: Mystery Buffet & A Sip of Tradition🍲
By midday, we stopped at a Korean buffet restaurant offering a generous spread of vegetables, meats, soups, and rice dishes. The food looked delicious, but there was one small drawback—nothing was labelled.
I enjoy trying new foods, but there’s always that brief moment of hesitation when you’re not entirely sure what’s on your plate. Still, I managed to put together a satisfying mix of kimchi, japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), braised meat, and a hearty soup. Everything was flavourful, and I happily went back for seconds.
Lunch also gave us a chance to chat with the other guests, which was genuinely fun. It was so interesting hearing about where they were from and how their trip had been so far.
One unexpected highlight? Trying makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine. Light, slightly sweet, and faintly milky in appearance, it wasn’t too strong—but just enough to give lunch a fun little twist.
We had about an hour here. While I was definitely fed, I do wish there had been a bit more time to eat slowly and really savour everything. That’s one of the trade-offs with a guided tour—you’re on a schedule, and sometimes that means moving on before you're quite ready.
🍵 O’Sulloc Tea Museum: A Matcha Made in Heaven 🌿
This was hands down the highlight of my day—and honestly, one of the top moments of my entire Jeju trip. A dear friend, who’s actually more of a coffee lover than a tea drinker, had recommended it as her number one must-visit. At first, I was surprised, but now I understand why. She swears that ever since visiting O’Sulloc, she’s been drinking tea regularly—something she never expected!
As a tea lover myself, I had been looking forward to this stop from the moment I started planning the trip. And it did not disappoint.
We had 1 hour and 20 minutes here, and I made the most of every minute:
✔️ Wandering through the tea fields – The lush green rows of tea leaves stretched out endlessly, and it was surprisingly cool being able to walk in between the fields themselves. There was something so peaceful about it—each step crunching softly on the path, surrounded by neatly trimmed hedges of vibrant green.
It almost felt like an unspoken challenge among the guests—who could wander the furthest or take wacky photos! It made the experience feel a bit more playful and memorable.
✔️ Shopping for souvenirs – O’Sulloc offers a huge variety of tea blends and beautifully packaged gifts. There were so many unique flavours—some fruity, some floral, and others more herbal. I’ll admit I wasn’t feeling too adventurous, so I stuck to what I know and love: classic green tea leaves and their signature Halla Rock tea. No regrets.
Side note📝: I’m a bit of a hoarder when it comes to souvenirs, so the tea I bought is currently sitting proudly on my shelf. I haven’t opened it yet because I don’t want to “waste” it—I’m saving it for a special moment that I have yet to define. Classic me.
✔️ Exploring the beauty shop – A true gem for skincare lovers. Think green tea-infused facial masks and creams—just the kind of thing you know your skin will thank you for later.
✔️ Indulging in matcha treats – The green tea ice cream was rich, creamy, and full of that deep, earthy matcha flavour. I went for a single scoop of the classic green tea, while my mum opted for the green tea and milk swirl. Hers was surprisingly even better—creamier, smoother, and slightly sweeter. If you’re torn between the two, I’d definitely recommend going with the swirl.
There are actually two cafés on site: one in the main building and another on the rooftop. I didn’t make it to the rooftop café this time, but next visit, I’m definitely claiming a seat up there—with a slice of green tea cake and a hot cup of tea in hand. It’s the kind of spot made for slow sips and quiet views.
✔️ Sampling different teas – One of the coolest parts was trying free tea samples. From delicate blends to stronger, roasted notes—there’s something for every taste. It was a great way to explore without having to commit to a full-size pack.
✔️ Watching the tea roastery in action – I loved seeing the tea being roasted right there on site. It added a whole new appreciation to the process, knowing the care and craftsmanship that goes into each cup. After visiting a coffee roastery in Lake Como, I think I’m becoming a bit of a roastery fan—it’s just so satisfying to see how things are made.
I could have easily spent another hour here. If I could tweak the itinerary, I’d happily trade one of the later stops for extra time at O’Sulloc. It’s not just a place to tick off a list—it’s a place to savour slowly. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or a curious convert like my friend, O’Sulloc is a must-visit.
🏔️ Skipping the Summit: Songaksan Mountain🪑
By the time we arrived at Songaksan Mountain, I was exhausted. I’d seen the stunning photos on Google—rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping views of the ocean—but after a full day of exploring, my mum and I made a joint decision:
Bench. Over. Hiking.
Side note📝: Have you ever seen that reel where a Korean friend invites you on a “quick hike”… and it turns into a 4–5 hour uphill trek? That immediately came to mind when our tour guide casually said, “It’s a short walk.” I’ve learned to be suspicious of those words!
I’m actually fine going uphill, but coming down is where it gets tricky—I’m not the most sure-footed, and I tend to slow down quite a bit on steep descents. So instead of pushing through, we found a bench, let the ocean breeze wash over us, and just watched other travellers hike up the scenic trail.
Sometimes, the most memorable travel moments come from choosing stillness over motion. Next time I’m in Jeju—preferably with fresher legs—I’d love to come back and try the trail properly. But in that moment, soaking up the view in quiet contentment was exactly what I needed.
🌉 Cheonjeyeon Waterfall: A Mythical Cascade 🔮
Our final stop on the tour was Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, and as someone who loves waterfalls, I thought it was a beautiful way to wrap up the day. The falls aren’t just visually stunning—they’re also steeped in mythology. According to local legend, this is the bathing place of the Seven Nymphs, a tale that instantly reminded me of a similar Chinese folk story I grew up with. When I translated the story to my mum, she was just as intrigued. It was a special moment, tying together cultures and memories.
We even managed to snap a few photos of the intricate stone patterns on the Bridge of the Seven Nymphs, which added an extra magical touch.
The waterfall itself was gorgeous—a picture-perfect backdrop with lush greenery and the calming sound of rushing water. Unfortunately, only two out of the three cascades were accessible during our visit, as one was closed for maintenance.
While the scenery was incredible, I did feel a little rushed. Just as I was beginning to take it all in, we were being called back to the bus. It left me wishing we had just a bit more time to soak in the tranquility.
Side note📝: For those wanting a more laid-back or quirky end to the day, there was actually an alternative option to visit the Teddy Bear Museum instead. Definitely something to consider if waterfalls aren't your thing!
🚐 The Ride Back & A Custom Drop-Off 👋
As the tour drew to a close, we set off on the journey back to Jeju City around 6 PM. It was a long day, so it felt wonderful to relax and catch some much-needed rest on the way. One thing I really appreciated was the tour guide’s flexibility with drop-offs. Rather than returning us all to the original meeting point, he kindly offered to drop us off near the Grand Hyatt Hotel, which was much more convenient for us.
A few solo travellers in our group also requested to be dropped off at the night market—a thoughtful touch that made the experience feel more personalised.
Note📝 : If you book this tour and have a particular drop-off preference, it’s definitely worth asking the guide!
🍜 Udon Comfort: A Warm Hug in a Bowl 🤗
For dinner, we stumbled upon a charming udon restaurant nearby, instantly drawn in by the promise of a comforting, steaming broth. The ordering process was straightforward yet flexible — we could choose our preferred protein, select the type of broth, and pick a few side dishes to accompany the meal. It was a self-service style setup, where we grabbed a tray and made our way along the counter, selecting sides before paying at the end.
After a long day of exploring, that warm, flavourful bowl of udon was exactly what we needed.
I’ve found that Korean food can sometimes feel a bit heavy and oily for my taste—there’s often a generous use of oil for cooking. So, it was refreshing to enjoy Japanese cuisine, which suited my palate much better. The noodles were freshly made, springy and delicate, while the broth was light and revitalising. The tempura added a welcome crunch, though I did find it slightly oily for my liking.
☕Nightcap at The Gallery Lounge: Sipping on Dreams ☁️
With full bellies and tired feet, we weren’t quite ready to call it a night just yet. Rather than retreating straight to our room, we chose to unwind at The Gallery Lounge, the hotel’s cozy yet elegant lounge space.
The ambiance was just right—soft lighting, plush seating, and a relaxed atmosphere that made it the perfect spot to decompress after a long day of sightseeing. It felt a little awkward at first, as we were the only guests there, likely because it was close to closing time. But that quietness had its perks—we could wander between tables, scouting the best spots for photos without any distractions.
Feeling a bit adventurous, we ordered the Dream Latte, a signature cocktail unique to the hotel. Just the name piqued my curiosity. The drink was smooth and velvety, with a rich coffee flavour that I’m sure coffee lovers would adore. It was a little too caffeinated for me, but I’m glad I gave it a try.
As we sat there, sipping our drinks and reflecting on the day’s adventures, a gentle sense of contentment settled over me. Jeju had already gifted us so many unforgettable moments—and there was still so much more to discover.
It was the perfect way to end the night—no rushing, no schedule, just a quiet moment to soak in the experience.
🌕 Day’s reflection 🫶
This tour offered an efficient and hassle-free way to explore Jeju’s stunning west side, sparing me the stress of navigating transport and logistics. Each location was genuinely beautiful, and the friendly guide made the experience feel welcoming. I especially enjoyed the company of fellow travellers—it was nice to share this experience with them.
The only drawback was the time constraints. I found myself wishing for a little more time to truly savour spots like Hyeopjae Beach and the O’Sulloc Tea Museum, which deserved lingering over rather than a brief visit.
Would I take this tour again? Without a doubt. But next time, I’d also carve out some moments to revisit my favourite places at a more leisurely pace, soaking in every detail without the clock ticking.
🧳Your Turn to Wander In 🧋
Have you ever joined a group tour while travelling solo? How was your experience?
What’s your favourite way to explore a new destination—guided tours or going off on your own?
If you visited Jeju, which spot would you be most excited to see?
Do you prefer spending more time in fewer places or trying to see as much as possible in a day?
What’s your go-to way to unwind after a full day of sightseeing?
Are you more of a planner or do you prefer spontaneous travel adventures?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and experiences!
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