Jeju for First-Timers: 15 Top Muslim-Friendly Experiences You Can’t Miss!

For some reason my heart is still in Jeju, even after a week of leaving the island. To quote Loving Caliber, “Of all the magic places in the world I've been to, this is where my heart is, oh, you know it's true.” I mean, who would resist being in someplace where time seems to stand still as you soak in the views of a balmy land painted with emerald hues. Going on your first adventure to Samdado soon? Check out these top Muslim-friendly things to do in Jeju for the soon-to-be best trip of your life!

Fun fact: Samdado is another name for Jeju Island. The term comes from the Korean words "sam" (three) and "da" (many), referring to the island's abundance of three things: wind, stones, and women.

All you need to know before going to Jeju

Best time to visit

To tell you the truth, the best time to visit Jeju Island depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. I went to Jeju with my travel buddy during summer (Jun – Aug) and the weather was warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and water sports. However there were occasional typhoons on certain days too, so do check the forecast before heading out.

If you’re seeking pleasant temperatures with blooming flowers, then spring (Mar – May) is for you. For those yearning for comfy temperatures with beautiful fall foliage, come to Jeju during autumn (Sep – Nov). In fact, both seasons have fewer crowds compared to others. What about winter (Dec – Feb) you asked? It’s also the perfect time to visit the island! Snowfall, festive atmosphere, and unique winter activities like ice fishing and snow tubing usually take place during the season.

Best app(s) to download

From my experience, it’s easier to move around Jeju with a car, be it a rental car or a taxi since destinations outside of Jeju city can be quite scattered and far from one another. We used Kakao Taxi a lot during our trip and it was super convenient.

You can download the app called ‘Kakao T’ to secure taxis around Jeju. BUT, you will first need to download the ‘Kakao Talk’ app and register your information before you can start using ‘Kakao T’. With just a few simple steps, you’re only a few clicks away from getting your ride!

BTW, to change the language to English, you can click on your profile icon, and then search for language settings, and choose ‘English’ as your default language.

HalalZilla tip: For the payment method, click the ‘pay to driver’ option and you can either pay in cash or use a debit/credit card at the end of your ride.

Apply for K-ETA form (72 hours ~ 1 week prior to your departure)

FYI, starting 1 Sep 2021, it has been made mandatory for foreigners travelling to South Korea (Jeju Island included) to apply for K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). It is an online travel authorisation system that replaces the traditional visa process for eligible countries.

The application process is entirely online and can be completed in a few minutes. I got my application result within an hour, and just so you know, a single K-ETA is valid for multiple entries within a two-year period or until your passport expires!

Get a Korean eSIM/sim card

Just landed on the island? You don't want to leave your loved ones in the dark! I recommend getting a Korean eSIM before your departure. There are plenty of sites that sell authentic Korean eSIMs. You can even purchase one from your local telco provider. All you have to do is choose your data package, purchase and scan the QR code given for activation. Now you can let your family know you've made it to Jeju without breaking a sweat.

Or if you prefer a physical sim card, you can always get one from the SK Telecom booth at Jeju International Airport (near the Gate 5 entrance). The place sells both eSIM and physical sim while also providing Wi-Fi router rental service to travellers. Plus, the staff at the counter will help you activate your eSIM or physical sim card. So, worry not about the installation process!

Most exciting Muslim-friendly things to do in Jeju

1. Visit a lively traditional market

You haven't fully explored Jeju if you have yet to visit Dongmun Traditional Market, the island's largest and oldest permanent market! It's where you can witness the daily routines of local residents and experience the island's unique culture. For the best experience, visit the market in the evening when it's bustling with activity.

Prepare to be amazed by the variety of fresh produce at Dongmun Traditional Market. From fruits and veggies to seafood and meat, the options are endless. We had a blast shopping for hallabong juice, tangerine-flavoured rice puff snacks, and omegi tteok (rice cakes). You can also find dol hareubang-themed knick-knacks and tangerine-flavoured sweets and chocolates that will make perfect gifts for your loved ones!

Address: 20 Gwandeok-ro 14-gil, 특별자치도, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening hrs:

• Daily market - 8.00am to 12.00pm

• Night market - opens at 6.00pm

2. Explore a hidden coastal walk & a cafe overlooking the sea

The Handam Coastal Walk, a hidden gem of Jeju, offers more than just a picturesque view. Our morning here was a rejuvenating experience, with the brisk sea breeze and the endless blue waters. What truly captivated us were the distinctive black rock formations, a testament to the path's volcanic history! Fun fact: this coastal trail spans 1.2 kilometres from Aewol Port to Gwakjigwamul Beach.

HalalZilla Tip: Time your visit to Handam Coastal Walk during sunset for an unbeatable view as it is located on the west side of Jeju Island.

Address: 1359 Gwakji-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening hrs: 24/7

The best part? Visitors can go on a cafe-hopping adventure as the path is dotted with beautiful cafes with breathtaking sea views. We took a break at one of the cafes in the Aewol Cafe Street, nestled atop a hilly side of the walk, and it was the best decision ever! Inside, we found a good spot near the window, and the view was as good as our drinks.

P.S. — We highly recommend trying their Pink Sunset Crush and Iced Americano. We loved them and we're sure you will too!

Address: 2474-3 aewol-ri, Aewol-eup, Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening hrs: 8.00am to 8.00pm

3. Immerse in the magical realm of this art museum

Now, let's step into a world where art, technology, and nature converge — the Arte Museum Jeju! The museum is a showcase of breathtaking digital art installations that transport visitors into captivating worlds. From towering waves to vibrant forests, the visuals are not just awe-inspiring, but also deeply thought-provoking. My personal favourites were the Beach Cloud, with its serene wave projection, and the Moon, where visitors can capture their silhouette against a giant glowing rabbit.

Aside from moving from one exhibition to another, we also had the chance to drop by the Live Sketchbook Bamboo Forest exhibit. Here, we saw our drawings come to life on the back of a panda – hands down the most delightful section of the museum! If you have the time, make sure to visit their gift shop and take home some memorable souvenirs.

Address: 478 Eorimbi-ro, Aewol-eup, 특별자치도, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening hrs: 10.00am to 8.00pm

Entrance fee: 18,000 KRW/adult (S$17.48)

4. Dine in the only Halal-certified restaurant in Jeju

One of the best Muslim-friendly things to do in Jeju is none other than visiting Asalam Restaurant, the one and only Halal-certified restaurant on the island! In case you’re wondering, the halal certification was granted by Sejong Halal Authority Seoul, Korea. The restaurant specialises in authentic Yemeni cuisine including traditional dishes like falafel, hummus, grilled meats, and more.

We tried their signature flatbread and mushroom hummus and it was one of the best things we tasted in Jeju. Their beef wrap was awesome too, so do give it a try! Another worth mentioning aspect of this restaurant is its prayer room. You can pray comfortably in the restaurant’s designated room equipped with praying mats. The space can accommodate four people at maximum.

Address: 1-2 KR, Samdo-dong, 특별자치도, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening hrs: 12.00pm to 10.00pm daily

5. Experience a mysterious road in Jeju

Though our trip to Dokkaebi Road was unplanned, it was rather one of the most unforgettable moments we had in Jeju! Mr. Kim, our tour driver, brought us all the way here to witness some magic.

As you can see the road appears to be slanting downhill, but when Mr. Kim put his gear to neutral and slowly pressed his accelerator, our car rolled uphill (or so it seemed)! The truth is, the road's design creates a fascinating optical illusion, in which the surroundings trick the eye and make the road look like it’s tilted in the opposite direction.

Fun fact: The road is named after Dokkaebi, mischievous spirits from Korean folklore. According to legend, these spirits may have played a role in creating the illusion, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to the site.

Address: 2894-63 1100-ro, 노형동 Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening hrs: 24/7

6. Feel the thrill of a gravity-powered eco-go-kart race

Another must-experience activity when visiting Jeju is hopping on this gravity-kart race at 9.81 Park. Here, we rode in specially designed vehicles that accelerate downhill, providing a rush of adrenaline without the need for fuel. Along the thrilling ride, we saw breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the ocean, the giant windmills and the mountains.

FYI, the race was divided into two phases. In the first phase, participants take control of their go-karts and navigate the track manually. The second phase introduces an automated driving element. All we had to do was sit back and put our hands up in the air like we just didn’t care!

The race package also grants us access to their indoor arcade games. We had a blast trying out the basketball, football, archery, and bowling games. After our gaming session, we relaxed at their industrial-themed cafe, Lounge’X, and enjoyed some iced coffee and hot latte. What a fantastic way to end a day filled with laughter and excitement!

HalalZilla Tip: Don’t bump into the walls or stop your kart in the middle of the race. Doing so will prevent you from getting your racing footage afterwards.

Address: 880-24 Cheondeok-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening hrs: 9.00am to 6.20pm (last ride is at 5:50pm)

Entrance fee: 29,500 KRW (S$28.65)

7. Hike a scenic mountain with million-dollar vistas

If you're looking for an adventurous challenge in Jeju, then hiking the majestic Songak Mountain (or Songaksan) is it. This volcanic cone, with its distinctive shape, is located on the western coast of Jeju Island and rises to a height of 182 metres. The well-maintained hiking trail leading to the summit offers a moderate challenge, making it suitable for hikers of various fitness levels.

It took us around an hour to complete the hike, and along the way, we were blessed with the sights of Hyeongje Seom Island, Gapado Island, and Marado Island. When we reached the summit, we could clearly see the panoramic views of the western coast of Jeju, including the nearby Saebyeol Oreum and the vast expanse of the ocean. Ippeuda! Talk about one of the best Muslim-friendly things to do in Jeju that’ll make you want to stay longer.

HalalZilla Tip: Don’t forget to apply your sunscreen and bring a bottle of water and an umbrella to help you get through the hike.

Address: 421-1 Songakgwangwang-ro, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening hrs: Entry closes at 6.00pm ~ 8.00pm

8. Try eating a cutlass fish for the first time!

You haven’t really been to Jeju until you taste its famous cutlass fish! That said, we went to Chunshim Restaurant, one of the recommended Muslim-friendly restaurants on the island. The place is known for its exquisite cutlass fish dishes, whereby the fish are sourced directly from local fishermen.

FYI, Chunshim offers a range of cutlass fish dishes, including grilled, braised, and stewed options. We opted for the grilled set (for two) for 89,000 KRW (S$86.45), which included various side dishes such as anchovies, quail eggs, vegetables, crispy fried fish and two bowls of rice.

Before we dug into the tasty dish, we waited for the chef to come and debone the fish for us. It was so cool to watch! If you’re wondering what the fish tasted like, it’s pretty close to mackerel but with a slightly sweet and mild flavour. 100% would recommend!

Address: 16 Changcheonjungang-ro 24beon-gil, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening hrs: 10.30am to 9.00pm

9. Pray in a peaceful mosque

Men’s praying room (left image)

Praying at Jeju Central Masjid is one of the must-add activities on your list of Muslim-friendly things to do in Jeju. The mosque serves as a central gathering place for the Muslim community on the island. It offers a clean and comfortable environment for performing prayers, including the Friday congregational prayer (Juma'ah).

Also, the mosque provides separate prayer rooms for men and women and you can find a toilet as soon as you enter (to your left). While there is no bidet, the mosque provides clean tap water for istinja' purposes. The ablution space on the other hand is just outside the toilet. We visited the mosque for Zuhr prayer and were struck by the serene and peaceful atmosphere, a perfect place for a moment of respite before continuing our journey.

Address:특별자치도, Sancheondandong 2-gil, 15 2 층, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening hrs: 24/7

10. Feed furry friends at an idyllic farm

While in Jeju, we also visited a charming farm filled with furry friends: Saebyeol Friends! The park, located at the foot of Saebyeol Oreum, is home to a variety of adorable animals, including alpacas, deer, rabbits, sheep, ponies, and more. You can interact with them, feed them, and even take photos.

Upon entering, we were given a basket filled with carrots, salads, and a bottle of milk, each, for a specific type of animal. We had fun feeding the cute farm animals, especially the alpacas, which sometimes would playfully chase after us and the other visitors. There’s also a gift shop and a cafe within the area, so you might want to check them out before you leave.

Address: 4554-20 Bongseong-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, South Korea

Opening hrs: 10.00am to 6.00pm

Entrance fee: 19,000 KRW/adult (S$18.45)

11. Get to know Snoopy and friends a little better

Don’t miss the chance to visit the beloved characters from the Peanuts comic strip like Snoopy, Woodstock, Charlie Brown, and Lucy at Snoopy Garden! We first explored the vibrant indoor displays that showcase the history and artistry behind the iconic comic strip.

Aside from recreating the famous Beatles zebra crossing pose with Snoopy and friends, we also kept some Snoopy stamps on a postcard (and you should, too!). Next, we frolicked around their picturesque outdoor Snoopy-inspired gardens featuring themed zones, charming pathways, and stunning photo-ops. You can literally get a slay OOTD from every angle, no cap.

We just had to make our way to Cafe Snoopy before we resumed our journey. What can we say? Their Iced Americano and Beagle Hot Chocolate are top-notch! You can also order desserts such as cakes and cookies from this chic cafe.

Address: 930 Geumbaekjo-ro, Gujwa-eup, 특별자치도 Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening hrs: 9.00am to 6.00pm daily

Entrance fee: 18,000 KRW/adult (S$17.48)

12. Taste the best fish and chips on the island

One of the Muslim-friendly eateries we looked forward to visiting was Willala, and it really did justice to our tummies and taste buds! The blue-and-white-themed restaurant specialises in fish and chips and other fried seafood dishes that'll turn anyone into a regular customer with just a bite (a crispy one, that is!).

We couldn't resist the local combo, a delightful mix of four pieces of fried John Dory, five pieces of chips, fried shrimp, and two pieces of cheese sticks, all for 28,000 KRW (S$27.20). The taste? Chef's kiss! Psst, they play good music too – a perfect place to unwind and just be in the moment.

Address: 33 Seongsan Jungang-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening hrs: 10.30am to 5.00pm daily

13. Go on a ‘cool’ cave adventure

Micheon Cave in Ilchul Land was the coolest place we visited on the island. When I say ‘the coolest,’ it literally means cool, as the temperature suddenly dropped as soon as we climbed down the stairs leading to this underground cave! It’s as if a natural air-conditioner were blasted onto us, and it felt so refreshing, especially in the midst of summer heat.

Just so you know, the cave is a remarkable example of a lava tube, a result of volcanic eruptions. The interior is adorned with intricate rock formations and colourful mineral deposits, creating a truly mesmerising atmosphere.

As you explore, you'll notice the tranquil sound of water dripping from the ceiling, adding to the peaceful atmosphere inside. There are plenty of photo-ops in the cave, but the one that truly captivated us is the glow-in-the-dark dragon mural on one of the walls. Amazing!

Address: 4150-30 Jungsangandong-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening hrs: 8.30am to 6.00pm

Entrance fee: 9,000KRW/adult (S$8.74)

14. Indulge in the best abalone hot pot soup in Jeju

Brace yourself for yet another mouth-watering adventure on the island! Jeju Ddukbaeki is the place to go if you’re into seafood hot pot soup, featuring fresh abalones. Despite its modern exterior and seamless online payment system, the eatery boasts a traditional-style interior with a welcoming vibe.

The abalone hot pot soup is a must-try here, but my personal favourite would be their seafood pancake — a combination of flavourful fried flour, eggs, and squids. I could eat it all day, for real. Talk about a worthy addition to your list of Muslim-friendly things to do in Jeju!

Address: South Korea, Jeju-do, Seogwipo-si, 특별자치도, Seongsan-eup, Ilchul-ro, 255 KR

Opening hrs: 6.30am to 8.00pm daily

15. Catch the beautiful sunset on a stunning beach

Since our hotel was just within walking distance from Hamdeok Beach, we decided to drop by this coastal gem on our very last day in Jeju. Its turquoise waters span as far as the eye can see while the beach is surrounded by picturesque mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your photos.

On the other side of the beach, where the soft, white sand sprawls, we saw visitors sunbathing, building sandcastles, and taking leisurely walks along the shore. Our main reason for coming was to watch the beautiful sunset from the scenic beach, and we got just what we wished for in the end! What a way to wrap up our journey in Jeju.

Address: Hamdeok-ri, Jocheon-eup, 특별자치도 Cheju, Jeju-do, South Korea

Opening hrs: 24/7

Also read: Muslim Travel Diary: How I Spent 5 Days in Jeju

Muslim-friendly hacks you didn’t know you needed

When travelling in Jeju, I recommend including at least one attraction with a prayer room on your daily itinerary. Try planning to arrive at this particular destination within the Zuhr to Asr period so you can do jama’ (a practice in Islam where two prayers are combined and performed at either prayer time) and won’t miss both prayers. As for Maghrib and Isha, you can easily perform them at your hotel.

Also, it's practical to bring a small water bottle for istinja’ purposes everywhere you go, as some toilets in Jeju do not have bidets. Another thing is that you can buy a travel-friendly wudhu spray to ease your process of taking ablution during the trip. To find halal or Muslim-friendly food on the island, you might want to download this Muslim-friendly travel guide in Jeju. It sure helped us a lot during our journey!

Wrapping up

So there you have it, 15 top Muslim-friendly things to do in Jeju that’ll make you fall for Samdado even more. From halal food adventures to spiritual retreats, this island paradise has something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your prayer mat, and get ready to experience the beauty of Jeju Island in a way that's both authentic and accommodating. Kaja!

P.S. If all of these are not enough to convince you to book that tix to Jeju, check out some of the best moments we had on the island below:

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Brought to you by Jeju Tourism Organization