[Itinerary 4] - Just a few hours in Jeju? Stay put in Eastern Jeju!
Highlights
🔖 Yong Stay
Yong Stay: Simple, Clean, and Affordable
Yong Stay is my first-choice accommodation whenever I need to be near Jeju Airport early. Clean, affordable, and efficient, it’s a place that simply does its job—and does it well.
19-hour Journey From Chiang Mai to Jeju
Some people value the convenience of reaching the destination. By choice or circumstance, I value the journey as much, if not more, than the destination. I savor the challenge of finding the most cost-effective way to travel from Chiang Mai to Jeju, one countryside to another. The process is part of the adventure for this city-life girl.
The first time I arrived at Yong Stay marked the end of my 2022-2023 Thailand chapter as I moved into my Jeju chapter.
It was a 19-hour journey that began in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and involved three flights at a total cost of $346.
CNX > BKK > CJJ > CJU
Departure: 21:10 > 00:15 > 10:10 > Final arrival: 11:20
That Thursday in Chiang Mai was packed with the day’s highlight of throwing away my over-decade-old cabin luggage. I bought this bag for SGD60 at a underground mall in Seoul. I had to go to my regular haunts for perhaps the last time. A morning run, followed by latte at Tiger Ted Cafe, lunch at The Salad Concept, and worked at my regular café. I said goodbye to the café staff and caught the 9:10 PM flight to Bangkok.
Cheongju International Airport
After a 6-hour T’way flight, I arrived at Cheongju International Airport—a place I hadn’t even known existed. Expecting something akin to Chiang Mai Airport—simple and functional—I was pleasantly surprised by its modern design, gleaming white tiles, and spacious terminal. With Thailand being two hours behind Korea, the flight felt longer than it truly was. From Cheongju, I caught my final flight to Jeju, landing just before noon.
2 Cafes - just because
Arriving too early for check-in, I visited two cafes in Jeju city—Baron and Deombul—which I’ll write about separately (click the hyperlinks).
Yong Stay: It is like my school dorm, but clean and well-maintained
Yong Stay reminded me of a school dormitory—simple and functional. It’s no frills lodging with clean rooms and well-maintained facilities. I’m not surprised but still impressed that on a later day, while spending time at the common kitchen after I had checked out, I saw the owner and her staff meticulously cleaning the space while I waited in the common kitchen. Simple daily dedication - respect.
I don’t have photos of Yong Stay, but here are some shots of my beloved luggage of one chapter closing as another begins.
MAPS
Yong Stay Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
Baron 바론 Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
Deombul 덤불 Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 June Bike & Mokdol
I do not ride motorbikes, but I dropped by June Bike with a friend who rented from them. After finishing our tasks at June Bike, we were hungry, and Mokdol was the only nearby restaurant open before 10 AM that wasn’t Starbucks.
Mokdol turned out to be an absolute gem of a find. As I entered the traditionally decorated restaurant filled with Koreans, I sensed this place would impress—and it did.
Sadly, Mokdol has since moved to a new location, and its aesthetic charm has been greatly reduced. Although it only moved a 5-minute drive away, its old spot had such a vibe, especially with the big decorative wooden wheel. Like a legend once sang, 영원한 건 절대 없어 (nothing lasts forever).
Food-wise, the dishes are all delicious. Everyone seems to love the meat pancake and prefer the dried bibim noodles over the soup one. The 2nd time I was there was at the new place. Perhaps the change in environment changed, the experience wasn’t as great. But Mokdol was on TV as top 3 Jeju meat noodle place. So there’s that!
I do not have photos of June Bike, but you can check out reviews and photos of it on the online maps linked here. Here’s a video of my first time at Mokdol.
MAPS
June Bike Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
Mokdol 먹돌 제주본점 Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 Breakfast Places -예소담 도두점 Ye So Dam
Like Mokdol, 예소담 (Ye So Dam) is near the airport but on the other side. I’d suggest eating here as part of a set-piece with Dodubong and the red horse lighthouse. It opens early for those wanting to start the day with a good meal. Otherwise, the very popular 도두해녀의집 across the street, which opens later, could be another option.
Compared to Mokdol, which only offers noodles and pork, 예소담 has more variety. I had 회덮밥 (raw fish over rice) at 예소담. My friends finished their abalone porridge but couldn’t finish the pork noodles, simply because the portions were too much.
Their soups aren’t as full-bodied as Mokdol’s but are still very tasty if you’re looking for a breakfast place that opens at 8 AM and isn’t Starbucks.
MAPS
도두해녀의집 Google Map KakaoMap Naver Map
예소담 도두점 Ye So Dam Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 Sarabong Peak 사라봉 沙羅峰 & 🔖 Byeoldobong 별도봉 別刀峯
( Bong (봉) means "peak," so Sarabong Peak is technically tautology.)
If you’re looking to kill some time in Jeju City and don’t feel like shopping or indulging in yet another delicious Jeju meal, consider visiting Sarabong and Byeoldobong. These two peaks, located near the city, offer parks, Korean-style exercise machines and scenic views of the city, port, and ocean.
If you’re short on time and can only visit one, I’d recommend Byeoldobong. With an elevation of 136m and a 1.8km well-maintained path, it provides better views of the port and sea. It’s a popular spot for locals to exercise.
Sarabong, though slightly higher at 147m and with a circumference of 1,934m (about three soccer fields), doesn’t offer as much in terms of views. While it’s still worth a visit, Byeoldobong edges it out for a more rewarding experience.
We spent about two hours visiting both peaks and enjoyed the mix of natural beauty and cityscape. It’s a great option for a light outdoor activity while exploring Jeju City.
MAPS
Sarabong Peak : Google Map Kakaomap Naver Map
Byeoldobong : Google Map Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 도두봉 Do Du Bong
This spot served as a filming location for the kdrama Welcome to Samdalri (웰컴투 삼달리).
Located near Jeju Airport, it’s just a short drive to a vantage point where you can watch planes take off and land.
The 10-minute climb to the top is relatively easy where you’ll be greeted with stunning views of the ocean, the bustling airport, and the popular tourist attraction, the Red and White Horse Lighthouses near Iho Beach.
The highlight here is watching the planes coming in and leaving the island at the small but very busy Jeju airport.
MAPS
도두봉 Do Du Bong Google Map Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 이호테우해변 빨간말등대 Red Horse Lighthouse near Iho Beach
The Red Horse Lighthouse was featured in the drama Welcome to Samdalri (웰컴투 삼달리).
The Red Horse Lighthouse and its companion, the White Horse Lighthouse, are well-known landmarks—or so I’ve been told. LOL. They certainly make for impressive Instagram backdrops!
Along with Do Du Bong, these lighthouses make a great itinerary combination within Jeju City.
The lighthouse has its own dedicated car park. On my first visit, though, I mistakenly parked at the nearby Iho Beach car park—so take note! Naver Map doesn’t mark the lighthouse so its bus stop is pinned instead.
MAPS
Red Horse Lighthouse near Iho Beach Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 도토리키친 Acorn (Dotoree) Kitchen
Acorn Kitchen serves buckwheat soba and green tangerine (메밀소바 & 청귤) that’s a refreshing and uniquely modern dish. The combination of the nutty flavor of buckwheat noodles with the tangy, citrusy notes of green tangerine creates a light and vibrant flavor that contrasts with typical heavy Korean dishes.
MAPS
Acorn (Dotoree) Kitchen Google Maps KakaomapNaver Map
🔖 마음에온 MAEUM EON
Tucked away in a side alley along Jeju’s shopping strip—which, surprisingly, isn’t crowded—this café offers a quiet, tranquil spot in the city with a hanok-inspired vibe.
Since many cafes in Jeju share this aesthetic, I wouldn’t go out of my way just for this one. However, it’s a great option if you’re nearby and need a place to rest, work, chat, or have a caffeine boost.
The Emart Tapdong branch is a 10-minute walk across the street, and the nearby ocean coast is perfect for a relaxing stroll. McDonald’s is close by, in case you have a craving for that.
For parking, I’d suggest the free lots across the street by the ocean.
정말 좋은데 굳이 여기까지 와야 할 필요가 있나 이런 카페.
MAPS
마음에온 MAEUM EON : Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
Emart Jeju at Tapdong-ro Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
