Hamdeok Beach

An emerald-water beach you can reach 20 minutes by car from Jeju Airport — Hamdeok Beach in Jocheon-eup.

Along with Hyeopjae to the west, it's ranked among the most beautiful-watered beaches on Jeju. Shallow, clear sea stretches wide, and at its eastern end rises the gentle green oreum (volcanic hill) of Seowoobong, so sea and hill combine into a scene that feels quintessentially Jeju.

Seowoobong has well-kept walking paths — yellow canola in spring, cosmos in autumn cover the hill — and from the top you can look down over the whole beach.

For Koreans, Hamdeok is the signature beach of eastern Jeju, offering both easy access and scenery, and with its developed cafe street it's especially popular with younger travelers.

Honestly, though, its popularity means that in summer and on weekends the beach and nearby roads get very crowded and parking can be hard.

The water is brightest at midday when the sun is high, and be sure to climb the Seowoobong path for the view down over the beach. Being close to the airport, it fits well into your first or last day.

The beach is open at all times and admission is free (during the summer season, some facilities may charge).