Things to Do in Jeju in April

April Weather in Jeju

23°C (73°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

95mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Cherry blossom season peaks mid-April - King Cherry trees along Jeju Typical Arboretum and Hallasan slopes create stunning pink canopies without mainland Korea's crowds
Perfect hiking weather for Hallasan summit - clear visibility rates jump to 70% in April vs 30% in winter, with comfortable 8-12°C (46-54°F) temperatures at 1,950m (6,398ft) peak
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to summer peaks, with luxury oceanfront resorts dropping from ₩400,000 to ₩240,000 per night
Rapeseed flowers blanket Seongsan Ilchulbong base and eastern coastline in brilliant yellow - photographers get optimal lighting conditions with 13+ hours daylight

Considerations

Wind speeds average 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) making outdoor activities challenging - parasailing and boat tours cancel 40% more frequently than summer months
Spring rain arrives unpredictably in 20-minute downpours, often disrupting Olle Trail hiking and outdoor market visits during prime afternoon hours
Cherry blossoms peak for only 5-7 days in mid-April, creating booking competition and potential disappointment if timing is off

Best Activities in April

Hallasan National Park Cherry Blossom Hiking

April offers the only window to see cherry blossoms blooming along Hallasan's lower slopes while maintaining clear summit visibility. The Gwaneumsa Trail (8.7km/5.4 miles) showcases King Cherry trees in full bloom around 1,400m (4,593ft) elevation. Morning starts before 7am provide best weather windows before afternoon winds intensify. Trail conditions are optimal - no ice, minimal mud, perfect 15-18°C (59-64°F) hiking temperatures.

Booking Tip: Reserve parking spots online 3 days ahead during cherry blossom peak (April 10-20). Guided hiking tours cost ₩45,000-65,000 and include transportation from major hotels. Look for certified mountain guides with weather monitoring equipment.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise and Rapeseed Fields

April combines peak rapeseed flower blooms with clearer sunrise visibility rates. The iconic volcanic crater offers 360-degree views over yellow flower carpets extending 3km (1.9 miles) to the coast. Sunrise occurs at 6:10am in April, with 65% clear weather probability vs 45% in winter. The 30-minute climb (182m/597ft elevation gain) is comfortable in cool morning air.

Booking Tip: Book sunrise tour packages ₩35,000-50,000 including pre-dawn pickup and breakfast. Independent visitors should arrive by 5:30am for parking. Tours typically combine with Seopjikoji coastal walk and traditional village visits.

Jeju Olle Trail Coastal Sections

Routes 1, 2, and 7 showcase April's wildflower blooms along dramatic coastlines without summer heat exhaustion. Average trail temperatures stay comfortable at 18-20°C (64-68°F) with cooling ocean breezes. Trail 1 (Siheung to Seogwipo, 15km/9.3 miles) passes through canola fields and traditional stone wall villages. Morning hiking avoids afternoon rain patterns.

Booking Tip: Self-guided trail packages cost ₩25,000-40,000 including maps, stamps, and luggage transfer services. Book accommodations in trail towns 2 weeks ahead during flower season. Trail maintenance is excellent in April before summer monsoon damage.

Udo Island Day Excursions

April's mild weather and calm seas create ideal conditions for the 15-minute ferry to Udo Island. Rapeseed flowers cover the island's interior while coastal roads remain comfortable for cycling without summer's oppressive humidity. Clear weather provides stunning views back to Jeju's main island and Seongsan Ilchulbong. Ferry cancellation rates drop to 10% vs 30% in winter.

Booking Tip: Ferry-bike-lunch packages cost ₩35,000-55,000 per person. Book morning ferries departing 8:30-9:30am to avoid afternoon rain chances. Look for packages including Udo's famous peanut ice cream and coastal cafe stops.

Jeju Traditional Markets and Spring Foods

April brings seasonal specialties like fresh bracken fern, wild vegetables, and early Jeju tangerines to traditional markets. Dongmun Market and Seogwipo Maeil Market offer comfortable browsing temperatures and local spring delicacies unavailable other seasons. Vendors offer samples of gosari (bracken) dishes and seasonal banchan perfect for cool weather.

Booking Tip: Food tour packages cost ₩40,000-70,000 including market visits, cooking classes, and traditional restaurant meals. Morning tours (9-11am) offer freshest selections and avoid afternoon rain. Look for tours including black pork barbecue and makgeolli tastings.

Manjanggul Lava Tube and Cave Systems

April's mild surface temperatures make the contrast with cool cave interiors (11-13°C/52-55°F) more comfortable than summer visits. The 1km (0.6 mile) walkable section of this 13.4km (8.3 mile) lava tube provides natural air conditioning and protection from spring rain showers. Clear weather improves lighting for photography of lava formations.

Booking Tip: Entry costs ₩2,000 adults, cave tours with geological guides cost ₩25,000-35,000. Combine with nearby Gimnyeong Beach visits and Woljeongri Beach for full-day packages. Book afternoon slots as backup plans for rainy weather.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival

Centered around Jeju National University and Jeju Typical Arboretum, featuring evening illuminations, traditional performances, and local food vendors. King Cherry trees unique to Jeju create more dramatic displays than mainland varieties.

Early to Mid April

Seogwipo Canola Flower Festival

Celebrates the peak rapeseed flower blooms across southern Jeju with photography contests, flower field picnics, and local honey tastings. Walking paths through 100-hectare flower fields offer Instagram-worthy shots.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof hiking boots - trails can be muddy after spring rains and rocky volcanic terrain requires ankle support

Packable rain jacket with hood - sudden 20-minute downpours arrive without warning, especially during afternoon hours

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures at 15°C (59°F) can jump to 23°C (73°F) by afternoon, requiring easy adjustment

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 intensifies with reflection off white limestone and ocean surfaces

Light fleece or sweater - evening temperatures drop quickly, especially near coastal areas and at elevation

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - wet volcanic rock becomes extremely slippery during and after rain

Small daypack with rain cover - essential for Olle Trail hiking and protecting camera equipment

Power bank and waterproof phone case - frequent photo opportunities drain batteries, and spring weather threatens electronics

Cash in small bills - many traditional markets and local restaurants don't accept cards, especially for purchases under ₩10,000

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated during hiking is crucial, and reducing plastic waste helps preserve Jeju's pristine environment

Insider Knowledge

Cherry blossom peak varies by 5-7 days annually - follow @jejutourism Instagram for real-time bloom updates rather than fixed festival dates

Book Hallasan summit hikes for Tuesday-Thursday to avoid weekend Korean domestic tourist crowds that triple trail congestion

April accommodation prices spike 200% during cherry blossom weekends (typically April 10-20) - stay in Seogwipo instead of Jeju City for 30% savings

Local buses run limited schedules on rainy days - download Kakao T taxi app as backup transportation when weather turns bad

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming cherry blossoms last all month - peak viewing window is only 5-7 days and requires precise timing for optimal experience

Underestimating April wind speeds - outdoor activities like parasailing and boat tours cancel frequently, leaving schedules disrupted

Packing only summer clothes - evening temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) and require warmer layers than expected