Things to Do in Jeju in January

January Weather in Jeju

20°C (68°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

25mm (1 inch) Rainfall

60% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal clear skies and exceptional visibility - perfect for Hallasan summit hikes with panoramic views stretching to mainland Korea on clear days
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - premium hotels offer 40-60% discounts compared to summer peak season, making luxury stays affordable
Camellia blooms across the island create stunning red carpets at Camellia Hill and along coastal walking trails, unique to winter months
Minimal crowds at major attractions - you'll have Seongsan Ilchulbong sunrise views and Manjanggul Cave practically to yourself

Considerations

Strong northwesterly winds averaging 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) make coastal activities uncomfortable and can cancel ferry services to Udo Island
Many outdoor attractions close early (5:30 PM) due to short daylight hours, limiting afternoon sightseeing options
Swimming and water sports are impossible - ocean temperature drops to 14°C (57°F) with rough seas

Best Activities in January

Hallasan Mountain Winter Hiking

January offers the best conditions for Jeju's highest peak at 1,947m (6,388 ft). Clear, dry weather provides exceptional visibility and the chance to see snow on the summit. Winter hiking is less crowded and more comfortable than summer's heat and humidity. Trail conditions are excellent with minimal mud.

Booking Tip: Book mountain shuttle buses 3-5 days ahead through official Jeju tourism sites. Hiking permits are free but required. Start early (7 AM) to complete the 9.6 km (6 mile) round trip before sunset at 5:45 PM. Guided hiking tours typically cost ₩45,000-65,000 ($35-50).

Camellia Garden Photography Tours

January is peak camellia blooming season, creating Instagram-worthy red flower tunnels unique to winter. The cool, dry air is perfect for extended outdoor photography without summer's oppressive humidity. Morning light (8-10 AM) offers the best shots with dewdrops on petals.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops cost ₩80,000-120,000 ($60-90) and include transportation to multiple blooming sites. Book 7-10 days ahead as local photographers offer specialized camellia tours only in January-February. See current options in booking section below.

Traditional Jeju Market and Food Tours

January brings seasonal winter specialties like fresh abalone, winter radish kimchi, and hot hallabong citrus. Cool weather makes walking between vendors comfortable, and indoor market halls provide shelter from occasional wind. Local ingredients are at peak freshness during winter harvest.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost ₩55,000-75,000 ($42-57) including 8-10 tastings. Book through local cultural centers or see current options in booking section below. Morning tours (10 AM start) are warmest and vendors have the fullest selection.

Sunrise Viewing at Seongsan Ilchulbong

Clear January mornings offer the year's best sunrise viewing conditions at this UNESCO crater site. Cool temperatures make the 30-minute uphill climb comfortable, and minimal crowds mean unobstructed photo opportunities. Sunrise occurs at 7:25 AM, perfect timing for day trip planning.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is ₩5,000 ($3.80) per person. Arrive 45 minutes before sunrise for best viewing spots. Guided sunrise tours including transportation cost ₩35,000-50,000 ($27-38). Book 2-3 days ahead or see current tours in booking section below.

Indoor Cultural Experiences and Museums

January's shorter daylight hours and occasional windy weather make indoor cultural activities ideal. The National Museum of Jeju and traditional tea houses offer warm refuges while learning island history. Pottery workshops and traditional craft experiences are cozy winter alternatives.

Booking Tip: Cultural workshop packages cost ₩40,000-70,000 ($30-53) including materials and tea service. Many require 24-48 hour advance booking. Indoor activities are perfect backup plans for windy days when outdoor sites may close.

Coastal Walking Trails

Cool January air makes Jeju's coastal Olle trails incredibly pleasant for extended walks. The famous Trail 7 (Jusangjeolli Cliffs) and Trail 1 (coastal views) offer dramatic winter seascapes without summer's exhausting heat. Rough seas create spectacular wave displays against volcanic rocks.

Booking Tip: Olle trail maps are free from tourist centers. Guided coastal walks cost ₩25,000-40,000 ($19-30) including traditional lunch. Dress in layers - morning starts can be chilly but afternoon sun warms significantly. Check wind conditions before booking.

January Events & Festivals

Mid to Late January

Jeju Fire Festival

This traditional winter festival involves burning dried grass on Jeju's volcanic slopes to prepare for spring planting. Local communities gather for evening celebrations with traditional performances and food stalls. The sight of controlled fires against winter skies is uniquely dramatic.

Throughout January

Camellia Festival

Celebrating Jeju's winter camellia blooms with garden tours, photography contests, and flower arrangement workshops. Multiple locations across the island participate with special evening illumination displays during peak blooming season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated windbreaker jacket - January winds reach 35 km/h (22 mph) and make 20°C (68°F) feel much colder

Thermal base layers for early morning activities - sunrise viewing at 6:30 AM feels like 2°C (36°F) with wind chill

Waterproof hiking boots with good grip - volcanic rock trails can be slippery when damp from morning dew

Warm hat and gloves - essential for Hallasan summit where temperatures drop 10°C (18°F) below sea level

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 4 plus reflection off light-colored volcanic rock intensifies exposure

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster during long outdoor photography sessions

Light wool sweater for evenings - restaurants and cafes may have minimal heating in shoulder season

Comfortable walking shoes for indoor attractions - you'll spend more time in museums and cultural centers

Small daypack for hiking - essential for carrying warm layers you'll remove as temperature rises during the day

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Jeju City or Seogwipo for January - smaller coastal towns have limited restaurant hours and some hotels close for renovations during low season

Rent a car instead of relying on tours - January's clear weather is perfect for self-driving, and you can escape to indoor attractions when wind becomes uncomfortable

Visit popular outdoor attractions between 11 AM - 3 PM when temperatures peak and wind is typically calmest - avoid early morning and late afternoon outdoor activities

Take advantage of winter hotel packages that include spa access and indoor amenities - many luxury resorts offer significant discounts plus credits for restaurants and facilities

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold and windy coastal areas become - bring more warm layers than weather apps suggest, especially for sunrise viewing and cliff walks

Planning too many outdoor activities for late afternoon - sunset at 5:45 PM means most outdoor attractions close by 5:30 PM, cutting short your sightseeing time

Assuming all restaurants and attractions maintain summer hours - many coastal restaurants close Mondays in January, and some tourist sites have reduced winter schedules