Things to Do in Jeju in May

May Weather in Jeju

28°C (82°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

120mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with temperatures staying below 28°C (82°F) - comfortable for Hallasan summit attempts without summer heat exhaustion risks
Azalea blooms peak across the island in mid-to-late May, creating spectacular pink carpets on hiking trails and coastal paths that last only 2-3 weeks
Pre-peak season pricing on accommodations - typically 30-40% lower than July-August rates while weather is actually more comfortable
Ideal conditions for outdoor activities with moderate humidity (65%) and gentle ocean breezes, perfect for cycling coastal roads and beach walks

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers can disrupt outdoor plans - May averages 8 rainy days with sudden afternoon downpours lasting 1-2 hours
Ocean temperature still cool at 18°C (64°F) - swimming and water sports require wetsuits for most visitors
Strong winds from seasonal weather transitions can ground paragliding and helicopter tours with 2-3 day notice cancellations

Best Activities in May

Hallasan National Park Hiking Tours

May offers the best Hallasan hiking conditions of the year - comfortable temperatures, clear mountain air, and spectacular azalea blooms along Eorimok and Yeongsil trails. The 1,947m (6,388ft) summit is accessible without summer heat stress, and visibility is excellent for crater lake views. Morning starts (6-7am) avoid afternoon rain showers.

Booking Tip: Book guided day hikes 7-10 days ahead through certified mountain guides. Tours typically cost ₩45,000-65,000 ($35-50). Independent hikers need permits booked online 2 days prior. Reference booking widget for current certified mountain tour options.

Jeju Olle Trail Coastal Walking

May's mild temperatures and blooming rapeseed fields make coastal trail walking perfect. Routes 7, 8, and 10 showcase the island's dramatic cliff coastlines without summer heat. The famous Route 7 (Ollae-Woljeongri) offers stunning ocean views and passes through traditional fishing villages during their spring festival season.

Booking Tip: Self-guided with trail maps available at tourism centers, or join small group guided walks. Guided tours typically ₩35,000-50,000 ($25-40). Book 3-5 days ahead through licensed eco-tourism operators. See current options in booking section below.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Tours

May offers the year's most reliable sunrise viewing at this UNESCO site - clear morning skies 70% of days versus 45% in summer. The 180m (590ft) volcanic cone climb is comfortable in cool morning air. Combine with nearby Seopjikoji coastal walks when rapeseed flowers are in full bloom.

Booking Tip: Early morning tours (4:30am pickup) typically ₩40,000-55,000 ($30-42) including transport from Jeju City. Book 5-7 days ahead through certified operators. Private sunrise photography tours available for ₩120,000-180,000 ($90-135). Check current availability in booking widget.

Manjanggul Lava Tube Cave Tours

Perfect rainy day activity when May showers hit. This 13.4km (8.3 mile) UNESCO lava tube maintains 11-21°C (52-70°F) year-round. May visits avoid summer crowds while maintaining comfortable exploration conditions. The 1km (0.6 mile) tourist section takes 45-60 minutes with spectacular rock formations.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets ₩4,000 ($3) adults, no advance booking needed for basic entry. Audio guide tours available for ₩8,000 ($6) additional. Specialized geological tours with expert guides cost ₩25,000-35,000 ($19-26). See current guided tour options below.

Jeju Traditional Market Food Tours

May brings seasonal spring ingredients to local markets - fresh bracken fern, wild vegetables, and spring fish varieties. Dongmun Market and Jeju Folk Five-Day Market offer authentic local flavors without summer heat making market walking uncomfortable. Perfect timing for trying hallabong citrus before season ends.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours typically ₩65,000-85,000 ($50-65) for 3-4 hours including tastings. Book 2-3 days ahead through certified cultural tourism guides. Self-guided market visits best 9-11am when produce is freshest. Current food tour options available in booking section.

Sanbangsan Temple and Coastal Drive

May's clear skies provide perfect conditions for the scenic drive to Sanbangsan mountain and Yongmeori Coast. The 395m (1,296ft) mountain temple offers spectacular views, while nearby coastal cliffs are ideal for photography in soft spring light. Less crowded than peak summer months.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours combining mountain temple and coast typically ₩55,000-75,000 ($42-57). Full-day tours adding Cheonjiyeon Falls cost ₩85,000-120,000 ($65-90). Book 3-5 days ahead through licensed tour operators. Self-drive very feasible with rental cars ₩45,000-65,000/day ($35-50).

May Events & Festivals

Early May

Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival

Korea's earliest cherry blossoms bloom across King Cherry Road and Jeju National University campus. Local celebrations include traditional music performances and food vendors selling seasonal specialties. Peak viewing typically lasts 1 week.

Mid May

Canola Flower Festival

Massive yellow rapeseed flower fields create Instagram-worthy landscapes across the island, particularly in Seogwipo and Gapado Island areas. Local farmers open fields for visitors with photography sessions and traditional food tastings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof hiking boots - essential for rocky Hallasan trails and wet lava rock surfaces during May's 8 average rainy days

Packable rain jacket - afternoon showers develop quickly and last 1-2 hours, windbreaker insufficient for May's intensity

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 18°C (64°F) mornings to 28°C (82°F) afternoons requiring easy adjustment

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 7 and reflects strongly off white volcanic rock and ocean surfaces

Light fleece or hoodie - mountain temperatures drop 6-8°C (11-14°F) below coastal areas, essential for Hallasan attempts

Quick-dry hiking pants - cotton becomes uncomfortable in 65% humidity, synthetic fabrics essential for comfort

Waterproof phone case - protect devices during coastal activities and sudden rain showers that catch tourists unprepared

Comfortable walking shoes - Jeju requires significant walking on uneven volcanic terrain, flip-flops inadequate for most attractions

Light daypack - essential for carrying layers, rain gear, and water during day-long outdoor activities

Portable umbrella - compact model for urban areas and market visits when rain jackets feel excessive

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Seogwipo rather than Jeju City in May - closer to hiking trails and southern attractions, plus 15-20% cheaper than northern hotels during this season

Rent a car for 3+ day visits - May weather makes driving pleasant and public transport to hiking areas runs limited schedules, car rental costs ₩45,000-65,000/day ($35-50)

Visit popular attractions before 9am or after 3pm - day tour buses arrive 10am-2pm, creating unnecessary crowds at places like Seongsan Ilchulbong

Download weather radar apps - May rain develops rapidly from clear skies, locals check radar every 2-3 hours to plan outdoor activities effectively

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating hiking difficulty - Hallasan requires 8-10 hours round trip with proper gear, many tourists attempt in sneakers and casual clothes

Not booking mountain huts or permits in advance - weekend hiking permits fill up 2-3 days ahead, especially during azalea bloom season

Overpacking for warm weather - May nights and mountains stay cool, visitors often bring only summer clothes then buy expensive gear locally