An Old-Town Walk on the Way to Jeju Airport: From Yongduam Rock to Dongmun Market

This example assumes you're getting around by rental car. Decide your boarding time and car return time first, then choose from whatever fits in the time that's left.

1. Yongduam Rock: view the rock from the western viewpoint, and take in the sea from within the viewing path.
2. Yongyeon: cross the Yongyeon Cloud Bridge, taking in the gorge and the pavilion.
3. Gwandeokjeong and Jeju Mokgwana: visit the government office before ticket sales close at 17:30.
4. Dongmun Market: pick out a meal and souvenirs, then head to the airport.

Yongduam Rock takes its name from its shape, which looks like a dragon surging up out of the sea. VisitJeju describes it as volcanic rock worn down by waves and wind over many years, with the part above the water said to stand about 10 m tall. It notes that the dragon's-head shape shows up relatively well when seen from the western viewpoint.

On days when the waves are up, you can see the rock and the surf together, but VisitJeju advises checking the weather and always viewing from within the viewing paths and safety facilities. Don't climb down toward the rock to take photos.

Yongduam Rock is listed as open at all times, every day of the year, and viewing is free. Parking is available, but you'll need to check the parking fee on site. A free cultural tourism guide program also runs, but guide scheduling and hours can change, so VisitJeju advises checking in advance with the Yongduam Tourist Information Center (064-728-3918).

Yongyeon is a pond fed by water flowing in from a gorge, a place where seawater and freshwater meet. The wooden Yongyeon Cloud Bridge spans the pond, and you can take in the reddish pavilion and the gorge together. VisitJeju says the bridge lights up at night, so it makes a fine evening walk as well.

In VisitJeju's listings, Yongduam, Yongyeon and Gwandeokjeong are all described as connected to Jeju Olle Trail Route 17. The Yongyeon listing also names Yongduam and Gwandeokjeong as nearby attractions. That listing gives no separate opening hours for Yongyeon.

Gwandeokjeong is designated by the state as Treasure No. 322. VisitJeju describes it as a building put up in 1448, during the reign of King Sejong of Joseon, by Jeju magistrate Sin Suk-cheong, and as the oldest of the buildings still standing in Jeju. Gwandeokjeong and its surroundings are described as the place where major government offices gathered from the Joseon era to modern times, serving as the center of Jeju's politics, administration and culture. Gwandeokjeong is open every day of the year, with its night opening listed as 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Jeju Mokgwana is where Jeju's government offices stood in the Joseon era, and excavations carried out from 1991 to 1998 found traces of 30-odd buildings. It is open every day of the year from 09:00 to 18:00, with ticket sales closing at 17:30.

If you're bringing a car, check the parking information first. The Jeju Mokgwana parking lot is closed indefinitely for heritage excavation work, and the listing recommends using the paid public parking lot on the west side of Gwandeokjeong.

Dongmun Traditional Market took shape in 1945 and sells food such as grains, vegetables, fish and fruit, along with dried seafood, household goods, shoes and clothing. VisitJeju notes that the market is known for food featuring omegi-tteok (millet rice cakes), bing-tteok (buckwheat crepe rolls), Hallabong citrus, tangerines and black pork.

Dongmun Market is listed as open every day of the year (traditional holidays included), with hours that vary by shop. The Dongmun Night Market inside it opens in the evening and closes once ingredients run out; its opening time varies with the season, so check before you go.

On your airport day, first set aside the time you need to return the car and check in, then choose places from what's left. If time is tight, see only Yongduam and Yongyeon, which are close to the airport; if you have more time, carry on to Gwandeokjeong and Dongmun Market. To visit Jeju Mokgwana, you need to arrive before ticket sales close at 17:30.

If you're driving a rental car loaded with golf bags and suitcases, decide where to park ahead of time. The Jeju Mokgwana lot is closed, so the paid public parking lot on the west side of Gwandeokjeong is recommended. The listings for Yongduam, Yongyeon and Dongmun Traditional Market show public parking, but check fees and available spaces on site.

• Is there an admission fee for Yongduam Rock? — VisitJeju lists it as open at all times, every day of the year, with free viewing. Parking is available, but you'll need to check the parking fee on site.
• How late can I get into Jeju Mokgwana? — Visiting hours are 09:00–18:00, and ticket sales close at 17:30. Gwandeokjeong's night opening is listed separately as 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• What time does the Dongmun Night Market open? — VisitJeju says it opens in the evening, that its opening time varies by season, and that it closes early when ingredients run out. Check the exact hours before you go.
• If my flight time is tight, what should I cut first? — One option is to keep Yongduam and Yongyeon, which are close to the airport, and save Jeju Mokgwana, with its fixed visiting hours, or a meal at Dongmun Market for your next trip. Set aside time for returning the car and checking in first.

If you need to plan your last-day round and your trip to the airport together, you can look through our golf course information and talk to us about it. Jeju Golf