Horse Riding In Jeju, South Korea
Jeju Island, the Hawaii of Korea, has its own breed of horse, namely the Jeju Horse. Jeju is not only the island of black pigs but also of horses. Wherever you go, you’ll eventually stumble upon some horse grazing in the beautiful Jeju fields. They are absolutely beautiful and it comes as no surprise that horse riding in Jeju is a popular experience of tourists to enjoy. This blog post covers everything you need to know about going horse riding.
Things To Know About Visiting Jeju
Jeju Island, located in the southernmost part of South Korea, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique cuisine. If you’re planning a trip to Jeju, it’s important to prepare adequately to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.
First and foremost, it’s important to research the best time to visit Jeju, as the island’s climate can vary greatly depending on the season. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be chilly and windy. Additionally, Jeju is known for its frequent rainfall, so it’s a good idea to pack appropriate rain gear and footwear.
Another important consideration when preparing for a trip to Jeju is accommodation. Jeju offers a range of options, from luxury hotels and resorts to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. It’s a good idea to book your accommodation in advance to ensure availability and secure the best possible rates.
When it comes to exploring Jeju, there are plenty of activities and attractions to choose from. From hiking along scenic trails and exploring volcanic caves to visiting historic temples and museums, there’s something for everyone on this island. It’s a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time on Jeju.
Overall, with proper preparation and planning, a trip to Jeju can be an unforgettable experience filled with natural beauty, cultural immersion, and delicious cuisine.
- Foreigner Packages – It is highly recommended to book your horse riding experience in advance. This way you are certain of your slot and don’t need to wait for your turn. Book your horse riding experience with Trazy here.
- Getting Around – The easiest way to get around Jeju Island is by car. A can can easily be online and picked up upon arrival at Jeju Airport. Find more information about driving in Jeju Island here. If renting a car is not an option then traveling by bus is also possible. Jeju’s bus system is quite good, but it just takes longer to get around than by car. When taking the bus, make sure to have a T Money Card.
- What To Wear In Jeju Island – In general Jeju Island is slightly warmer than Seoul and the rest of mainland Korea, but it still has 4 seasons. Check what to wear in Jeju here.
- Jeju Itinerary – Are you looking for an example itinerary to help you plan your upcoming trip to Korea? Click here for a 2-3 day Jeju Itinerary.
- Travel Adapters – Jeju has the same power outlets as most countries in Europe. Travelers from South East Asia, Japan, US should bring the right adapter. Find out more about travel adapters here.
- Where To Stay – Jeju Island is huge so it is essential to pick the right area to stay in! If this is your first time in Jeju then it is recommended to stay in Jeju city or Seogwipo City. Find more info about best accommodations in Jeju here.
- What To Eat – There are many restaurants across the island, and reservations online is possible for the best restaurants. Check more info here.
The Horses Of Jeju Island
Jeju horses are a rare and unique breed of small horses that are native to Jeju Island, a volcanic island located off the southern coast of South Korea. Also known as Jeju ponies, these horses are renowned for their resilience, strength, and adaptability, which have allowed them to thrive in the harsh and rugged terrain of their island home for centuries. Despite their importance to Jeju’s cultural heritage and their remarkable qualities, Jeju horses are now considered endangered, with only a few thousand remaining in the world. As a result, efforts are being made to protect and preserve this fascinating breed, which has become a symbol of Jeju Island’s rich history and natural beauty.
In the 60’s the horses of Jeju were an endangered species due to industrialization. But in 1986, the government designated the Jeju horse as a Natural Monument and did they best to preserve the 150 remaining horses. This was a big success and now over 2000 horses are registered and can be found anywhere on the island.
Best Time To Go Horse Riding In Jeju
The best time to visit Jeju island is during spring and autumn. Summer tends to be too hot while winter is too cold. Spring and autumn have the best temperatures to enjoy going for long walks on the beach and horse riding in the mountains. During this time it is also less busy, so most of the beaches will be deserted and mountain trails will be empty.
Jeju Steel Flower Horse Riding Park
One of the most beautiful places in Jeju Island is Seongsan Ilchulbong, also called Sunrise Peak. There are many horse parks located in this area and on of the most famous ones is the Jeju Steel Flower Horse Riding Park. This park is located just next to Gwangchigi Beach and is famous for their horse riding courses on the beach. It was also one of the filming locations of the Korean drama Warm & Cozy (맨도롱 또똣).
You can book your package online through Trazy and for 50 000 krw you get a 20 minute horse riding experience. Upon arrival you get a riding hat and jacket which you have to put on and then you get paired up with a horse. The ride is about 10 minutes through the country side and then about 10 minutes on the beach. One of the guides speaks English quite well and is very accommodating.
Horse riding at Sunrise Peak in Jeju is an unforgettable experience. As the sun rises over the horizon, casting a warm glow on the lush green landscape, riders can take in the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and countryside. The gentle rhythm of the horse’s hooves against the ground and the cool breeze blowing through the mane create a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal activity for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
The well-trained horses and experienced guides ensure a safe and enjoyable ride, allowing riders to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Jeju Island. Horse riding at Sunrise Peak in Jeju is an experience that will leave a lasting impression and a cherished memory for years to come.
Other Jeju Horse Parks
Apart from Jeju Steel Flower Horse Riding Park, there are many other places in Jeju where you can enjoy horse riding. Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, there are many places on the island that offer horseback riding tours suitable for all levels of expertise. In this guide, we will explore some of the best places to go horse riding in Jeju, along with the different types of rides and experiences available to visitors. Listed below are some of the best places to go to.
1. Jeju Land
At Jeju Land you can experience horse riding in the countryside. With a guide you’ll be going to the top of Nasiri Oreum and enjoy the stunning scenery with mount Hallasan in the background. This experience is a bit cheaper than the beach horse riding experience. You can enjoy 25 minutes of riding for 40 000 krw. Click here for more info.
2. The Ma Park
The Ma Park is actually a theme park and it is one of the largest horse-themed parks. They do mainly horse performances but also have state of the art horse riding facilities. Their show is called ‘Oh, Guguryeo! 1000 years of Kingdom’ and lasts about 50 minutes. It is a much watch performance when in Jeju as it features about 60 professional male and female riders from Mongolia. Buy entrance tickets to the park here.
3. Jeju Horse Riding Park
At the Jeju Horse Riding Park you can go horse back riding in the forest together with a guide. It is mainly a membership-based equestrian center and is one of the largest in Korea but you can also have a 15-30 minute experience. It is also the only nighttime horseback riding course in Korea. Find more info here (Korean only).
Frequently Asked Questions
Spring and autumn are by far the best times to enjoy riding a horse in the country side or on the beaches of Jeju.
Wear comfortable and casual clothes. In the horse riding park you’ll receive a vest and a protective hat.
Most horseback riding experiences last between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the package booked.
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This is great thank you for sharing! Do you know of any places that have rides that are closer to 2-3 hours for riders with more experience?
hi
are there sites where we can have a longer ride – up to 2 hours?