Jeju International Airport Observatory is a hidden gem!
by AOJ12025. 6. 17.
Welcome to ALL OF JEJU.
Jeju International Airport is always bustling with people. Sometimes, planes take off and land every minute, making it one of the busiest places on the island. But within this hectic airport, there’s a spot where you can take a moment to enjoy the wide runway, airplanes, sky, and even the sea: the Jeju International Airport Observation Deck.
1. A Hidden Observation Deck at Jeju International Airport
Many people don’t know there’s an observation deck at Jeju Airport. Even locals often say they’ve never visited because they're too busy catching flights. Some don’t even know it exists. That’s why I wanted to introduce the Jeju Airport Observation Deck. If you arrive a bit early or have some time before moving on after landing, I highly recommend stopping by.
2. Location – 4th Floor of the Airport
Finding the observation deck is easy. Just head up to the 4th floor. The 1st floor is arrivals, and the 3rd floor is departures. The 4th floor, just above, has restaurants and cafés, and the observation deck is located between them. Look for Café Ogada on the 4th floor—the passage to the observation deck is right next to it.
3. Operating Hours: 5 AM to 10 PM
The observation deck operates from 5 AM to 10 PM. Since the first flights depart around 6 AM, the deck opens early. Watching the runway and airplanes at dawn is a spectacular experience. At night, seeing planes take off and land on the illuminated runway is also breathtaking. If you have the chance, try visiting at night. With Café Ogada nearby, you can enjoy a coffee while taking in the view.
4. What to Expect at the Observation Deck
*As you enter, you’ll see a cute map of Jeju Island on the right, highlighting famous spots and oreum (volcanic cones). It’s a great way to plan your trip at a glance. The observation deck is spacious and usually not crowded, so you can enjoy the view without feeling rushed. There’s a photo zone in the center, perfect for taking memorable pictures. From the steps at the photo zone, you can see Hallasan Mountain—on clear days, the summit is visible, which is why it’s called the Hallasan Viewing Zone.
*Behind you, you’ll find signposts pointing to local landmarks like Dodubong, Sarabong, Hallasan, and Chuja Island. There’s plenty of seating, including café tables and chairs, so you can relax with friends or family over coffee. There are also park benches for comfortable rest. Please note that the observation deck is a non-smoking area.
*For safety, there’s netting on the ceiling and glass or acrylic barriers facing the runway, but your view remains unobstructed. These safety measures are essential in an airport environment, but they don’t detract from the experience of watching planes and the runway up close. If you’re lucky, you might spot a special Pokémon-themed airplane, which is always a hit with kids.
Recommendation
If you get the chance, make sure to visit the Jeju Airport Observation Deck. It’s especially great if you arrive early with children—they’ll love seeing planes up close, and you might even spot a Pokémon plane. It’s a beautiful spot to take in the wide runway, the sea, and the sky of Jeju all at once.
