SOUTH KOREA

JEJU ISLAND

Jejudo or Jeju island is a volcanic island, about 130 km from the southern coast of Korea. It is the largest island and smallest province in South Korea. A central feature of Jejudo is Hallasan, the tallest mountain in South Korea. Jejudo has a mild oceanic climate throughout the year with the smallest annual temperature range in the South Korea. Annually, Jejudo attract about 9 million tourists and visitors. Jeju Island is Korea’s Most Treasured island and become one of the world ‘treasure island of environmental assets'. Jeju Island is a place where you can enjoy the beauty mother nature. So, let see 10 places Must-Visit in Jejudo (Jeju Island), South Korea!

1.  Hallasan National Park (UNESCO World Heritage)

   

    

    

    

    

    

    
   
    Hallasan or Halla Mountain is the tallest mountain in South Korea, located at the center of Jeju Island. It also called Mountain Yeongjusan with the meaning of ‘mountain high enough to pull the galaxy’. Hallasan Mointain rises 1950 meter above the sea level but it is still relatively easy to hike mountain, simply follow one among 7 of the well-developed mountain hiking trails. All of the hiking trails are less than 10 kilometer and you could make it to the peak plus back in a day. However, preparation is needed as the weather is very dynamic and windy. Please make sure you bring jacket, advisable to use proper shoe, check the weather forecast before go for the hike and a camera is a must! You will be surprise by the views from the top of Hallasan.
   
   

   2.  Jungmun Daepo Coast Jusangjeolli Cliff

    

   Southwest from Depo-dong, at the end of the pine tree forest there is a cliff called Jusangjeolli Cliff. The Jusangjeolli Cliff was formed 250,000 and 140,000 years ago, by the lava from Mountain Hallasan erupted into the sea when it is still an active volcano. Those rock pillars shaped like cubes or hexagons of different sizes were named by locals as 'Jisatgae Rocks' with 2 kilometers along the Daepo coast and 20 meter up to the sky. Jusangjeolli Cliff makes one of the popular spot in Jejudo and it is a place to enjoy the breath taking ocean view as the waves of the high tides crashing into the side of the rock pillars.
    
   

   3. Manjanggul Cave (UNESCO World Heritage)

     

   Manjanggul Cave (만장굴) or in short Manjang Cave, a lava tunnel that has a variety of natural structures inside including 70cm lava stalagmites and the lava tube tunnels. Only 1 kilometer of the 13422 meter of Manjanggul Cave is open for visit. The temperature inside the in Manjanggul cave is in the range of 11-21℃ and only small number animals (bats) living in the tunnel which create a comfortable atmosphere for visitor and valuable for researchers as well.
   
   

   4.  Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (UNESCO World Heritage)

     

   In South Korea, especially in Jeju Island, there are numerous of breathless mountains for spirited mountaineers to hunt for. Extinct volcano Ilchulbong, also known as (Sunrise Peak) is truly a scenic tourism attraction you shouldn’t miss. Around 100,000 years ago, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption which its summit shaped like a punchbowl is approximately 182m from sea level .On the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, east of Jeju Island, you could see a huge crater at the top it. The crater, 600m in diameter and 90m high, surrounded by 99 sharp rocks, making it seem to be a giant crown. The southeast and north sides of Ilchulbong are cliffs, and the northwest part is a sensational lush hill that you could walk to Seongsan Village nearby.
   
   

   5.  Oedolgae Rock 

   
    

   Just near to the Sammaebong Seougwipo City, there is an incredible rock (10 meters circumference and 20 meters in height) which is also widely known as Changgun Rock. Oedolgae, a lone rock pillar is a gigantic rock pile arising from the azure sea along with pleasant smell of flowers and coffee bean from the café nearby. Oedolgae was a shooting venue of Daejangguem (Jewel in the Palace) where Hansangoong encountered her death under a false accusation while being carried on Daejanggeum's back. Among 19 Olle in Jeju Island, Olle 7 has most fame and majestic scenery. From Oedolgae, the sunset of Bum Island is also a famous attraction for tourists, especially for honeymooners to visit and spend their romantic moment on Jeju Island.
   
   

   6.  Cheonjeyeon Falls

     

   Cheonjiyeon Falls create a splendid view of water falling from a steep cliff with a sound that drowns out all others. Cheonjiyeon, meaning “God’s pond,” derives its name from the legend that the seven fairies serving the King of Heaven came down to the pond on stairs of cloud and bathed in its clean waters. The waterfall is 22m high, 12m wide and 20m in depth. The clear and deep water of Cheonjiyeon Falls is renowned as a habitat for Mutae eels. Also, the annual Seven Fairies Festival is held every May.
   
   

   7.  O’sulloc Museum (Green Tea Museum)

     

   The o’sulloc Museum or Green Tea Museum, located near Seogwangdawon Jejudo, visitors can learn about Korea’s traditional tea culture. The meaning of o’sulloc”, can be interpreted “o” as appreciate and enjoy, and it also stands for the origin of sulloc.  The two storeys famous Korea’s museum green tea cup shape building consist of an indoor garden in first floor and an observatory in second floor Those places are for visitors to enjoy the surrounding with great atmosphere while tasting unique o’sulloc teas. Do remember to experience the Korea’s traditional tea culture, ways to make a cup of good green tea and also tasting different kind of green tea made cakes, cookies and yogurt ice-cream.
   
   

   8.  Teddy Bear Museum

     

   Teddy Bear Museum, one of the unique museums must go in Jejudo. The museum exhibiting various kind of terry bears with different sections: the History Hall, Art Hall and Project Exhibition Hall. In this Teddy Bear gallery, you can witness the 100 years history of teddy bears including famous scenes, in different eras, teddy bears grouped in exhibition theme and antique teddy bears especially The Mona Lisa Teddy Bear. One of the Teddy Bear that you shouldn’t miss is the world smallest Teddy Bear with the size of 4.5 millimetres. During the visit if you feel tired and hungry, you can take relax in the museum garden or enjoy your meals in the museum restaurant.
   
   

   9.  Seongeup Folk Village 

   
    

   Situated at the bottom of Mt. Halla on Jeju Island, Seongeup or Sungeup Folk Village is well-known for its original folk village and its traditional life culture. Cultural treasures in the folk village have been passed down from a generation to another generation such as Confucian shrines, ancient government offices, stone statues, large millstones, fortress ruins, stone monuments and so on. In the folk village, you get the chance to try traditional folk plays, local folk craftsmanship, native dishes and learn some local dialects. Even the trees are an important part of the area’s heritage. Located at the centremost of the village, there are well-preserved hundreds years old trees such as Zelkova and nettle trees that conserve the pure, unpolluted atmosphere of Seongeup Fork Village. The black lava rock walls which are used to block the wind and the stone grandfather statues (Harubang) reveal the exclusive culture of Jeju Island along with its dignified landscapes.
   
   

   10.  Seonimgyo Bridge

     

   Seonimgyo Bridge is an arch bridge on Jeju Island  over Cheonjeyeon Waterfall that has seven nymphs carved on both sides. The bridge is also called Chilseonyeogyo (칠선녀교) or Seven Nymphs Bridge. The nymphs symbolize the Korean legend of the descent of seven beautiful nymphs from heaven at night. Seonimgyo Bridge is the first arch bridge or Ojakgyo  (오작교) design in the region.