Information
City: Jeju IslandCountry: South Korea
Continent: Asia
Jeju Island, South Korea, Asia
Overview
Jeju Island, set just off South Korea’s southern coast, draws visitors with its lush green hills, gentle sea breezes, and deep-rooted cultural traditions.Known as “The Island of the Gods,” Jeju mixes rugged volcanic cliffs, green forests rustling in the wind, bright shorelines, and the timeless rhythms of Korean tradition.On this UNESCO-listed island, you can hike past volcanic cliffs in the morning and unwind in sleek, glass-walled resorts by night, a mix that’s made it one of South Korea’s favorite escapes.Jeju Island, the largest in South Korea, stretches across roughly 1,846 square kilometers-about the size of a soft green patch of land you could cross in a day’s drive.It sits about 130 kilometers, or 81 miles, south of the Korean Peninsula, with the blue sweep of the Korea Strait lying in between.The island was born from volcanic eruptions, and at its heart rises Hallasan Mountain, South Korea’s tallest peak, climbing 1,947 meters (6,388 feet) into the clouds.The island’s landscapes range from smoking volcanic craters and shadowy lava tubes to misty waterfalls, golden beaches, and thick, green forests.People often call it a “microcosm of nature,” a place where you can wander from misty forests to sunlit canyons without ever leaving the grounds.Jeju’s past overflows with myth and tradition, shaped by centuries of cultural influences, from ancient island legends to colorful village festivals.For generations, the island has stood apart from mainland South Korea, shaping its own customs and a dialect that carries the rhythm of the sea.Jeju’s story stretches back thousands of years, with traces of prehistoric villages and early ties to the Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla kingdoms still etched in its soil.The island’s first settlers made their living from the land and sea, tending small plots of crops and casting nets into the shallows.Before it became part of the Joseon Dynasty, Jeju stood as the independent Kingdom of Tamna, ruling itself with distinct laws and traditions-fishermen hauling in silver mackerel at dawn, elders settling disputes under the shade of old camphor trees.Jeju’s mythology runs deep, with local legends winding through tales of stone gods, hidden caves, and the sea that crashes against its black lava cliffs.People often link the island to gods and restless spirits, as well as the ancient worship of wind, sea, and stone.A well-known legend tells of Jeju’s Three Grandmothers, said to guard the island’s people like watchful figures standing against the sea wind.Modern History Jeju has been central to South Korea’s growth in recent decades, shaping its tourism industry with attractions like bustling seaside markets and volcanic landscapes.In the 1970s, the island earned its official title as a tourist destination, and since then, crowds have flocked there, filling its beaches with bright umbrellas and laughter.Must‑see sights.Hallasan Mountain (한라산) rises at the heart of Jeju Island, its volcanic slopes crowned with windswept craters and the island’s highest peak.The mountain holds deep craters, stretches of blackened lava, and pockets of bright green forest.The area shelters rare plants and wildlife, and its trails range from easy strolls under shady pines to steep climbs that leave your legs burning.From the summit, visitors take in sweeping views of the island, with the blue curve of the ocean stretching to the horizon.Hallasan is also home to Hallasan National Park, a place where rare alpine blooms and plants found nowhere else flourish along its windswept slopes.Number two.The Jeju Olle Trails wind in a loose loop around the island, leading walkers past wind-bent pines and along quiet shores so they can take in the island’s beauty up close.The trails wind past quiet beaches, dense forest, jagged volcanic cliffs, and small villages, giving you a changing view with every step.Number three.Seongsan Ilchulbong, or Sunrise Peak, rises like a giant green crown-its rocky slopes born from a volcanic blast more than 5,000 years ago.At sunrise, the site comes alive, the first light spilling gold across the ocean and washing the hills in a warm, gentle glow.You can hike to the summit of this UNESCO World Heritage site, where the wind brushes your face and the view stretches for miles.Number four.At Jeju Folk Village (제주민속촌), you can step into the rhythms of old island life-hear the creak of wooden carts, wander past thatched roofs, and feel history in the sea breeze.The village features old stone houses, handmade crafts, and worn wooden farming tools once used by locals centuries ago.Visitors can watch lively folk dances, hear stories of Jeju’s past, and step into traditions that families have guarded for centuries.Five.Manjanggul Cave (만장굴), one of the world’s longest lava tubes, winds deep underground with walls that glisten like wet stone in the dim light.Visitors can wander through part of the cave, following twisting corridors carved by nature, and spot lava stalactites, lava stalagmites, and other striking rock shapes gleaming in the dim light.Number six.Jeju Loveland is an unusual park that blends erotic themes with art, featuring bold sculptures you won’t soon forget.The park showcases more than 140 sculptures and installations, each delving into love, relationships, and human sexuality-like a bronze couple frozen mid-embrace under the shade of an old oak.It’s a playful little detour adults will love, with just enough odd charm to make you linger.Seven.Jeongbang Waterfall (정방폭포) is one of the rare waterfalls on Earth that plunges straight into the ocean, sending white spray into the salt-tinged air-a striking natural wonder.From 23 meters up, the waterfall crashes down in a silver rush, its spray stark against the deep blue ocean and the jagged, dark rocks along the shore.Eight.Perched on Jeju Island’s eastern tip, Seopjikoji boasts a white lighthouse, rugged cliffs, and breezy fields dotted with yellow wildflowers.Famous for its breathtaking views, it often ends up on screen in Korean dramas and films, with mist curling over the hills like something from a dream.Number nine, written in a quick dark stroke on the page, stood alone.For a lighthearted break, swing by the Jeju Teddy Bear Museum, where shelves brim with bears from every corner of the globe-even a tiny one stitched in bright red felt.The museum showcases everything from old-fashioned teddy bears to ones dressed like famous stars, making it a playful spot that delights visitors of every age.On Jeju Island, the food reflects both the salty air of its rocky shores and the rich soil of its farms, offering a one‑of‑a‑kind mix of local dishes you won’t find anywhere else.Jeju’s food bursts with fresh seafood, crisp local vegetables, and bold flavors you won’t find anywhere else.Black pork (흑돼지) is a must-try in Jeju, where the tender, smoky meat has made this local delicacy famous.People love this meat for its deep, savory flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, like a roast pulled straight from the oven.People often throw it on the grill, letting the edges char, or work it into smoky barbecue dishes.Abalone (전복): This shellfish thrives in the clear waters off Jeju, where divers often spot their mottled shells clinging to the rocks.You’ll often find it in soups or gently steamed, the steam carrying a briny scent that speaks of the island’s rich seafood harvest.Jeju Tangerines (감귤): The island’s mild sunshine and ocean breeze make it ideal for growing tangerines, famous for their sweet, burst-of-juice flavor.Tangerines show up everywhere-tucked into lunchboxes, sliced over salads, and stirred into sweet, citrusy drinks.Haemul Jeongol (해물전골) is a beloved seafood hot pot brimming with crab claws, tender fish, and crisp vegetables, all simmering in a steaming, savory broth.
Landmarks in jeju-island
