Summer Vacation: Best Travel Destination in South Korea - Jeju Island
Summer Vacation: Best Travel Destination in South Korea - Jeju Island
Hi, there. If you're planning your summer vacation in Jeju Island, here are some best recommendations to consider.
Jeju Island, located in the southern part of South Korea, is a place where beautiful nature and unique culture come together. With an area of approximately 1,800 square kilometers, it is the largest island in South Korea and has a population of around 700,000 people.
Jeju Island is a volcanic island formed by volcanic eruptions, with Hallasan as its highest peak at an elevation of 1,950 meters. It is adorned with numerous large and small hills scattered around the island. Jeju Island is designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, a Global Geopark, and a Biosphere Reserve, thanks to its diverse flora and fauna according to different altitudes.
There are various tourist attractions in Jeju Island. Let's explore some of them.
Central Jeju
In the central part of Jeju Island, there is Hanlasan National Park. Hanlasan is the highest peak in Jeju Island, standing at an elevation of 1,950 meters. It is known for its unique terrain and geological value formed by volcanic eruptions and is designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
- Hanlasan offers various hiking courses of different difficulty levels, and reaching the summit allows you to see a mystical crater lake called Baengrokdam.
- Within Hanlasan National Park, there is also a forest called Bijarim. It is a forest composed of pine trees that are over 500 years old, providing a refreshing and cool atmosphere and a peaceful and tranquil environment.
Eastern Jeju
On the eastern side of Jeju Island, there is a volcanic cone called Seongsan Ilchulbong. Seongsan Ilchulbong stands at an elevation of 182 meters and its appearance, rising above the sea, resembles a fortress, hence its name.
Seongsan Ilchulbong is famous for its beautiful sight of turning red as the sun rises, and it attracts many tourists who come to witness the sunrise. Near Seongsan Ilchulbong, there are attractions such as Gwangchigi Beach and Seopjikoji.
- Gwangchigi Beach is a sandy beach with clear blue waters, making it a great spot for surfing or leisurely walks.
- Seopjikoji is a peninsula known for being a filming location for the movie "Architecture 101". It features small hills and a reservoir.
Western Jeju
On the western side of Jeju Island, there are Hyeopjae Beach and Yongduam Rock.
- Hyeopjae Beach is a beach with emerald-colored waters and a white sandy shoreline, making it a perfect place for families to enjoy, as the water is shallow. Near Hyeopjae Beach, there is a rock formation called Yongduam Rock.
- Yongduam Rock is a rock formation located on the coast of Yongdam-dong in Jeju City. It is surrounded by a legend that a dragon was shot down by an arrow from Hallasan and transformed into the rock. Created by volcanic activity and the crashing waves, its appearance resembles a dragon, giving it its name.
There are many cafes along the scenic coastal road, offering a cool breeze and a great view to appreciate the natural beauty of Jeju Island.
Southern Jeju
On the southern side of Jeju Island, there are Seongeup Folk Village and Jeju Nanta Theatre.
- Seongeup Folk Village is a place where you can experience the traditional life and culture of Jeju Island. It showcases stone walls, tiled-roof houses, a traditional market, and farming activities. In Seongeup Folk Village, you can learn about the history and legends of Jeju Island and participate in various experiential programs.
Northern Jeju
On the northern side of Jeju Island, there are Jeju International Airport and Dongmun Traditional Market. Jeju International Airport is located in the central part of Jeju Island and operates both domestic and international flights.
- Near Jeju International Airport, there is a beach called Iho Tewoo Beach. It is a trendy beach where people take photos with red horse statues. The beach appears red due to the black sand and iron-rich seawater.
- Dongmun Traditional Market is a market located in the central area of Jeju City. It is a place where you can purchase local specialties and food at affordable prices. At Dongmun Traditional Market, you can taste Jeju's special products such as tangerines, Hallabong oranges, omegitteok (rice cakes), and braised hairtail fish.
Jeju Island is a perfect destination for your summer vacation. It offers a harmonious blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and exciting activities. Whether you're exploring the central region with Hallasan National Park, witnessing the sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong in the east, enjoying the beaches and rocks in the west, immersing yourself in the traditional village and Nanta performance in the south, or experiencing the bustling market and beautiful coastline in the north, Jeju Island has something for everyone.
Make the most of your summer vacation by exploring the best of Jeju Island's attractions, savoring the local cuisine, and creating unforgettable memories in this picturesque island paradise.