Jeju Island is one of the most beautiful places to see in South Korea. It is an island located in the Korean Strait, born from a volcanic eruption more than 2 million years ago, it treasures some wonderful landscapes that have made it be named one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.
Jeju Island is oval in shape, about 70 kilometers long by about 30 kilometers wide, and has the country's highest mountain in the center, Mount Hallasan, an ancient volcano.
The island's volcanic past has made much of it a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, specifically the Volcanic Landscape and Lava Tunnels of Jeju Island.
In addition, the island was declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco in 2022, and it is also a Unesco Global Geopark since 2009, due to its unique geological wealth.
If you are thinking of taking a tour of South Korea, I recommend that you visit Jeju Island. You will need a minimum of 4 days/3 nights. In this post I talk about what to see on Jeju Island, where to stay...
WHAT TO SEE IN JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA
1. Hamdeok Seoubong, one of the most beautiful beaches to see on Jeju Island
Hamdeok Seoubong Beach is a beautiful bay of white sand, black basaltic rocks that contrasts with the turquoise blue and green of the surrounding vegetation. The landscape can be reminiscent of Hawaii, Costa Rica... The picture is beautiful and the tide here is usually calmer, thanks to its crescent-shaped bay.
2. Seongsan Ilchulbong, one of the most amazing places to see on Jeju Island
Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak is one of the symbols of Jeju Island and is declared a World Heritage Site. It is a huge volcanic tuff over 180 meters high and is the result of a volcanic eruption under the sea.
The crater, which can be visited after ascending a huge staircase, has an approximate diameter of 600 meters and reaches a depth close to 90 meters. It is a place full of vegetation which gives it a beautiful place. One of the most popular excursions is to go up to see the sunrise from the crater.
Access to Ilchulbong Peak is paid, 5,000 won per adult, 2,500 won for children between 7 and 18 years of age, and free for children under 7 years of age. Parking is free.
3. The Haenyeo restaurant
At the foot of the crater there is a beautiful beach where the restaurant of the famous women divers, or Haenyeo, is located. It is a group of women, most of them elderly, who are dedicated to collecting shellfish by freediving.
Jeju Haenyeo is on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and on the small beach next to Ilchulbong Peak, they have a restaurant, where their catches of shellfish and mollusks are cooked.
4. Manjanggul Cave
This cave is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the most impressive caves or lava tunnels that can be visited in the world. The lava tube is approximately 13.5 km long, although you can only visit a section of approximately 1 km.
This lava tube was formed because in one of the volcanic eruptions, the lava solidifies on the surface, but below it the lava continues to flow, which by gravity descends towards the sea, leaving the tube a channel through which it has flowed. .
In Lanzarote you can visit the Cueva de los Verdes lava tube, known as the Jameos del Agua, which were formed in the same way.
The entrance fee is 4,000 won per adult and 3,000 won for teenagers and children. Its hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is free.
5. The Oedolgae Rock
Oedolgae Rock is another of the essential places to see on Jeju Island. It is a rock about 10 meters in diameter by 20 meters high in the shape of a finger. The rock and the coastal environment that surround it is very beautiful, and around the rock there are many paths where you can walk and enjoy the surroundings.
A famous pilgrimage trail runs through this coastal area along the island, the Jeju Olle Trail, a kind of Camino de Santiago or horse path (Menorca) that surrounds the entire island.
Throughout this coastal area you will find several natural pools in the sea, where you can take a bath with caution, the rocks are quite slippery.
6. Jeongbang Waterfall, one of the most beautiful places to see on Jeju Island
Jeongbang Waterfall is famous for being one of the few waterfalls in Asia that pours its water directly into the sea. The waterfall has a fall of 25 meters high, and in the rainy season the width is considerable. The landscape is incredible, surrounded by nature and it is possible to take a bath in the natural pool that is created at the foot of the waterfall, although it is very cold.
Admission is 2,000 won per adult and 1,000 won for teenagers and children. It also has free parking.
7. The Jusangjeolli Cliff, an essential thing to see in Jeju
On this cliff you can see one of the most beautiful natural volcanic formations on the entire island. These are the impressive hexagonal basalt columns that were created when the lava from Mount Hallasan cooled as it touched the sea. It looks a lot like the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.
8. Mount Hallasan National Park
The Mount Hallasan National Park was declared a national park in 1970, it owes its name to the Hallasan volcano. It is located in the center of Jeju Island, and which in turn is the highest mountain in South Korea, with 1950 meters high.
In addition, the Hallasan Volcano and its surroundings have been declared a World Heritage Site, due to its volcanic landscape and the geological wealth of the area. Is incredible!
Around the main volcano, we find more than 300 secondary cones, known here as Oreum, which have a wide variety of plant and animal species. Around the main cone and the secondary ones there are several hiking trails to follow to enjoy the surroundings.
9. Gwakji Gwamul Beach
Another of the most beautiful beaches on Jeju Island is Gwakji Gwamul Beach, located in the north of the island. It has white sand and turquoise water. On the beach, there is also a natural spring water pool. Its name is Yongcheonsu Nocheontang, and it is at one end of the beach.
10. Cape Seopjikoji, one of the most beautiful places to see on Jeju Island
This cape is located to the east of Jeju Island and has a walk along the coast that will take you to the Seopjikoji lighthouse. From here the views are incredible. The Cape Seopjikoji area is beautiful during the blooming of the rapeseed flowers in spring.
What else to do on Jeju Island
Jeju is a beautiful island. You can rent a bike and follow various trails, visit the villages, watch the sunrise from one of its cliffs or even visit its aquarium, one of the most impressive in South Korea.
WHERE TO STAY ON JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA
You have many accommodation options in Jeju. And the area where you stay is really not very relevant as long as you have a car to be able to move freely around the island (something I recommend).
Some great accommodation options on Jeju Island:
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to South Korea a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!