Jeju Island, the largest island in South Korea, is a renowned international tourist destination. It features tropical scenery and unique volcanic landscapes, earning it the nickname “Hawaii of South Korea.”
- Weather
Jeju Island features a typical subtropical oceanic climate, characterized by very mild weather. Winters are dry and windy, while summers are humid and rainy. With minimal temperature variation throughout the year, it is an ideal destination for travel and vacations. -
Popular Attractions
Hallasan National Park: As the symbol of Jeju Island, Hallasan stands tall and majestic, offering visitors an awe-inspiring visual experience. This dormant volcano, Hallasan Mountain, which is the highest peak in South Korea, is an excellent destination for hiking and mountaineering. The park is also dotted with numerous parasitic volcanic cones, each telling stories of millennia past.
Jeju Island Teddy Bear Museum: The museum showcases limited-edition teddy bears from around the world. These teddy bears, dressed in a variety of costumes and portraying different characters, are not only valuable collectibles but also convey the century-long heritage of teddy bear culture. In this whimsical and creative space, both adults and children can find joy and delight unique to themselves.
Yongduam Rock: Formed by volcanic lava from Hallasan Mountain, this rock is named for its unique shape, resembling a dragon about to soar into the sky. In addition to marveling at this masterpiece of nature, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the azure sea and white sandy beaches from Yongduam Rock, taking in the stunning coastal scenery of northern Jeju Island.
Udo Maritime Provincial Park: Udo Island, with its unique topography and stunning seascapes, attracts countless visitors. The island, shaped like a reclining ox, is surrounded by an unimaginably blue sea. Here, visitors can fully enjoy the pleasures of an island getaway and experience the vastness and depth of the ocean. Udo is not only rich in marine resources and blessed with an exceptional natural environment, but also serves as a tranquil maritime paradise. Visitors can rent a bicycle to ride around the island, take in the scenic views along the way, and feel the refreshing sea breeze on their faces.
Manjanggul Cave: Formed by volcanic lava eruptions, Manjanggul Cave is a natural wonder on Jeju Island. As a massive, world-class lava tube, it boasts an array of stunning geological features, including rich stalactites and stalagmites, leaving visitors in awe of its grandeur.
Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum: This museum showcases the rich cultural and natural history of Jeju Island. It features a variety of plant and animal specimens, traditional handicrafts, and exhibits on local folklore, making it an excellent place to gain a deeper understanding of Jeju’s unique culture.
- Food
Grilled Black Pork: A local delicacy, this dish involves grilling the meat over charcoal until golden. The grilled pork is then wrapped in lettuce leaves with slices of garlic, chili, and dipped in a special sauce, creating an exquisite flavor. Jeju’s black pigs are free-range, producing tender, flavorful meat with a delicate texture.
Seafood: Surrounded by the sea on all sides, Jeju Island is naturally known for its abundant seafood. Here, you can find a variety of fresh seafood, including fish, shellfish, and more. Additionally, Jeju offers a wide range of processed seafood products, such as seaweed and dried fish, which make for excellent choices.
Seafood Dishes: Seafood ramen and seafood pancakes are both very popular. The seafood ramen features a rich and delicious broth, filled with shrimp, shellfish, squid, and more. The seafood pancake is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, packed with seafood filling and served with a special dipping sauce, making it incredibly tasty.
Thanks to its favorable geographic location and climate, Jeju Island offers a wide variety of fruits, all of exceptional quality, making it a great place to taste and purchase fresh produce.
- Transportation
Jeju Island has nearly 100 bus routes, making it highly accessible and convenient.
As the attractions on Jeju Island are spread out, hiring a car or renting one is also a good option. It offers more flexibility and makes traveling around the island more convenient.
- Accommodation Recommendations
Jeju City: Located near the airport, it offers convenient transportation. The area is surrounded by shopping malls and duty-free stores, making it easy for visitors to shop.
Seogwipo City: An important stop from south to north on Jeju Island, this area is known for offering experiences of local residential life. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as diving and island-hopping tours from here.
Seogwipo Jungmun Tourist Complex: In this area, Chinese is widely used, and hotels and attractions feature Chinese annotations, making it convenient for Chinese-speaking visitors.
Seongsan Mountain Area: The highlight of this area is Sunrise Peak (Seongsan Ilchulbong). Located at the easternmost point of Jeju Island and surrounded by the sea on three sides, it is one of the island’s most iconic and frequently photographed attractions.
