on the way down Seongsan Ilchulbong. a UNESCO’s world heritage site in Jeju Island
Although I live in Japan, my home country is South Korea. In early December last year, I went to Jeju Island to travel with my dad who just retired last year!
Jeju Island is one of the greatest tourist attractions in South Korea. The “Hawaii of South Korea” invites millions of local and foreign tourists each year. Jeju Island is South Korea’s biggest Island full of exquisite natural wonders, waterfalls, beaches, a very fascinating dormant volcano, museums and a lot more to enjoy.
The most popular season to visit Jeju Island is the Summer as people can enjoy beaches of the island, but there are still so many things to do and a lot see on the island during the Winter. After my visit to the incredible wonders of nature, here are some travel tips.
Seongsan Ilchulbon
in front of Seongsan Ilchulbon with ‘Grandfather Stones(also called Dol Harubangs in Korea),’ you can see everywhere in Jeju Island
Seongsan Ilchulbong also known as the sunrise peak is one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. The tuff cone crater was formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years back.
the peak of Seongsan Ilchulbong
The bowl-shaped depression is full of rocky protrusions. It is an ideal location for witnessing the sunrise, particularly on the New Year Eve.
on the way down Seongsan Ilchulbong
I was overwhelmed with the sight when the fishermen assembled in the ocean light at dawn break and all whistled at once to welcome the New Year. If you are there at this time of the year, you sure don’t want to miss this.
Seogwipo Olle Market
at Seogwipo Olle Market, you can see various tangerines and oranges which are Jeju’s famous fruits
Among all the traditional markets in Jeju Island, Seogwipo Olle market is one of the greatest experiences for food and shopping. What makes it more preferable? It’s the spaciousness of the market and the delicacy of the food offered there that makes it more wanted than the others.
It has clearly separated dry and wet sections. You can have the ultimate experience of Korean street food here and can take home a variety of different Jeju souvenirs along with the famous Udo peanut rice wine.
black pork street food you should try at the market
Tangerine Juice in a bottle of ‘Grandfather Stone’
Udo Island
in front of a ship to Udo Island
So here we are at a place that offers a lot more adventure you than you think. Udo is situated on the eastern coast of Jeju Island and its lush locality and natural attractions are worth your time. You can have so much fun on Udo Island.
- Udo Island Beach
The Geommeolle Beach located on the eastern side of Udo Island made up of black sand that leads to caves with huge boulders. One of the most interesting sites here are the elderly women deep diving into the sea without any breathing aid.
white sand made of corals on the Udo beach. This kind of sand is very rare in the world. The sand’s nickname is ‘popcorn sand.’
- Hike along the Udobong Peak
If you want to view the blue sky, the lush green land, yellow canola flowers (in spring only) and the turquoise water together, you will have to hike 132 meters to the Udobong Peak. This can be a lifetime experience for you. Don’t miss out on this. - Sunbathe at Udo Sunho Beach
The white sand and varying color of the ocean makes the Sunho beach an ideal location for sunbath. You can also enjoy fishing with the locals at Udo Island and enjoy a variety of fish such as the filefish and rockfish.
Jeju Folk Village Museum
If you are interested in exploring the culture and art of the South Korean nation, this is the right place. Jeju Folk Village Museum contains traditional folklore material from the 1890’s that is put into the display for everyone to see and admire the cultural heritage of Jeju Island.
The display includes equipment, kitchenware, tools and furniture of the ancient Koreans. You can also witness traditional Folk dances, haenyeo and mask dances. A wide variety of traditional food is also available at the nearby market.
Seogwipo Citrus Museum
with the mascot of Citrus Museum
Jeju soil has all it takes to grow the most delicious and flavorful tangerines. If you visit the citrus museum in the middle of the season, the environment there is refreshing and energizing.
Tangerine hand-picking experience can be different for everybody but don’t expect a lot it. The road to the man-made waterfall is attractive and you can take memorable pictures there.
Grandfather Stone under tangerine trees
giant orange!
this tangerine looks like a human’s hand
Along with this baking classes are arranged for children where they can learn baking hacks with tangerines.
Cheonjeyeon Waterfall
Jeju Island has everything a tourist wants. If you are obsessed with waterfalls, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall is an attractive and revitalizing experience.
22m high cascade of water creates a breathtaking environment and the angel bridge above the waterfall creates a long-lasting memory in your mind. I can still hear the waterfall on the rocks creating the majestic sound.
Other things to do in Jeju Island
- Bunjae Art Park (Bonjae)
In the west area of the Jeju Island is the first Bunjae park of South Korea covering almost 360,000 square meters of area. The Park contains thousands of beautiful ornamental trees and potted plants that gives you a wave of refreshment. - Lava tubes
Manjang caves are more than 8km long in which you can take a long breathtaking walk in the eerie pathway. The lava caves were formed by cooling lava that are narrow and slippery as the water spreads on the surface. There can be bats on the gloomy corners of caves. - Jeju waterpark
If you are tired of the hiking and natural attractions, Jeju has a lot more to offer. Jeju WaterWorld offers exciting and fun water games as well as spas to relax your aching muscles. The most famous spa is the Samba water Tangerine spa. Moreover, the WaterWorld has man-made waves in the wave pool where you can get carried away and be safe at the same time. - O’Sulloc Museum
Nothing beats Korea’s tea culture and to make it more prominent Jeju has a tea museum. You can learn here a lot about different types of tea and the cups it is served in. you can also learn to differentiate between tea leaves on the basis of various factors. If this not enough, enjoy a cup of strong and delightful tea by the lotus pond made inside the museum. - And Eat a Lot
Udo Island also offers an exquisite food experience. Noodles topped with raw seafood or dolmuneo haemultang with refreshingly spicy rock octopus and seafood stew are a delicious fantasy of Udo Island. Peanuts are more aromatic and crunchier with rich flavor. Jimmy’s peanut ice cream is one of the yummiest snacks enriched with the peanuts making it highly addictive.
Final Thoughts!
A trip to the Jeju Island can prove to be one of the most exquisite experience for any tourist. It offers a wide variety of adventures from hiking to fishing and sunbathe and then exploring the cultural heritage of the Ancient Koreans.
