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Jeju Island, the largest island off the coast of the Korean peninsula, is often referred to as “the Hawaii of Korea” for its tropical weather and volcanic nature which is distinctively different from the rest of Korea. Also, the distance from the mainland and the fact that Jeju Island existed as a separate country from the Kingdom of Joseon (the last kingdom in the Korean Peninsula) until the 15th century have helped the island develop a unique culture & history of its own. Without doubt, for its breathtaking natural wonders and hundreds of unique attractions, Jeju Island always comes out as the best travel destination in Korea. For those who have not been to Jeju Island yet, Trazy recommends top Jeju destinations & activities.
1. Get in touch with the nature of Jeju
Woljeongri Beach
If you are looking for fine white sand and crystalline ocean water tinged with emerald blue, Woljeongri Beach is the one that will quench your thirst for beach tranquility.
The white sand and clean water with wind power generators far-seen in the background will make picture-perfect scenery from whichever direction you take photos. With recently built cafes arrayed by the seashore facing the beach, Woljeongri Beach is popular among youngsters in particular.
For more information: www.trazy.com/spot/1096
Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
As you may have noticed from its name, Seongsan Ilchulbong a.k.a. Seongsan Sunrise Peak is where people go to see the sunrise in Jeju Island. It’s a tuff cone crater formed by a volcano eruption under the ocean. It was designated as a Natural Monument of Korea and a Unesco World Natural Heritage site. Be noted that it is not easy to climb as it rises 597 ft above sea level with a sheer slope. But taking into consideration the eye-opening natural marvels that the peak offers, it is worth a go for sure.
For more information: www.trazy.com/spot/643
Jeju Olle Trails
If you’re an ardent nature lover, walking the famous Jeju Olle Trails is highly recommended. Jeju Olle Trails have been developed by a Jeju native journalist who was inspired by her journey to ‘the Camino de Santiago / the Way of St. James’ in Spain. After the first trail opened in 2007, a total of 26 courses are currently available to travel by foot. This new way of touring Jeju Island has become very popular recently as it offers a great opportunity to fully indulge yourself in Jeju’s nature. One day tours are operated around some of the most famous routes so you can selectively visit the best paths.
For more information: www.trazy.com/experience/detail/470
2. Visit museums and parks with a difference
Loveland
Jeju Loveland is indeed a place for an off-the-beaten-track experience. This x-rated theme park has a vast collection of sexually oriented artworks. The statues near the entrance are mild but as you get deep inside the park, they become salacious and risque yet very artistic. Please note that visitors must be 18 years old or older.
For more information: www.trazy.com/experience/detail/768
Teddy Bear Museum
Jeju Teddy Bear Museum is the world’s largest teddy bear museum and a popular attraction in Jungmun Resort Complex, Jeju Island. Since it opened in 2001, it has exhibited a wide collection of handcrafted teddy bears under various themes such as history, art, diorama, parody, and animatronics. Thanks to the advancement of technology, you can even watch the Elvis Presley teddy bear perform in every 15 minutes.
For more information: www.trazy.com/experience/detail/772
Ecoland
Ecoland Jeju is a forest theme park built in the Gotjawal primeval forest of Hallasan Mountain. You can tour around the park on an 1800’s steam-power Baldwin train look alike. On your train ride, you can see a wide range of creatures including plants, animals, and insects inhabiting the Gotjawal forests. With its five differently themed stations - Main Station, Eco Bridge Station, Lakeside Station, Picnic Garden Station and Lavender, Green Tea & Rose Garden Station, Ecoland offers a place for everything from relaxation to ecology education, making it an ideal spot for your family holiday in Jeju Island.
For more information: www.trazy.com/experience/detail/761
3. Soak up the history and culture of Jeju
Jeju Folk Village
Jeju Folk Village is the place where you can take a peep into the lives of Jeju native people in 1890’s and the island’s rich culture and turbulent history. Jeju Folk Village has restored a total of 117 houses and facilities and divided them into smaller villages: the Mountain Village, the Hill-Country Village, the Fishing Village, and the Shamanism Village.
For more information: www.trazy.com/experience/detail/1700
Jeju 4.3 Peace Park
There were times in Korea where ideological conflicts and political turmoils whipped this peaceful tropical island and killed a quarter of Jeju’s population in cold blood. Most of the victims from the massacre had nothing to do with communism contrary to the dispatched troop’s assumption. Jeju 4.3 Peace Park was established to commemorate the death of innocent islanders as a way of reparations to the victims. If you’re interested in modern Korean history - from the fall of the last kingdom to the division of Korea and the causes & effects of the consequences, Jeju 4.3 Peace Park is a must visit place while in Jeju Island.
For more information: www.trazy.com/spot/2714
4. Head out for outdoor adventures
Transparent Kayaking
Among the best things you can do in Jeju’s crystal clear water is kayaking on a transparent kayak. When kayaking, you can take stunning photos surrounded by the pellucid ocean water. While floating on the surface of the ocean, you will be able to take a close look at the marine lives. Don’t worry about being a first-timer. The waves are calm and mild in the kayaking spot.
For more information: www.trazy.com/experience/detail/2106
Horse Riding on Jeju’s Beach
Jeju Island is a unique place where you can ride a horse with a beautiful landscape of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The activity offers the best opportunity to appreciate Jeju Island’s natural marvels on horseback. Don’t forget to pose with the horses and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peaks.
For more information: www.trazy.com/experience/detail/411
Sea Walking
Sea Walking is a relatively new ocean activity that allows you to explore the underwater world without worrying about mastering scuba diving. You can walk on the ocean floor with a constant supply of fresh air pumped into your helmet. The sea-walking spot is an artificial island located in Seongsan-eup near UNESCO World Heritage site Seongsan Ilchulbong, which allows you to stroll on the ocean floor closely located to the world recognized natural heritage of the humankind! Once you submerge, you will witness Jeju’s marine ecosystem up close, and feel somewhat like Neil Armstrong walking on the moon by wearing the air-pumped helmet.
For more information: www.trazy.com/experience/detail/233
5. How to get around on Jeju Island
Divided into two parts Jeju-si and Seogwipo-si by Hallasan Mountain, the highest mountain in Korea, Jeju Island has numerous places to see that are scattered throughout the whole island. Since it is not easy to visit major places in a few days just by public transportation, hiring a driver/car or join in the group tour is highly recommended.
For more information:
Jeju Rent Car: www.trazy.com/experience/detail/553
Jeju Taxi Tour: www.trazy.com/experience/detail/713
Jeju Join in Tour: www.trazy.com/experience/detail/539
