South Korea

Jeju Island

Jeju, South Korea
Jeju, South Korea
Jeju, South Korea
Jeju, South Korea

Why visit Jeju Island

Jeju Island, often called the “Hawaii of Korea” is South Korea’s largest island and is known for its volcanic landscapes, coastal scenery, and distinct cultural heritage. The island is home to Hallasan, South Korea’s highest mountain, as well as lava tube cave systems, waterfalls, beaches, and walking trails. Its diverse natural environments make it a popular destination for outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and sightseeing.

Jeju also offers you the opportunity to explore local traditions and history. Traditional villages, regional cuisine, and the island’s famous Haenyeo, or female free divers, reflect Jeju’s unique identity. From natural landmarks to cultural attractions, Jeju provides a wide range of experiences for travellers interested in nature, history, and Korean culture.

Jeju, South Korea

Highlights of Jeju Island

  • Hallasan Mountain: South Korea’s highest mountain rises at the centre of Jeju Island. Visitors can hike its scenic trails and enjoy views of forests, volcanic landscapes, and the crater lake near the summit.
  • Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak): This UNESCO-listed volcanic tuff cone is one of Jeju’s most famous landmarks. Visitors can follow walking trails to enjoy sweeping coastal views and learn about the island’s volcanic history.
  • Lava Tube Caves: Jeju is home to an extensive network of lava tubes formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. These underground tunnels offer a fascinating insight into the island’s geology and natural heritage.
  • Waterfalls and Coastlines: From Cheonjiyeon Waterfall to dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches, Jeju’s coastline showcases a variety of landscapes shaped by volcanic activity and the surrounding sea.
  • Seafood Experiences and Haenyeo Culture: Jeju’s coastal communities are known for their fresh seafood and maritime traditions. Visitors can sample local delicacies while learning about the haenyeo, the island’s traditional female free divers.
  • Gardens and Natural Landscapes: Jeju’s tea fields, forests, and botanical gardens offer peaceful places to explore. Attractions such as Camellia Hill and Gotjawal Forest highlight the island’s diverse plant life and natural beauty.
Did you Know?

The island is home to legendary female deep-sea free divers known as haenyeo. These women, often aged 60 to 80+, dive to depths of 10 to 20 meters with no scuba gear to harvest abalone, octopus, and seaweed.

The prominence of haenyeo means that Jeju has a matriarchal family structure, where the women are known as the main providers of the family,  Island’s economy relies heavily on fishing and seafood exports.

Dol Hareubang

You will spot these iconic, large basalt rock statues scattered all over the island. Known as “stone grandfathers,” they are believed to be gods offering both protection and fertility. Local folklore says that rubbing a statue’s nose will help you have a baby boy, while rubbing its ears will bring a girl.

Good to know

Getting to Jeju Island

The best way to get to Jeju Island is by air, with flights arriving at Jeju International Airport from several Asian hubs. There are multiple daily flights from Seoul, and the journey takes just over an hour.

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Jeju Island is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, temperatures are mild, and visitors can enjoy comfortable conditions while avoiding the summer crowds.

In spring, the weather is mild and skies are often clear. Flowers such as canola and cherry blossoms bloom across the island. It is a good time for hiking Hallasan Mountain and exploring coastal trails without summer heat.

In autumn, temperatures remain comfortable and humidity is lower. The landscape takes on warm seasonal colours, making it ideal for walking, cycling, and sightseeing across the island.

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