Jeju Island is South Korea’s answer to Indonesia's Bali. But does it measure up? That's what this guide is all about. Read on and find out. The Island lay in complete obscurity until it opened up to international tourism and what followed was a marketing campaign that blew away the flood gates.
Reportedly there were over 150 flights per day to and from the Island, from South Korea's capital Seoul rocketing the Island to super stardom. But, why all the fuss? It's just "another tropical Island" right?
For the average Korean it's their escape route out of a hectic city life that can be draining and its right bang on their doorstep. So, from their point of view, what's not to love about it ― all year-round dazzling sun in the hot, balmy tropics just an hour from Seoul.
Beautiful beaches, an incredible volcanic mountain, and beachside resorts made Jeju a target for honeymoon couples but is that still the case today, with Bali on everyone's lips? We'll give our thoughts later.
It wouldn't be a tropical paradise without at least one good beach and your prayers have been answered. White soft sand with the sound of gentle rolling waves contributes towards your wellbeing. You can shelter in the shade before you melt under a blazing sun or you could head for the water. Jungmun Saekdal being the most popular beach on the Island you can expect to partake in:
The world's oldest nutmeg tree is found on this Island and its age is over 800 years old. Growing in the Bijarim forest, the wooded area has 2,500 nutmeg trees. What is truly unbelievable is that the age of these trees is at the very least, 500 years old. Some are much older.
Spend some quality time with nature and walk around the forest park following the route laid out for you. Sitting down on a bench or even one of the rocks and quietly listening to the birdlife is uplifting. You leave the park feeling completely re-energized.
Cuisine across the Island, restaurants are serving many Korean favorites found on the mainland. In addition to the jaw dropping seafood hot pots and soups there is the Island's unique barbequed black pork. So delicious is this dish it's the most popular for Korean's as well as foreign holiday makers. Each dish will take you through a beautiful Korean culinary adventure.
You won't have any trouble getting to the Island. Daily flights from Seoul and the airport accepts international flights too. We believe there's also a regular ferry service from the mainland to the Island.
There's a bewildering number of attractions, we can't cover them all but there is a lot to see and do on the Island that is fun and entertaining. Much of this fun is family friendly, especially for young children and keeping them from being bored is one important factor we know, for choosing a holiday destination.
Mount Hallasan stands nearly 2,000 meters above sea level making this a mountain with the highest peak in all of South Korea. This UNESCO World Heritage site has not one but four hiking trails ― Gwaneumsa, Seongpanak, Eorimok and Yeongsil ― for you to ascend at your own pace.
Take your time though, there's no race to the top. Enjoy the views and appreciate the thousands of different fauna and flora you see growing because you won't ever see this natural wonder anywhere else. If you are lucky enough there may be a bus available for the descend down.
The maze is formed in the shape of Jeju Island and there's a lot of fun for young and old alike. The maze isn't overly large in size and can be completed from the entrance to exit reasonably well within ten minutes. Don't fret though if you struggle to find your way out as there are several walkways you can use to look over the whole of the maze.
Of the three waterfalls ― Cheonjeyeon Falls being one other ― on the Island this is the most famous of them and worth having a look. The reason being is the water falls directly into the sea. Pay for your ticket and walk down the steps to the bottom for a dip in the pristine clear blue pool.
An ancient lava tunnel, this cave feels as if it goes on forever as you are guided to the full length of 1km. Fascinating rock formations greet you at every turn and look for the lava stalagmites. The Island can be quite hot and humid during the summer months and this attraction would be the perfect hide out.
Enter to cool off as inside it can be dark and damp and cold but don't let that scare you, for several hundred meters into the cave you come across a stone turtle hewed into the rock. As with all caves take a torch with you and take care walking as the surface could be slippery.
One of the more popular attractions on the Island and not only for the children but adults too have been known to have enjoyed themselves. Out of the whole park ― the primitive Gotjawal forest ― there is this steam engine powered train dating back to the 1800's. From the main station there are four separate stops, or stations, along the route through the forest.
Along the route you stop and can walk around to see a windmill and a pirate ship among other fascinating amusements for the children (and adults).
Enjoy walking through six very different gardens on the grounds to finally find yourself at the observation tower. There is an entrance fee you are happy to pay to see the views over the Hallasan National Park and out onto the sea. You could even visit during the colder months and feel comfortable inside as the gardens are heated to maintain a consistent temperature year-round.
Does Jeju Island stand up to that of Bali? Simply put Bali is still the must-go-to-do destination for honeymoon couples because of its surrounding micro-Islands. That "something special" Bali gives you is lacking with Jeju Island, and you can feel that. But as a holiday destination for foreign travelers there is enough attraction about this Island and its culture to warrant going ― for a family holiday.
