Joanna James
An island gem at the tip of South Korea’s southernmost border, Jeju is a mosaic of thrillingly unique experiences for every brand of wanderlust-seeker with its diverse landscape tapestries, infectious rural hospitality, and antique jewel-toned enclaves. Here’s what you can’t miss in this pearlescent haven.
A subtropical oasis full of gorgeous geological contrasts, from dauntingly beautiful volcanic peaks and lush emerald bowls bejewelled with glistening crater lakes to dreamy cobalt seascapes and striking basalt towers rising out of the ocean, Jeju brims awe-inspiring vistas that make you feel like pinching yourself in case you’re dreaming! With so much island glamour to soak up, from alabaster and turquoise beaches for postcard-perfect unwinding to volcano-riddled national parks and charmingly rustic nature-kissed villages to explore, start your day off right with a breathtaking sojourn to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak overlooking sapphire pools formed from black lava rocks reflecting the glowing sunrise inside the 5000-year-old crater.
While this heritage-rich, bucket-list-worthy island boasts multiple nature-kissed eccentricities, from the column and stair-like lava rock formations of Jusangjeolli Cliff to the 368 volcanoes forming spectacular spikes around South Korea’s most majestic mountain, Jeongbang Waterfall, spilling directly into the jewel-toned ocean is an unmissable sight with the cooling spray tickling your face while the waves to lap at your toes. The lushly secluded Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, with its cool green basins reached by storybook forest trails, is also worth chasing.
From parasailing over crystalline jewel-blue waters, getting your adrenaline fix at the Shinhwa World waterpark, and saying hello to penguins at Aqua Planet to quirky horse-shaped lighthouses, an artisan park featuring miniature World Heritage structures, and enchanting mazes crafted out of natural landscapes, Jeju has no shortage of exhilarating and unusual diversions! However, the gargantuan UNESCO-listed Manjanggul Cave, elaborately carved by lava flows with bizarrely beautiful rock architecture, stalactites, and stalagmites, stretching for a mind-blowing 9 km with a staggering 7.8-metre-tall lava column marking its end, tops the list as a quintessential Jeju experience!
Even if you’re not the most enamoured by exhilarating exertion of mountain treks, you don’t want to miss out on the stunning scenes that will serenade your senses as you climb this windy mountain pass, from unique wildlife-rich ecosystems of Hallasan National Park to vibrant wildflower cascades, lush green carpets, beautifully oblong rock formations, and arresting volcanic topography, not to mention the dazzling crater lake reflecting the incredibly near-seeming sky, you won’t regret immersing in this millenniums-old refuge. If you’re looking for sophisticated Jeju-serviced apartments proffering prime access to its diverse enticements, venture no further than Somerset Jeju Shinhwa World.
Whether it’s feasting on decadent seafood delicacies served up by Jeju’s elderly female divers at iconic seaside haenyeo houses, sampling delicious green tea lattes desserts at the Osulloc Tea Museum Café, munching age-old Korean staples at night markets hosted in a volcanic crater village, or stumbling upon vibrant food trucks serving firework fusion dishes as you prowl through a pine forest, you simply can’t get away from the tantalizing allure of Jeju’s sublime foodie scene nor will you want to!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
