Whenever you go to South Korea, there are some tried and true locations that will probably be constructed into any journey itinerary – bustling Seoul, or foodie paradise Busan. However there’s one vacation spot that offers you a style of all the things Korea has to supply, from the spectacular surroundings to the superb cultural scene, historic highlights to the possibility to get lively: Jeju Island. Round 100km south off the Korean mainland lies Jeju Island, an autonomous province that’s famed for beautiful mountains, lovely coastlines, and an incredible tradition.
How massive is Jeju Island?
At round 1,840 sq. kilometers, Jeju is the biggest island in South Korea – in actual fact, it’s quite a bit bigger than folks would possibly count on. It’s 2.5x the dimensions of Singapore, and solely a tiny bit smaller than the Spanish island of Tenerife. The inhabitants of Jeju Island is over 675,000, which means there are about as many individuals in Jeju as there are in Luxembourg!
What’s the finest time to go to Jeju Island?
In case you’re a nature lover, Spring and Autumn will serve you effectively. In Autumn, (Sep-Nov) the island turns into a haven for individuals who like to look at the leaves change, with wealthy oranges protecting the island. Nonetheless, for true photographers, there’s no higher time to go to than in Spring (Mar-Could). The climate is gentle, and it’s throughout this era that the island’s unbelievable subtropical local weather involves life, littering the panorama with lovely cherry blossoms, vibrant azaleas, golden canolas and magnolias.
In case you’re a sun-lover, summer season (Jun-Aug) on Jeju Island will serve you effectively – although you may need the dodge the odd rain bathe. With temperatures reaching 30 levels, it turns into a well-liked vacation spot for beach-goers and watersports fans alike. However if you happen to’re a fan of a extra tranquil panorama, winter (Dec-Feb) gives the chance to discover rolling hills and dramatic UNESCO World Heritage websites with out the crowds.
Why is Jeju Island well-known?
The flight between Jeju Island and Seoul is the world’s busiest route – and that’s not by probability. Jeju Island shouldn’t be solely a paradise for these after coastlines and mountaintops – it’s additionally well-known because the filming location for innumerable Okay-dramas, is residence to over 100 museums, and has an enchanting tradition that features its personal dialect, a bunch of free-diving girls named haenyeo, and an unbelievable meals scene. It’s additionally price visiting Jeju Island to be taught extra concerning the vital, sobering position it performs in wider 20th century Korean historical past.
What are one of the best meals to attempt in Jeju?
As an island with a wealthy seafaring (and diving) tradition, you’d be remiss to go to Jeju Island and never pattern the seafood. The haenyeo are matriarchal group that, in accordance with the Jeju Tourism Board, date again one thousand years, and are unbelievable free divers who head as much as 20 meters underwater to retrieve abalone, conches, and seaweed. The result’s a neighborhood delicacies full of recent, locally-caught seafood dishes. (In case you’re in Jeju-si in any respect, the Jeju Haenyeo Museum makes for a really attention-grabbing go to.)
For the meat-eaters amongst us, you can also’t go to Jeju Island with out making an attempt black pork. It’s a dish that’s so intrinsic to Jeju tradition that there’s a complete avenue devoted to it! The native breed of black pig is a staple in lots of Jeju dishes, so it’s effectively price a attempt when you’re there… simply ensure it’s Korean BBQ fashion!
Whenever you go to Jeju Island, you’ll discover it residence to swathes of timber that brim with juicy mandarins. In case you don’t seize a recent one, just be sure you cease in at a neighborhood retailer for a recent juice, a zesty tangerine chocolate, or a scrumptious mandarin-infused baked deal with.
What’s there to do in Jeju Island?
Brief reply: heaps! From mountain climbing to watersports, museums to café-hopping – it’s an island filled with issues to do.
In case you’re primarily based in Seogwipo Metropolis – the proper location for any eager vacationers – you’ll don’t have any finish of pure options to discover. It’s one of the best base to hike on the Olle Path (we advocate Path #7) and spot the dramatic Oedolgae Rock, go to the Jeongbang Falls – the one waterfall in Asia to movement instantly into the ocean – and head up the superb Seongsan Ilchulbong for unbelievable views throughout the island and out to sea.
It’s additionally one of the best place to take advantage of the island’s shoreline. You’ll be able to pay a go to to Jungmun Seaside, the place the gusty winds make it the last word browsing vacation spot, and even attempt your hand at one of many native diving golf equipment. In case you want to stay dry, you’ll be able to take a yacht crusing tour across the island – after which wind down the night again on dry land, with a sundown drink searching to sea from the cliffs.
In case you’re after the proper Jeju Island journey itinerary, we may help you out – we spend two improbable days in Jeju as a part of our 12-day Korea Journey.