Jeju Island — Korea's volcanic paradise★★★
Jeju Island (제주도) is South Korea's tropical jewel — a volcanic island 80 km south of the coast, designated as a UNESCO Triple World Heritage Site (World Natural Heritage, Biosphere Reserve, and Geopark). The island is Korea's most popular travel destination, honeymoon island No. 1, and a world of its own with its own language, culture, and mythology.
Hallasan — Korea's highest peak
The Hallasan (한라산, 1,950 m) is an extinct shield volcano and South Korea's highest mountain. The hike to the summit with the Baengnokdam Crater Lake takes 4–5 hours (one way) and leads through five vegetation zones — from subtropical forest through bamboo and azaleas to alpine grassland. There are four routes; the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa routes reach the summit. On clear days: View over the entire island to the sea.
Haenyeo — The female divers of Jeju
The Haenyeo (해녀, "women of the sea") are Jeju's most famous residents — female divers who have been diving up to 20 meters deep without oxygen tanks for centuries to harvest abalone, sea urchins, seaweed, and shells. Most are over 60, some over 80 years old — a dying tradition declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. Best observed at live performances on the coasts (Seongsan, Udo Island) or in the Haenyeo Museum.
Lava tubes & volcanic landscape
Jeju's volcanic past has created an underground wonder: The Manjanggul Lava Tube is one of the longest in the world at 7.4 km — 1 km of it is accessible to visitors. Huge stalactites, a 7.6-meter-high lava column, and the silence underground are impressive (₩4,000). Above ground: Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a dramatic volcanic crater right by the sea, rising like a castle from the water. The hike to the crater rim (30 min.) offers one of the best sunrises in Korea.
Udo Island & beaches
Udo (우도) is a small island off Jeju's east coast — reachable by ferry in 15 minutes. Turquoise water, white coral sand (Sanho Beach), Haenyeo performances, and the famous peanut ice cream (Ttangkong Ice Cream). Perfect half-day trip. The beaches on Jeju itself: Hyeopjae Beach (white sand, turquoise water) and Jungmun Saekdal Beach (black volcanic sand).
💡 Tipp
For Hallasan: Start before 6 a.m. (access to the summit closes at noon!). The Seongpanak route is the easier of the two summit routes. Online reservation required (jejuhallasan.go.kr). Weather at the summit changes rapidly — bring warm clothing even in summer.
Achtung
Access to the Hallasan summit is closed at short notice in bad weather — check the weather conditions the night before. In summer (July/August), Jeju is extremely crowded — book flights and hotels 2–3 weeks in advance.
